XC cycle tyres?

Question

I need some great all season MTB tyres - they must do roots, rocks, trail and mud to a high standard. I'm around 165 pounds.
Every tyre review (Schwalbe, Panaracer, WTB, Kenda etc) all seem to believe their tyre is best - what's your view?

Answer 1

Man I've use almost all of those plus more.

I've found the WTB weirwolfs to be the best for around here. Decomposed granite wet or dry, tacky to dry trials. they were only OK for thick mud. WTB does make other tires for muddy applications though. Look on their tire chart to find one that fits your riding.

The panaracer dart and smokes worked great for fire road but were less then ok at best on anything else.

I've had hit and miss luck with kenda, I've sliced too many on rocks around here. Maybe just bad luck every time i've had them on or maybe just poor side walls. haven't used them in several years so I'm out of date on those.

Michelin dual compound. Totally sucked on dry i slid every where, so i waited till winter to use them. They were even worse in the mud. They would just throw the bike to the left or right with out warning. I liked the older michelin's with the green tread but i haven't found a newer tire by them i like.

I know i've tried more but can't remember for now, hope this helps

Answer 2

i have a set if IRC Mibro 2.25" tires on my mtb. when inflated to 50psi, these things take out anything in their way. they are extremely light at only 490 grams for the 2.25 which is their largest size. (i have an old WTB velociraptor 2.1 that weighs over 700 grams!) i weigh in at around 150lbs fully loaded, and these babies hold up to my abusive riding. i do a lot of tricks too (like jumping off stuff up to 6 feet high)

and the best part- they only cost $30 each, much less than most of the competition.

Answer 3

I've been using Panaracer Smoke (rear) & Dart (front) tires, which replaced the stock Bontrager tires on my Trek. I'm very happy with them and would recommend them--especially because you can pick them up for $18 each at Performance Bike.

I've been riding them for a few years and have gone through a few sets. The rear tire lasts about 700 miles, and I haven't had to replace the front yet. I've used them over all of your mentioned terrain types and have had no problems whatsoever.

I haven't tried any other tires because I have no reason to change what works for me. I typically ride 50 miles on trails per week so I'm on the bike every other day.

Answer 4

They are all good for different reasons, but if I were to ride ONLY on the terrain you list, my choice would be WTB. They use a slightly "stickier" compound so that control on rocks and slippery surfaces is better and easier. The downside is that they wear faster and are horrible on paved roads.

If your riding includes paved roads to any extent, Kenda or Panaracer would be my choice.

Answer 5

check out Specialized...