Tyres for the Alps?

The last two trips I have fitted the reliable combination of minion front and high roller rear. These are probably due to be replaced in time for the august trip out (used the big ones just for the alps trips, 2.35s back at home) so before I click on a fresh pair, is there anything else I should consider. Need some convincing as the maxxis combo feels to work well.

HR2 or Minion 2 maybe.

Never got on with the mix n match idea as HR was too square to go with the rounder Minion felt weird leaning into corners

Good point. They do have very different profiles but I’m not sure I noticed at my modest speeds! Oh, and they needto be reasonably priced too!

Good point. They do have very different profiles but I’m not sure I noticed at my modest speeds! Oh, and they needto be reasonably priced too!

check the specializd clutch and butcher tyres. come in a 1.5 ply casing that’s both sturdy and reasonably light (<1kg). Can be found quite cheap too.

Liking my Hans Dampfs

You should definately consider the Dampfs. I’ve sets of HR’s and Minions and of course, good reliable tyres. But the Dampfs are a all round great tyre, lighter, just as strong and grip superbly. Best tyre I’ve ran.

I’ve been running the Hans Dampf is Les Gets for the last 10 days – great tyre.

What flavour of alp? Some holidays go down, some go up and down…

Going with SX-carcass Specializeds myself, probably run ’em tubeless, see how that goes- too draggy for a ride-up-and-down but we’re going for the middle ground.

Happy with a HR on the back, dual ply, 2.5 and a super tacky 2.5 Minion fr up front for the Alps.

I always take some mud tyres too, saved more than a few days enjoyment rather than just surviving.

Currently a Fat Albert up front and HR at the back. Only had an Albert on for a couple of weeks but I love it, nice confidence building grip.

Mrs Meribelmtb is on Fat Alberts front and rear and they are in great nick after a seasons’ punishment last year and the start of this.

Minions,end of.

2x Specialized Clutch SX, or a High Roller dual ply rear for a bit more peace of mind over the 1.5 of the sx casing.. I don’t find the Clutches very draggy really, fine for any kind of riding imo. Plus they’re way lighter than Maxxis alternatives, and easy to get off the rim!

I just did a week in Les arcs on some Hans dampfs and I was really impressed, but you dont need anything different to what youre running in the UK.
its still mud roots and rocks.

_tom_ – Member

I don’t find the Clutches very draggy really, fine for any kind of riding imo.

You sir have bigger legs than me 😆 I got very grumpy while pedalling a pair of clutches round glentress black, chasing a mate who was braking for sections I had to pedal through to keep up

mainly down, a little up but not fast when going down.
no whips,big air or gnarr

oh…and hans dampf look too expensive

Check bike discount in Germany for reasonably priced Schwable and continental tyres.

Any experience of Conti Rubber Queens in the Alps?

I’ve got a pair of 2.4 Rubber Queens which seem good, but worried about puncture resistance.

Rubber queens have had problems with losing their shape if landed on hardish
Mine went, replaced by conti under warranty
Looking on Internet a few people ha.ve experienced same problem

Northwind I’m only comparing them to Minions/High Rollers so probably not the best indicator. I don’t think they slow me down that much though and are more confidence inspiring than faster rolling tyres so in that respect I might be faster on them anyway.

Just fitted my Clutch SXs ready for Alpe D’Heuz in a couple of weeks. Will report back on their suitability when I return!

The Specialized Clutch SX Tyre is a high-end all mountain/freeride/DH performance tyre. The Clutch SX is designed for intermediate and loamy conditions, down to the extreme wet weather terrain at the North Shore. Perfect for gravity riders looking for a 300g lighter option than Clutch DH. A 60 TPI…

So? Are the Alps classed as “intermediate” terrain?

got a minion rear specific 2.5″ 60a durometer for £19.99 from terrain at the weekend to go with the “it’ll last another trip” 2.5 minion in super tacky up front.
sorted.

Rubber queens have had problems with losing their shape if landed on hardish

How on earth does that happen?

easygirl – Member

Rubber queens have had problems with losing their shape if landed on hardish
Mine went, replaced by conti under warranty
Looking on Internet a few people ha.ve experienced same problem

Yep, same happened me. Sidewalls deformed, tyre totally our of shape, front and rear, Conti did nothing for me.

kanza – Member

How on earth does that happen?

It happens to tyres with flimsy sidewalls