I've been riding the stock Smart Sams on my humble hardtail and am slowly looking for an upgrade. They're not bad tyres by any stretch, and on paper at least ideal for my use-case but I'd like a bit more grip off-road.
Use-case
Mixed (on and off road) riding.
The commute and kindergarten run involves amongst other things gravelly park tracks and potholes a-go-go as well as a stretch of okish asphalt. 12 months the year, all weathers, central Europe (typically from ~ 35 to - 12°C). Depending on season involves mud, piles of wet leaves, slush, and snow.
Off-road: Generally relaxed forest trails, though plenty of roots (damm trees!
), rocks, occasional sandy sections, etc. Roughly March to November depending on time constraints and how much the seasons are playing silly buggers.
About 4.5 thousand km per year.
Specs
Size: 29ers
Max width: 2.4" (at least in front, I think am good for at least 2.5" rear). No less than 2.3
Price: shouldn't require a 2nd mortgage
Puncture protection: needs to be good
Weight: for me unimportant (gladly accept more weight for better protection)
Tubelessness: not a factor for me currently
Some things I've looked at
Nobbly Nics look like they might be right, but goodness which ones? Super Trail Speedgrip or Performance RG Addix DD or something else?
I've had good experience with Scwalbe's Addix 365 compound in the past (analogue bike) but that's only available for the Johnny Watts, which despite the cool name would be a downgrade if I'm not mistaken.
Continental Kryptotal Trail Endurance.
Maxxis Rekon.
Conclusion
I'd be really grateful for any tips or advice particularly from those who have a similar use-case experience.
Use-case
Mixed (on and off road) riding.
The commute and kindergarten run involves amongst other things gravelly park tracks and potholes a-go-go as well as a stretch of okish asphalt. 12 months the year, all weathers, central Europe (typically from ~ 35 to - 12°C). Depending on season involves mud, piles of wet leaves, slush, and snow.
Off-road: Generally relaxed forest trails, though plenty of roots (damm trees!
), rocks, occasional sandy sections, etc. Roughly March to November depending on time constraints and how much the seasons are playing silly buggers.About 4.5 thousand km per year.
Specs
Size: 29ers
Max width: 2.4" (at least in front, I think am good for at least 2.5" rear). No less than 2.3
Price: shouldn't require a 2nd mortgage
Puncture protection: needs to be good
Weight: for me unimportant (gladly accept more weight for better protection)
Tubelessness: not a factor for me currently
Some things I've looked at
Nobbly Nics look like they might be right, but goodness which ones? Super Trail Speedgrip or Performance RG Addix DD or something else?
I've had good experience with Scwalbe's Addix 365 compound in the past (analogue bike) but that's only available for the Johnny Watts, which despite the cool name would be a downgrade if I'm not mistaken.
Continental Kryptotal Trail Endurance.
Maxxis Rekon.
Conclusion
I'd be really grateful for any tips or advice particularly from those who have a similar use-case experience.
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