[riverrat]

I've been quite happy with the WTB Mutano Raptor Race 2.4 front and Moto Raptor 2.24 rear tire setup I've been running for the past month.

But I'm thinking I may want to change the front to a 2.4 Moto Raptor or something similar when conditions turn soggy around here this fall.

Any thoughts on good front tires for soggy western Oregon conditions, i.e. wet leaves & other veg, wet roots and MUD on trails?

 

[shiggy]

I've been quite happy with the WTB Mutano Raptor Race 2.4 front and Moto Raptor 2.24 rear tire setup I've been running for the past month.

But I'm thinking I may want to change the front to a 2.4 Moto Raptor or something similar when conditions turn soggy around here this fall.

Any thoughts on good front tires for soggy western Oregon conditions, i.e. wet leaves & other veg, wet roots and MUD on trails?

That is where I ride (southern Willamette Valley). I would recommend swapping out both tires.

My List:

• Panaracer TrailRaker 1.95
• Kenda Knarly 2.10
• Hutchinson Spider - any size
• Geax Blade - any size
• Schwalbe Black Shark Mud 2.10
• Maxxis Swampthing 2.1
• Conti Survival Pro 2.1

Also better than OK in wet

• Kenda Blue Groove & Nevegal 2.10 and larger
• Schwalbe Jimmy/Jim series
• Schwalbe Albert series
• Nokian NBX 2.1/2.3
• Michelin XL S 2.10

Did that help or confuse?

 

[mtb_Chris68]

It always amazes me that no one suggests Michelins Comp tires in these forums. The Comp16 in 2.5/2.2 dominates those conditions. Much better than any other slow rebounding tires including Maxxis and the Kenda Tomac series. IMO, the Nevegal is above average for those condition, but I wouldn't trust it as a front tire.

The beauty about the Comp16 is that the tread direction can be reversed for less rolling resistance(ala Highroller). I run the Comp16 reversed in the summer and normal in the wet season.

Try the Comp16 and you'll never go back

 

[shiggy]

It always amazes me that no one suggests Michelins Comp tires in these forums. The Comp16 in 2.5/2.2 dominates those conditions. Much better than any other slow rebounding tires including Maxxis and the Kenda Tomac series. IMO, the Nevegal is above average for those condition, but I wouldn't trust it as a front tire.

The beauty about the Comp16 is that the tread direction can be reversed for less rolling resistance(ala Highroller). I run the Comp16 reversed in the summer and normal in the wet season.

Try the Comp16 and you'll never go back

That is because the Comps are DH tires. All of the tires I listed are much lighter and more supple. I could also list the Arrow Racing Mud X Lite 2.3 (900g+). It grips great on the slop but most of the time I will usually go for a lighter narrower tire that works as well.

 

[mtb_Chris68]

That is because the Comps are DH tires. All of the tires I listed are much lighter and more supple. I could also list the Arrow Racing Mud X Lite 2.3 (900g+). It grips great on the slop but most of the time I will usually go for a lighter narrower tire that works as well.

Fair enough if 400 - 600 grams means more to one than their connection to the trail, especially in slick conditions.

He did mention the front tire and in being that 60-70% of rolling resistance is on one's rear tire I'd say it was safe to say one could run a heavier, grippier, higher volume tire on the front without creating a measaurble amount of rolling resistance. Nead to go faster, look at the rear tire to decrease rolling resistance.

I'm 37 y/o and ride a Giant AC(~40lbs) with a 2.5 Comp16 front and Nevagal 2.5(Cap-Ply) rear. I ride up and down and this bike does both very well. As far a supple goes, I ride my Comp16 at 22-29psi and it's incredibly supple and responsive

Being that the front tire is the more important of the two it comes down to what you'll trust your life with in total sketch conditions.

 

[shiggy]

Fair enough if 400 - 600 grams means more to one than their connection to the trail, especially in slick conditions.

He did mention the front tire and in being that 60-70% of rolling resistance is on one's rear tire I'd say it was safe to say one could run a heavier, grippier, higher volume tire on the front without creating a measaurble amount of rolling resistance. Nead to go faster, look at the rear tire to decrease rolling resistance.

I'm 37 y/o and ride a Giant AC(~40lbs) with a 2.5 Comp16 front and Nevagal 2.5(Cap-Ply) rear. I ride up and down and this bike does both very well. As far a supple goes, I ride my Comp16 at 22-29psi and it's incredibly supple and responsive

Being that the front tire is the more important of the two it comes down to what you'll trust your life with in total sketch conditions.

I do not care about the rolling resistance in the wet. I am riding hardtails or rigid bikes on XC rides, not 'Shore-style rides. Wide casings can be less controllable in the slop than narrow casing tires. Where I ride is very different than Vancouver.

 

[riverrat]

Shiggy-

Thanks for the array of suggestions. Since you suggest changing out BOTH my tires, I suppose I ought to ask what combination of front and rear you like when it turns wet. FWIW, I'm riding a 2004 Stumpjumper FSR Comp and weigh about 185.

As a rider I'm more interested in avoiding further orthopedic issues than pushing my limits very far, although now that I've broken into FS, I am managing more difficult terrain. I like longish trail rides, but mostly wind up doing 2-3 hour rides in McDonald Forest or on Mary's Peak.

That is where I ride (southern Willamette Valley). I would recommend swapping out both tires.

My List:

• Panaracer TrailRaker 1.95
• Kenda Knarly 2.10
• Hutchinson Spider - any size
• Geax Blade - any size
• Schwalbe Black Shark Mud 2.10
• Maxxis Swampthing 2.1
• Conti Survival Pro 2.1

Also better than OK in wet

• Kenda Blue Groove & Nevegal 2.10 and larger
• Schwalbe Jimmy/Jim series
• Schwalbe Albert series
• Nokian NBX 2.1/2.3
• Michelin XL S 2.10

Did that help or confuse?