Bonty Big Earl tyres...& alternatives?

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Bonty Big Earl tyres...& alternatives?

12 posts & 7 voices | Started 1 year ago by fattatlasses | Latest reply from fattatlasses

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fattatlasses - Member

I'm investigating ideas for 'slacking out' the front end of my Trek EX by putting a tall/large volume tyre on the front. I'm currently running a 2.35" Crossmark on the back....which I like. The fork on the bike is a Fox F120mm, so I'm not sure how fat I can go in there Has anyone tried Bontrager Big Earls in the 2.5" guise, if so, how do they come up for size compared to say Minion 2.35's or Nevgal 2.35's? Only other tyre that sprang to mind was something like a Conti Rubber Queen 2.4, but I'd be interested to hear alternative suggestions.

TIA

p.s. FWIW, mostly ride in Dark Peak rock & bog-holes!

Posted 1 year ago #
Van Halen - Member

2.35 big earls are roughly the same size as 2.5 maxxis highrollers.

i imagine the 2.5`s will be mahoosive.

i like the big earl 2.35 wets as a summer tyre.

Posted 1 year ago #
rocketman - Member

Maxxis Ardent is just awesome on the front combined with a CrossMark. The 2.25 has tall, flexy sidewalls like a 2.4 but is average width for a 2.25. Not the lightest tyre but IMO the pefect blend of grip, speed and durability. £31 from nextdaytyres.com

If you are looking for an indestructable enduro tyre, try a 2.4 Nic

Posted 1 year ago #
Tracker1972 - Member

Got a 2.35 Big Earl Wet on the front of my EX9 and it is pretty large but not seen a 2.5 to compare. When I put it on I was more impressed by the grip than any other change to be honest. Would a bit less sag at the front and a bit more at the back make more of a difference?

Posted 1 year ago #
snakebite - Member

I ran 2.5 earls on my EX9, liked em, and they are big! ran em on my Soda and Remedy too but am now firmly settled on 2.35 XR4's...

Posted 1 year ago #
fattatlasses - Member

Ta for the suggestions.
I ran 2.5 earls on my EX9, liked em, and they are big!
It's good to know they can be shoe-horned onto the EX Interested that you've gone for XR4's, as that's what I'm currently running up front - I'm guessing the Earls are even bigger?

It's also good to hear that grip of the Earls is good and that the wets are OK for UK summer use.

Would a bit less sag at the front and a bit more at the back make more of a difference?
Yep, that was my first course of action, however, I find the bikes climbing character is a bit too draggy for my taste when run at the softer end of its sag range - and I really need as much fork travel as poss., so don't really get on with it in 'XC' mode. Unfortunately, for the type of stuff I ride, I think I'd have been better off getting a slightly slacker 140mm-ish travel bike, but I can't really afford to change the bike at the mo - My own fault, as I didn't demo the bike on my usual terrain....Doh!!

Posted 1 year ago #
mrblobby - Member

They are massive. Running a wet pair on an mmmbop. Can send photo next to a kenda 2.1, or get the measuring tape out, if it would help.

Posted 1 year ago #
fattatlasses - Member

Can send photo next to a kenda 2.1
STW to the rescue again! Wow, if it ain't too much bother that'd be great, as I run 2.1 Nev/SB8's on my 'XC' bike, so familiar with Kenda sizing.

TIA

p.s. don't worry if it's gonna be a PIA to get the photo.

Posted 1 year ago #
Ming the Merciless - Member

Another +vote for Big Earl Wets, however Bonty FR3's (2.35)are even better as a South Downs late spring, summer, early autumn tyre, they have low rolling resistance, are a bit sketchy on turn in before huge amounts of grip fully leant over.

Posted 1 year ago #
mrblobby - Member

Here's a few photos...

Sorry if they are a bit blurry, iphone photos. Comparison is with a 2.1 small block 8, though I don't think they really show just how big this tyre looks.

Posted 1 year ago #
Tracker1972 - Member

Z1ppy just posted this link on another thread. Might sort you out? Or a headset that allows you to change the angles like Cane Creeks or another if they don't have a headset for you.

Posted 1 year ago #
fattatlasses - Member

Thanks for the photos and info on the head angle changers (the offset bushing's a novel solution). Still think I'll go down the fatter tyre choice, as it's the combination of a little more 'give'/travel in the suspension combined with a little bit off the HA that I'm after.
TBH, I guess I'm being a bit princess & the pea, but I'm just after a relatively cheap quick fix, because I think in the longer term, I'm going to sell the bike for a 140ish travel job.

p.s. anyone want to buy a nice Trek EX8 with very fat front tyre

Posted 1 year ago #

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