[Kook91]

I have researched a lot of threads on this site regarding tires and have mostly found a bunch of advice regarding riding in snow and mud. Since I try not to ride muddy trails, I just need something that will be good here in Oregon on wet trails with roots and rocks. I am fairly light (130lbs) and want something not TOO heavy that climbs well, and has good confidence-inspiring traction on the downhill and technical stuff. Speed isn't an issue either -- I'm just looking at staying upright.

I'm considering Continental Mountain Kings with 2.4 on the front and 2.2 on the back. Anyone have an opinion on this set up... or a better idea?

 

[shiggy]

Bonty Mud X

 

[iRider]

Why go mud tire if the trails are only wet? Full mud tires don't stick on wet roots like normal tires in a really soft compound do.
I can't help you with XC tires, but on the bigger bikes Nevegals DTC, Minions ST or Highrollers ST work great. If you can get your hands on Schwalbe tires, Fat Albert and Nobby Nic are not bad either. Probably the Fat Albert is too wide for your liking.

 

[Kook91]

Why go mud tire if the trails are only wet?

Right. A designated mud tire doesn't seem to make much sense if I'm not riding in a whole lot of slop.

The Bontrager Mud X does claim to deal really well with wet roots and rocks, but it doesn't come any wider than 2.0 which seems kind of narrow...

 

[shiggy]

Right. A designated mud tire doesn't seem to make much sense if I'm not riding in a whole lot of slop.

The Bontrager Mud X does claim to deal really well with wet roots and rocks, but it doesn't come any wider than 2.0 which seems kind of narrow...

You are lightweight and an XC rider. No real need for a tire wider than the Mud X 2.00 (still about the same volume as the Mt King 2.2).

This is a mudder than does well in firmer conditions and handles the wet rocks/roots without much drama while still laughing at the mucky sections. Better than the Mt King or Nevegal on the rocks/roots in "only wet" conditions IME.

 

[Kook91]

You are lightweight and an XC rider. No real need for a tire wider than the Mud X 2.00.

And would I still have enough stability on steeper, rockier stuff?

 

[rydog9991]

Nevegals...always Nevegals. Is there really a better all around tire?

 

[Sparticus]

I like Nevegals in the dry. Think Kenda Blue Grooves are a better choice (for me anyway) in the wet. Their Stick-E rubber grips wet roots amazingly well. Like the 2.5 the best.

--Sparty

Nevegals...always Nevegals. Is there really a better all around tire?

 

[offroadfanatic]

Michelin Mountain A/T's.

They're mean tires in the mud.

Although I would take probably take Shiggy's word over mine. He's the tire guru.

cranK

 

[Jaybo]

Hmmm

I have not found a good mud tire that works anywhere but on mud and slop. Specialized used to make a Storm Control or something like that was good. I find the Nevegal to be an average tire that rolls VERY slow and mucks up easily.

Jaybo

 

[guyplaysbass]

I've been having really good luck with the Specialized Eskar 2.3 "Control" series as an all-a-round tire. It's performance in wet/mud is on par with my default go-to winter tire, the Kenda Nevegal "Tomac" series (the sticky ones). I wouldn't discount Shiggy's advice though. He's a lot pickier on tire performance then most and rides here year round. :thumbsup:

 

[toowacky]

XC, wet rocks and roots? I'll throw another vote for the Nev's, kevlar beaded 2.35's front/2.35 or 2.1's in the back, Stick-E rubber compound (is what I run on my wife's bike, which is the bike I use for more XC oriented rides). Thin sidewalls, but you're light, so that shouldn't be an issue. They _are_ a little slower rolling, though...