[Glide the Clyde]

Anyone here had wet side experience with the Fire XC Pro or the Kenda Small Block 8? Thinking about trying a set of the Fires or a combination of 2.1 Fire (rear) and 2.35 Small Block 8 (front) for the drier season ahead. They are cheap enough to try and toss if I don't like 'em but thought I'd ask.

EDIT: from additional searching, I see that the SB 8 is a lower resistance tire more suited to the rear for quicker take off in drier conditions. So nm about my front tire question. If I try the Fires, likely will be on both ends of the bike and I can keep rotating as I like to do.

 

[bgfthntr]

I've been running Fires for a season now and they are great. I mostly ride a mix of terrain (roots, mud, gravel... you name it) I run them front and rear.

 

[jekramerjr51]

i returned to oregon after spending the past few years in so cal. while i was down there i purchased a mtb that came stock with SB8's.they are pretty much useless this time of year.they make for a VERY interesting ride.zero traction on any kind of muddy uphill singletrack, or downhills under heavy braking. the only thing there good for right now is gravel roads.

 

[Kona0197]

I've run Fire XC Pros in just about any kind of weather Oregon has. They are my favorite tire and have handled my style of riding just fine.

 

[kosmo]

The Fires are a great all around tire, but in bad mud, they tend to pack up a bit due to close knob spacing. When that starts to happen, go home. The trails are muddier than you should be riding on, anyhow!

Caveat: The 29er version is a bit bigger, with wider knob spacing, and clears mud a bit better than the 26er version.

 

[coiler-d]

I ran 2.35" Small Blocks on my 26" single speed, most of the time. They are a pretty fast/light tire and actually will work in the rear in some pretty wet conditions, however I did use a Nevegal for the front when things got slick. I will definitely be considering them on my 29er for the drier months.