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XCish AM tyres?

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1.7K views 30 replies 23 participants last post by  Lionel_Hutz  
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#1 ·
Was interested in trying something different.

Maybe a little grippier all around without sacrificing too much weight and RR. Currently got Forekasters 2.0 with a 2.6 up front n 2.4 in the rear. Dissector was decent but wore too quickly. I miss the Maxxspeed old Forekaster as a rear tyre.

And is it also worth considering an XC cushcore? I removed some older enduro / dh cushcore that came with the bike due to the added weight.

Starting the rider steeper and gnarly terrain, both up hill n down hill.
 
#2 ·
If I didn't know your tire set up, I would say you'll need exactly the tires you have now (agree, it is a shame the FK doesn't come in the MaxxSpeed compound).

The next step -if you've tried the Dissector already- is a Minion DHF front, but is not XCish anymore...

From my experience with tires I've had (and I can compare with the FK v2 I ride as well), only the Schwalbe Nobby Nic is a slight step up from the Forekaster v2 and still XCish.

Nobby Nic 2.6 Soft front, Nobby Nic 2.6 SpeedGrip rear (both are trail casings, comparable with EXO+) could be a great option. Maybe a Tacky Chan front. Magic Mary and Hans Dampf would be already out of the XCish range.
 
#4 ·
Conti Xynotal maybe? Only used it as a rear but it rolls very decently and brakes better than looks suggest. I certainly noticed some extra speed in hardpack flow when I first got it. Soft compound (comes with enduro casing) lasts a long time while still being usable on wet rocks etc. It gets very easily clogged in mud, but that's about the only downside.
 
#5 ·
“Downcountry” tire? I’m using a Spesh Purgatory T7 front and a Ground Control T5 out back. Works well on fast to moderate terrain. RR is pretty decent. I believe it’s what Spesh uses on their Epic Evo. You can also stick the Purgatory in the rear if you want more breaking traction. The T7 Purgatory compound feels firmer than the 3C Dissector I have on another bike. The tread is probably somewhere in between the Forkaster and Dissector.
 
N
#7 ·
You don’t have a bad setup at all.
Changes won’t result in a ton of weight, saved, but that wasn’t the stated goal.
You also didn’t state which casing and compound you’re running on the Forekaster. I’ll assume Exo/Maxxterra for both.

For the rear, something like the Rekon or Ground Control would be a little faster rolling, at the expense of traction. Not a ton of weight savings, but faster and lighter.
Bonus round: Rekon is also available in Exo+, but if you’re getting by fine with Exo, then that’s your call!
a pretty direct comparison to the Forekaster would be the Purgatory in Grid T7, also available in Grid Trail (basically Exo+), but heavier by about 50g

For the front: the Forekaster doesn’t come in Maxxgrip and you’ve already stated that the Dissector was a no go.
The Purgatory in T9 is fast and grippy, it’s my favorite front tire for where/how I ride. If you like the feel of 2.6 in front, then it’s not a good recommendation, but if you want a sharper feel, then going down in width, but up in compound, may be the move you’re looking for!
Based off the front tire, I’d recommend Purgatory Grid T9 front, with Ground Control Grid T7 rear or Purgatory T7 rear, depending on grip/braking needs or if Grid Trail is needed for the additional protection in the rear, as there’s no Grid Trail Ground Control.
If mixing brands doesn’t drive you mad, then Purgatory T9 front, Rekon Exo+ rear would be pretty solid!

Hope it helps
 
S
#12 ·
I went through the same tire testing for my Smuggler (140/ 150) and I ended up with a 2.5 Ultrasoft trail Albert up front and a Conti Cross King Protection with a XC insert in the rear. It's a wicked fast and capable combo, I have to say.

I don't really recommend it, but I've done Enduro lines with this set up while being chased downhill by a well ridden Bullitt (170mm e-bike) and was able to pull away. It can throw you on your head, but it's also crazy capable and very fast.

That bike doesn't hold me back at all, right up until it totally does and I feel like it's going to end really badly. LOL
 
G
#14 ·
The Dissector is made in three compounds. Which did you have? Dual compound wears the slowest...and grips the least. Your unlikely to get "grippier" with longer tread life. They're very much inversely related. Formula 1 tires don't last as long as road car all seasons.

Otherwise, Ground Control seems popular. I'm about to try one in the T7.
 
R
#15 ·
No need to spend Maxxis money, there are plenty of tires out there that are just as good or better for way less money.
My goal is sub 1000g and less than $100 for the pair.
I'm running a Tioga Edge22 up front and a Specialized Purg T7 Grid out back and love the combo. Meets the goal.
If I could no longer find the Edge22, I'm sure that I'd be happy with a Purg up front as well, Maybe in T9.
 
#16 ·
rtsideup said:
I'm running a Tioga Edge22 up front and a Specialized Purg T7 Grid out back and love the combo. Meets the goal.
If I could no longer find the Edge22, I'm sure that I'd be happy with a Purg up front as well, Maybe in T9.
Click to expand...
You can take an Assegai clone and clip off the centerline knob. I'm using a e13 Grappler on my 27.5 bike on the front like this, since there's no E22 in Soft in that size. It's pretty close.
 
T
#20 · (Edited)
I have also been playing with tires options on for an XC/AM bike. Wanted reasonable RR with ok weight and grip. Always a compromise somewhere

changed to 2.4 nobby nic F and wicked will R

it’s been great for climbing laps in Santa Cruz and grippy enough to get me down the steeper tech here

my buddies here on the small bikes also use a purgatory F ground control R. Or forecaster F recon R as well

all these combos work. I think the lightest combo is the NN WW. 850 gms each

also agree with a rear insert if you are hitting some doubles. I have one and minimal weight penalty. Saved me on a hard case the other day
 
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