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[Closed] What is a lightweight front tyre for xc and trail riding

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To go on my yeti ascr. Currently using Ralph 2.2 front and back but find the one on the front borderline dangerous in anything other than totally dry conditions.

What's reasonably light and provides a bit of grip but also fast rolling? Thought about a nobby nic but the new ones are an absolute fortune. Something from specialized perhaps?


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 6:32 pm
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R Ron is a good allrounder


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 6:34 pm
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I thought a Ron was even more racy than a Ralph?

If that's not the case then which compound, as it use to only be available in a pacestar version.


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 6:42 pm
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I am using a WTB trail boss as a front at the mo. My regular route is road , forestry track & some slippy slop with exposed tree roots. I'm well happy with it.


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 6:43 pm
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I thought a Ron was even more racy than a Ralph?

Its fast for sure but much more grip than a Ralph IMO. Works in mud as sheds well. Quite light, esp the 29er, without being too fragile.

Re compound: mine were the PaceStar Snakeskin which I have used front and rear in all sorts of different conditions (hot dry, loose/ wet, rocky).

Just to be clear I use a completely different setup on my FS for more gravity orientated stuff so not advocating them for any sort of 'aggro' riding.


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 7:06 pm
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Just to be clear I use a completely different setup on my FS for more gravity orientated stuff so not advocating them for any sort of 'aggro' riding.

Yeah not looking for anything particular downhill orientated, I have a mary on the front of the bigger bike.


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 7:13 pm
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I like the Vitoria Barzo,works well front and rear,light and good price too.


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 7:28 pm
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Specialised ground control


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 8:52 pm
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Another vote for a Ron here, noticeably grippier on a wider range of surfaces than a ralph imo.


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 9:05 pm
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Ron is noticeably nobblier than Ralph so will give you more grip on the front. Works better on the rear too when ithe slop levels increase - although can wear quite quickly on the rear.


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 10:50 pm
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How does the trail boss compare to the schwalbe equivalent presumably the nobby nic?


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 11:11 pm
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Got a maxxis ikon on my 29er done me through the bad weather.


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 11:14 pm
 Yak
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Ron or Barzos are good as a step up in grip from a ralph. Right now though I would be looking at a nobby nic snakeskin or ground control. Significantly more grip for the sketchy, sloppy conditions right now.


 
Posted : 02/01/2018 11:23 pm
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Maybe worth a look at a conti Mountain King 2 in black chilli / 2.2 size. Fairly light and I found the 2.4 protection version pretty grippy. Not a full on my tyre but works as a all rounder and used it in some quite wet conditions with no issue. Avoid the non black chilli compound though - it's like plastic instead of rubber in my experience.


 
Posted : 03/01/2018 10:40 am
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Works in mud as sheds well.

You must have different mud that we do around here! It's lethal in bog on the front.

As much as I love the tyre, it gets swapped on the front for a Nic or a Bonty Mud X in the winter.


 
Posted : 03/01/2018 10:58 am
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+1 Rons

I'm currently running Onza Canis & Svelte - comparable to Ron & Ralph combo. Just that the Onzas come in a stylish skin-wall.... :mrgreen:


 
Posted : 03/01/2018 11:07 am