Would something like the 1.9" Kenda Small Block 8 be a decent tyre for plenty of road miles and still be capable off road? Any other recommendations?
Kenda Dred Tread 1.8
ive posted on this subject before, but IMO SB8s arent that fast rolling on tarmac, but are on hardpack.
gp4000s
...and still be capable off road?
gp4000s
Errrrr....
IRC Mythos XC II's 1.95 - pump 'em up to 60psi - fang-bloody-tastic on the road.. and great off road too!
... Shame they don't make 'em anymore 😕
schwalbe rr's are good for this
geax sagguaro
SB8 2.1's are really fast n the road - but crap in anything wet
Specialized the captains are pretty grippy but fast rolling - I use a sauserwind on the back and a captain on the front - its a good combo
Michelin 'hard terrain'. Not so slick as a Furious Fred but similar concept.
Not to be combined with mud.....
I've found Specialized Fast Track to be a pretty amazing tyre. Supposedly a cross country race tyre, but I've found it be as good as anyone elses most places, including Peaks & Wales(where I wasn't the only one with one on).
It certainly rolls well on tarmac for an off road tyre.
conti xc's at 70psi roll pretty fast on road, and are still fine off-road if you don't mind things being a bit skittish 🙂
Panaracer Mach SS if they're still around
anything at 70psi will roll faster on a road.
also, a narrower rear tyre than front will help you rol faster (both on and off road)
Maxxis Ranchero are a good compromise
no_eyed_dear
I have a set of IRC Mythos XC II's if you fancy them.
the fastest rolling tyre i know is the Maxxis 330 but they are trash in anything other than bone dry conditions, great on road though.
Thanks for the responses - conditions off road are unlikely to be bone dry in the North of England in early April 🙂
I use Specialized Fast Track form my commute bike as I do a combination of on & offroad. I've been really impressed. Pretty useless on mud but have been pretty good at everything else and they roll well on the road.
You can also get them with puncture proof protection.
Maxxis' Crossmark (I've used the 2.1" in a 70a) pumped upto 60psi are pretty quick. Still quite quick at 40psi
[i]I've found Specialized Fast Track to be a pretty amazing tyre. Supposedly a cross country race tyre, but I've found it be as good as anyone elses most places, including Peaks & Wales(where I wasn't the only one with one on).
It certainly rolls well on tarmac for an off road tyre. [/i]
Fast Trak's are nice tyres but they are absolutely totally useless in mud, in fact one of the worst, most sketchy tyres I've ever had the misfortune to ride in muddy conditions. Fine on wet rock/grass, first hint of mud and they'll be useless within in seconds.
Schwalbe recommended me Smart Sams for a 50/50 on/off road event. Sketchy on berms though :/