So I’m replacing the Nobby Nics my Giant Trance came with. I’m looking for a cheap set of all rounders. Bit of trail centre riding and lots of Darwen / Rivington action.

I’m looking at Chunkey Monkey & Smorgasbord combination, £30 for the set.

Is this a decent idea? Cheers!

They’re a great choice unless it’s really muddy

Chunky Monkey is great on the front. Works well tubeless too.
Smorgasbord lasted less than one ride though (also tubeless) for me around Rivi… but I’m a heavy clumsy oaf.
Just pinch flatted the carcass on first descent of Icecream-run. Not tough enough and not enough volume for my liking. I’ve run dual-ply or supergravity rears ever since.

Currently have a Purgatory(front) and Ground Control (Rear), both in Grid casings. Bit more expensive than the ones you have suggested (which I have no experience of), they are made in the same factory as Maxxis and cost almost half the price. Yet the Purgatory rolls a bit quicker than a high roller and grips better, the ground control rolls just as well as an ardent, yet offers more grip.

OK thanks, so any preference on compound? Enduro or Trail Extreme? Maybe Enduro front and Trail Extreme rear?