What tyres? The Ultimate Tyre Thread

[Rob Rides EMTB]

I just paid £70 for the same tyre in the EXO+ casing, that’s a steal!

That’s what I thought. The RRP for some Assegai is now £84.99 Never seen proper bike tyres in Sports Direct before but seems they have some stock redistribution as a result of the Evans buyout.

 

[Pezzar]

If its Front 2.6, or rear 2.4

Had a MM few years back and it was a big tyre if I remember, whereas my Maxxis always appeared skinnier than the stated size? Would that be fair to say that or is my memory off.
Just trying to help the poster who asked the MM question.

 

[Pezzar]

Saw these in Sports Direct. Couldn’t resist for £23!

View attachment 96953

Gutted, exactly the tyre I was after, been on the SD site and no Assegais

 

[Pezzar]

that’s a shit sandwich

Further to this.......was doing some review reading, my tyres are pretty heavy and thick walled, I'm a bimbler so I didn't want to pay a premium for protection I don't need, but would like to run slightly less psi. Thought I'd go with the Nukeproof ARDs for just short of 50 quid, out of stock everywhere.
Happened to go on the rimpact site ...got x2 originals, in mullet, rear a plus size and 2 of their tubeless valves ...25 quid delivered!
I know for the harder riders on here the original rimpact won't be enough, but for a trail centre rider like me...25 quid is bloody excellent value. Looking forward to trying them out.

 

[LeeS69]

Blimey, got the Orbea Rise a month ago and it's been nice and dry and loved the Maxxis tyres, went out in the soggy woodland muck today and the Rekon was Utterly hopeless!!

Thinking of swapping to my old faves of Hans Dampf on the front and Nobby Nic on the back, but have been suggested the HD on the back and an MM on the front??

Pennine riding basically, moors, woods, mud etc

Any suggestions??

 

[Bndit]

My wife`s MTB came with Nobby Nic`s, they have really small knobs. For her for her speeds/usage they are fine but I would`t but them on a ebike. I ordered HD to my Status for rear tire, same thing, small knobs. I rode it couple of times and changed to Big Betty. In front I have MM. For Orbea rise if you want traction, you cannot go wrong if you go MM fron and BB back 2.4. OR MM both ends for ultimate traction. But I don`t know if you can get those anywhere…I have MM/BB waiting for my Turbo, now Conti`s Barons on it and they are also great all season tires.

 

[mcboab]

Definitely use a MM (soft) on the front over a HD. I’ve used both back to back (both soft) & the MM has better steering control vs the HD in the loose soft terrain. I’d also recommend looking at Continentals new enduro/trail ranges They are getting good feedback on mtbr, currently using an kryptotal enduro soft on the front of my Mondi crafty working well sofar & much better than the very drifty DHF maxterra it replaced.

 

[LeeS69]

Ordered a MM and a Big Betty soft.... I'll update when I see what they are like in the real (Pennine) world....!!! Thanks for the input.... Blimey tyres are expensive these days!!!

Update: another 400g on the bike with the MM and the BB, on top of the rimpacts and stans but the bike does have a big fat git on top.... Tyres do look like they would stick to a wall though!!

Massive tip for fitting the inserts (was a nightmare on the last install) - warm them up, stuck insert and tyre in the oven (not hot at all) and the pro install was a breeze!!

 

[Pezzar]

Ordered a MM and a Big Betty soft.... I'll update when I see what they are like in the real (Pennine) world....!!! Thanks for the input.... Blimey tyres are expensive these days!!!

Update: another 400g on the bike with the MM and the BB, on top of the rimpacts and stans but the bike does have a big fat git on top.... Tyres do look like they would stick to a wall though!!

Massive tip for fitting the inserts (was a nightmare on the last install) - warm them up, stuck insert and tyre in the oven (not hot at all) and the pro install was a breeze!!

Yeah, got the front rimpact in but just about broke my thumbs doing it. Walked away and will do the rear on Sunday. Watched a few more how to vids so hopefully will fare better. The Vee tyres feel like they are made of iron

 

[The Hodge]

That’s what I thought. The RRP for some Assegai is now £84.99 Never seen proper bike tyres in Sports Direct before but seems they have some stock redistribution as a result of the Evans buyout.

Make sure it hasn't been re-branded with the Sports Direct logo on the tyre walls...big fat Mike is quite keen on free advertising ...or at least he was at Newcastle United football club for fourteen years !
Even if this tyre had been "bogof"..no way would I have put a penny into the pocket of a company owned by that fat leech ...

 

[KnollyBro]

Is it just me and my setup (+Cushcore) or is anyone else had any trouble with Assigai 29x2.5 3c DD tires having a wobble in them when seated on a rim? I have tried with 3 tires, on 2 rims (which are true) and each tire has a wobble when spun up. This can be a tad disconcerting at speed, when jumping as the front end will also wobble. 3C EXO+ tires (+Cushcore) run true on all 3 rims I use.

 

[Shreddy]

Is it just me and my setup (+Cushcore) or is anyone else had any trouble with Assigai 29x2.5 3c DD tires having a wobble in them when seated on a rim? I have tried with 3 tires, on 2 rims (which are true) and each tire has a wobble when spun up. This can be a tad disconcerting at speed, when jumping as the front end will also wobble. 3C EXO+ tires (+Cushcore) run true on all 3 rims I use.

People often blame tyre manufacturing for the wobble, but hardly ever the case. Sometimes the inserts can move laterally when installing the tyre, pushing the walls, so the pop-on isn't even. The fix is to deflate completely, spin slowly so you can see which part needs to move which way, then break the bead & roll the tyre with your hands to the side needed. Spin it while still deflated, Identify any areas that still need adjustment, repeat until it looks good. Then Inflate slowly, just a few PSI, spin check again. Repeat if needed. Then fully inflate. This always works for me.

 

[KnollyBro]

People often blame tyre manufacturing for the wobble, but hardly ever the case. Sometimes the inserts can move laterally when installing the tyre, pushing the walls, so the pop-on isn't even. The fix is to deflate completely, spin slowly so you can see which part needs to move which way, then break the bead & roll the tyre with your hands to the side needed. Spin it while still deflated, Identify any areas that still need adjustment, repeat until it looks good. Then Inflate slowly, just a few PSI, spin check again. Repeat if needed. Then fully inflate. This always works for me.

I only have experience with Maxxis tires and Cushcore so I can not speak to the other manufacturers or tire models but I have installed over 50 tubeless setups, most of them with Cushcore, and never had an issue I could not fix with a little soapy water on the inside and outside of the tire and several inflate and deflate cycles. I have tried several times to manual adjust the position of the deflated tire only to find marginal gains when inflated. The tire seems to shits after a day or so to reveal its noticeable wobble. These Maxxis Assagai 2.5 3C DD tires seem to have a case warp in the both horizontally as well as laterally.

 

[Bomble]

My lbs advised me to not use cushcore with a maxxis tyre due to the wobble.
I still got them to fit it and it turned out they were right

 

[KnollyBro]

My lbs advised me to not use cushcore with a maxxis tyre due to the wobble.
I still got them to fit it and it turned out they were right

Which Maxxis tire was it? I have never had a problem with any DHR II 3C DD 27.5", DHR II 3C DH 27.5", Assagai 3C EXO+ 29" tires which I have all run Cushcore in them for over 2 years without any issues. I only seem to have a wobble with the Assagai 3C DD 29" tire. It makes no difference with or without Cushcore. That tire still has a wobble.

 

[Bomble]

DHR 2 exo+. Maybe the heavier casing are ok.

 

[Winger]

Got a new bike coming this week, same routine before it turns a wheel......MM/BB

 

[KnollyBro]

DHR 2 exo+. Maybe the heavier casing are ok.

I think its might well be the weight of the casings that are the problem. It seems like who ever was running the machine that builds the Assagai 29" DD and maybe the DH tires which are the only tires which have a built in wobble.

 

[turbolego]

Looking for something different:

I just installed a planet3 derestrictor on my Levo, and I maxed out at 30 mph(!) with immense tire noise on pavement. I imagine I could get very reasonable speeds with a lot less assist/battery usage if I had tires with lower rolling resistance. I'm looking for some tires that will be suitable for gravel/hard pack/pavement to swap out the stock tires when I want to go on longer pavement rides.

I'm assuming that even though my current tires are 2.6", the replacement tires don't have to be as wide, but at the same time I don't want them to be too skinny/low volume. Lower weight would be a plus. But priority is quietness/low rolling resistance. Any recommendations?


(I have another ebike, a Gazelle commuter style bike, with Schwalbe Big Apples, and I really don't like those. The profile is very tall, and I find that when I ride no-hands, the tires want to tilt onto their diagonal surface very readily.)

 

[Chrysaor]

Looking for something different:

I just installed a planet3 derestrictor on my Levo, and I maxed out at 30 mph(!) with immense tire noise on pavement. I imagine I could get very reasonable speeds with a lot less assist/battery usage if I had tires with lower rolling resistance. I'm looking for some tires that will be suitable for gravel/hard pack/pavement to swap out the stock tires when I want to go on longer pavement rides.

I'm assuming that even though my current tires are 2.6", the replacement tires don't have to be as wide, but at the same time I don't want them to be too skinny/low volume. Lower weight would be a plus. But priority is quietness/low rolling resistance. Any recommendations?


(I have another ebike, a Gazelle commuter style bike, with Schwalbe Big Apples, and I really don't like those. The profile is very tall, and I find that when I ride no-hands, the tires want to tilt onto their diagonal surface very readily.)

Do you have the stock butcher/eliminator combo?

I would recommend some ground control grid casing front and rear or you can reuse the eliminator in front with a ground control at the rear. I would say it could be a very good compromise between trail riding and pavement rides without the need to swap tires each time

 

[Pezzar]

Make sure it hasn't been re-branded with the Sports Direct logo on the tyre walls...big fat Mike is quite keen on free advertising ...or at least he was at Newcastle United football club for fourteen years !
Even if this tyre had been "bogof"..no way would I have put a penny into the pocket of a company owned by that fat leech ...

Hodgey, you haven't changed one bit have you?

 

[Pezzar]

Is it just me and my setup (+Cushcore) or is anyone else had any trouble with Assigai 29x2.5 3c DD tires having a wobble in them when seated on a rim? I have tried with 3 tires, on 2 rims (which are true) and each tire has a wobble when spun up. This can be a tad disconcerting at speed, when jumping as the front end will also wobble. 3C EXO+ tires (+Cushcore) run true on all 3 rims I use.

Hmmm, I also have a horrible wobble on my Vee tyre HOL Attack 29x2.5 front with Rimpacts in.

 

[RiderJake]

I only have experience with Maxxis tires and Cushcore so I can not speak to the other manufacturers or tire models but I have installed over 50 tubeless setups, most of them with Cushcore, and never had an issue I could not fix with a little soapy water on the inside and outside of the tire and several inflate and deflate cycles. I have tried several times to manual adjust the position of the deflated tire only to find marginal gains when inflated. The tire seems to shits after a day or so to reveal its noticeable wobble. These Maxxis Assagai 2.5 3C DD tires seem to have a case warp in the both horizontally as well as laterally.

I vote for Cushcore
Nice choice, I like it all.

 

[George_KSL]

I think its might well be the weight of the casings that are the problem. It seems like who ever was running the machine that builds the Assagai 29" DD and maybe the DH tires which are the only tires which have a built in wobble.

I've seen this complaint by a lot already. I wonder if following procedure could potentially help? Letting the tyre sit either tubeless (and milkless) or with tube overnight at 40+ PSI to allow for maximum casing growth. That growth will happend regardless later, but by pre-inflating it first night the growth is controlled and uniform.
Only after that, install the foam inserts.
The issue seems to be in general with thicker casings which are very layered currently and easy to internally delaminate leading to wobble.
Just my theory, might not help at all.

 

[turbolego]

Do you have the stock butcher/eliminator combo?

I would recommend some ground control grid casing front and rear or you can reuse the eliminator in front with a ground control at the rear. I would say it could be a very good compromise between trail riding and pavement rides without the need to swap tires each time

I don't know, those still seem decently knobby, and I was thinking of slicker for doing mainly pavement. I really don't like the idea of switching tires but then I can't seem to compromise with myself in terms of on-road/off-road performance. I have the same problem on my motorbike! What else ya got?

Edit: However, reading the reviews seems to suggest you're right about that tire... Why shouldn't I change the front as well?

 

[Pezzar]

I've seen this complaint by a lot already. I wonder if following procedure could potentially help? Letting the tyre sit either tubeless (and milkless) or with tube overnight at 40+ PSI to allow for maximum casing growth. That growth will happend regardless later, but by pre-inflating it first night the growth is controlled and uniform.
Only after that, install the foam inserts.
The issue seems to be in general with thicker casings which are very layered currently and easy to internally delaminate leading to wobble.
Just my theory, might not help at all.

I did that, 24 hours sat with no Stans or inserts in at 40 psi. Still got a horrible wobble on the front.

 

[Mcharza]

I have heard that Maxxis has decided that 5% of the tires can be out of tolerance during quality control.
They are sold so much that someone will find the bad ones.

Hope it's only a rumor.

 

[Chrysaor]

I don't know, those still seem decently knobby, and I was thinking of slicker for doing mainly pavement. I really don't like the idea of switching tires but then I can't seem to compromise with myself in terms of on-road/off-road performance. I have the same problem on my motorbike! What else ya got?

Edit: However, reading the reviews seems to suggest you're right about that tire... Why shouldn't I change the front as well?

The ground control rolls faster than the eliminator. However the effect is not as pronounced on the front tire than on the rear tire.
Ground control front and rear will probably roll slightly faster but if you want to buy only one tire to try and/or keep a little bit more cornering and braking performance when you ride off-road then ground control/eliminator is also a good combo which already rolls much faster than eliminator/butcher T9. That’s what I run on my trail bike for mellow trails and it keeps my bike lively.
I’m talking about the compound T7, the T5 will roll even faster but I have never tried myself so I don’t know by how much and how much less grip it has.
From my personal experience it becomes quickly annoying to regularly swap tires.

 

[George_KSL]

How does that wobble affect ride quality? Is it detrimental or just disconcerting?

 

[KnollyBro]

How does that wobble affect ride quality? Is it detrimental or just disconcerting?

I can't say that I can feel the wobble when I am riding down a lumpy, rooty and steep tech trail but ride quality will always be highly subjective. If you ever get a chance to be 8 - 10 feet in the air for a few seconds, doing a 35'+ table top perhaps, you will most certainly feel the wobble on the front wheel. Detrimental? I am not currently able to specifically test that as I don't have a front wheel/tire that does not wobble (#AssagaiDDSuck). It is certainly most disconcerting when your bars are twitching in your hands tho!