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I’ve got a brand new continental mud king that I fancy cutting down because I don’t think I’ll ever need a full mud spike but find a Maxxis shorty great through the winter
How much do I cut off the centre knobs and what do I cut them with?
Cheers
James
Can't tell you how much to cut - but suggest measure a new XC tyre for a comparison.
I know 2 easy ways for cutting tyre rubber.
First is a hot knife for tyres as used in various motor sports, eg mine was used for cutting sipes into drag racing slicks on wet days. It's a bit like a soldering iron with a wedge blade.
The other is a very sharp knife dipped in diesel (you'll be amazed how easily you can cut with that), but make sure to thoroughly degrease the tyre after.
I use a Unior/Schwalbe tyre tread cutter, it has an adjustable stop so the cut is repeatable/consistent.
If you have a tyre you like (eg Shorty) I would use that as a starting point.
A couple of miles ridden on the road should do it.