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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
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    674

    Tire suggestions

    I'm looking for some new tires. Ride mostly XC. Right now I'm on some silty/clay type mud trails... slick. However, this summer I'll be back to the desert sand type. I know there isn't a tire that can do absolutely everything, but suggestions?

    Currently have Kenda Karmas. I like them on the dry hardpack, but they are wearing down pretty fast. As far as size, I've mostly only ridden around 1.95-2.1.

    I seem to remember a thread about this either here or powmag a while back (last summer?) but I didn't find it.

    Thanks
    -K-

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    So many of my friends swear by them that my next tire is the Panaracer Fire XC Pro.
    A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
    Science-fiction author Robert Heinlein

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
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    MT
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    Originally posted by InspectorGadget
    So many of my friends swear by them that my next tire is the Panaracer Fire XC Pro.
    Just ordered me some of those, we'll see if they are as good asy talked about...
    My Montana has an East Infection

  4. #4
    Join Date
    May 2002
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    Huh?
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    Hmmmm...just read about these and the DH Pros. I hate my current tires and sense that a set of DHs may be in my future. Good reviews in my part of the world.

    Also, this was on www.mtbr.com:

    "Note: buyer beware, from Panaracer's website (127 vs 66 tpi):
    Panaracer is aware that there are two version of the Fire tire on the market in N. America. One is made in our own factory and the other is made for us for OEM use. While Panaracer does not endorse the selling of the OEM version,
    through various means the tire has entered the market and has become available. We want you to be better informed so you'll make the right tire purchase for your needs."


    "Stay away from Taiwan made tires (66tpi). These taiwan tires wear out quickly, break off knobs, any don't grip as much. If It was made in Japan (127tpi) it is awesome. Colors look cool if matched to bike."
    "I knew in an instant that the three dollars I had spent on wine would not go to waste."

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
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    Shadynasty's Jazz Club
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    I used to get the Fire XC dirt cheap from my LBS. It's a decent all-around tire, and wears really well. I never had any complaints, and their even cheaper now. However, I haven't bought a tire smaller than 2.35 in a couple years, so I can't speak for the newest stuff.
    Remind me. We'll send him a red cap and a Speedo.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    Originally posted by Arty50
    'Stay away from Taiwan made tires (66tpi). These taiwan tires wear out quickly, break off knobs, any don't grip as much. If It was made in Japan (127tpi) it is awesome. Colors look cool if matched to bike.'
    Sorry, I neglected to make note of the different versions on the market; you definitely want the 127 tpi tire.
    A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
    Science-fiction author Robert Heinlein

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
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    6,097
    My favorite tire is the Conti Vertical Pro 2.3. I run them front and rear. They're advertised as a downhill tire, but are not nearly burly enough for that, or for big Clydes on XC bikes, for that matter.

    What they are is an excellent XC tire for riders under 200 pounds. They're light for their size, roll well, and have tenacious grip.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    truckee
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    3,137
    I have been running WTB tires for a better part of a decade (could be b/c they are 3 blocks from my house ;-) - but regardless, i would run them anyway - they are the shizzle.

    I run a BIG 2.4 Motoraptor upfront, and a 2.41 motoraptor in the rear..great all around condition tires.

    see www.wtb.com -= check out the pic on the home page - thaqt's my back-yard - good 'ol mt. Tam.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    if you don't have someone to do it with, it's not worth doing
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    603

    WTB!

    ditto on WTB rubber. best around.

    for XC, i'd stick to the tried and true VelociRaptor 2.1 - if its mud season, go with the smaller 1.95 version

    if you like big tires, the 2.4 Motos or the WeirWolf 2.5 should do it for ya.
    to all my friends, it's not the end
    the earth has not swallowed me yet

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
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    Where babies are made
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    If you like the WTB Velociraptors, you should try the Bontrager Jones (not Jones AC, but regular Jones) tires. VERY similar tread pattern to Velocirapters, but better mud shedding ability.


    Avoid the WTB Mutanorapter 2.4 race. More pinch flats with that tire than I can shake a stick at. I though more air volume would reduce the number of pinch flats, but the tire casing is just too pliable. Good snow grip though...
    Of all the muthafuckas on earth, you the muthafuckest.

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Oct 2001
    Posts
    674
    Thanks for the suggestions.

    A friend pointed me to this website. Not complete, but I like the content http://www.themudzone.com/tire/.

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
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    WI
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    4,398
    Originally posted by InspectorGadget
    So many of my friends swear by them that my next tire is the Panaracer Fire XC Pro.
    I rode with those tires on my old bike and they worked great in dry conditions in the Midwest. They aren't great in soft or wet conditions, but are still better than most. I would recommend these tires for xc riding.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    Originally posted by Grange
    I rode with those tires on my old bike and they worked great in dry conditions in the Midwest. They aren't great in soft or wet conditions, but are still better than most. I would recommend these tires for xc riding.
    Thanks Grange
    A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
    Science-fiction author Robert Heinlein

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