Looking for a fast rolling UST tyre for my full sus bike to use in the peak and trail centers. Both the maxxis larsen tt and kenda small block 8 seem to fit the bill, anyone have experience of these, how did you find them?
Anything else I should be looking at?
I found the kendas sidewalls very fragile and I ended ripping both tyres. I now run continental x king and haven't ripped one yet
I've always been a fan of the TT's, Rear tyre of choice for me. Use a tyre with a little more bite up front, did have a TT there but found the Ignitor better. I ride forests and less rocky areas as a rule though, so the TT may be OK where it's a little harder.
Larsen on the rear, no real grip especially on wet grass but strong and fast. Good summer tyre.
Phil,
I used a Larsen TT tubeless at CyB, it tore on the 1st descent (maybe I was running it too soft at 30psi?).
I settled on a crossmax on the rear as they are fast but a little tougher and something gripper on the front - like a nobby nic or 2.3 DHF or even the 2.4 highroller 2, although they seem to come up huge. Ardent get good feedback too, but I've not tried one.
I have a SB8 on the SS bike & it is very fast & grips well on dry/fast clearing dirt (chicksands, thetford etc). I felt the lugs are a a little low profile for staying really connected on wet/muddier trails around Pirton & in the peak.- also they seem to attract blackthorn.
I have a few part worns in the garage if you want something specifically for next weekends trip (but they are not UST)?
I used Larsens when I lived in Brisbane… great tyre for those dry hard packed conditions. Rolls fast and holds on well. Not sure about using it in the British summer though, I'd head towards a Crossmark.
cheers for the info guys.
tthew, i'm also going to be using an ignitor on the front and mostly ride similar trails to you 🙂
adam, thanks fella will take a look at the crossmark and ardent. I'm not suprised you tore your tire up, at the speeds you ride at....i'm sure my more sedate pace would be a bit more forgiving 😉
Geax AKA or Saguaro also worth a look. I've used both front and rear at various times. Great quality tyres, seriously underrated. On-One had some good deals on them lately, including the TNT (tube/no tube) versions.
I'm running both. Prefer Larsens. I have slashed 2 x sidewalls on the SB8s and they wear a lot quicker than the Larsens.
The TT is good for loose gravel over hardpack but lets go really easily in loamy soil
Specialized fast trak control LK maybe, tubeless and tough with a Kevlar band / side wall
Larsen TT is a great tire. Good for front and rear when it's dry. You'll get away with one on the rear all year round for trail centres
Larsen TT if you never go round corners
Larsens are fun, but like any small block tyre isn't too hot when it starts to slide (which is quite easy).
Another option is the Conti Race King - probably a little quicker and nice round profile, which makes leaning into corners pretty easy. It's also a low, flat pattern which means there's plenty of tread in contact with the ground. Great in rockier areas (rode at a wet CYB with no problems) but worse than useless in mud (unsurprisingly).
Crossmark all the way. It's a fast tyre that still corners well. It holds a line as good or better than an Ardent but rolls faster. It's absolutely perfect for the rear, especially when combined with the brand new Maxxis High Roller 2 2.3 TR (tubeless ready)/3C/EXO on the front. The new HR2 is very impressive.