mack_turtle

I have access to some good deals on Vee tires and I am looking at the V12 and XCX models in 29x1.95 for my rigid mtb. both are fairly light and will be mounted tubeless on i25 rim. any suggestions about whether I should get two of the same tire or use different tires front and rear?

XCX


V-12

mstateglfr 

Those treads are significantly different. Is the fravel really loose? If not, id probably go for the v12 and chanfe that performing well since you mention a lot of hardpack abd pavement riding too.
I would probably get annoyed at the xcx on pavement

mack_turtle

based on a lot of photos of the XCX tires, the tread seems very low-profile, less than what they appear in that photo. I have not seen them in person but the v12s probably roll better but will likely be heavier.

what about rolling resistance vs weight for this application? I don't mind riding "heavy" tires on my mountain bike because I appreciate the trade-off for grip, but then a ride is going to be mostly straight-line travel, I could favor a lighter tire instead of a grippier tire.

mostly, these tires will be my "rainy day" tires for long rides on bike paths and doubletrack service roads. when I do a gravel race, the terrain varies from roads to loose gravel to sand. i am sticking to tires in the 2" range from now on because of previous bad experiences getting beat up on chunky gravel.

stdlrf11

I recommend NOT using Vee tires tubeless.

Actually, I say stay away from Vee tires.

mack_turtle

you're going to need to qualify that. personal experience?

do they have a loose-fitting bead? if so, that freaks me out.

stdlrf11

The bead was loose. It took forever too seat. Usually I just use a floor pump, but even after wasting several CO2 cartridges, I had to use someone's air compressor. Even with that, it was a hassle.

After 50 miles, the tire literally exploded off the rim. It turned inside out, spewing sealant everywhere, and wrapped itself around my non-drive side rear triangle. I had to take the wheel off, untangle everything, and put in a tube so I could limp home.

I decided to keep using the tire, with a tube. That didn't happen. The next day, the tire was flat. When I cracked it open, the tube had a large slice across the whole top of the tube. I found that the inside casing had come loose, and a few strings had broken free. They sliced the tube. I saw patches of bare casing, meaning the inner rubber layer was VERY unevenly applied. That tire was doomed from the start, and I'm amazed it made it through QC.

I tried contacting customer service, but never got a response.

From my experience, there are far better options than Vee.

Barrettscv 

Tires are one component that I never compromise on. I do look for bargains on tires I trust, but I don't roll the dice and buy a bargain just because of a low price.

Even among tires from high quality companies, the mediocre tire from an otherwise exceptional product line can be a disappointment. If a tire has a hard ride or higher levels of rolling resistance, it won't stay on the bike very long. It should also resist flats and be resistant to damage from ordinary use. Not all tires perform well.

mack_turtle

Thank you for the responses! Loose fitting tires are the last thing I want on my bike. Will stick to WTB, Maxxis, or Schwalbe from now on.