What tyres? The Ultimate Tyre Thread

steveo

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Jul 20, 2019
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Im not sure what casing your 34's are. Dh casing is a fair bit heavier than an exo+(around a lb) and id imagine that would drain the battery a bit. They do have the 34 in a "bike park casing" and that will split the weight difference between an exo+ and a 34 dh casing. You wouldnt be able to run the psi in the bp casing as low as the dh casing though. Im not sure if mich offers different casings in the 22. Ive found the 34 to roll fairly fast or atleast in comparison to the rockr2(awesome tire). Id like to try a 22 to compare now
Ye its the full on DH casing super tackys. The 22 only comes in the DH casing. Had a look at the bikepark one but think it would defeat the purpose. Seen one in a shop last week and had a feel of it the sidewalls are definitely a good bit thiner than the DH one. Anyone know somewhere that has the 22 29er in stock ?
 

Zimmerframe

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Had a longer ride yesterday on the DH22's. I'm broken finger, fractured ribs, wrecked shoulder at the moment so can't really test them very well. I have to say, they still surprised !!!!!! I was riding with 100% not falling off being the priority. Not sure how much of that is just dropping from 2.6/2.8 to 2.4 or the change to stronger sidewalls and slightly lower pressure. Keep in mind I'm also comparing new 22's to worn e-wilds - so certainly not a fair back to back comparison.

On the road they felt slightly slower than the e-wilds, but were still hitting 50kph on slight declines, so they weren't like riding wind turbines. Hope to try them tomorrow on my normal "drag" test section for a proper comparison.

Did a few varied sections. A cross country of rough rutted track changing to rocky rooty woodland. - Faster than normal.

Climb of a well washed out rough track merging to tarmac for the second half. Normally you lose speed on the bends just trying to keep the bike on track, but the 22's just tracked perfectly. - Faster than normal.

Cross country with a slight climb. Through an old slate quarry, it's fast and up down sideways all over the place. I normally really struggle to get the bike to change direction quickly enough without losing it - it's also loose ! - Exactly the same time as my fastest ever time.

Down hill track. Rocky, Roots, lots of drops, unfriendly bends. Felt like I took it easy down here but exactly equalled my fastest time.

The main thing I'm finding with them is they seem to just track perfectly straight and don't seem even remotely phased by anything. They also seem to change direction effortlessly.
 

Zimmerframe

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Well sir that doesn’t sound like you were being cautious.
It doesn't does it .... I genuinely wasn't pushing though (not on the DH anyway) On the other sections I was pedalling as hard as you can without crying in my condition, but still didn't feel I was pushing the bike at all - it was all just very calm and sedate ?!

Plan to "up-armour" tomorrow so will be slightly less cautious and see what they're like ..
 

Dirtnvert

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Ok good feedback . This tire talk has me thinking and its helped.
I really want to try a dh22 now
I really like these wire bead dh tires on the emtb
At least for the bike park or dh laps. I like the 2.6 ewild but at the resort it flexes too much even pumped hard and that causes the bead to stretch and leak a little sealant. It seems it leaks more sealant than air. Wire bead 2.4 dh tire feels waaaay better. Maybe ill wish for the dd weight casings, of the ewild "ebike design", rockr2 "reinforced casing", dh 34 "bike park casing"( also why do michelin have go create a different casing name for different tires because theyre the same), when my motor is fixed and i do more exploring and alpine adventures rather than dh laps but maybe not. Dh tires are so much better and i have a motor. I almost think id prefer to drag an extra battery to keep using dh tires.
Also the nukeproof tire liner feels like i have a chunk of wood in my tire. I feel the tire bottom out on it hard and i hear the rim "thud" when i hit something. Its saving the tire and rim but the ride quality is sacrificed . Zero dampness when a compression gets to that tire liner. Soaks up sealant too. Ive ordered a tannus but i think the vittoria would be a good option too
 

urastus

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Dedicated mud tire suggestions needed:


Its started raining on me hard today, while on the e-wilds. The loss of grip, on loose over hard-clay, as soon as the exposed clay gets wet, is dramatic. I had some pretty scary moments, as I had to adjust to the new traction levels, while continuing to hurl arse to stay ahead to the worst part of the storm.

Anyway, enough drama already!

I've ordered a dedicated set of wheels for mud. 27.5 i30. What mud tires would you install for wet clay? I want to go full on mud tires as these wheels are dedicated for it.
It's been a bit wet where I ride too, and scary. Rock or hardpack in a lot of places and steep. Tyres are slipping all over the place. I'm a pussy when it comes to wet slippery stuff - not enough experience. I did learn a few things though - higher gear and momentum to get up wet rock. Not really mud though; patches of 1" deep mud on hardpack in places - the rest is just slimy. I don't think different tyres will help me. This is the first winter I've ridden through - I think I need to do it more. Surprisingly, I have much more confidence with cheap motorcycle tyres on a cheap motorcycle
 
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Zimmerframe

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A quick play today of mixed terrain and pushing some climbs (heat/sweat testing body armour).

Did my "tyre drag" test segment. Maxed at 66.7km/h Average 45.9 - I did push, but was aware that I didn't want to fall off ! The bike was certainly the most steady/controllable it's ever been going down there. Interestingly, my fastest time on the e-wilds (2.6/2.8) is with an average of 47.8 km/h - but a max of 64.5. So make of that what you will. I have hit 69 on the e-wilds once there, but had a huge slide/toilet moment at one point so wasn't the fastest time. DHR/DHF in 2.8 would max at about 63.

Just for @MrTeno2U I did a climb called "Mud Bath" .. This tight zig zag was built a couple of years ago, in theory for horses/bikes/people to get up a steep section. For some reason, the company that built it didn't build it where it was marked out so it's just a goopy muddy pile of crap all year. Even now in a drought and 35 degrees - Mud bath doesn't let you down as a hippopotamus sanctuary. 20cm thick yuk, though a couple of corners had dried off into just mud and not goop - so managed my fastest time coming up there.

My poor clean bike ...

Mud.jpg


In terms of traction, they felt great, no spinning. I can normally get up there in the wilds, but they'll spin a bit and then bite. I tried to avoid the worst bits, but where you had no choice they just pulled through. I guess being narrower helped as they just cut down through the mud.

Did another fast downhill with an extra segment tacked on the end where you exit and continue down a lumpy and very loose fire road, totally lost it on the gravel going too fast here once and ended up in the trees. Felt like I was taking it easy again, the bike just felt relaxed, stable, nothing threw it off line, corners were a bit like straights and way easier than normal to change line. - Fastest on both of these.

At the end, did the same Downhill section as two days ago. Tried a bit harder at the start, was knackered and messing up so relaxed and just let the bike do it's thing - exactly the same time.

I quite like them. I think the two main things still leaping out for a "Tank Commander" are the stability and the ease of direction changing.
 

DrStupid

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A quick play today of mixed terrain and pushing some climbs (heat/sweat testing body armour).

Did my "tyre drag" test segment. Maxed at 66.7km/h Average 45.9 - I did push, but was aware that I didn't want to fall off ! The bike was certainly the most steady/controllable it's ever been going down there. Interestingly, my fastest time on the e-wilds (2.6/2.8) is with an average of 47.8 km/h - but a max of 64.5. So make of that what you will. I have hit 69 on the e-wilds once there, but had a huge slide/toilet moment at one point so wasn't the fastest time. DHR/DHF in 2.8 would max at about 63.

Just for @MrTeno2U I did a climb called "Mud Bath" .. This tight zig zag was built a couple of years ago, in theory for horses/bikes/people to get up a steep section. For some reason, the company that built it didn't build it where it was marked out so it's just a goopy muddy pile of crap all year. Even now in a drought and 35 degrees - Mud bath doesn't let you down as a hippopotamus sanctuary. 20cm thick yuk, though a couple of corners had dried off into just mud and not goop - so managed my fastest time coming up there.

My poor clean bike ...

View attachment 37856

In terms of traction, they felt great, no spinning. I can normally get up there in the wilds, but they'll spin a bit and then bite. I tried to avoid the worst bits, but where you had no choice they just pulled through. I guess being narrower helped as they just cut down through the mud.

Did another fast downhill with an extra segment tacked on the end where you exit and continue down a lumpy and very loose fire road, totally lost it on the gravel going too fast here once and ended up in the trees. Felt like I was taking it easy again, the bike just felt relaxed, stable, nothing threw it off line, corners were a bit like straights and way easier than normal to change line. - Fastest on both of these.

At the end, did the same Downhill section as two days ago. Tried a bit harder at the start, was knackered and messing up so relaxed and just let the bike do it's thing - exactly the same time.

I quite like them. I think the two main things still leaping out for a "Tank Commander" are the stability and the ease of direction changing.
Your Jedi mind tricks do not work on me.

My tires are fine, my tires are fine, breath deep. Repeat.
 
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DrStupid

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It's been a bit wet where I ride too, and scary. Rock or hardpack in a lot of places and steep. Tyres are slipping all over the place. I'm a pussy when it comes to wet slippery stuff - not enough experience. I did learn a few things though - higher gear and momentum to get up wet rock. Not really mud though; patches of 1" deep mud on hardpack in places - the rest is just slimy. I don't think different tyres will help me. This is the first winter I've ridden through - I think I need to do it more. Surprisingly, I have much more confidence with cheap motorcycle tyres on a cheap motorcycle
I'm with you! I dont like losing front grip at all. I keep riding though, so I just slow down until the front tire works again.

Was it Schumacher who said -when it rains the tires only whisper?

I think I'm better in mud on my emtb than I ever was on my dirtbikes. The dirtbikes seemed to require great strength, or great balance, and at least a good amount of both to be competitively fast in mud. The emtb seems to be mostly balance. The fitbit has indicated that mudrides are generally less excercise then Hero Dirt?
 

DrStupid

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MAXXIS WET SCREAMS 42a and DH casing

but don't come back moaning at me when you use them on anything other than proper deep mud ;)

This picture is a perfect example of what I'm dealing with. The darker stuff is hero dirt, grippy even wet, easy to clean off basically perfect loam. The light stuff is clay and slippery as snot, hard to clean and eats drivetrains.

I think the wet scream would have been good today. I couldn't climb anything and had to take the easy trails up the gullies.
20200811_115857.jpg
 

urastus

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This picture is a perfect example of what I'm dealing with. The darker stuff is hero dirt, grippy even wet, easy to clean off basically perfect loam. The light stuff is clay and slippery as snot, hard to clean and eats drivetrains.

I think the wet scream would have been good today. I couldn't climb anything and had to take the easy trails up the gullies.
Sheesh, I'd wait till the trails dried up a bit. You're keen. One of your pedals is missing a pin. I'm a bit OCD. I'm also strangely averse to doing jumps now :unsure:
 
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Mikerb

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I have been using Specialized Elliminators 2.3 on my Levo Comp all summer and they are working well. Just ordered Michelin Wild Enduro 2.4 for when we start getting some rain. Gone for the Magi compound on the front and GumX on the back. I think 2.3/2.4 is a better fit on the 30mm Rovals than 2.6 and I like the more precise feel of a somewhat lower volume tyre which is why I did not go for the 2.6 E Wilds.
 

DrStupid

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Sheesh, I'd wait till the trails dried up a bit. You're keen. One of your pedals is missing a pin. I'm a bit OCD. I'm also strangely averse to doing jumps now :unsure:

I try to do some trail riding everyday, for obvious reasons.

Lately, it rains just enough, to keep it wet 2 to 3 days week and perfect the rest of the time. Its actually been awesome, but messy.This is why I purchased dedicated mud rims and tires. Once a sufficient sacrifice is made, the weather will dry up just enough that I won't need mud tires
That's my hope anyway.

Those peddles are not good, but not junk yet either. The hole for a new pin is distorted, and I haven't found motivation neccessary to repair it.
 
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Zimmerframe

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Did a short (15km) test at the weekend on the DH22's just to see what they were like at super low pressures, purely to see how rigid they felt and if they'd stay on the rims.

I tried a similar thing with the DHRII/DHF (exo+) combination and ran them at 10psi. They were squirming all over the place and every rock was a rim dink even going slow.

For the DH22's, I ran them front and back at 0.5 bar, just over 7 psi. (being a lot more rigid than an exo+)

I thought I'd only get a few hundred meters before heading back, but they weren't actually that bad. For general riding around they didn't even feel that squirmy (though quite a bit more draggy). It was still possible to go reasonably quick on descents and still felt like you had control, only felt one rock dink when I hit a sharp edge at speed. They didn't fall off either. Ran them upto 50kph on a descent with rocks, roots & fast turns and whilst they weren't precise, they weren't unbearable !

Obviously this isn't suggesting you should run them at 7psi ! It was purely a test for my own curiosity.

Had their first ride in the wet and the slippy yesterday. Other bike was running DHRII's front and back with a way more competent rider than me. Have to say, they felt great. On the wet rock (which has the same texture as ice here when wet) the DHR's were visibly sliding a lot more than the DH22's . The downside to this will be that I'm guessing the compound will have a much shorter lifespan !!!
 

bluewater87

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Jul 12, 2020
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Ordered the following for my rail
-dhf 2.5wt dd maxxterra 3c
-aggressor 2.5wt dd dual compound
-cushcore front and rear

Hoping for a good mix of grip, agility, minimal sidewall flex/squirm, minimal rolling resistance, longevity and familiarity with maxxis.
 

Beezerk

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Mar 23, 2019
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With just about every tyre known to man being out of stock I ordered another Michelin e-wild for the rear but in 2.6 this time. I'll probably give the 2.8s to my mate as he's upgraded his rims and runs 2.8 Eddie Currents on his Kenevo at the minute.
Now to decide on a new front tyre, may try a Wild Enduro or summat.
 

Mikerb

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I have been using Specialized Elliminators 2.3 on my Levo Comp all summer and they are working well. Just ordered Michelin Wild Enduro 2.4 for when we start getting some rain. Gone for the Magi compound on the front and GumX on the back. I think 2.3/2.4 is a better fit on the 30mm Rovals than 2.6 and I like the more precise feel of a somewhat lower volume tyre which is why I did not go for the 2.6 E Wilds.
As an update I have now fitted the tyres ( tubeless). The front tyre went on without levers, the rear tyre needed just one lever for the last bit of the bead....so both very easy. Both inflated first time using Airshot and 22 hours later have lost no pressure. So overall no bother to fit. I will update when I get a chance to ride.....storm conditions currently!
 

Mikerb

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As an update I have now fitted the tyres ( tubeless). The front tyre went on without levers, the rear tyre needed just one lever for the last bit of the bead....so both very easy. Both inflated first time using Airshot and 22 hours later have lost no pressure. So overall no bother to fit. I will update when I get a chance to ride.....storm conditions currently!
First ride on the Michelin Wild Enduro tyres. Forest trail conditions to sandy loam and pine needle/ leaf mould and after the recent rain still not messy but loose and cuts up easy. Lots of exposed roots.
I ran with 22/24 psi...not wanting to go too low as they have only just been fitted and I find it best to do at least one good ride before going .uch lower to prevent risk of burping.
First impressions are that the front tyre has amazing cornering grip. The rear tyre seemed less impressive on traction initially but improved during the ride. Maybe it needed the surface scrubbing to get it working? It would definitely benefit from having less pressure....both tyres feel quite hard at 22/24 so will be trying 18/20 next ride at the weekend which will be a trail centre with a bigger mix of terrain.
 

Stihldog

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Pirelli scorpion R. I’ve tried this rear tire for a week now. Seems to climb a little better but I need to drop the pressure down to 20-22psi tomorrow and give them another try.
 

Mikerb

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First ride on the Michelin Wild Enduro tyres. Forest trail conditions to sandy loam and pine needle/ leaf mould and after the recent rain still not messy but loose and cuts up easy. Lots of exposed roots.
I ran with 22/24 psi...not wanting to go too low as they have only just been fitted and I find it best to do at least one good ride before going .uch lower to prevent risk of burping.
First impressions are that the front tyre has amazing cornering grip. The rear tyre seemed less impressive on traction initially but improved during the ride. Maybe it needed the surface scrubbing to get it working? It would definitely benefit from having less pressure....both tyres feel quite hard at 22/24 so will be trying 18/20 next ride at the weekend which will be a trail centre with a bigger mix of terrain.
Forgot to add for those that are interested, these tyres look to be exactly the same width as the 2.6 Butcher Grid (measured by eye) but obviously not as big in terms of rim to tread. The rear tyre gives significantly better clearance between it and the chain stay yoke.
 

Levo-Lon

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Jan 21, 2020
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Just fitted the 2.6 gripton tyres back on to my levo with foam inserts from planet X on sale for £13 for 2and valves, bargain.
I have about 16 psi in the tyres and I'm expecting good results.

See how they fair on my next outing
 

Mikerb

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Forgot to add for those that are interested, these tyres look to be exactly the same width as the 2.6 Butcher Grid (measured by eye) but obviously not as big in terms of rim to tread. The rear tyre gives significantly better clearance between it and the chain stay yoke.
Another update after riding the blue and red trails at Haldon Forest Park (Exeter).
So these are trail centre forest trails as opposed to natural forest trails so much more stone and gravel as well as exposed rock/rock gardens. No steep technical climbs though.
Both tyres performed really well here. Again the front tyre stood out in terms of cornering regardless of the surface. I ran the tyres at 17/19 front/rear with no danger of either pinching the rim. We beat our previous times on both trails and I used less battery than usual suggesting at the least these tyres provide no increase in drag.
Overall changing to these tyres couple with the change from 150mm Revelation to 160mm Lyric Ultimate has transformed my Levo Comp to another level as far as Enduro type trails are concerned. It is now how it should have been specced from the start.
 

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