What region do you ride in? I've been looking at these tires.
What trail bike tire casings don't suck?
- Thread starter Kanye West
- Start date
short term report: minion dhf’s in DD casing (2.5 x 27.5, front and rear, 3c maxxgrip) are a pain in the ass to mount on ex471s, but each ride i have on them leads to increasing amounts of confidence in them and increasing levels of “fuck this shit i’m plowing/hucking it” with reckless abandon/zero burps/pinches/consequences. for now, once mounted, two thumbs the hell up.
Tough high grip,
My go to dry weather front tire, on the exact same rim. In the rear I prefer Aggressor or DHR2, both in DD.
Tread pattern looks similar to the old specialized clutch. I loved those tires. I would probably like these too but no little micro baby wheel size option. The clutch rolled slow as slugs. These look like they would roll a bit faster. The last WTB tire I ran was mark weir's model. The casing was a joke. Word is WTB is offering proper mid weight casings now.
There's still other tires I would buy before this but it's not a bad looking option. I wish Michelin would update the wild rockr'2 with a higher volume 2.5 option. A wider drift zone, and higher volume would solidify it as the best dry tire on the planet. Magic mary is still the best wet/mixed conditions tire as far as I'm concerned.
So far the Vigilantes are better than the Magic Marys. Better grip, better size options (2.5), it kinda has a channel, they even clear mud better. And, I almost forgot to mention they are cheaper.
The WTB train is leaving the station, y'all should get on. Or at least give them a try.
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I liked the Vigilante as well but for my lowlands trails, I thought I liked the e13 TRS+ better.So far the Vigilantes are better than the Magic Marys. Better grip, better size options (2.5), it kinda has a channel, they even clear mud better. And, I almost forgot to mention they are cheaper.
The WTB train is leaving the station, y'all should get on. Or at least give them a try.
Interesting. My faith in WTB tires is shaky at best based on past experience, although their old inner peace casing was pretty good. How are they on slimy wet rock faces?
So is the loamy soil also rocky and rooty?
Lot's of rocks and roots mixed with mud in between, although at the moment everything is crazy dry and hard as no rain for the last 3 weeks..... Wellington normally is pretty wet (higher annual rainfall than the BC's northshore).
Surprisingly good. Rode Rockville with them on Sunday and they didn't have any issues. I was tentative at first but by the end of the day I was not thinking about them at all.
I think WTB has turned their tire game around.
Didn't care for the new one made by Vee Rubber, though. The profile is visibly more square and it was scary to lean the bike over. Also wore out much quicker. I don't know how much longer E13 will keep selling the Classic version so I hoarded when Art's was blowing them out for less than $40.
New vs. Classic, both mounted on FR570
And speaking of E13 tires, I really liked their semi slick. But for rear usage, I'd skip the Enduro casing and go straight to DH casing. Weight difference isn't enough to justify it IMO.
I weigh 175 lbs, 26 psi in the tire with Cushcore, and I still pinch flatted the damn thing.
I weigh 175 lbs, 26 psi in the tire with Cushcore, and I still pinch flatted the damn thing.
Anybody have any experience with "Trail" tires?
I have always run Minion/Mary style treads in light casings for the trailbike.
I put a RockRazor on last summer, and holy crap I love that thing. Goes like stink, and has nice big meaty corner knobs. Now the problem - leaves and pine needles make it a bit psycho as you can imagine, so spring and fall are sketchy.
If I could find something in between the semi-slick and the full depth tread but with full size corner knobs, I think I could be happy with the grip/rolling compromise. Big problem is that most of what seems to go as trail tires has little side knobs. Do these people not corner? - or am I just a DH hack who has to rely on big-assed side knobs to hang on?
Then there is sizing. Normally a 2.35/2.4 guy, but people keep saying that 2.4-2.6 is the way to go now that we have wide internal rims.
I'm thinking that my 225lb "hacktastic"
self on balloony low pressure tires is a recipe I'm not sure I want to sample after trying a buddies 27.5+ 3.0" a couple of seasons ago.
These seem to sit between the Trail and the Enduro/DH with regard to knob size and height.
29" I30 rims
MaxxisRekon 2.4
Bonty XR4(SE?) 2.4
WTB Trailboss 2.4
Schwalbe HansDampf-2 2.35
???
I'm also good with an EXO/Snakeskin casing around here.
That or I just say F-it and go for a quicker rolling 2.3 3C Exo DHF / 2.3 Dual EXO DHR2 rear...
I have always run Minion/Mary style treads in light casings for the trailbike.
I put a RockRazor on last summer, and holy crap I love that thing. Goes like stink, and has nice big meaty corner knobs. Now the problem - leaves and pine needles make it a bit psycho as you can imagine, so spring and fall are sketchy.
If I could find something in between the semi-slick and the full depth tread but with full size corner knobs, I think I could be happy with the grip/rolling compromise. Big problem is that most of what seems to go as trail tires has little side knobs. Do these people not corner? - or am I just a DH hack who has to rely on big-assed side knobs to hang on?
Then there is sizing. Normally a 2.35/2.4 guy, but people keep saying that 2.4-2.6 is the way to go now that we have wide internal rims.
I'm thinking that my 225lb "hacktastic"
self on balloony low pressure tires is a recipe I'm not sure I want to sample after trying a buddies 27.5+ 3.0" a couple of seasons ago.These seem to sit between the Trail and the Enduro/DH with regard to knob size and height.
29" I30 rims
MaxxisRekon 2.4
Bonty XR4(SE?) 2.4
WTB Trailboss 2.4
Schwalbe HansDampf-2 2.35
???
I'm also good with an EXO/Snakeskin casing around here.
That or I just say F-it and go for a quicker rolling 2.3 3C Exo DHF / 2.3 Dual EXO DHR2 rear...
If I needed something between a DHF and a Minion SS, id look at an Agressor. I haven’t used em and have heard complaints but it would be in consideration.
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Yes! Using a 26" Vigilante as a rear tire. Used it previously in the front. Rolls ok considering all the knobs. It is tall as well and doesn't look much different from the 27.5 DHR II front tire I'm using now.So far the Vigilantes are better than the Magic Marys. Better grip, better size options (2.5), it kinda has a channel, they even clear mud better. And, I almost forgot to mention they are cheaper.
The WTB train is leaving the station, y'all should get on. Or at least give them a try.
For enduro my friend is currently test riding a sentinel with bonty xr4 tires. It's his first time on a 29er but he said he likes the tires and they have a lot of grip. He did put a hole in it so perhaps go for the se4? He's a DH guy like you. He will likely be using schwalbe for the next two years though (country distributor sponsorship).Anybody have any experience with "Trail" tires?
I have always run Minion/Mary style treads in light casings for the trailbike.
I put a RockRazor on last summer, and holy crap I love that thing. Goes like stink, and has nice big meaty corner knobs. Now the problem - leaves and pine needles make it a bit psycho as you can imagine, so spring and fall are sketchy.
If I could find something in between the semi-slick and the full depth tread but with full size corner knobs, I think I could be happy with the grip/rolling compromise. Big problem is that most of what seems to go as trail tires has little side knobs. Do these people not corner? - or am I just a DH hack who has to rely on big-assed side knobs to hang on?
Then there is sizing. Normally a 2.35/2.4 guy, but people keep saying that 2.4-2.6 is the way to go now that we have wide internal rims.
I'm thinking that my 225lb "hacktastic"
These seem to sit between the Trail and the Enduro/DH with regard to knob size and height.
29" I30 rims
MaxxisRekon 2.4
Bonty XR4(SE?) 2.4
WTB Trailboss 2.4
Schwalbe HansDampf-2 2.35
???
I'm also good with an EXO/Snakeskin casing around here.
That or I just say F-it and go for a quicker rolling 2.3 3C Exo DHF / 2.3 Dual EXO DHR2 rear...
I bought the aggressor for this very purpose. Works well for me.Anybody have any experience with "Trail" tires?
I have always run Minion/Mary style treads in light casings for the trailbike.
I put a RockRazor on last summer, and holy crap I love that thing. Goes like stink, and has nice big meaty corner knobs. Now the problem - leaves and pine needles make it a bit psycho as you can imagine, so spring and fall are sketchy.
If I could find something in between the semi-slick and the full depth tread but with full size corner knobs, I think I could be happy with the grip/rolling compromise. Big problem is that most of what seems to go as trail tires has little side knobs. Do these people not corner? - or am I just a DH hack who has to rely on big-assed side knobs to hang on?
Then there is sizing. Normally a 2.35/2.4 guy, but people keep saying that 2.4-2.6 is the way to go now that we have wide internal rims.
I'm thinking that my 225lb "hacktastic"
These seem to sit between the Trail and the Enduro/DH with regard to knob size and height.
29" I30 rims
MaxxisRekon 2.4
Bonty XR4(SE?) 2.4
WTB Trailboss 2.4
Schwalbe HansDampf-2 2.35
???
I'm also good with an EXO/Snakeskin casing around here.
That or I just say F-it and go for a quicker rolling 2.3 3C Exo DHF / 2.3 Dual EXO DHR2 rear...
I have SE4s on my ss, and have been pleasantly surprised at their grip and rolling speed. Not enough to replace the Aggressor, but still really good.
Another big fan of the aggressor. I ride in NC (leaves and pine straw over anything from slick mud to loose over hard). Great middle ground of decent rolling and predictable grip in corners.
Anybody have any experience with "Trail" tires?
I have always run Minion/Mary style treads in light casings for the trailbike.
I put a RockRazor on last summer, and holy crap I love that thing. Goes like stink, and has nice big meaty corner knobs. Now the problem - leaves and pine needles make it a bit psycho as you can imagine, so spring and fall are sketchy.
If I could find something in between the semi-slick and the full depth tread but with full size corner knobs, I think I could be happy with the grip/rolling compromise. Big problem is that most of what seems to go as trail tires has little side knobs. Do these people not corner? - or am I just a DH hack who has to rely on big-assed side knobs to hang on?
Then there is sizing. Normally a 2.35/2.4 guy, but people keep saying that 2.4-2.6 is the way to go now that we have wide internal rims.
I'm thinking that my 225lb "hacktastic"
These seem to sit between the Trail and the Enduro/DH with regard to knob size and height.
29" I30 rims
MaxxisRekon 2.4
Bonty XR4(SE?) 2.4
WTB Trailboss 2.4
Schwalbe HansDampf-2 2.35
???
I'm also good with an EXO/Snakeskin casing around here.
That or I just say F-it and go for a quicker rolling 2.3 3C Exo DHF / 2.3 Dual EXO DHR2 rear...
I go through this exact same situation as well. I don’t need big heavy tires where I ride the most, but I need tires with real cornering knobs every single ride. I am on the next r wheel set with 31mm internal width rims. In the summer, I ran the 2.4 DHR 2 up front with a 2.4 Rekon in the back. That was a good setup for me, as the Rekon rolled fast and the DHR made up for anything it lacked and brakes awesome. I tried another 2.4 Rekon on the front, and could not deal with the low corner knobs. This setup fits the rim perfect without being balloon tires. That said, it has done NOTHING but rain here for the last year. Seriously Ridiculous. Right now, I have a Magic Mary snakeskin on the front and a Maxxis Forekaster on the back. The Forekaster is surprising. It is light and can’t be strong and it is not a soft rubber tire, but it cuts into leaves and pine needles and soft wet ground better than any tire I have tried. And that is all I have ridden in in last few months. I just gave up and ordered two 2.6 Forekasters because I don’t think the trails are ever gonna day out here again for months. Also, I am not into balloon tires, but a lot of these new 2.6 tires are not measuring that big. A lot of them are like 2.45 or so and fit great on 30mm rims.
Id add the new Specialized Equalizer. Its like an XR /SE4 but better side knobs.Anybody have any experience with "Trail" tires?
I have always run Minion/Mary style treads in light casings for the trailbike.
I put a RockRazor on last summer, and holy crap I love that thing. Goes like stink, and has nice big meaty corner knobs. Now the problem - leaves and pine needles make it a bit psycho as you can imagine, so spring and fall are sketchy.
If I could find something in between the semi-slick and the full depth tread but with full size corner knobs, I think I could be happy with the grip/rolling compromise. Big problem is that most of what seems to go as trail tires has little side knobs. Do these people not corner? - or am I just a DH hack who has to rely on big-assed side knobs to hang on?
Then there is sizing. Normally a 2.35/2.4 guy, but people keep saying that 2.4-2.6 is the way to go now that we have wide internal rims.
I'm thinking that my 225lb "hacktastic"
These seem to sit between the Trail and the Enduro/DH with regard to knob size and height.
29" I30 rims
MaxxisRekon 2.4
Bonty XR4(SE?) 2.4
WTB Trailboss 2.4
Schwalbe HansDampf-2 2.35
???
I'm also good with an EXO/Snakeskin casing around here.
That or I just say F-it and go for a quicker rolling 2.3 3C Exo DHF / 2.3 Dual EXO DHR2 rear...
Do you mean Eliminator? I don't see an Equalizer on their site...
Yeah, sorry. Black Diamond should be available now.
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Who is on Miche Wild Enduro front and how does it compare to Magic Mary?
I was, for about 80 miles, before I started to tear off side knobs. Our terrain is just about identical to Las Vegas area & Bootleg, so very abrasive and hard on tires. But I can consistently get 350 miles out of a classic E13 TRSr (soft compound, OG version, not the new crap made by Vee) before the side knobs start disintegrating.
Traction-wise, I thought it was meh. Good overall but not outstanding on loose kitty litter over packed kitty litter. I like Wild Rock'R2 better.
That said, I imagine it'd be a pretty good tire for more loamy dirt.
One last note: I got this tire from CRC about a year ago at deep discount, before the tire was avail to the U.S. distributors. Early production model, I assume. It's possible Mich have changed compound, etc, since.
YMMV, but I suggest proceeding with caution unless you have dentist-level disposable income.
P.S. There's close-up pic of a prototype DH22 on recent Sam Hill bike check on Vital. Tread block arrangement is similar to Wild Enduro but the side knob spacing is noticeably tighter like the Rock'R2.
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Thanks! I prefer a super soft front compound, but that sounds like low mileage for a front tire to me.
I ride on rocks too.
I ride on rocks too.
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I think it's the fact that our dry/hard "soil" (packed DG) doesn't let the tall knobs penetrate deep enouth, creating excessive leverage and stress at the base of the side knobs. I think the tire will last longer with predominantly soggy climate and softer dirt.
The tire was true to its stated size 2.4, if anyone's interested.
I am done with the Gripton Butchers. They've turned into hard rubber monsters, super sketchy on slimy rocks and roots. They are good on dry/frozen trails in winter.
Ive got a few rides on the DD assguy. Its definitely my new favorite. Off camber slick roots and rock are a breeze.
Anyone running a DD aggressor?
My exo casing is pure shyte, rolled the tire of the rim once already on this trip running the pressures I prefer.
Do you like it?
I am looking for something faster rolling than a DHR...
My exo casing is pure shyte, rolled the tire of the rim once already on this trip running the pressures I prefer.
Do you like it?
I am looking for something faster rolling than a DHR...
Here. It's ok. You have to be easy on the rear brake, esp. in corners or off camber, otherwise you will make eye contact with your rear wheel while going forward.
this has not been my experience. I find it a predictable all rounder. Doesn't do anything amazing, but does most things well. I'm an east coast rider. the DD has held up for a full season, which is a first for me. I'm not blown away by it, but I have nothing to really complain about. except maybe for braking. it's not the greatest.
In some way I agree with what you say, it is ok, mine also lasted or is lasting since last year and on hard surfaces it runs pretty good. But throw some wet roots and loamy dirt in off camber situations in the mix and it gets funky. Especially when comparing to the DHR2.
Yep rocks, wet roots a hint of mud or offcamber and I found it loose as fuck.
That's why I ditched it and went to the Judge
I wouldn't really think that would be similar to a MM based on the tread pattern. That tread is much more of an ASSguy/minion pattern.
And why are you riding a MM in rocky terrain? Unless there's lots of sand/loose gravel.
Next rear tire for me. The Vigilante has held up great in the front and I like the looks of the Judge. Loos like a solid DHR clone with slightly taller side nobs.
Socal is mostly sand and gravel (DG) with sharp rocks and boulders embedded in there at many spots. I didn't mean to say I ride on granite or slick rock or sandstone much, though the MM compound is good enough for that too when I encounter it on road trips.
The MM is the best I've found so far for Socal. It brakes better than the DHRII in loose stuff. All I care about for local trails is for the knobs to bite as deep as possible, particularly so the front wheel won't wash, but also for effective braking at both ends.
The tires worked well in wet Nisene loam, mud and leaves last week too.
@rockofullr
The MM is the best I've found so far for Socal. It brakes better than the DHRII in loose stuff. All I care about for local trails is for the knobs to bite as deep as possible, particularly so the front wheel won't wash, but also for effective braking at both ends.
The tires worked well in wet Nisene loam, mud and leaves last week too.
@rockofullr
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Front or rear?
Rear.
NZ importer is sending me a Goodyear Newton to chuck on the bike to evaluate/have a play with.
Samples I've got look reasonably good casing wise..... I'm not 100% on the tread pattern, but we shall see, hope to give it a good mud/roots and rocks hoon next week.
NZ importer is sending me a Goodyear Newton to chuck on the bike to evaluate/have a play with.
Samples I've got look reasonably good casing wise..... I'm not 100% on the tread pattern, but we shall see, hope to give it a good mud/roots and rocks hoon next week.