Tire chat (nerds only)

luisgutrod
Profile picture for user luisgutrod
Posts
332
Joined
5/8/2017
Location
Paris FR
luisgutrod 2/26/2025 6:59am
2/26/2025 6:59am
Primoz wrote:

Dh front, enduro rear? Seriously? 

I have heard this before as well with the excuse of "good damped feeling in the front" and "little bit lighter on the rear to pedal".. so.. may be this is the case here..

notanengineer 2/26/2025 8:51am
2/26/2025 8:51am
Ritemance wrote:
Radials are not discounted it's only the normal bias tires. 20-30€ per tire. From what I've gathered for my purposes the radials have more downsides than...

Radials are not discounted it's only the normal bias tires. 20-30€ per tire. From what I've gathered for my purposes the radials have more downsides than up. I was thinking about it as small bump compliance and grip would be interesting but if the rolling resistance is worse then it's not going to be a faster tire for me.

Tacky Chan looks a lot like Minion which I don't like front or rear. More so looking for the better rolling resistance for the rear tire so Minion isn't very good there. I might move over to Aggressor if I stay on Maxxiss. Doesn't seem to be anything corresponding on Schwalbe. I don't think Nobby Nic rolls very well you'd usually want flatter more together center line than that.

Hans Dampf looks okay. Just with those small nobs I don't think it can match Dissector with the flatter longer center nobs. Especially with the horizontal cuts in every nob.

I don't really like how JVP describes the Magic Mary so I might just stay on Assegais. Still have 2 Assegais half worn for next season so will only need one tire to the front.

I feel I understand the Schwalbe tires now but gotta think about it.

notanengineer wrote:
The tacky chan, imo, rides like a much better DHF more so than it rides like a DHR - perhaps the best of both. I'll reemphasize...

The tacky chan, imo, rides like a much better DHF more so than it rides like a DHR - perhaps the best of both. I'll reemphasize that the TC has the strong corner grip of the DHF but requires much less lean angle, has the rolling speed of a dissector, but brakes as well as the DHR after a couple rides.

I had the same experience with the Magic Mary v Assegai in Arizona and California terrain as JVP. I did find that running low tire pressure in the MM helps it out a lot in the dry - still like a vague velcro grip feeling though. I found my self riding at 20 psi, and having to more purposely weight the front tire. There would be a small bit of vague feeling followed by a lot of grip as long as it was loaded up... not my preferred ride feel.

If you're schwalbe curious, i'd really recommend giving TC front and back a try. I used to run assegai/dhr type setups and was never a fan of the lean angle needed to ride DHFs... but the TC have been a bit of a transformative ride for me. The tire rolls, brakes, and just hooks up with not that much lean angle.

My next favorite setups are the conti kryptotal fr front and xylontal rear. Kryp fr will be more similar to the assegai feel that you're used to, xylontal rolls well but the corner knobs are not as prominent as the TC. Kyrp fr on the rear tire is great imo, especially when the center knobs are worn down.

 

Evil96 wrote:
i'm trying now the double Tacky combo and i prefer the Mary up front, it just digs when it's needed on the steep stuff, much more...

i'm trying now the double Tacky combo and i prefer the Mary up front, it just digs when it's needed on the steep stuff, much more confidence, on fast trails i struggle to find the difference, i also like the xynotal as a rear tire but find it slowe than the Tacky and with much less braking/wet grip, i really love the tacky as a rear tyre, rolls fast like a Hans Dampf, brakes hard like a Big Betty but it's more predictable 

What terrain and casing do you ride? I've only ridden the MM in super gravity ultra soft in the Southwest US.

At Sunrise bike park in Arizona it's probably as steep and loamy as Arizona gets, I did prefer the MM upfront to the TC. At Big Bear in California, thought, I found myself enjoying the TC more. FWIW, I keep both a TC and MM mounted up and switch them out up front as desired.

How did you find the cornering of the Big Betty compared to the TC?

 

Suns_PSD
Profile picture for user Suns_PSD
Posts
356
Joined
10/7/2015
Location
Austin, TX US
Suns_PSD 2/26/2025 9:41am
2/26/2025 9:41am Edited Date/Time 2/26/2025 12:24pm

I found the TC to be small and pingy.

I've never had any trouble leaning my bikes consistently and getting the tires to lock in until the TC, but my terrain is just loose rocks and half of the time, I could not get the TC leaned over enough to get there.

When the terrain was right, they locked in incredibly well however. But then even medium pebbles would have it skipping, slipping, and pinging.

I then installed it as a front trail tire (instead of on my AM e-bike) and it was pretty good there and being so small sort of fit those narrower wheels better, rolled well too. Yet it still had the same issue, if I didn't have something to lock that tire into, it didn't have that much grip and was vague. It actually worked better on the trail bike just because that bike sees a fair bit more dirt, and less loose rubble. But still a notable step behind, well sort of everything else I run up front on both of these bikes.

I settled for now on the MM US Radial up front on my Relay.

I settled for now on the Albert US 2.5 Radial up front on my Smuggler.

1
WhatsUpCountry 2/26/2025 9:56am
2/26/2025 9:56am
Primoz wrote:

Dh front, enduro rear? Seriously? 

luisgutrod wrote:
I have heard this before as well with the excuse of "good damped feeling in the front" and "little bit lighter on the rear to pedal"...

I have heard this before as well with the excuse of "good damped feeling in the front" and "little bit lighter on the rear to pedal".. so.. may be this is the case here..

I've done this before with Dissectors & zynotals in exo / trail casings + Cushcore. If you can get away with a harder compound tire, and your durability needs are more for rim-smashy / pinch flat stuff rather than punctures / tears from sharp rocks the setup will roll a good bit faster. 

Evil96
Profile picture for user Evil96
Posts
802
Joined
8/21/2014
Location
Portogruaro, VE IT
Evil96 2/26/2025 10:05am
2/26/2025 10:05am
notanengineer wrote:
What terrain and casing do you ride? I've only ridden the MM in super gravity ultra soft in the Southwest US.At Sunrise bike park in Arizona...

What terrain and casing do you ride? I've only ridden the MM in super gravity ultra soft in the Southwest US.

At Sunrise bike park in Arizona it's probably as steep and loamy as Arizona gets, I did prefer the MM upfront to the TC. At Big Bear in California, thought, I found myself enjoying the TC more. FWIW, I keep both a TC and MM mounted up and switch them out up front as desired.

How did you find the cornering of the Big Betty compared to the TC?

 

Right now in hard pack/loam/soft dirt and slippery roots

Super trail chasing 82kg rider 19psi front 25psi back

The Betty was ridden in different terrains but gave me the feeling of being great on braking, super grippy in corners until sliding suddenly, vs the tacky being more predictable

Mary I had many versions, the latest and favorite is the super trail ultrasoft

And I feel that when I need the tyre to hold the most she’s there, vs the tacky being great when I don’t need it too much ( when in the front ) 

 

1
Secondfavteacher 2/26/2025 10:24am
2/26/2025 10:24am Edited Date/Time 2/26/2025 12:21pm
Primoz wrote:

Dh front, enduro rear? Seriously? 

luisgutrod wrote:
I have heard this before as well with the excuse of "good damped feeling in the front" and "little bit lighter on the rear to pedal"...

I have heard this before as well with the excuse of "good damped feeling in the front" and "little bit lighter on the rear to pedal".. so.. may be this is the case here..

WhatsUpCountry wrote:
I've done this before with Dissectors & zynotals in exo / trail casings + Cushcore. If you can get away with a harder compound tire, and...

I've done this before with Dissectors & zynotals in exo / trail casings + Cushcore. If you can get away with a harder compound tire, and your durability needs are more for rim-smashy / pinch flat stuff rather than punctures / tears from sharp rocks the setup will roll a good bit faster. 

This is exactly what I'm going for. I want the front to be a bit more damped and "tracky", while the motivation for a lighter casing rear tire is to save some weight. I get along really well with the feeling of a MaxxGrip Exo+/cushcore combo. 

I have in the past found cushcore with a heavier casing tire to feel a bit lethargic, especially for day-to-day riding (which involves no shuttles of lifts and avg. 700+ meters of climbing). 

notanengineer 2/26/2025 11:43am
2/26/2025 11:43am
Suns_PSD wrote:
I found the TC to be small and pingy.I've never had any trouble leaning my bikes consistently and getting the tires to lock in until the...

I found the TC to be small and pingy.

I've never had any trouble leaning my bikes consistently and getting the tires to lock in until the TC, but my terrain is just loose rocks and half of the time, I could not get the TC leaned over enough to get there.

When the terrain was right, they locked in incredibly well however. But then even medium pebbles would have it skipping, slipping, and pinging.

I then installed it as a front trail tire (instead of on my AM e-bike) and it was pretty good there and being so small sort of fit those narrower wheels better, rolled well too. Yet it still had the same issue, if I didn't have something to lock that tire into, it didn't have that much grip and was vague. It actually worked better on the trail bike just because that bike sees a fair bit more dirt, and less loose rubble. But still a notable step behind, well sort of everything else I run up front on both of these bikes.

I settled for now on the MM US Radial up front on my Relay.

I settled for now on the Albert US 2.5 Radial up front on my Smuggler.

I think the terrain might have more to do it with it - I've ridden the TC at spider mountain and also at howler in MO and I agree that tires with constant traction are better suited to those areas. I also flatted a TC in the rear at howler when I caught a sharp rock in between the middle and shoulder lugs. The guys working howler all swore by conti's for that reason. 

For places like spider mountain, I wish conti would come out with a xlyontal with big shoulder lugs 

1
The Duffman
Profile picture for user The Duffman
Posts
8
Joined
12/5/2024
Location
Fresno, CA US
The Duffman 2/28/2025 9:44am
2/28/2025 9:44am
RiderMikeCheck1 wrote:
Don't save money by buying cheap tires. Schwalbe will be phasing out all their old tire (casings) over time. Go with Radial gravity casing if you're normally...

Don't save money by buying cheap tires. Schwalbe will be phasing out all their old tire (casings) over time. 
Go with Radial gravity casing if you're normally on Maxxis DD and DH. 

Ritemance wrote:
Radials are not discounted it's only the normal bias tires. 20-30€ per tire. From what I've gathered for my purposes the radials have more downsides than...

Radials are not discounted it's only the normal bias tires. 20-30€ per tire. From what I've gathered for my purposes the radials have more downsides than up. I was thinking about it as small bump compliance and grip would be interesting but if the rolling resistance is worse then it's not going to be a faster tire for me.

Tacky Chan looks a lot like Minion which I don't like front or rear. More so looking for the better rolling resistance for the rear tire so Minion isn't very good there. I might move over to Aggressor if I stay on Maxxiss. Doesn't seem to be anything corresponding on Schwalbe. I don't think Nobby Nic rolls very well you'd usually want flatter more together center line than that.

Hans Dampf looks okay. Just with those small nobs I don't think it can match Dissector with the flatter longer center nobs. Especially with the horizontal cuts in every nob.

I don't really like how JVP describes the Magic Mary so I might just stay on Assegais. Still have 2 Assegais half worn for next season so will only need one tire to the front.

I feel I understand the Schwalbe tires now but gotta think about it.

notanengineer wrote:
The tacky chan, imo, rides like a much better DHF more so than it rides like a DHR - perhaps the best of both. I'll reemphasize...

The tacky chan, imo, rides like a much better DHF more so than it rides like a DHR - perhaps the best of both. I'll reemphasize that the TC has the strong corner grip of the DHF but requires much less lean angle, has the rolling speed of a dissector, but brakes as well as the DHR after a couple rides.

I had the same experience with the Magic Mary v Assegai in Arizona and California terrain as JVP. I did find that running low tire pressure in the MM helps it out a lot in the dry - still like a vague velcro grip feeling though. I found my self riding at 20 psi, and having to more purposely weight the front tire. There would be a small bit of vague feeling followed by a lot of grip as long as it was loaded up... not my preferred ride feel.

If you're schwalbe curious, i'd really recommend giving TC front and back a try. I used to run assegai/dhr type setups and was never a fan of the lean angle needed to ride DHFs... but the TC have been a bit of a transformative ride for me. The tire rolls, brakes, and just hooks up with not that much lean angle.

My next favorite setups are the conti kryptotal fr front and xylontal rear. Kryp fr will be more similar to the assegai feel that you're used to, xylontal rolls well but the corner knobs are not as prominent as the TC. Kyrp fr on the rear tire is great imo, especially when the center knobs are worn down.

 

This is exactly how I feel about the TC and the Conti setups.  I came from Krypto fr xynotal rear and would have happily gone that route again if super soft was offered in the enduro casing.  I just didn't want to pedal around the DH casing anymore on big days.  So while waiting for the enduro casing to be released I decided to give the TC a try and am really impressed.  However, the Conty setup was the longest lasting setup I've ever run while the TC doesnt look like it will last nearly as long.

2
ballz
Profile picture for user ballz
Posts
464
Joined
7/30/2024
Location
Ouagadougou EH
ballz 2/28/2025 12:14pm
2/28/2025 12:14pm

How terrible are the tough/grippy 2.6 Terrene Chunks in the front? Buddy just gave me an older 29 rim so I figured $28 for the Chunk would not be too big throwaway money if I don't like the MX setup on teh Brönsön. 

ARonBurgundy 3/1/2025 5:38pm
3/1/2025 5:38pm
dancingwithmyself wrote:
I'm having a hard time drawing any conclusions from all the reviews and chatter on the radials.  Opinions seem to vary wildly.How many pros are still...

I'm having a hard time drawing any conclusions from all the reviews and chatter on the radials.  Opinions seem to vary wildly.

How many pros are still reaching for the paint pen and running non-sponsor tires?  Or have tires gotten better across the board and/or have sponsors cracked down on this?  

If it's still happening somewhat frequently, a very interesting data point on the radials will be how many pros we see running them without being paid to do so.  I'm generally slow to conclude that what's best for the pros is best for me, but I think it would indicate the radials give you something materially different from other tires.  And if the pros only switch for certain tracks or conditions, that would be even more telling.

ARonBurgundy wrote:
The feedback I’ve heard on the radials varies greatly, maybe slightly positive overall. It will be interesting to see what other treads they apply the casing...

The feedback I’ve heard on the radials varies greatly, maybe slightly positive overall. It will be interesting to see what other treads they apply the casing to. AFAIK teams were only using the radials in the wet last year. 

Overall, the tire landscape is much more competitive. We’re not seeing nearly as many of the top riders riding blacked out tires as even 5 years ago. It’s tough for the tire brands but it’s a good time to be a rider!

dancingwithmyself wrote:
Thanks for the reply and your participation in all the forums generally.  Recognize you're in a conflicted position, so understand completely if you ignore.  And I'd...

Thanks for the reply and your participation in all the forums generally.  Recognize you're in a conflicted position, so understand completely if you ignore.  And I'd of course appreciate thoughts from anyone else.

Do you think the wet vs dry choice has to do with the currently available tread patterns?  I'm not familiar with Schwalbe's lineup (I ride your guys' tires).

If it's a choice based on casing support on dry, faster tracks, any guesses on whether it translates down to regular riders?  In other words, I'm going way slower than those guys in general, but both me and them are going slower in the wet than we do in the dry. 

You're welcome! Always enjoy the conversations happening here on Vital. 

Our theory is it’s more about the casing than the tread patterns. Having a more compliant tire can be a benefit in the wet. Speeds are generally lower in the slop so damping and support are a lower priority. In those conditions more traction is more better. 

4
Jason_Schroeder 3/11/2025 10:57am
3/11/2025 10:57am

@iceman2058 just put out a 'First Ride' of Specialized's updated Butcher and Eliminator 

https://www.vitalmtb.com/features/first-ride-specialized-butcher-and-eliminator-2025

TLDR: Knob design of both models is a little beefier/deeper/bigger than before. Some slight changes in width/compound/casing options, but still the same casing and compound designs. And they're still a banging deal at $70 USD GridTrail, and $75 USD GridGravity. 

I'm sure the Butcher and probably the Eliminator have been discussed in previous pages. But still curious for those who have ridden the tires, are the new changes in the right spot? 

Personally, I think the Butcher is a solid all-terrain option. Rolls pretty fast, predictable when leaning over, and decent braking bite. Taller and deeper knobs sounds like a plus to help the tire grip is looser/deeper soil—conditions I don't think the first gen tread wasn't amazing. I've only ever ridden the Eliminator in the rear and it had the tendency to kick out when driving energy into corners, and was not great for trying to slow down on steep or loose trails. So less ramped center knobs and bigger knobs sound like it makes the tire more appropriate for a Stumpy-esque bike. 

3
ballz
Profile picture for user ballz
Posts
464
Joined
7/30/2024
Location
Ouagadougou EH
ballz 3/11/2025 11:38am
3/11/2025 11:38am

I always wanted the Butcher to be a little meatier in the front and the Eliminator a little faster rolling in the rear. Sounds like that's happening with the Butcher, but the Eliminator is moving in the opposite direction? Also, the article says that Eliminator is available in T7 or T7/T9, but the list of sizes only shows it available in T9 or T7/T9, so perhaps that needs to be fixed.

2
iceman2058 3/11/2025 12:29pm
3/11/2025 12:29pm
ballz wrote:
I always wanted the Butcher to be a little meatier in the front and the Eliminator a little faster rolling in the rear. Sounds like that's...

I always wanted the Butcher to be a little meatier in the front and the Eliminator a little faster rolling in the rear. Sounds like that's happening with the Butcher, but the Eliminator is moving in the opposite direction? Also, the article says that Eliminator is available in T7 or T7/T9, but the list of sizes only shows it available in T9 or T7/T9, so perhaps that needs to be fixed.

Good catch! Yep, there was a typo in the spec list in the article (copy-pasted from the press kit we received). The Grid Trail version of the Eliminator is T7 only, while the Grid Gravity version gets the T7/T9 dual-compound.

As for rolling speed, I always felt like the Eliminator rolls on pretty well for such a beefy tread pattern. I've only spent a couple of days on this new model but so far that sensation remains, I feel like it pedals and rolls like the previous version (all very non-scientific, I know...).

3
ballz
Profile picture for user ballz
Posts
464
Joined
7/30/2024
Location
Ouagadougou EH
ballz 3/11/2025 1:38pm
3/11/2025 1:38pm
iceman2058 wrote:
Good catch! Yep, there was a typo in the spec list in the article (copy-pasted from the press kit we received). The Grid Trail version of...

Good catch! Yep, there was a typo in the spec list in the article (copy-pasted from the press kit we received). The Grid Trail version of the Eliminator is T7 only, while the Grid Gravity version gets the T7/T9 dual-compound.

As for rolling speed, I always felt like the Eliminator rolls on pretty well for such a beefy tread pattern. I've only spent a couple of days on this new model but so far that sensation remains, I feel like it pedals and rolls like the previous version (all very non-scientific, I know...).

I guess I am never happy with the rolling resistance of any tire in the rear, apart from semi slicks, and wished the Eliminator were a slightly grippier and better braking Slaughter. Is the new Butcher really only available as 2.2 in the 27.5 Grid Trail casing? (FU Spesh if so)

andyjr77
Profile picture for user andyjr77
Posts
50
Joined
7/13/2012
Location
GB
andyjr77 3/11/2025 2:25pm
3/11/2025 2:25pm

Talking of the Slaughter, I'd love to see that return as a Grid Gravity.

1llumA
Profile picture for user 1llumA
Posts
212
Joined
3/11/2020
Location
CA
1llumA 3/11/2025 3:48pm
3/11/2025 3:48pm
ballz wrote:
I guess I am never happy with the rolling resistance of any tire in the rear, apart from semi slicks, and wished the Eliminator were a...

I guess I am never happy with the rolling resistance of any tire in the rear, apart from semi slicks, and wished the Eliminator were a slightly grippier and better braking Slaughter. Is the new Butcher really only available as 2.2 in the 27.5 Grid Trail casing? (FU Spesh if so)

I think this is another typo from the press kit. Canadian Specialized website list both grid trail tire available in 27.5x2.4 and no mention of 2.2 option.

2
sprungmass
Profile picture for user sprungmass
Posts
236
Joined
3/1/2023
Location
Calgary, AB CA
sprungmass 3/18/2025 7:29am
3/18/2025 7:29am Edited Date/Time 3/18/2025 9:29am
iceman2058 wrote:

SuperSoft Enduro Contis are finally here: https://www.vitalmtb.com/news/press-release/continental-releases-supersoft-enduro-tires-and-more-sizes.

TEAMROBOT wrote:

FINALLY

Seriously, this might be the most requested tire spec out there. A lightweight rider like myself has no business running a DH casing front tire. I hope this is not just a paper launch because I would love one for my upcoming Arizona trip.

Edit: My Canadian local shop's distributor should be getting these in 6-8 weeks. R2-Bike already has them in stock!

1
rockies_alpine 3/21/2025 4:52pm
3/21/2025 4:52pm

The old Eliminator is the tire I always wanted the Dissector to be - faster rolling than DHR2 or similar, decent all-arounder, good wear characteristics and good enough cornering traction for the compromises. I always rode it in 2.6 29" T7/9 gravity and never found it lacking in cornering prowess because it has the same side knobs as the old Butcher.

If they beefed it up a bit, while still keeping the spirit of the old one, I'm very excited to try it.

4
Pedal Bob
Profile picture for user Pedal Bob
Posts
230
Joined
1/30/2025
Location
H NO
Pedal Bob 3/29/2025 1:10am
3/29/2025 1:10am

I'm waiting for Big Betty in radial version, ultra soft and something enduro like casing(why do they change casing names between tire models...)

They got Magic Mary, Ultra soft and trail pro casing so that's got the front end covered, I just want to try radial on both ends at the same time and with new rubber. Personally I ride mixed conditions all the time so I have no desire for the Albert tire as that to me seems like a hardpack tire.

So, Big Betty radial need to hit the market soon and in a good offering of compound and casings.

2
Primoz
Profile picture for user Primoz
Posts
4519
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
SI
Primoz 3/29/2025 2:02am
3/29/2025 2:02am

Trail is the Maxxis equivalent of exo, for enduro you need the gravity casing. They also have a DH casing, so a bit confusing to be honest... 

1
4
Pedal Bob
Profile picture for user Pedal Bob
Posts
230
Joined
1/30/2025
Location
H NO
Pedal Bob 3/29/2025 2:38am
3/29/2025 2:38am

Bike Park

DD

Super Downhill

Super Gravity

Gravity Pro

Super Ground

Super Trail

Trail Pro

-------------------------------------------------------

This might not be in the correct chronological order, so just look at it as a list of a variety of casing types. I'm so far used to Maxxis and have an ok understanding of their chain of thought. For me personally you should use the same names for casing type between all the tires so people can easily know what to expect. 

I'm looking for something at least as tough as an Exo+ and which of the Gravity Pro, Super Ground, Super Trail or Trail pro versions is that and what are these compared to the Maxxis system? 

Primoz
Profile picture for user Primoz
Posts
4519
Joined
8/1/2009
Location
SI
Primoz 3/29/2025 2:47am
3/29/2025 2:47am

FWIW a fairly stout friend of mine destroyed exo casings but is living with the trail (super trail? Not sure) casing with no problems. Not sure which Schwalbe casing best maps to exo+though. Looking at the weight might give some clues too as long as the tread pattern and dimensions are the same. 

Pedal Bob
Profile picture for user Pedal Bob
Posts
230
Joined
1/30/2025
Location
H NO
Pedal Bob 3/29/2025 3:09am
3/29/2025 3:09am Edited Date/Time 3/29/2025 3:11am

They add the Pro to the casing type for the radial tires so looks like Super Trail is Trail Pro and Super Gravity is Gravity Pro equivalent.

In terms of Exo there is a big difference between Exo and Exo+ so it's important to see that I'm looking for Exo+ equivalent. I've used that casing for 3 seasons and no flats so far, so that's why I just want something in that range. Looks like it must be Trail Pro in Schwalbe radial tires by looking at the weight.

 

1
AndehM
Profile picture for user AndehM
Posts
599
Joined
5/7/2018
Location
El Granada, CA US
AndehM 3/29/2025 7:26am
3/29/2025 7:26am

For the Schwalbe Radials, Trail is akin in thickness and weight to Maxxis EXO+ and Conti Enduro. Their Gravity is more like Maxxis DD or Conti DH thickness, but closer to Maxxis DH weight. 

Some actual weights to back this up for tires I've purchased:

 Albert Trail Pro Ultra Soft 29:  1,163g.  Albert Gravity Pro Soft 27.5:  1,289g

Magic Mary Trail Pro Ultra Soft 29:  1,170g.  Magic Mary Gravity Pro Soft 27.5:  1,235g

Conti Kryptotal Front 29 DH SS:  1,263g.  Kryptotal Rear 27.5 DH SS:  1,198g

Maxxis Assegai 29 DD MG:  1,284g.  Maxxis Assegai 29 DH MG:  1,370g.  DHR 27.5 DD MT:  1,118g.  DHR 27.5 DH MG:  1,198g

8
sprungmass
Profile picture for user sprungmass
Posts
236
Joined
3/1/2023
Location
Calgary, AB CA
sprungmass 4/10/2025 9:14am
4/10/2025 9:14am

Anyone else stoked about the new fast Conti tires? I love fast rolling tires on my short travel trail / Downcountry bike and find Maxxis offerings are a bit on the heavy side. Right now my two favourite combos are Forekaster front / Rekon rear OR DHF DC front and Forekaster rear. These combos are 1,755g and 1,865g respectively (EXO/29x2.4)

When looking at these new Conti tires, a Magnotal Soft front (855g) and Trinotal Grip rear (720g) for a total of 1,575g would be pretty rad. 

5
cheapondirt 4/13/2025 8:37pm
4/13/2025 8:37pm

Current setup: front - Hillbilly grid trail t9 27.5; Rear - Kryptotal Re enduro soft 26"

This has been a very good pairing, but I'm contemplating changing the front for something more planted on hardpack this spring. I still want it to work as best as possible in the loose.

The Schwalbe Albert has my attention at the moment, because it's the only 27.5 radial that comes in the trail casing. (Yes, I care about the extra ~150g on the gravity casing. I want to keep my mini mullet feeling agile!)

My concern with the Albert is that there might not be enough tread depth to deal well with anything soft or loose, and for the same reason, it might not pair very well with the rear Kryptotal, which is a tall tread with awesome mechanical grip.

Valid concern or am I overthinking it?

2

Post a reply to: Tire chat (nerds only)