South Downs Way 29er Tubeless tyre recommendations.

SDW locals.

Live close to SDW myself and want to do the full distance as quick as I can shortly ( when it’s drier ) with a puncture resistant tyre as the primary consideration. Have been using Maxxis Crossmark 29 x 2.1 LUST’s that seal easily, have thick side walls and have resisted flint cuts. They’ve been great. Before buying some more, is there anything else I should consider?

Puncture resistance, tubeless / UST ready followed by low rolling resistance are priorities in that order.

Thanks.

Funnily, i’ve just bought the exact same tyre for same reason of riding SDW.
I ran Racing Ralphs no problem last time, which were the old style that are now Rocket Rons…or Rapid Robs… i dunno… with the little square outlines…

I like the look of the Crossmarks though.

Ah, the ever present sharp flints in the south of England. I’ve spent a fortune on tyres until I learned my lesson and went with the most robust carcass I could find.

I’ve had great results with Specialized Grid tyres – I’m running a Butcher/Purgatory on my 29er Stumpy. You might want to try something like a Butcher up front for maximum purchase on slippery chalk and something fast rolling on the back.

dunno, but i’m planning on a 2-inch nano (both ends)

I’ve had great results with Specialized Grid tyres – I’m running a Butcher/Purgatory on my 29er Stumpy.

I’m a big fan of spec grid tyres. I run them on my trail bike. But i’m not sure they are the answer to the OP.

I like racing ralphs. snakeskin would be the one to go for.

Crossmark EXO is perfect. I live 2.5 miles from the SDW and use just that for XC

you’ll find that everyone rides everything. Some have had tyres ripped to shreds, some haven’t…

FWIW, I’ve ridden the (whole) SDW on Nobby Nics – were fine. I’ve ridden (parts) on hans damph (flint cut) and geax saguro (fab).

I’mn planning on riding it on geax sag rear, Bonty xr4 team front.

Ride what you have.

DrP

I somehow managed to tear the sidewall of a Conti X-King Protection in the first 3 rides (with inner tubes) before I even got to set it up tubeless. That’s riding on the SDW too.

btw some good offers on Specialized 2bliss here…. https://www.rutlandcycling.com/facetresults.aspx?Term=2bliss

Another thumbs up here for Specialised tyres with the grid casing. Good value, go up tubeless very easily and have lasted well.

I run Purgatory front and Ground Control rear. I run those all year round and they’re good in nearly all conditions. If I could be bothered to change it I’d consider putting a Slaughter on the rear for the summer/drier months. The GC carries speed pretty well though.

The only problem with Crossmarks is that they are really slow (not tried the Crossmark2, but seeing as it still has cheaper 60tpi casing and no 3C compound, probably not much improvement)

X-King Protection is probably a decent option, as ‘protection’ is a full bead to bead extra layer, not just sidewalls as some other manufacturers do.

IMO some of the burlier options mentioned in the thread so far are utter madness for doing a fast 100mi on.

XC tyres aren’t that heavy, so you could conceivably carry a spare if you are worried – its still less penalty than picking a slow rolling tyre over that sort of distance.

This thread has cost me money. Needs a warning next time.

Thanks for the heads up Horatio

DrP +1. I used Bontrager XR1s, as I had them, and they were the most robust tyres I owned. I’ve ridden up there on all sorts.

If I were buying something specific I’d consider some Thunder Burt Snakeskins.

Bonty’s don’t do too bad but on one ride I had 5 punctures in FR3’s! Saying that I’ve blown DH tires as well. Current tyre of SDW choice are ardents.

If I were buying something specific I’d consider some Thunder Burt Snakeskins

Seriously, don’t! Really, really unimpressed- burnt through, as in absolutely wore out the tread on one of those in less than a summer last year. At least it’s the first schwalbe I’ve killed the tread before the sidewall i suppose. The small block it replaced had done three summers of the same use- tread was worn but wears gracefully.

OP- I’d pick a small block or perhaps an ikon for the rear. I like an ardent up front in the summer. I’ll second the recommendations for spesh generally but have never got one with their faster tyres.

Oh, and if it helps a friend of mine did the south downs triple a few years back- he spent a lot of time on the downs training and always swore by small blocks front and rear. Suicidal in my opinion but very fast!

I’ve been very impressed with ‘normal’ Thunder Burts, no issues with wear, they last longer than Rocket Rons. I’d choose something tougher for the SDW though. It was grudgingly I didn’t use them when I did it.

I tried Honey Badgers, next one up from SB8 and whilst fantastic grip and rolling wise shredded both tyres in a matter of rides on flints.

If you can get the wtb ranger (non plus model) in their tough casing that might be a goer? Looks quite ralphish?

How on Earth are Crossmarks slow?
If it was bone dry anywhere in the south it would be Maxxis Ardent Race up front and a Crossmark rear; 3C TR.