T3hk1w1

I've been thinking about replacing the rear tire on my Specialized Hardrock, and I'm looking for suggestions as to what I should put on it. I'm currently running the factory Resolutions (26x2.10") front and rear and I need something that won't slip on climbs. It's for mixed use, mostly singletrack with some rocks and a little mud, some minor downhills. A friend of mine has IRC Kujo DH (26x2.35") front and rear and recommended them to me, are they any good?

z415

I love my Resolution so I would suggest that.

A friend of mine has the IRC Kujo and almost cannot get them to fit. Is your friend on an XC bike? I would not suggest anything that big (or labeled DH) because it'll be heavy and slow with possible fitting issues.

Slippage on climbs is not a problem for me, perhaps work on your technique. The rear tire of the WTB Velociraptor set is a good rear tire that doesn't slip. Not too much a fan of the front tire though - it is a designed mix-matched set.

Dannihilator

26x2.1 Continental Explorer

T3hk1w1

I have clearance for up to 2.7" tires front and rear, so that's not an issue.

scrublover

Kenda Nevegal 2.35" DTC

elf 232

2.35's will be heavy, IMHO you'd be better going for a paddle tire, i paddles a while ago and even when worn they handled mud and the little gravvel stuff pretty well, Mythos XC IRC 2.1's, very lightweight and great traction, even on wet uphills, and dirt cheap.

ed 

+1

I'm going back to Nevegals again. I love 'em!

mtnbiker66

There's the whole problem. You know nothing about bikes but you want to give out advice.

2.35 is a great size for all around trail riding. A lot of folks really dig the Nevagals so the OP should give that a look. Check out Maxxis Highroller as well,great tires.

Magmol

WTB Velociraptors 2.1 have been around forever because they work. Here in Colorado these work great and when you look at the trail imprints you see them every where. Also the back has dry and muddy directions.

Just cause something is new doesn't make it good or right. Old designs work.

vik 

You might have issues with how you are distributing your weight when you climb. You can have an awesome tire on the back, but if you have your weight too far forward towards the front wheel it will spin out.

Next time it happens to you ride back down the hill and try the same climb with more weight on the back tire.

You can also try letting a little air out of the back tire for better traction depending what pressure you are running.

If none of that helps get some new rubber, but I'd stick with XC tires not DH tires for your kind of riding. If you really want fat rubber try some Panaracer Rampage 2.35" tires - they are not DH treads and will be faster. Check your frame though - not many XC bikes have room for wide rubber like that.

born2bahick

I've found that all tires can break loose on climbs. What I like is a tire that hooks back up well after it has spun. Or a tire that drifts in a corner predictably rather than just releases all at once.
I found that the paddle tires didn't do anything well in my terrain, other than shed mud. Rather a higher knob count with smaller knobs, seems best for my riding style and soil conditions. (Panaracer Fire XC's have treated me well and were affordable, but I got a deal on some Nev's this year so I will be trying them next season)
If the Kujo's work well for your friend in the soil you have, give them a try.

Hot Rod Lincoln

I have some Kujo's They are durable and grip good while dry but lack in the wet...they are hhhheeeeeaaaavvvyyy. But there are timesw when they are need, I now use either Geax Sturdys 2.25's of Big Betty/Fat Albert combo that works wonderfully

Chris_F

I have a 2.3" Nevegal front and a 2.1 Velociraptor rear. I'd recommend you go with the Velociraptor rear. Our trails are probably very similar, I being in New Hampshire and you in Vermont. The 'raptors paddles do really well in New England's mixed organic and glacial outwash soils. And they do a great job sticking to roots on climbs. I don't think the Nevegal has quite the same tendancy to latch on to roots that the 'raptor has.

The Nevegal's biggest plus is it's sticky side tread which is great for "scuffing" against rocks. Off center grip is amazing on the Nevegal.

But on the rear in New England I like the Velociraptor.

ed 

2.35" Stick-E rubber compound will latch on to just about anything.

rankin116

Trojans FTW.

lanfarm

^^^^^
Looked at it, started scrolling back up. then figured it out Made me smile

Hambone40

You should leave that little fellow alone. By the way, I hear you really know how to fine tune rebound. I really think it is over rated. I never try to set mine. I just let it fly.

stapfam

Very often get asked what tyre to use on a certain ride that I do most years. All I can tell them is the tyre that I like to use on that type of terrain. Wet slippery chalk with plenty of loose scree- in places a 1" layer of slippery clay over the top of it and plenty of broken flints and tree roots to slip on. On top of that- plenty of Mud in the wooded areas but 6" down there is a hard base layer that is firm.

I just tell them- whatever is on the bike as no one tyre will perform well in all of the conditions you have on the ride. But I use Panaracer Fire XC's in 1.8 and they are as good as any other.

cmdr

Man, I can't understand using the stock tires on anything for very long. I work for a Specialized dealer and a lot of the bikes come with fast traks. They SUCK for Virginia trails. I went through 4 or 5 iterations on my current bike before it got to where it is now (Nevegal 2.35 front Nev 2.1 rear) For the roots and rocks around here I haven't found a better combo, one probably exists though. I'm glad I have all those other tires though. I might need them when I'm riding in some other neck of the woods where the Kenda's would just slow me down.

elf 232

I was blown away when i compared my 29er 2.1's to my 26er 2.3's

They are sooo not 2.1's on the 29er, they're at least 2.5's - 2.7's, I just thought it was so funny because they're advertised as 2.1's and 29ers get more ground contact anyway. I'd hate to see 2.7's in that tire.

ed 

I call BS on "the elf".

elf 232

Bontrager XDX, you can probably find reviews on them, they seriously are ridiculous, yet pretty light, they're 2009's though so it might be a little hard.

ed 

Who would market a 2.7" inch tire as a 2.1"?

You're probably measuring the footprint

jcook1989

I ran a 2.1 WTB Weirwolf and I really liked it. Gripped great and wasn't very heavy.

mtnbiker66

I that for just one post or all his post?