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Morning All,
There is a very real prospect that I may have a small amount of time over Easter to finally get my new build built and actually get out for a ride.
Its a Scandal v2 that will be running SS and rigid and mainly used for commuting to work and as the weather improves and I have more free time some bridleway bashing too.
Currently I have a set of Geax Saguaro tyres fitted which have been used for commuting to xc races and blasts around the local woods etc however I was thinking as most of the new commute is tarmac/hardpack perhaps something like a Thunder Burt would give better rolling resistance on the roads while still affording some better grip in the woods for a quick play.
I'm coming back to riding after a near two year break so am a little out of touch with the latest greatest and all that jazz. With that in mind if going with a TB, whats the best compound/variant or if not what is a good alternative?
TIA 🙂
I run Thunder Burts on my XC bike. Rapid for fire roads etc, but next to no grip in mud or in sloppy corners.
How comfortable are you with a little wheel drift?
Won't find a faster mtb tyre on the road IMHO.
Also worth noticing I keep tubless sealant regularly topped up as they puncture and spray most rides- never had one not seal, but they are very flimsy!
Great tyre except that it got a great big slash in it on the second ride out on my regular loop. Had to cut it off it was so tight. Never again.
Racing ralph/rocket ron is still pretty fast but will give some grip in mud.
I ride a Swift as a sort of flat bar gravel bike with a lot of on-road used. I've been impressed with my [url= https://bicycle.kendatire.com/en-us/find-a-tire/bicycle/cross-country-marathon/kozmik-lite-ii-pro/ ]Kenda Kozmik Lite II[/url] tyres; they're not the lightest but suprisingly capable and incredibly durable.
I have looked at Thunder Burts (but never ridden them) but can't help thinking that they'd wear out fairly quickly.
Vittoria appear to be doing a wider, XC version of their Terreno gravel tyres, which look really interestingly. They're currently listed as "Available Soon" and when they're out I'd be interested in giving them a try - https://www.vittoria.com/us/terreno-cross-country.html
The Scandal is ideal for that job.
I've been intending to get a set of TBs for a while.
I've found using Schwalbe Big Apples to be pretty good for the purpose you have. They are virtually slick, but if you run at a suitably low pressure (15-20psi in my case) you'll find they get their grip offroad by conformation to the surface rather than geared to it by lugs. Basically ok for everything but slick mud.
The advantage is they're much more pleasant on road than a lugged tyre.
Here's my Scandal set up like that.
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Edit: those Terrenos look great. The little lugs on the side would give a wee bit more security on cambered dirt than the BAs I use, but the main part of the tread is similar so they should roll very freely.
WTB nine line on the front, and burt out back, on my commuter/bridleway basher.
Maxxis Aspen is another option, certainly for the front where you need more bite, and have less weight.
Now as it happens I have a new set of RaRa/RoRo's but I was thinking of saving them for a new wheelset that would just be for off road.
@epicyclo: interesting thought re the Big Apples. A few years back I ran City Jets on my 26er Scandal SS at low pressure that were bags of fun to blast around the woods on so imagine it would be a similar affair.
@pjay: The Komzmiks look kinda similar to the RaRa/RoRo type tyre so not quite what I was looking for. I was after something that would be less draggy on the road while still offering a little off road fun for when the moment struck. I know what you mean about the TB's and have read mixed reviews on their longevity.
The XC Terranos look ace but not available for now so will add to the 'maybe later' pile.
Schwalbe g one 2.35" work well for me.
Even done a black grade descent on them...
Saguaros are great for the sort of riding you’re describing, they’re a great shape and volume for soaking up the bumps too.
i certainly wouldn’t rush to change them.
The XC Terranos look ace but not available for now so will add to the ‘maybe later’ pile.
ZyroFisher are expecting them 08/04/2019.
www.tweekscycles.com/vittoria-terreno-dry-g-tlr-tubeless-ready-clincher-tyre-2006131/
Continental Speed King look good