Mountain Bike Forums

HELP NEEDED: I have full sussy that is used about 35% on roads and about 65% off roads. I ride mainly at night (just for the fun of it). The off-road stuff is mainly trials and is usually loose gravel a bit of sand, damp grass, loose leaf stuff. And its feels like we are heading towards winter already in the UK.

My problem is choice of tyres. Been through a set of Halo Dual Rails.. nice, lightish (770g) and quiet on the road, but my confidence goes when off road. Tried a set of Maxxis Cross Marks (580g), noisey on the road but much lighter, and again, too easily clogged up off road. Now trying a set of Schwalbe Marathon Plus ATB.. quiet on the road but heavy (1200g - all that puncture protection stuff – which I need where I ride), better mud clearance; but I am still not sure about the small foot print and that centre rail reduces my confidence on twisty stuff where the back end skips out too often for my liking.

Now am I just off the mark and wanting too much or does a tyre exist for what I want.. which is basically – good quiet(ish) on road and wet weather performance plus nice fat footprint (2.35/2.4/2.5) which is flat (max tread on the road and not just the edges or centre) for my off road stuff. If possible with good puncture protection and light (800g or less)

I am not likely to go anywhere where it’s all boggy and knee deep in crap but I also do not want to be changing tyres every 5mins either.

Your experience and suggestions are appreciated..

Hi mate

I think what you asking for doesn’t exist. To recap: something with low rolling resistance, light, good puncture protection and also grips in loose leaves…

Humm. Two different tyres IMO. And you’ve tried Marathons, which are unsuitable for leaves thats for sure - although that built up middle section can help you grip in the mushy stuff as it rails a bit.

I’d try semi slicks - with the blocks far apart. Not sure about make etc as it’d take me ages to research, and hey it’s about to rain so I want to go out on my bike.

I ride Michelin XC dry[2] tyres. All year round in Yorkshire and love em, similarly with Scott Ozon. But a trip to the Midlands in the wet made me think otherwise. Tyre choice is so personal, i’m sure it’s just about trying and seeing.

Michelin XC Dry
http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/affich.jsp?codeRubrique=2092004115810&codePage=2092004115810_28022005200436&lang=EN

Kenda Kozmik Lite II
http://www.kendauk.com/xc/index.php

Michelin Country Trail
http://two-wheels.michelin.com/2w/front/affich.jsp?codeRubrique=2092004115826&codePage=2092004115826_13092004161921&lang=EN

Oh it’s started raining, gotta go
Johnny

I’m inclined to agree with Ratboy that probably no such tyre exists. To get something that rolls well on road but grips well off road is going to be pretty difficult and if you find any such tyre let me know!

My last two sets of tyres have been Maxxis High Rollers which really do offer excellent off-road grip but are a bit heavy and don’t roll too fast on tarmac or dirt road. I am now trying Continental Mountain Kings - these are lighter and definitely faster on road/fireroad and seem to grip okay in the dry although because it has been so wet I haven’t had too many dry rides on them. In the wet I don’t have as much confidence in them as the High Rollers particularly on rocky or rooty ground. I’ll see how it goes but I may well go back to High Rollers and sacrifice the road speed!

I have Continental Verticals on my hardtail and they seem pretty good all-rounders for most conditions but I don’t tend to ride the hardtail quite as fast as the full-susser.