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rton20s

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I know there have been some posts regarding 24" tires in the past, but some of the information is outdated, and it is rarely specific to tubeless tires.

I'm trying to plan for when our son's 24x2.6 Vee Crown Gem tires wear out on his Vitus Kids 24+. My goal is to go with a little smaller tire (since we have added a front fork) and hopefully go tubeless. I certainly don't want to add weight, but I don't really want to go below about a 2.3" tire. Below is the list I've produced on what is currently available. Weight and typical retail price are included.

Does anyone have experience with these specific tires they can share?
Should I take smaller (2.20-2.25") tires into consideration?
Are there other options out there that I didn't list?

OE Tire: Vee Crown Gem (855g) 24x2.6

Brood Maxtion (620g) 24x2.3 - $70
Schwalbe Rocket Ron Evolution Addix Speed (560g) 24x2.35 - $59
Maxxis Minion DHF 3C Maxx Terra EXO TR (765g) 24x2.4 - $55
Maxxis Minion DHF DC EXO TR (813g) 24x2.4 - $53
Schwalbe Hans Dampf Addix Performance (770g) 24x2.35 - $51
Vee Flow Snap Enduro Core (920g) 24x2.4 - $48
Maxxis Minion DHR II DC EXO TR (756g) 24x2.3 - $45
 
CST Fringe 24x2.8 (620g, also sold as a Bontrager tire by Trek) are wire bead and not specifically listed as tubeless ready, but have been holding remarkably strong for us so far.

They're significantly lighter & have less lower rolling resistance than the Crown Gem, but have a far less aggressive tread.

Currently have them front & rear on my son's 24" running tubeless and had his 20" set up with tubes with a Fringe in back and a Crown Gem in front.

For our local trails (XC riding that get sandy when dry) they seem to work well.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks Tim! Seems like everything except the reduced weight is opposite of the direction I'm looking to go. :D

My goals are lower volume, lighter weight and more aggressive tread than the crown gem without completely sacrificing rolling resistance. I've limited my own options to tires specified as tubeless ready, as I've seen mixed results on tires that aren't. Especially on rims that aren't designed to be tubeless from the start.

After seeing the Vee Flow Snaps spec'd on a bunch of higher end 24" bikes, I initially thought that is what I would do. But after seeing the 920g weight of the 2.4, I figured they wouldn't be the best choice. I haven't weighed, but I'm thinking the current Crown Gem and tube combo is around 2050g.

I'm currently considering these selections, barring any new options showing up...

Most Aggressive
F: Minion DHF 3C , R: Minion DHR II (1521g)

Faster Aggressive Compromise
F/R: Minion DHR II (1512g)
F/R: Hans Dampf (1540g)

Aggressive Fast Compromise
F: Hans Dampf, R: Rocket Ron (1330g)

Fast Rolling
F/R: Rocket Ron (1120g)

On my own bike, I run a DHF/DHR II combo and have been very happy with it. I don't know that a combination that aggressive is warranted for our son. He is progressing, but still isn't riding all of the trails that I do.
 
One anecdotal point of reference: my son's friend wore out the Vee Crown Gem 2.25 that came with his Cleary Scout 24, his dad replaced them with Maxxis Minion DHF (only thing the local shop had in stock), and the kid immediately noticed and hated the weight and/or rotation inertia increase.

My kids are doing fine on Rocket Rons, which work great tubeless. They don't corner that hard and the only place they routinely lose traction is steep, loose uphills. I actually think that learning how to handle loss of traction is a good skill to learn. Same justification I use for why their 26" bike is also going to be a hardtail -- learn the skills first before getting a bike with extra capability.
 
Kenda has some 24inch tires. At least one that's tubeless.


I had a 24inch Hans Dampf for one of my kids for a while. It was a good volume tire with solid tread.

The Brood Maxtion tires can have thin casings, I think that's how they stay so light. One of the neighbor kids managed to slice his casing on a fire road.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
One anecdotal point of reference: my son's friend wore out the Vee Crown Gem 2.25 that came with his Cleary Scout 24, his dad replaced them with Maxxis Minion DHF (only thing the local shop had in stock), and the kid immediately noticed and hated the weight and/or rotation inertia increase.

My kids are doing fine on Rocket Rons, which work great tubeless. They don't corner that hard and the only place they routinely lose traction is steep, loose uphills. I actually think that learning how to handle loss of traction is a good skill to learn. Same justification I use for why their 26" bike is also going to be a hardtail -- learn the skills first before getting a bike with extra capability.
I appreciate the "anectdotal point of reference." :D

In our case, I was able to weigh the stock 24x2.6 Crown Gems and tubes and they clock in at over 2300g for the two tries and tubes! Even worse than I had originally anticipated. So, even the heaviest (DHF/DHR II) combo I was considering should drop around 1.7 lbs of rotating weight.

The Rocket Rons seem to have been a pretty popular choice for quite a long time. Though I do know some people (including "Bike Dads") have had some difficulty getting them set up tubeless. They're still definitely a consideration for me, but on the lighter/faster end of my considerations. I actually have a set of 24x2.1 Rocket Ron Performance (non-tubeless) tires sitting in the garage, but probably won't do anything with them.

I think I'm leaning toward one of the middle ground combos at this point.

Kenda has some 24inch tires. At least one that's tubeless.


I had a 24inch Hans Dampf for one of my kids for a while. It was a good volume tire with solid tread.

The Brood Maxtion tires can have thin casings, I think that's how they stay so light. One of the neighbor kids managed to slice his casing on a fire road.
Thanks for the tip on the Kendas. I had seen those, but the narrower width excluded them from my personal list. This is the same reason the narrower 2.25" Crown Gem didn't make the list. Maybe I should reconsider and include these narrower tires as options for the rear?

Thanks for the input on the Hans Dampf and Maxtion. The Maxtion was already off my short list due to higher cost, but a casing slice on a fire road does not instill confidence. I guess the weight savings has to come from somewhere.
 
Rocket rons are killer but they puncture easily from thorns. If you live anywhere there's large burs and sticker bushes, I'd go for something more durable, even tubeless isn't going to cut it. Otherwise, they're good weight and have decent tread for what they are.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Rocket rons are killer but they puncture easily from thorns. If you live anywhere there's large burs and sticker bushes, I'd go for something more durable, even tubeless isn't going to cut it. Otherwise, they're good weight and have decent tread for what they are.
Thanks for the additional comments on the Rocket Rons. We live in central California and it seems like you can get goad heads by simply looking at the wrong trail. Anything on my list is going to cut weight from the OE spec, so it might be best for us to choose something a bit more durable.
 
FWIW I'm in Idaho where we have goat head festivals. The front tire on my cargo bike is brown speckled from the hundreds of goatheads that I don't even bother to pull out that have been worn smooth. Before I went tubeless I got at least 1 flat and usually 2 each time I took my kids to school. Rocket rons seal up fine with Stans. Goatheads are not a reason to run heavier tires if you are going to run tubeless. Just my experience.
 
Discussion starter · #11 ·
This is as much for myself as others, but I thought it would be worth providing some additional information here for reference. I've include tires that are tubeless ready from 24x2.2 to 24x2.4 and tried to list them from what appears to be most aggressive to least aggressive tread pattern. (Without having the tires on hand, I had to go by images and compare lug height, pattern and center to corner transitions.) I'll include information like weight and images where it is available. (I could only find some of the Kenda models in their catalog, but not the model specific web pages. Weight on the Vee Flow Snaps was also updated from my OP based on their catalog info.)

Maxxis Minion DHF 24x2.4 60 TPI Dual Compound EXO TR - 813g
Maxxis Minion DHF 24x2.4 120 TPI 3C MaxxTerra EXO TR - 765g
Image


Kenda Hell Kat Pro 24x2.4 120 TPI Dual Compound ATC TLR - 731g
Image


Spawn Brood Maxtion 24x2.3 TLR - 620g
Image


Maxxis Minion DHR II 24x2.3 60 TPI Dual Compound EXO TR - 756g
Image


Vee Flow Snap 24x2.4 72 TPI Tackee Compound Enduro Core TLR - 820g
Vee Flow Snap 24x2.4 72 TPI Tackee Compound Natural Wall Enduro Core TLR - 820g
Image


Schwalbe Hans Dampf 24x2.35 Performance Addix TLR - 770g
Image


Kenda Regolith Pro 24x2.4 120 TPI Dual Compound STC TLR - 735g
Image


Schwalbe Rocket Ron 24x2.35 Super Race Addix Speed TLE - 560g
Image


Vee Crown Gem 24x2.25 72 TPI Dual Control TLR - 705g
Vee Crown Gem 24x2.25 120 TPI Dual Control TLR - 665g
Vee Crown Gem 24x2.25 120 TPI Dual Control Natural Wall TLR - 625g
Image


Kenda Booster Pro 24x2.2 120 TPI Single Compound STC TLR - 558g
Kenda Booster Pro 24x2.2 120 TPI Single Compound TR TLR - 498g
Image
 
What would you all recommend for 24” tires for a kid who likes bike parks and jumping (not too high yet but soon enough I’m guessing)? We had been running brood maxtions (non-DH) and he got a flat today at killington. I haven’t looked at it yet (they threw a tube in there since he was attending camp to get him going) but I see some sealant on the tread jn 1 spot so guessing he punctured it.

Edit: also anyone bother to swap out tires for the bike park, especially if tubeless?
 
My son has run the DHF/DHR2 combo on everything. Its a legendary setup for rowdy riding and the casing has worked well at low pressures. We won't run the Maxtions, tho I run them on my younger sons 20". The casing is weak. It does hold up ok on our last bike park tour, tho you have to run a bit higher PSI (running 19/20 f/r for his 55lb weigh).

Plus you can find the DHF/DHR2 all over the place. No clue the Hellcat was in a 24"! That's a badass tire too. That Regolith is a faster rolling tire than the DHR2 for sure, but it gives up some grip and braking for sure. The ideal Kenda setup for aggro riding is the Hellcat Front/Nevegal rear I think. Are you sure the Hellcat comes in a 24"?? I can't find it on Kenda's site. I'm noting seeing the Hans Damf in 24" either.

I'm hunting down a decent 20" (Maxtions are out of stock forever). The Regolith 20" TR is pretty light I think...but damn its spendy!

FYI Maxxis makes a 24" Rekon now too.
 
Discussion starter · #14 ·
@svinyard thanks for the insight! I did a lot of deep digging when I came up with my list. Some of the tires I've literally only seen in catalogs (Kenda). Like anything else bicycle related right now, even if it "exists" doesn't mean it is actually available. :(

The Hans Dampf is only a "Performance" and not a "Super..." model. However, it can be found pretty inexpensively right now if you know where to look and are willing to risk an international retailer and shipping.

1945377

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My son has run the DHF/DHR2 combo on everything. Its a legendary setup for rowdy riding and the casing has worked well at low pressures. We won't run the Maxtions, tho I run them on my younger sons 20". The casing is weak. It does hold up ok on our last bike park tour, tho you have to run a bit higher PSI (running 19/20 f/r for his 55lb weigh).

Plus you can find the DHF/DHR2 all over the place. No clue the Hellcat was in a 24"! That's a badass tire too. That Regolith is a faster rolling tire than the DHR2 for sure, but it gives up some grip and braking for sure. The ideal Kenda setup for aggro riding is the Hellcat Front/Nevegal rear I think. Are you sure the Hellcat comes in a 24"?? I can't find it on Kenda's site. I'm noting seeing the Hans Damf in 24" either.

I'm hunting down a decent 20" (Maxtions are out of stock forever). The Regolith 20" TR is pretty light I think...but damn its spendy!

FYI Maxxis makes a 24" Rekon now too.
Thanks! Which versions of the dhf/dhr2 do you run? Seems like there are a bunch of each. Exo/tr, 3c/exo/tr, clincher/folding (what's that? Seems the cheapest)
 
So there are a few DHF's in 24", you want the 3c/exo/tr version imo. You don't want the DC (dual compound) for the DHF as its less sticky...prob fine but I like the 3C/EXO/TR. The DHR2 is only in the popular Dual Compound (good for the rear and lasts longer) I think. They've worked well for my older boy (bike parks and everything else) on Stan's Crest MK3's. Profile isn't bad. We have the flow snap 24"s and they are a bit porky and really high volume. We don't use them but they are fine I'm sure but extra rotational weight for no performance boost (over DHF/DHR2) isn't great.

Thanks! Which versions of the dhf/dhr2 do you run? Seems like there are a bunch of each. Exo/tr, 3c/exo/tr, clincher/folding (what's that? Seems the cheapest)
 
So there are a few DHF's in 24", you want the 3c/exo/tr version imo. You don't want the DC (dual compound) for the DHF as its less sticky...prob fine but I like the 3C/EXO/TR. The DHR2 is only in the popular Dual Compound (good for the rear and lasts longer) I think. They've worked well for my older boy (bike parks and everything else) on Stan's Crest MK3's. Profile isn't bad. We have the flow snap 24"s and they are a bit porky and really high volume. We don't use them but they are fine I'm sure but extra rotational weight for no performance boost (over DHF/DHR2) isn't great.
Awesome thanks. I ordered both of the maxxis ones you've suggested.

I still have 2 (maybe 3 if the one he got a flat in today can be patched) brood maxtion 24"s. Maybe I'll list them on pink bike and see if there are any takers. They've been sold out of them at spawn and actually only list the DH cased ones at the moment.
 
My son has run the DHF/DHR2 combo on everything. Its a legendary setup for rowdy riding and the casing has worked well at low pressures. We won't run the Maxtions, tho I run them on my younger sons 20". The casing is weak. It does hold up ok on our last bike park tour, tho you have to run a bit higher PSI (running 19/20 f/r for his 55lb weigh).

Plus you can find the DHF/DHR2 all over the place. No clue the Hellcat was in a 24"! That's a badass tire too. That Regolith is a faster rolling tire than the DHR2 for sure, but it gives up some grip and braking for sure. The ideal Kenda setup for aggro riding is the Hellcat Front/Nevegal rear I think. Are you sure the Hellcat comes in a 24"?? I can't find it on Kenda's site. I'm noting seeing the Hans Damf in 24" either.

I'm hunting down a decent 20" (Maxtions are out of stock forever). The Regolith 20" TR is pretty light I think...but damn its spendy!

FYI Maxxis makes a 24" Rekon now too.
We have been running the 20” Maxtion DH tires for the past year on my 5 year old son’s 20” Propain Frechdax without issue (lots of DH on rocky, rooty terrain, but not super fast yet and he weighs 43 pounds). One of the tires was worn out, so we replaced it with a non-DH version that we had (and the DH version isn’t available anymore). After reading about the puncture issues with the non-DH Maxtion, I am concerned (we had puncture issues with the Rocket Ron tire previously- slashed it on the lava rocks at Bachelor). Do you have thoughts on the 120tpi Vee Crown Gem 20” tires (which are in stock)?

 
I have a couple of them. They are ok. Mine were a little bit heavier than advertised.
Most of the Vee tires I've ordered have come in over the spec for weight.

Upside, though, is that they usually measure accurately for width (the Crown Gem is the only 20x2.8" tire I've come across that actually measures a full 2.8").
 
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