I’m incredibly fickle when running tyres and the fact that we have some seasons wetter than others doesn’t help matters any. To cap it all, I’ve three bikes, (xc hardtail, xc full suss and AM/Enduro/whatever) so its all subjective really.
That said, I’ve had great success running Specialized Storm (f) and Captain (r) on my xc bikes. The Storms really are incredibly grippy up front all year round, they feel like I can lean on them without any reservations.
My xc hardtail is currently running a Minion (f) and an Ardent (r), which roll incredibly well at the expense of traction – especially in the wetter months, but I’ve a High Roller on standby duty.
My AM bike is running Conti Rubber Queens in Black Chili compound. They’re a brilliant summer tyre, they roll very well and have a lot of grip but the slippery, chalky mud down my way is probably too much for them until Spring, so chances are I’ll swap them for something mud-friendlier.
Yes, you can run a Black Chili up front and a boggo Conti at the back.