XC tires

[Jeff M]

I need to replace the tires on my XC bike but I'm pretty clueless on the current tires. What I'm replacing are a set of ancient Bontrager Jones and I've also used Panaracer Fire XCs. These tires have been alright (and the Jones wear like iron, they're like 5 years old :lol:), but the grip really could be better. I'm just used to my XC bike being sketch on anything steep.

That being said I would like to try out the new crop of XC tires. I've seen the improvement in DH tires in the last few years and I figure XC tires must have gotten much better too.

So does anyone have any recommendations? I ride on the northshore, some road and I'd like to do quite a bit of riding in Squamish this year. I want something light and fast (2.1" at the biggest).

Thanks for the input.
-Jeff

[M.A.X]

If you're riding road (or riding to the trailheads) I'd say stay away from most of the Maxxis sticky soft-compound tires - they work great on the trails but will wear out very quickly. It's better to get a harder rubber compound, sure it won't bite the dirt as well but it'll be a hell of a lot better compared to what the worn soft-compound will be after a few months.

I made the above mistake with my current tires. Anyone know of a good durable all mountain tire that you can take on the road?

[Trini-dad72]

I'm going to put in a vote for the Syncros FLT3. I have the 2.35 size on my Green Machine HT. They are a really nice size, and they have been very good on riding road/hard surfaces. I rode them in the dirt of the shed and they were excellent. A great tire that will hold on, and has really goo dgrip on tacky soil, and loose-ish stuff too.
http://www.syncros.com/images/tire_flt_sm.jpg

I am going to look into them for the Chapparal too, in the 2.5 size.

[jonny.zee]

Maxxis Larsen TT in 2.3 are nice & fast when the trails are dry.

[amg]

I've been using the 2.1 dual compound Nevegals on my xc bike and have been quite happy with them. I've found they're quite reliable on wet and slippery surfaces. They also come in 1.95, which I'm planning to try out this summer.

[zahgurim]

I like the Halo Knobbler. 2.2". I think these would be a bitch to find at home in Van, but you should be able to order them easy enough from anyone who can get the Halo SAS wheelset. I run the fronts in both the front and rear, with the rear tire running the treads in the opposite direction. Has a really aggressive tread and hooks up like a mofo, with the best rolling resistance I've had on a tire. Only bad thing, is it doesn't like sticky clay-based mud. Anything else is awesome.

Halo Knobbler front:
http://www.ison-distribution.com/ison/image/complete/tyha-knob-f.jpg

[biopace]

Specialized makes some great "all-mountain" tires:

The Enduro Pro D2 is a 2.2 with more traction:
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=15187

http://www.bromleybike.co.uk/ishop/images/399/Enduro_tyre_lg.jpg

The Resolution Pro D2 is lighter, more XC, but still good knobs.
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=15177
http://terrengsykkel.no/img/guide/tester/full/SpecializedAdrenaline.jpg

[M.A.X]

What local shops sell those specialized tires?

[umbullit]

irc mythos xc tires get my vote.
those things seem to work well in almost all conditions.

[Jeff M]

Most of these tires you guys are suggesting seem to buly for my needs. These tires are going on a XC hardtail, 2.3" seams pretty big for that.

umbullit,

I was considering the Mythos, mainly cause I can get them for $22 with a kevlar bead from MEC. Anyone else have an thoughts on these.

amg,

How much do the XC Nevegals go for?

[sanrensho]

Some faves:

-IRC Trailbear 2.25 (rear, dry conditions)
-Kenda Blue Groove folding 2.35 (front, wet conditions)
-Panaracer Megablaster 2.5 (front, dry conditions, actually closer to a 2.3)-->might be out of production

I know that the Larsen TT is popular in XC circles, but it's the only tire that actually sketched me out (cornering on pavement).

[thewalrus]

IRC Mythos XC has already been mentioned above...

I find it funny people are talking about 2.30" tires for XC. Racing type XC hardtail frames don't even fit 2.3" tires. :D More like 1.90-2.10", usually.

Maxxis also makes a few models you might like:

http://www.maxxis.com/products/bicycle/product_thumbnails.asp?id=12#Cross%20Country

[Chunk]

Most of these tires you guys are suggesting seem to buly for my needs. These tires are going on a XC hardtail, 2.3" seams pretty big for that.

umbullit,

I was considering the Mythos, mainly cause I can get them for $22 with a kevlar bead from MEC. Anyone else have an thoughts on these.

amg,

How much do the XC Nevegals go for?

absolutly. I ran mythos' for maybe 5 months on my XC bike. Loved them. ANd like yuo said, the price is great. Not the BEST rolling, but they are still good.

Fantastic tires. And for the price they cant be beat.

[Jake the Trog]

i like the panaracer FIRE xc tires...

[Ninja]

I had the IRC mytho's 1.95s on my hard tail for the summer season. I liked the front tire ( front and rear specific ) but the rear tire was crap, the lug spacing is way too wide, and they roll really slow for such a skinny tire. Traction was okay, but not good enough to offset the rolling resistance. I will be using the IRC up front and a 1.90 Maxxis Larson for the rear, this up coming Ripper race. I'll let you know how it works at the end of this week.

Gonna do some training rides.

[LeeLau]

2.3" tires. You guys must be on crack - that's overkill

I like Panaracer Fire XC Pro - theyre boring but they work. The side knobs arent super stiff so you don't get much warning when they cut loose but they roll quickly and wear well. Medium weight. As a rear tire they have great grip.

Mythos XC's are nice and really roll fast. Their side walls are very thin. They corner better then the Fire XC Pro but they wear very quickly. The 2.1s are nice - the 1.9s aren't a lot of tire and are pretty sketchy descending

[ZHendo]

i had horrible luck with mythos on my xc race bike. They just didn't hook up for me. in the back, wtb velociraptors will keep a good grip on anything, as will the specialized enduro, and wtb weirwolf. For the front, I hav yet to lose my front end on ANY trail with the continental vertical pro. the 2.3 is actually something like a 2.1, so definately get that size. thats my opinion