What's a good tire?

[Danimal]

I am looking to replace my Panaracer DH Pro's they were excellent tires but they will serve another purpose this winter when I drill about 260 screws through them.

I am looking for something that has the durability and kick butt grabbing power that my Panaracer's had but with easier rolling capabilities.

There are so many different makes and models out there my eyes have gone crossed researching. Anyone have some favorite brands/makes they would like to share?

Thanks in advance.

[Ala Carte]

Kenda Nevegal. They come in an assortment of sizes and compounds, they roll pretty good and hook up great.

[Lord Jaqueb]

Bontrager Jones XR

[Kosk]

You really want some Kenda Small Block 8's in a 2.35" variety, you just don't know it yet, Dan.

Best grip-2-rolling resistance ratio I've ever used, and light to boot!

[soupboy]

XR front, SB8 rear. XR gotz better side knobs and slightly wider footprint.

[RichZilla]

SB8's got the lead for rolling resistance, but for a little more grip I've been pleasantly surprised with the Ignitors.

[NeWt]

Ok. I've got some Bontrager Jones ACX (came with my bike). After riding them for a while, I like the way they feel. Kinda bouncy (almost like having a bit more travel in the front end) and I like the footprint, however, all the reviews on these says they are crap. Then today, I braked a little hard around a paved corner and nearly lost it. I don't want to give up the fatty tire, but I also don't want to break the bank. So, is there any truth to the reviews I've read from those who may have owned these? And if so, I'd like to have a backup set of something similar sized and treaded. Then, as a follow up...where can I get these similar tires locally? Thanks ahead of time.

[Fast1]

I like Michelin Twister Supersonics or the Explorer Supersonics.. lite and fast

[bigwheel]

Panaracer Rampage 29 x 2.35

You might need to make some mods to your bike, though.

[Paul Swenson]

just installed sb8 ust 2.1. Rode them around the neighborhood, scared a dog, can't wait to try them on dirt.

[stoneage]

just installed sb8 ust 2.1. Rode them around the neighborhood, scared a dog, can't wait to try them on dirt.
You'll luv em. I run 1.9 R and 2.1 F. Velcro is the best analogy I can come up with. They do wear a little fast but they are....well....fast!

[Danimal]

Panaracer Rampage 29 x 2.35

You might need to make some mods to your bike, though.


Blaaahaaahaaa! Bob.

I have a lefty, so I can put a 29er on the front, the rear might be a little tricky.

[Paul Swenson]

You'll luv em. I run 1.9 R and 2.1 F. Velcro is the best analogy I can come up with. They do wear a little fast but they are....well....fast!

I heard they wear fast and mud easily. But after considering how many times I rode in the mud last year, zero, and how many pavement miles I put on my MTB bike, about 100, I concluded that I shouldn't worry too much about these issues.

[Kingbozo]

Go with the Nevegals. They corner like you are on rails. Of the two tread compunds available, The DTC tread is more durable than the Stick-E.

[newp]

I tried a few different tires, but always go back to the panaracer xc 2.1 rear with a 2.1 dart front. I am waiting for my SB8 to arrive and give them a try. :)

[bikeoutback]

So I've read this thread and didn't want to pose this question because I think my LBS is fantastic and listen to everything they state but how come when I asked about tires the suggestions I got were a bit more aggressive and knobbier than say the Kenda SB8s, they were probably closer to the Nevegal? I forget exactly which they states as I didn't have the money and figured when I did I'd just go back and pick them up there, however I am curious now, need new tires shortly and still don't have the $$. Therefore I'm gonna have to fold and comparison shop using the internet and probably save a couple bucks and buy them online instead of my LBS. So:

Does your level of mtn biking play into choice and recomendation? I read reviews on a few tires and one talked about less feel for the ground and better for an experienced rider. Possibly having only rode for about a year now my LBS recognized my level and recommended a little more aggressive tire based on this?

I'm considering running an SB8 in the rear and a Nevegal in the front, good idea, bad idea or try it and see? Unfortunatly the third option is the least desireable as I can't afford to buy a bunch of tires.

And with my last statement being reread maybe I should just trust the LBS recommendation and buy those, they were similar to what came on my bike and those have worked so far.

[Danimal]

See new poll!