I cant ride properly off road for a good while (thanks to an operation) but the above should be fine. I am building my first 29er so I can go for gentle rides to begin with and then uses as much more of an XC bike than my current MTBs.
I don't want the tyres to be a total waste once I can ride properly again so I am thinking about Small Block 8s or Larsons if they do them in 29". I would have these on both ends then just use them on the back with a grippy front tyre when I can off road again.
Would these do the job or is there something better out there?
Specialized Ground Control would be my choice for a fast rear tyre that isn't completely useless in terms of traction or longevity.
I've got SB8's - they are fast and very grippy IN BONE DRY conditions. For easy cruise applications, on predictable terrain they should be fine even now.
Have you considered Maxxis Crossmarks? They are as fast as SB8, but they cope much better in harder terrain. And pup them up to 55 PSI and you're flying on tarmac!
+1 for crossmark, used to have one on the back of my FS and they are great everywhere except wet roots, even snow (less than a 5cm) is fine even grippy at times. The centre 'crossmark' makes them quick in a bolt upright straight line.
SB8s will be fine. Not sure if there is a 29er version but my CX bike is running fine on Sammy Slicks on similar terrain.
I had thought about crossmarks but have never tried them. I love Larsens on my 26ers and the SB8s look similar if a bit tighter spaced.
The crossmarks look pretty good and not a bad price. Should work nicely with a Magic Mary when I get better
Conti x king. I know that a lot of people slag them off but I love them, they roll fast and grip ok off road. Currently running cheap folding 2.2 set up tubeless as rear tyre on both 29ers.
Specialized Fast Track are a really nice fast rolling tyre that isn't totally useless once it gets a bit damp. Good value too.
I have similar requirements, went for S-Works Ground Control front Fast Track Control rear. Light, fast, cheap, grip but don't clog.
I have Schwable Racing Ralphs on my 29er for the same type of riding 😀
Check out Geax AKA's as an alternative to SB8's. They're cheaper and work slightly better across a variety of terrain.
Also the Geax Saguaro's are a good alternative to the Crossmarks. They roll just as fast, but they're grippier on softer surfaces, and usually cheaper to boot.
I may have some nearly new Geax Saguaro's going cheap if OP is interested in trying them out.
Jim
Also the Geax Saguaro's are a good alternative to the Crossmarks. They roll just as fast, but they're grippier on softer surfaces, and usually cheaper to boot.
Plus one, the 26" version is good too. On One often have them on offer.
Remind me of Hutchinson Pythons, but without their feature of attempting to kill you at the first sign of rain. Surprisingly good in a bit of mud with the pressure dropped (but they are no mud tyre), pump them up and they are near semi slick speed.
I've a Crossmark on the back and it's ideal for keeping speed up, a cheapo Smart Sam on the front works well with it, it has a bit more grip on the sidewalls but is equally fast in a straight line.
Specialized Control Fast Trak for drier condition, Specialized Control Ground Control for wetter condition, or run the Ground Control on front, and Fast Trak on rear.
avoid the "S-Works" version as they use a higher TPI count and less rubber, making them more prone to punctures and abrasions than the "Control" versions
suggest setting both up tubeless conversion, especially the Fast Trak which are relatively thin and easy to puncture if running tubes, especially on canal paths where people often drink and smash glass bottles
Mate has small block 8's on his single speed and rates them.
I was very happy with the Specialized Captain I had out back over the summer. I had a Purgatory up front but for what you want a Ground Control would do nicely.
I've got some Maxxis Ikon 2.2 tyres that I've just taken off a new bike. Interested?
Used a couple of times.
I use SB8's, very good, I use the bike in Woods (mud) so have put Beavers on for the winter, made me realise how good SB8's are in the right environment...
Schwalbe Thunder Burts (tubeless) on mine but they are super fast