I have a 2008 Specialized Rockhopper Comp disc, and have recently had a ton of flats-front and rear, every time I go out. I'm a real big guy; 6'8" and 280lbs, and I am not easy on the bike. It still has stock tires on it which need to be replaced anyway-is there a much beefier tire you guys would reccomend to avoid some of the flat issues? Maybe a tubeless downhill tire? I don't mind weight. My current tire is a 26x2.00.
Can you reccomend me some better tires?
- Thread starter VTApe
- Start date
If you can fit a larger tire in that would help as well as using a DH double wall tire. Maybe one of the new Maxxis Minion EXO tires? Not quite as heavy as a DH tire but no featherweight either. Or DH rear and less heavy on the front.
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Larger in terms of the width? I'd rather go much heavier than needed front and rear and not have to stop every couple of hours to change out my tubes. Like this: http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/20686-320_MAXMD0-3-Parts-73-Tires/Mountain/Maxxis-Minion-DHF-Exo-2.5-Tire.htm ??
This was my frist bike after about ten years off a Mtn. bike and it's been great-but I plan on upgrading maybe next year to something more substantial that will be better for what I use it for.
This was my frist bike after about ten years off a Mtn. bike and it's been great-but I plan on upgrading maybe next year to something more substantial that will be better for what I use it for.
Run more pressure.
70?!!! Wow! Way too hard. Get wider tires with a decent sidewall (Specialized suck). I have 2.55's and can run as low as 17psi but usually run 25psi.
I'm about 230lbs and with my DH tires I can run 20-25lbs with no problem. I've actually never had a flat in 2 years of racing DH. Kenda seem to have great sidewall strength. Go with a 2.35 if you can and you will be much better off man.
Here's my suggestion for Sugarbush (love that place btw) http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/bicycle/mountain/nevegal.aspx
Item# 212147 Stick-E 26x2.35 Wire bead. Especially if you aren't worried about weight
Here's my suggestion for Sugarbush (love that place btw) http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/bicycle/mountain/nevegal.aspx
Item# 212147 Stick-E 26x2.35 Wire bead. Especially if you aren't worried about weight
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I don't know what tubes you're running, but if they're lightweight XC tubes, try a mid-weight tube. Your new tires coupled with a mid-weight tube should do the trick. Like you said, it's added weight, but you'll be way less prone to flat.
I've had really good luck with Maxxis DH casings. I weigh about 190-195 fully geared up and I've never pinch flatted in the 2 years that I've ridden Minion DHF 2.5s and 2.7s. I also ride really rocky terrain, comparable to North Star I'd say.
I'm not sure which tube I'm running. Online places like pricepoint have those tires for an amazing price, but I'm going to my LBS today after work to see what they say. Even if I pay more, I'm all for supporting local and having a real live person to talk to rather than an automated phone system, though pricepoint has been great in the past!
I'm with san-euro. Grab a DH quality tire but pick a narrow (2.3 is good) size. Also, consider getting some thicker tubes. Tubes are generally 1.7-2.0, 1.9-2.1 or 2.3, 2.3-2.5, or 2.5-2.7. Pricepoint has a good rating scale, XC trail or DH. Shoot for the trails (which are usually 2.1-2.3) and then go DH if necessary.
Finally, if you aren't a skilled mechanic, head to a bike shop and have them check your rims. Is it one wheel or the other that gets flats more often? I noticed on one of my bikes that I kept getting flats....the rim strip was walking out from over the spoke holes and any good bump would put a hole in the tire. Simply rearranging the strip fixed it. There may also be a flaw in your tire. If it happens to both equally, it's less likely that it's a flaw and more just ****ty tires.
Finally, if you aren't a skilled mechanic, head to a bike shop and have them check your rims. Is it one wheel or the other that gets flats more often? I noticed on one of my bikes that I kept getting flats....the rim strip was walking out from over the spoke holes and any good bump would put a hole in the tire. Simply rearranging the strip fixed it. There may also be a flaw in your tire. If it happens to both equally, it's less likely that it's a flaw and more just ****ty tires.
I agree whole heartedly on the dual wall tires. I have been on Maxxis Minions and prior to that, Maxxis Helter and Skelter DH tires, all were 2 ply, all were wire beaded tires, all were 60a durometer and not once in 15 years have I EVER had a flat. Not even a pinch flat. My biggest suggestion, buy a Maxxis Minion 60a durometer 2ply wire bead tires. Front and rear tread design. You wont ever have a problem again. Run 25 to 40lbs of air in them. I'm $160 and I run 18 to 20lbs of air in mine. Love 'em. Great traction too. Good luck dude.
Yes a person of your weight should run a wider tire. 2.35 or more if it fits. The durometer of the rubber and bead material are irrelevant to whether or not one gets a flat. You are most likely pinch flatting which means that the tire compresses fully between the rim and rock and the result is that the tube in between gets pinched and punctured. More air, thicker tubes and stiffer dual ply dh tires are all things that help ward off pinch flats.