Having been let down by one of my favourite Gravelkings and not having the usual access to my mates compressor I decided on Plan B . Knowing what a struggle I normally have setting up the GKs on a Hope Fortus 26 rim I decided to try Maxxis as I usually have better luck with them .
I actually read the instructions on the card ! Fit by hand only and inflate the same . Turns out that’s what works !Minimal prep fitted easy , pumped up with a track pump , satisfying pop as it seated 👍no wrestling , no swearing , no having a strop , surprised doesn’t even come close !
Fully expected to find it needing pumping up the next morning, a pound difference , 2 days and 30 miles later everything is still tickety boo , long may it last and surely all tyre fitting should be like that ?
Whether it’s down to the new compound who knows ?
Ironically a Maaxis Rambler (27.5 50mm) is the only tyre I’ve not been able to inflate. They were fine when new. I took them off for winter. But in the spring they wouldn’t inflate with an air tank. So i threw something else on.
I think it was just bad luck. I’m try again at some point. I bear the tyres no ill. Just part of the tubeless lottery
I’ve got normal Ravagers in 45c, they went on really easily too. Came off possibly easier than I’d like. Don’t think it’s just because of the new compound
I have these on Shimano GRX carbon wheels. They went onto the rims easily which I thought meant they may play silly buggers when inflating but no, the went up first time with a track pump. They roll really nicely too.
I had a pair of the older Silkshield TR ones and they also went straight up with a track pump, didn't even remove the valve cores! I think maybe the extra years of making MTB tubeless tyres first has paid off as I find those the same compared to some mainly road/gravel tyre manufacturers.
