26" MTB Tyre Recommendations

[FluffyChicken]

Continental is one of the best tyre companies in the world.
Their Chilli tyres are excellent.
Their cheap tyres in H......ds are dreadful.
It's a real issue. They want the volume market, but the grip is TERRIBLE in the base models with the same tread pattern as the expensive ones.

Blackwall? An homage both to Bowie and the amber-walled past....
'....Ground Control to Major Tom....'
Specialised do good tyres. Their 29 folding offer is very good.
Blackwall 26 2.3 Ground Control

We run Nobby Nics in 26 - OKish, wash out too much when aged.
Magic Mary 26 - heavy - massive grip up front - run that on the front and a lightweight on the rear.
Rocket Ron - Ok on the back, terrifying on the front.
Continental Verticals - threw Grom on the ground in a berm and broke his collarbone - part his fault, part the tyre's
Continental Mountain King - unpredictable
Continental Trail King in black chilli - grippy and predictable - watch that rubber disappear each ride - 1 gbp per ride for a 60gbp tyre is not good value

Different type of riding I think?

The only Contis I liked where the old Explorer Pro form about 10 to 15 years ago.
They where excellent for general riding and hit grass well.
until they wore out, but then there is less tread so what would I expect.

All of them are an absolute arse for punctures, never had more puncture than with Contis tyre, Explorers, Verticals, Supersonics(this is an effing shite tyre on all accounts)

But it's been ten years now since I have them up.

 

[charliealphamike]

It is a complete minefield. I really appreciate the help from everyone, especially given I'm not a regular (by any means) contributor to the forum. I've been away from MTB's for a few years. That's my only excuse.

It's really interesting to hear all the different opinions. I actually prefer lot's of grip on the rear and don't mind a 'twitchy' front end. Maybe that comes from being a 'climber' rather than a 'downhiller' and I think riding a Pace has some influence too. My impression of the RC200's is that they're not to everyone's liking. They have a very stiff frame and are tricky to ride and get the best from them. Quick but twitchy, especially on loose stuff.

I wish I could remember the name of the Conti's I had. Someone will know. They were dual compound. Black sidewalls and orange centre tread. they were just dreadful. Soon changed. It's funny though because I've generally favoured Conti's on my cars.

 

[FluffyChicken]

Traction Pro ?
https://www.google.com/search?q=Contine ... action+Pro

PACE ont moors, terrible things ;-) viewtopic.php?f=6&t=265123&start=10#p3009190

 

[charliealphamike]

Traction Pro ?
https://www.google.com/search?q=Contine ... action+Pro

Brilliant That's the one. Awful tyres. I hated them.

 

[g7jhp]

Re:

Panaracer Dart or Smoke for Amber wall retro look!

 

[mk one]

As you can see, tyres are very much a personal preference

If i was to recommend a tyre for the riding you describe, fast rolling tracks and singletrack, then it would be Kenda Small Block 8's or similar fast rolling tyre.

 

[2manyoranges]

Re:

In listing the tyres above I did have a think about the context....fast rolling tracks and single track

fast rolling tracks = low rolling resistance
singletrack (a place where loss of grip usually means tree meets person) = grip

these are slightly contradictory but a tyre with big shoulders and lots of support whilst leaning is important

I think I would would prefer to go slightly slower on the fast rolling track in order to be more secure in the singletrack
So avoid mad mud plugging tyres and go for something very grippy on the front - eg a low weight Magic Mary model
And something lightweight and fast on the rear - Spesh Ground Control or something similar

 

[charliealphamike]

Thanks for all the advice and recommendations everyone. I've decided to go with Schwalbe Racing Ray on the front and Nobby Nic on the rear (both 26 x 2.25). I like a front specific tyre sp this influenced my choice. I'm waiting for them to arrive but will report back on my thoughts asap.

 

[Huwsie]

Nobby Nics are great but really hard to find in skinwall 26 inch. In fact any skinwall 26 is hard to find at the moment

I managed to find some on a German website last week. Will dig out the link as they had a few in stock

 

[FluffyChicken]

5th post down from the start of this topic, two links. just tap nobby nic into the searches there, second one might be best (rose) as they don't show the stupid blue strip in the tyre and look cheaper I think.
www.rosebikes.co.uk