[norbar]

Are you on 650b now or 26"?

I've run the Magic in various iterations for a few seasons now, and I think the casing you choose depends on the balance of durability and traction you want + what you are using inside them. From what you said you're using tubes, you can pick different ones depending on the casing to balance out the pinchflat resistance.

I found with the VertStar Magic in SG casing, I had to run pressures slightly higher than I'd like (compared to a full DH casing) to maintain compliance and traction, with ~200g tube front and ~280g tube rear.

With the new Addix Purple compound (also in SG casing), I found I got an excellent balance of compliance and traction at the same slightly higher pressures. I am yet to use a product with better grip than this.

My suggestions would be:

• Use Addix Purple for front, hands down.
  
• Use Addix Orange for rear IF you want better wear life (only). I use purple both ends.
• Use the full DH casing if you want to stick with your lightweight tubes, alternatively, jump up to Maxxis Freeride tubes (~280g in 26", ~310g in 27.5") either just in the rear or both ends, and try the lighter SG casing. You could also consider just using an SG on the front. The benefit is that the SG uses a kevlar bead and sheds some weight from where it is not neccessary, so it's the superior casing provided you can get a tube (or tubeless) setup that works with it for you. I use SG both ends.

Basically, you have plenty of options once you understand the balancing act.

I think you'll like it. Bucko and I both love them.

Still 26''. Need to financially bounce back from rock bottom. As for tubes vs tubeless I sometimes run tubeless but I stopped because it makes me less likely to change tires when conditions change (takes too much time without airshot or anything similar). I think I will make my own airshot and then go back to tubeless.

I think I will buy one purple and one orange. Purple for techy/DH tracks and orange for park days. I want a full on DH casing since at least in my experience as a hack rider casing does more for me than tube. But maybe I will find some cash for a pump that helps me change tubeless faster so I'm not lazy and run tubeless again.

 

[Udi]

I added a few things in my edited post.

With 26" the weights are lower so the full DH casing is definitely more viable (I'm assuming it comes in the same compounds, haven't checked). SG makes more sense with 27.5" as you do get a little more grip and have some weight gain to fight off.

I would definitely stick with the purple on the front, my front still has plenty of life after 100 park laps. Sounds like orange will work well on the rear for you.

I had an excellent run with tubes this season, and personally wouldn't bother with tubeless (for the same reasons you explained) unless I was investing in CushCore like Ben runs - for the additional traction and compliance benefits. In that case there's no weight saving though (it actually adds a bunch of weight over the tubes you're using), it's definitely more of a traction increasing exercise. I'm pretty happy with the grip on these purple things even with tubes though, they're honestly amazing and I don't think I say that about bike parts very often!

 

[norbar]

I added a few things in my edited post.

With 26" the weights are lower so the full DH casing is definitely more viable (I'm assuming it comes in the same compounds, haven't checked). SG makes more sense with 27.5" as you do get a little more grip and have some weight gain to fight off.

I would definitely stick with the purple on the front, my front still has plenty of life after 100 park laps. Sounds like orange will work well on the rear for you.

I had an excellent run with tubes this season, and personally wouldn't bother with tubeless (for the same reasons you explained) unless I was investing in CushCore like Ben runs - for the additional traction and compliance benefits. In that case there's no weight saving though (it actually adds a bunch of weight over the tubes you're using), it's definitely more of a traction increasing exercise. I'm pretty happy with the grip on these purple things even with tubes though, they're honestly amazing and I don't think I say that about bike parts very often!

I'm pretty sure I can still keep my bike <17kg even with cush core. Maybe slightly above but it's still fine so I might experiment with it. Have you tried the Cush Core? Is the benefit really noticeable? Not that I can afford them but if the job hunt works out I'll go back to my usual way of spending all my cash on bikes.

Also Paging @buckoW since you're the one using it. How do you like the benefits provided by Cush Core? Can it be felt when riding slower or only at full speed and under heavy cornering?

 

[buckoW]

I'm pretty sure I can still keep my bike <17kg even with cush core. Maybe slightly above but it's still fine so I might experiment with it. Have you tried the Cush Core? Is the benefit really noticeable? Not that I can afford them but if the job hunt works out I'll go back to my usual way of spending all my cash on bikes.

Also Paging @buckoW since you're the one using it. How do you like the benefits provided by Cush Core? Can it be felt when riding slower or only at full speed and under heavy cornering?

I think Cush Core is really good if you have problems with tire squirm in corners or pinchflats. The increased traction is definitely noticeable and I think of it like progressive suspension for your tires. You have two smaller chambers instead of one big one. So, it basically ramps up more providing small bump traction (air pressure) and big hit resistance (foam). It's the first year I didn't get any flats in Whistler too.

 

[norbar]

I think Cush Core is really good if you have problems with tire squirm in corners or pinchflats. The increased traction is definitely noticeable and I think of it like progressive suspension for your tires. You have two smaller chambers instead of one big one. So, it basically ramps up more providing small bump traction (air pressure) and big hit resistance (foam). It's the first year I didn't get any flats in Whistler too.

I might try it because being afraid of flats has changed my riding style a bit and I'd like to be able to ride a bit more agressively through rocks. As for squirming even fattened up I'm 80kg and I will probably go back to 70 so all I need to prevent that is proper dh casing.

One more thing - have you experimented with tire pressure after putting in the cush core? I use a bit higher pressure to prevent squirm and I wonder if you can go back lower again to 20-25psi with the cush core.

 

[slimshady]

Anyone ever use a Vittoria mota?

I'm also curious about it, and the Goma as well.

 

[SkaredShtles]

I'm also curious about it, and the Goma as well.

@Full Trucker to the white courtesy phone... could I please get a "@Full Trucker " to the white courtesy phone, please?

 

[Full Trucker]

I'm also curious about it, and the Goma as well.

I did not care for the Goma. Sidewalls were garbage thin, profile seemed way to round and not enough of a channel between the center and corning knobs, and the "sticky" compound felt super hard to me. Would not bang again. Full disclosure: these were the trail version on my trail bike. Not sure if the DH version (if it exists) is any different.

 

[jackalope]

Since its the internet, I will offer a counter opinion which was/is the Goma has done well by me in a variety of applications. I've never had an issue with the sidewalls, nor has @SuboptimusPrime or another local fast guy who's used'em front and back. Hell, I ran it on the front of my DH bike a few times last year and it was fine, as I did appreciate the large volume. It does have a rounded profile IMO, but it hooks up well enough and perhaps more importantly, is predictable, unlike several squared off profiles I've tried. Will agree its not the stickiest compound, but it doesn't seem outrageously hard or anything out of the ordinary for an "All Mountain" tire. By no means my favorite tire of all time, but its been effective in my experience (and yeah, I was getting them at a good price compared to typical Maxxis stuff).

 

[kickstand]

shorties all the time, because changing tires sucks and the rolling resistance really isn't that bad .... unless you aren't actually using your DH bike for DH trails.

 

[buckoW]

I might try it because being afraid of flats has changed my riding style a bit and I'd like to be able to ride a bit more agressively through rocks. As for squirming even fattened up I'm 80kg and I will probably go back to 70 so all I need to prevent that is proper dh casing.

One more thing - have you experimented with tire pressure after putting in the cush core? I use a bit higher pressure to prevent squirm and I wonder if you can go back lower again to 20-25psi with the cush core.

I can run lower pressures without the squirm or burping.