Just got a stunning new Genesis IO ID. Regretably it has Mountain Kings front and back and looking at changing without delay.
I appreciate this nas no doubt been asked numerous times but can anyone briefly tell me the best combination for some 2.2-2.3 wide tyres, general XC use but good rollers are also prefered.
Many thanks
Soooooo subjective, but suppose it doesn't hurt to give a few ideas... You're right to bin the mountain kings though!
Anyway, FWIW, I've tried numerous light/fast/grippy combos in the 2.2-2.3" category over the last few years and I finally think I've found my Holy Grail... Got a 2.25 Maxxis Crossmark on the back of my Genesis Altitude, and a Bontrager XR4 2.2" up front, both run tubeless on 26mm wide rims.
I've tried hard to unstick them, but even in the sopping wet north Wales last weened, they stuck like glue! Would say there's probably better tyres for out and out mud use, but this combo has now become my default 9 months of the year set I reckon...
appreciate this nas no doubt been asked numerous times but can anyone briefly tell me the best combination for some 2.2-2.3 wide tyres, general XC use but good rollers are also prefered.Many thanks
Have you tried Mountain Kings?
Thank Mboy.
Tree-magnet,Yes I had Mountain kings on my 5SE, they were as good as the reviews they get!
crossmarks have quite limited grip IME. They grip ok on hardpack or stone /rocks - but not small loose stuff. I am assume they are ok for trail centre use but I rarely ride there and they terrible for mud as a quick look at the tread will suggest. Limited use tyre IME- ok if you have numerous bikes or wheels but i would not have them as my only set.
See all subjective.
Bontrager XR4 2.2 front and back - only when the mud gets really deep and sticky does their large volume become an issue - the rest of the time they roll pretty well, grip hard in all directions and resist clogging. Tubeless FTW.
Did you try Mountain Kings in a Black Chili compound? The OE rubber is rubbish, but BC is awesome!
I appreciate this nas no doubt been asked numerous times
About every 2 days on here. Does anyone know how to use the search button?
No such thing as best obviously. I'm liking Specialized Eskars just now.
crossmarks have quite limited grip IME. They grip ok on hardpack or stone /rocks - but not small loose stuff. I am assume they are ok for trail centre use but I rarely ride there and they terrible for mud as a quick look at the tread will suggest. Limited use tyre IME- ok if you have numerous bikes or wheels but i would not have them as my only set.
See all subjective.
The 2.25" Crossmark has quite a bit deeper tread than the 2.1" and the 60a compound is quite a lot grippier. I'd say they're far from a single use tyre, I've used mine in various conditions now and it has gripped better than anything else I've used out back! They're also a very predictable tyre when they do let go which to me is very important. Again not gonna be great in deep mud, but for most trails, for about 9 months of the year, they'll be spot on!
Bontrager XR4 most likely won't fit on the back by the way, the height of the side knobbles meant on my Altitude and my maverick that it was just slightly too big for the back... Great on the front though, bit like a lighter, fatter, faster rolling Minion!
Not one that gets mentioned very often but I'm running maxxis ignitors in the 2.3 flavour. Really like them fast rolling great in the dry and not all that bad in the all but the most wet and clagy conditions.
I'm a big fan if crossmarks too, only on the rear though. I find them predictable, hard wearing and quick.
Bontrager FR3 in all but the worst conditions.
After a few slides with NN's on I've put the "autumn" 
combo of high roller front and cross mark rear this weekend
2.35 Ardent/ 2.1Crossmark on my SS here..
Spotty dog IMHO.
With regard to plastic OEM tyres - I've had Ignitors and Rocket Rons as OEM tyres and no recommendation on this earth would make me part with my hard-earned to get the "proper" rubber versions due to the near-death experiences meted out by their cheapo bretheren. Maybe if someone sent me some proper ones, gratis, like...
Currently running Maxxis ADvantage 2.1s (62a) F&R on the Spark and Nobby Nic Evo 2.25(Fr), ADvantage 2.1(R) on the H/T - seems to work pretty well.
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