I'm trying to find the best rear tire for traction on muddy Oregon trails. I don't want to give up the security of the Nevegal 2.35 on the front as it's so solid on wet roots and rocks, so am looking for something with good climbing traction for the rear to make up for the Nev's less than brilliant performance in mud. I am trying a Maxxis Medusa right now, but it doesn't seem to grip that well on the wet, mucky and loose churned (by motos) dirt on the uphills. Maybe it's my technique or maybe I need something with taller knobs. I was actually surprised when I got the Medusa at how short the knobs were for a mud tire.
So, would I be better off checking out a TrailRaker, or a Mud X? Or maybe I'm running the wrong psi. I'm wondering if mud tires should be run with a bit more pressure so that the knobs keep their shape and don't squish down -- conforming to hard packed trail is good for traction, but conforming to mud may be less so. Anyone have any theories on this?
So, would I be better off checking out a TrailRaker, or a Mud X? Or maybe I'm running the wrong psi. I'm wondering if mud tires should be run with a bit more pressure so that the knobs keep their shape and don't squish down -- conforming to hard packed trail is good for traction, but conforming to mud may be less so. Anyone have any theories on this?