I've got a weekend at BPW, then a few days in the lakes and then a week in the Alps in summer.
I generally run Magic Mary Addix orange snakeskin front, and HR2 2.4 Exo rear. 65Kg, 150mm full sus and have only ever trashed one tyre (spesh purgatory non-grid going down Dollywagon).
I figure a set of good DH tyres is a worthwhile investment, especially given the Alps trip. But they're really heavy aren't they, and take the 'zing' out of riding a bit.
Got me thinking that a set of trail tyres plus foams would probably give the same level of rim and pinch flat protection, plus sidewall support but weigh and cost much less.
Looking at 50mm backer rod or ratbite; can't bring myself to spend £100 on two bits of foam!
Any thoughts/experiences to share?
Super gravity carcass rear FTW, the new Hans Dampf would be spot on.
Just put rimpact foam in mine and it does give a bit more solidity and protection I reckon.
Rimpact are £35 a pair including valves.
Yea just found those rimpact ones (website is errrrm 'interesting'!). Seems like the cheaper foam options are starting to come out now.
Agree the HD SG is a great option but I can't see myself using it outside an Alps trip at 1.1Kg an end.Nice and cheap from Germany though!
Bonty SE5 also caught my eye, especially the fact they now do a 2.6 which would be great for the front.
I've 50mm backer rod you can have cheap if you want to try it, worked for me but upgraded to a Vittoria Airliner
But they’re really heavy aren’t they,
Yes, but not crazy compared to new fangled thick wall enduro tyres. How much of your riding will be uphill?
and take the ‘zing’ out of riding a bit.
I disagree. I don't know how much downhill riding you've done but if you're going flat out you won't be short of 'zing'. They'll also feel more solid in fast corners where a lesser tyre will squirm.
I got to the Alps most years and I always buy a pair of DH tyres before I go. I don't want to jinx myself but I haven't had a puncture out there for years.
I’ve 50mm backer rod you can have cheap if you want to try it, worked for me but upgraded to a Vittoria Airliner
Interested why you say 'upgraded'. Was the Airliner better in some way or just easier to fit?
I disagree. I don’t know how much downhill riding you’ve done but if you’re going flat out you won’t be short of ‘zing’. They’ll also feel more solid in fast corners where a lesser tyre will squirm.
Yes I get the fact DH tyres are better when riding flat-out on proper Alps stuff, but for backcountry Alps riding and lakes stuff I find them annoying.
I guess my question is whether trail tyres plus foams is 'enough' considering I'm not doing anything mega heroic in the Alps
In that case definitely. My Specialized Grids have been to BPW, Revs, Hamsterley uplift days etc.. plus loads of off piste Alps stuff. I'm trying to think when my last puncture was and I don't think I've had one on this bike so it's easily 2 years.
Obviously, one wrong move in the Lakes and you'll split them wide open. Which is where inserts will come in. I can't comment on them as I haven't used any yet.
i was getting persistent punctures on a 2.3 exo hr2 , tubeless at 28psi. 75kg, always snake bite holes in the top of the tyre, enduro enduroing. tried a huck norris, less often but still got them. Now DD tyre and huck morris, all good.
I upgraded because I could! Got the backer to see if it made a difference, it did so I bought the Airliner as I knew the backer wasn't as dense. It's better but not 25x the cost better!
You'll be fine with your plan I'm sure, but if it were me I'd probably go for a supergravity rear and no foam instead.
I have one on the back all year round personally, but maybe it's not rocky where you usually ride?
The new HD rolls very well FWIW
Thanks all!
Sounds like backer rod f&r, MM snakeskin Addix orange front and a HD SG rear is the best compromise then.
Rockthreegozy - I'd be interested in the backer rod but they're only £10 posted new so not sure if it's worth your while selling?
It depends on your alps. Like, around the tarantaise I've used and been happy with middleweights- SX carcasses, exo maxxis etc. It's not that the riding's not hard, it's just that things are less hard on sidewalls so sensible pressures got me through. Down at riviera bike things were jaggier and I ripped my exos to buggery, I would have had full dhs if I'd known.
Op, have pm'd you. Ta!
Been through a few EXOs in the last year, now gone for Maxxis Double Down casings and some Rimpact foams. Fingers crossed!
I've always done okay on supergravities in the Alps, on an enduro bike. Maybe go foam on the rear? I've never had any issues with the front.
I've always just run my normal exo casing tyres on the alps with no problems.
Down at riviera bike things were jaggier and I ripped my exos to buggery, I would have had full dhs if I’d known.
Yes I took full dual-plies to Riviera. I was ok but our group got through 11 tubeless worms (including one for Ady's rear tyre) and a load of DH tubes. The riding on the coast seemed particularly brutal for tyres. One poor chap had standard Nobby Nics front and rear. That did't go well.
It's White Room I'm going with this year, on one of their Chairlift weeks.
I take a fairly belt and braces outlook on tyres.
That said I do think that a different approach for front and back works well.
Your MM Orange up front with backer rod should be fine.
Out back a SG HD with a better insert, something mid range like the Nukeproof thingy is good.
Nothing I hate more than having to back off to protect my wheels and tyres.
Good trip that, enjoy.