[Closed] 29er tyres for trail FS repurposed (temporarily!) into a bike pack rig

Was about to suggest the Vittoria Agarro, the Mezcal/Barzo are the XC tyres so might be a bit light on the build, the Agarro is the fastest rolling trail tyre, and Vittoria tyres roll fast anyway.

I'd be looking at the Bontrager XR. A XR2 in front and XR1 out back might work, or a XR3/XR2 if you  want something more meaty.

FWIW I never really consider the relative strength of sidewalls or such as an issue when bikepacking and I'm mostly on the sort of terrain you'll be passing over.

Thanks ta11pau1 - do you think the Mezcal/Barzo are a bit too dainty for the task?

I know everything will be a trade off - weight vs puncture resistance - traction and braking performance vs rolling resistance

I didnt consider the Bontrager tyres, or the specialised come to that....

Will have a look. Would the XR1 at 2.2in sit ok on a 29mmm internal rim?

Depends what risk of a sidewall slash you think there is, that's the last thing I'd want. The trail tyres also have pinch puncture protection (say that 3 times fast!).

Tread wise the Barzo and Agarro aren't that different

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TBH, at 80% 'gravel' I'd probably go for something XC weight. Just take it easy on any sharp/rocky bits.

Again, its the trade off. I think 90% of the time the risk of a slashed sidewall is low - however there are places that will have very sharp rocks. Plus the increase in pressure makes them less likely to deform around a rock and much more likely to be gashed open.

Something high rolling with good volume for comfort but with good puncture protection. I am not bothered about the weight. If I was - I should diet before the bike!

One of these (up front) coped with Lakes rocks at the Jennride last weekend. Might be a little bit narrow for you, but worth considering at this price. I had a Crossmark on the back, which was OK.

https://bananaindustries.co.uk/products/vittoria-peyote-cross-country-tyre-29-x-2-35

What's wrong with the Minnions? I think realistically if you want tough tyres, and the bike already has 10lb of gear strapped to it, the tread pattern isn't going to make a huge difference (unless there's a time limit/racing aspect and you think you might be close).

Unless you've got uberlight bikepacking gear I wouldn't worry about the tyres, especially with what tyres cost at the moment!

Thanks martinhutch - I think that would be good on the back. Its hard to tell but it looks like it would roll well. As you say, great price too

thisisnotaspoon - I just think the draggy DHR/DHF combo is way too sticky and too knobbly for the long days on much more mellow terrain. I am looking to get any advantage I can to redress my appalling fitness...

It rolls pretty well on the front, not the best braking hard in loose stuff but you'll struggle to find something that does both. Probably roughly equivalent to a bonty XR2. I have run an XR1 on the back with no drama.

If you are thinking peyote, then put it up front with a mezcal on the back. The peyote has a more open tread so clears well, but also wears fast on the back. The mezcal is the opposite and would be a good rear. Get both in the TNT sidewall/ G2 Trail for a bit of sidewall protection.

Thanks Yak - time for a spreadsheet to make a comparison table. #nerd

I've been running a Terreno 2.25 rear and a Peyote 2.35 up front on one of my FS bikes recently - feels lovely and fast (and Strava reckons so). The Terreno is a bit squirmy on anything moist but in the dry it's absolutely fantastic.

Also have Mezcal 2.6 front & rear on my hardtail and they too roll really nicely. Really good all rounders.

Minions feels like boat anchors in comparison.

tomtom - thats how I feel about the Minions. Fine in big mountain days where they are needed. I am just thinking 430km, over 5 days with 9000m elevation. I really want something higher rolling. I think it could be the difference between a broken man at the end of each day and one who can ride the next!

Jeez, yeah go for something fast rolling!! You'll be glad at the end of each day when the legs feel like lead and you're not having to push around heavy sticky rubber.

You could get a pair of these and then keep them for summer rear use for trail riding too.

Only a few left at £26!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00YHSXYHM/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Actually have an SS already but found the 2.3 on the 29mm internal a bit draggier than expected. Wonder if I am running on the side lugs a bit.

Hi,

I ran a 2.6 butcher grid on the front and a 2.3 wtb riddler tough on the back for the Jen ride (100 miles,overnight in the lakes).

This was on my geometron with 160mm front and 130mm rear.

The back skipped about a bit on one or two of the rocky downhill bits, but was fine else where. The riddler on the back makes a very noticeable difference after a day pedaling about. Mine has lasted me 3 years of peak District summers with one puncture and no cuts. Treads looking a bit tired now.

I'd put a semi slick style on the back and run your normal tyre up front. The ride won't be over if you are tired, It might if you crash.

If you don't normally do rides like that with the kit, you will be tired anyway no matter what the tyres.

I've been running the new super ground Nobby Nics (2.35) since January. I was a little dubious as the old versions were awful. However, these are completely different, they roll fast, grip is predictable, the sidewalls are tough and the side grip is superb. Have done hundreds of miles on them now from the worst winter weather through to the couple of dusty days we had in early May and they've been consistently good. Not cheap at £59.99 each though - if you can find any!

i run ardent 2.4 front, ikon rear on my smuggler most of the year. works well, rolls fast, is grippy enough in most conditions and seems tough enough.

Where are these über-sharp rocks you're expecting to come across on that route?

Unless you’ve got uberlight bikepacking gear I wouldn’t worry about the tyres, especially with what tyres cost at the moment!

I think everyone should experiment with fast rolling tyres at least once, I've stuck Terrenos on my 29er and it feels just amazingly rapid, in fact in terms of 'free speed' it's possibly one of the best upgrades I've ever made.

Am still learning their limits on descents obviously, but thankfully they're still fun, just a sort of sketchy fun!

@scotroutes - the track between Ockle and Kentra on Ardnamurchan has some really big sharp stones.

Possibly Corrieyairack Pass but its been years since I have been over it, I hear its had some work done so might not be too bad

OK, last time I was on the Ockle-Kentra track I was on a Fatbike so likely not thinking about it being rocky (TBH I remember the boggy bits more. )

Folk are regularly taking gravel bikes over the Corrieyairack so you shouldn't have anything to worry about there. I've done it on lightweight XC tyres and never really considered it an issue. Doing it W-E does mean you have the steppy water bars to consider on the lower/faster section. Just try not to crash into them.

Nice one Scotroutes. I can PM you the gpx route if its of interest

I've used the Crossmark in EXO casing as my go-to fast tyre but only ever on the rear, usually match it with a High Roller. Mrs foo went as far as doing a lakes loop with Crossmark + Shorty which she said was both quick and grippy where it counts. No problem with rocks either but usually have up to 25-30psi rear, maybe 35psi if lots of road, 18-25psi in front depending.

Thunder Burt or Racing Ralph rear and Rocket Ron front? I use this combo when I’m doing long similar rides on either my FS or full rigid. Might be a bit fragile though if there are sharp pointy rocks

I bought a pair of mezcal 29x2.6 on a good deal a couple of months back that I'm not sure I'm going to put to use now. Let me know if you're interested. I paid £40 for the pair, happy to move them on for that plus postage.

@davegt - yeah, I'd be interested in seeing your route.

Crossmark rear, vary tire pressure to suit, you have only 20% singletrack running a bit harder will help rolling along the tracks

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