I'm still looking for my goldilocks (27.5") rear tyre that I can run all year, I run a Magic Mary Snakeskin up front. My frame can take up to 2.5" so looking for a tyre with as much volume as possible, is tough but not too slow. They are on Stans Flow Mk3 (29mm internal) rims.
I have run a 2.3" Purgatory Grid (785g) and a 2.3" Maxxis DHRII EXO (dual compound, 800g) which I put a hole in the sidewall of both in the first few rides of each tyre. Between them I used a secondhand 2.3" Maxxis Aggressor EXO (dual compound, 885g) which was fine for a few months, it just didn't have the braking grip and volume I wanted. The Aggressor was the heaviest and also probably the smallest tyre so maybe it was also tougher than the other two?
Shortlist so far:
2.5" Maxxis DHF EXO (dual compound, 945g)
2.5" Maxxis Aggressor EXO (dual compound, 915g)
2.4" Bontrager SE4 (845g)
2.5" WTB Breakout (Tough/Fast, 1110g)
The DHF seems a fair bit heavier compared to the DHRII for the 0.2" extra size so the puncture resistance may be better? I also read they roll faster than the DHRII and will be bigger then the 2.4" DHRII.
The 2.5" Aggressor could be a good compromise but there are not many reviews out.
The Bontrager is their enduro casing but I have read mixed reports on puncture resistance, but they do seem to roll fast.
The WTB Breakout is heavy! Does the compound make it roll ok? I have a Magic Mary and Hans Dampf Super Gravity on right now (for a trip to Antur Stiniog) which are similar weights and riding round the Peak District, they feel draggy (but they are a stickier compound).
I think snakeskin Schwalbe tyres will be too fragile.
Any other tyres you would recommend? Any user experience with the above is appreciated!
☑ WTB Trail Boss 2.4" tough / fast
Ran a 2.5 Breakout for a 2weeks alps trip and it was great. It’s a massive tyre with good rolling resistance. I ran the tough high grip as the fast version’s rubber compound was far to hard for my liking, the high grip was perfect.
Got a WTB Breakout tough on the back of the bouncer. Massive and fast rolling.
where are you riding? Considered a Huck Norris type thing? loads of great tyres around now
What about a 2.4 Ardent
@qwerty - How did the WTB Trail Boss 2.4″ tough / fast ride?
@richwak & @psycorp - Thanks for the feedback on the Breakouts. I wasn't considering them originally because of the weight but it not all about the grams.
@howsyourdad1 - I ride in the Peak District mostly. Not really considered the Huck Norris but that's a good shout. Both the punctures I had were too big for the sealant to seal and on routes I have ridden before so bad line choice wasn't the cause. Maybe I was just super unlucky as I am not an aggressive rider but it has me wanting a stronger tyre for peace of mind. On the Purg the puncture was right by the bead so I couldn't repair it. The DHRII was in the middle of the sidewall so was repairable and luckily I was near the end of the ride when it happened.
@iainc - I'll add it to the list, do you know how it is vs. the Aggressor in terms of braking?
If you want better braking grip the DHR minion would be a good choice maxxis do it in 'wide trail' so it is a high volume 2.4.
I would get the double down as well if it's gonna be on the rear as it adds a lot of protection
It might be hard to find this flavour on the internet tho so you might have to order from lbs
OP I really rate Huck Norris, I only use it in the rear. I use with a DHR II 2.4 EXO 3c or in summer and Agressor or SS .I think its a brilliant tyre, best balance between grip, rolling resistance and puncture protection. I think the 2.4 is like 920gm..? so not lightweight no protection but not gravity type either. failing that, high roller 2 if you want less rolling resistance
@iainc – I’ll add it to the list, do you know how it is vs. the Aggressor in terms of braking?
Not sure how it compares as haven’t used an Aggressor but I do like the Ardent and it seems quite good in a variety of conditions.
Really rate the Supergravity Rock Razor, it’s big compared to its quoted size and works well in surprisingly wet conditions. Only issue is lifespan. If you can get them cheap still then a good punt.
WTB trailboss tough is a pretty good tyre but it’s heavy, it’s only a couple of hundred grams more but I really notice it. Quite often come up at sale prices if you want to try one.
2.6 Specialized Slaughter GRID. Spesh tyres blow up smaller than quoted so might just fit in your frame
If you run a rock razor or slaughter in winter mud as a rear you are braver person than i am. Granted wet rock mind
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What about a 2.4 Ardent
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I've just moved my 2.4 Ardent onto the back and put a 2.6" Forekaster on the front. Super dry here, gravelly and rocky too. So far very happy with it just generally mucking around. Heading over to Jarrahdale tomorrow (missus permitting) as it's a public holiday so will give it a good spanking and see how goes, but yeah, so far so good.
Thanks everyone for your posts. The manufacture of my bike suggested that the max tyre you would really want to run is a 2.5" Maxxis, so I think that would rule out 2.6" tyres. I have just managed to get a as new 2nd hand DHRII 2.4" dual compound, so will try that and also maybe get a Huck Norris too.