Seems like the world has run dry. I'm looking for something for my wife's older XC bike. Something like an ardent race or similar in a wide-ish size (equivalent to a 2.2 / 2.3 Maxxis size). She'd just like something faster than the ardent & minion combo she currently has as she has a more trail / enduro bike now and this bike is better suited to faster XC work.
Any suggestions (other than buy a new bike!)?
I like Conti stuff because they're still making nice (new) 26" stuff-
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/tyres?f=2258,4294954480,4294957536,2247
I've got some 2.2 Trail Kings (Rubber Queen) spare here if they're any use? They're pretty light and roll nicely.
philjunior- Helpful, thanks.
The ardent race is discontinued and out of stock in most places, despite google search results.
I guess I'm really looking for alternatives that still exist in a 26" size. Unless someone knows of a stash of ardent race somewhere that's for sale.
Thanks, I'll take a look at the conti options. I haven't paid them much attention for a few years or so.
tbh even fast 29ers in 2.2-2.3 tire is hard to get i found. 2.0 / 2.1 in either 26 or 29 no bother
i wanted something like a fast trak in a 2.3x29 rather than the 2.1 x29 .... very little availible that wasnt heavier than the sun or just didnt roll fast.
ended up getting 2.3 fast traks from outside the uk (not brought in to uk apparently)
at a guess high volume/low tread/lightweight isnt really a high demand uk tire in any wheel size.
nextday.bike have a few
Crossmark II
Ikon
Racing Ralph/Rocket Ron Addix
& Merlin have assorted Contis & Performance Schwalbes https://www.merlincycles.com/mountain-bike-tyres-75332/?diameter=26-¤cy=GBP
Made by Maxxis but cost a fraction of Maxxis
https://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/TYOOSM26X225/on-one-smorgasbord-26x225-tyre
Brilliant tyres. Chunky Monkey if you want something a bit bigger
I like Conti tyres (Rubber Queen/Trail King are decent volume). Worth also having a look on ebay; picked up some spares there (old school Michelins).
For really speedy, Hutchinson also make some 'basically no grip but fast tyres'.
I should try On One (never have) as I generally get on with Maxxis tyres.
if you want a fast rolling tire dont bother with a smorgasbord.
wife has the 29er version on her mamasita . along with weighing a ton it seems to be akin to having the brake rubbing as you ride along in comparison to a fast rolling tire.... they also dont seem to be wearing which is annoying as i want to replace them but replacing perfectly usable tires (other than not rolling well) is not our style.
Well the first result I clicked (CRC) had 26x2.35 in stock - didn't have 2.2 but as someone else has said, that's pretty much the same as any other tyre size.
There's such a variety I'm always a bit surprised when I am actually able to get the stuff I'm after.
Some of the german places are pretty good for having a comprehensive range. But my point was you can absolutely still get 26in tyres...
Something like that should be fast enough.
Thanks philjunior. Those Rocket Rons might be just the ticket.
Evans have quite a few options:
Rear:
https://www.evanscycles.com/bontrager-2013-xr2-26-clincher-tyre-EV182272
https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-ground-control-sport-26-wired-mountain-bike-tyre-EV201140
https://www.evanscycles.com/schwalbe-racing-ralph-performance-folding-26-mountain-bike-tyre-EV204456
Front:
https://www.evanscycles.com/specialized-butcher-control-2bliss-ready-tyre-26-EV180930
I use a Purgatory on the front of my Stumpjumper & currently got a Sauserwind on the back, but will be swapping over to a Ground Control as soon as I get round to tubeless-ing the back wheel.
Between all the bike shops in Peebles, Innerleithen and Galashiels were two 26" tyres, a minion and a Hans Dampf.
Managed to find some Racing Ralph's on wiggle but was on a tight deadline to fly out to a race, just got them.in time.
This was the final straw to make me start looking a 29. The fork faff of the previous year was also not fun.
Does raise concerns about spares availability on a trip, can't just walk into any LBS and get something which will do, ordering online involves knowing you will need it and planning ahead