So, Bout to get back on the Gary fisher mullet and attempt to get back into shape, not the best bike but it suits my needs.

anyhoo, i currently have a Kenda Blue Groove K tire, 26x2.5 in on the front, and on the back, well thats what i need. Would you nice folks recognize the same for the back, or can i do something better?

Also, i mostly do desert rocky terrain, but later this month im going north a tad to forest, but still with some rocks. I dont intend to buy any extra sets of tires, so ya.

if you are riding mostly desert rocky terrain, have you thought about a Kenda Small Block 8 for the back?

I have not, interesting tread, but i might as well give them a shot. I dunno if its worth to change that blue tread on the front to the small block 8 or should i just hold out?

granted the back tire was in my poor high school student days when i was less then knowledgeable and bought a 30 dollar tire for 15 bucks from sports authority who was getting rid of them.

my hope is that this kenda small block 8 will be versatile enough for some road, and some foresty environment.

small block 8 goes on the rear ONLY. it is no good on the front. use a nevegal on the front if you want to change tires.

you might also look at the maxxis crossmark. they are pretty good rear tires.
https://www.maxxis.com/Bicycle/Mountain/CrossMark.aspx

Nevegals, small block 8s and Maxxis Advantage are popular in the desert areas of S. NV and SW UT, @ Gooseberry Mesa. Velociraptors run in the pack as well. 2.3 is about the widest you see in the desert. 1.9 is often a common rear tire.

Intresting notion of using 2 different tires but sure granted i would only ditch the blue tread if and when needed provided its decent on the front.

what is the reason for the less wide tire vs wider tire? ive always used 2.5 on this bike from day 1.

I just got a chance to ride the Slant Six this past weekend and really like it so far. Its a nice step up from the SB8 traction wise, but still a pretty light and fast tire.

Bigger/more aggressive tread up front for steering/braking. Smaller/less aggressive in the back for lower rolling resistance. Traction requirements are generally much less for a rear tire, and if you do skid the rear its not usually a big deal compared to washing out the front.

Rolling Resistance. The majority of your weight is on the back tire. The wider front tire keeps you on line.

OH, mobarr said it pretty well.