It’s new tyre time. Currently have an ancient MK/XK combo on a 29er hardtail, but realistically most of what I ride is hardpack, loose stone and slabs rather than anything more muddy/technical, and if I’m being honest it’s probably all doable on a gravel bike.
So, what tyres in 2.2-2.4? I assume any XC tyre short of a file tread racing special would probably be fine?
Bontrager XR1 on Evans at the minute (or were last week) for £12 a pop.
Bontrager XR1 on Evans at the minute (or were last week) for £12 a pop.
Had Bonty tyres on a previous bike, and wasn’t that impressed. It was some years ago though…
Heavy gravel - quick, delete the thread title before the bike industry sees it....
Given that some tyre manufacturers are going up to 55-622 which isn’t far off what I need, I was kind of counting on them seeing it…
Am using Mezcals for exactly that, 'gravel' rides which stray into mountainbike territory. Haven't tested them on long, steep or muddy descents right enough.
Thanks - sounds like that’s what I’m after.
Are you running them front and back?
Mezcals
I have a 2.3 on the front and a 50c panaracer gravel king on the back of my commuter/ gravel wagon.
I've only had them in proper mud once. It was the mudguards that were the limiting factor 🥺
Are you running them front and back?
Yep 👍 I'm occasionally tempted to leave a Barzo on front as they seem pretty fast also, but the Mezcal has never really left me wanting.
I have had Mezcals on my crazy drop bar MTB and have had Barzos on my FS bike.
Both are fab. The Mezvals are quieter and a touch faster rolling. Barzos definitely grip more when it’s soft. The Mezcals are pretty edge less
The liberal democrat answer is Barzo front Mezcal rear
Specialized Ground Control front with either the same, a Renegade or a Fast Trak rear.
Ardents. 2.4 up front 2.25 out back.
Ardents. 2.4 up front 2.25 out back.
Schwalbe Rick & Thunder Burts are popular in gravel racing but are actually MTB XC tyres
Just to be clear. Mezcals are really good tyres, but mud tyres they are not 😂
Just to be clear. Mezcals are really good tyres, but mud tyres they are not 😂
I can live with that. The X King on the back isn’t a mud tyre either…
Mezcals are quite rounded in profile though so they don't have much edge grip for off-camber sections/getting back out of ruts and wheeltracks etc.
Surprisingly good traction on the rear but on the front they can be a bit wayward.