[gedmunds]

Hokay, I'm looking to ditch weight on my bike, and have done pretty much everything possible, apart from the tires and tubes. Alas here's where I don't think I can cut corners, since the DC area terrain makes mincemeat out of the superlight tubes and tires. So what are you locals all running on your bikes, and what's been (in your experience) the best tire for the terrain?

 

[markthetaselmore]

I love my Panaracer Cinders but since you are trying to lose weight forget these 700+ gram monsters, even though they dont accelerate like heavy tires. Ive heard that in Central Va. the best all around tire is the IRC Serac 2.1 but havent tried them. a lot of my frinds use them and love them

 

[95Stumpy]

My hardtail has UST Nevegals 2.1's and they roll and corner very well. May be the UST talking. I do get punctures quite frequently in the UST version. I've got tubed DTC 2.1 Nevegals on the Full suspension that I haven't gotten on the trails yet. The stick-e's are the one's that are rated number 2 in mountain bike magazine. However, i hear wear in the rear is an issue. Some have suggested running the DTC(dual compound tread) in the rear and Stick-e's up front. The DTC tire doesn't use the softer compound in the middle of the tires just on the outside for cornering. If I wanted to go fast, I would probably try out the 1.95 in the DTC's. I run these tires at Fountaindhead and Wakefield. Love them.

 

[MrXC]

Some combo's that I've liked for general trail riding in the area:

Panaracer Smoke (r)/WTB Mutano 2.4(f)
IRC Mythos (r)/WTB Mutano 2.4(f)
WTB Weirwolf's (F&R) (only a couple of rides so far as a rear, but lots of time on a 2.5 up front)

 

[tsvaughn]

Yep, the Nevegals work great in the DC area, IMHO. I've run the 2.35 and 2.1 Stick-e and the 2.1 DTC. So far, I like the DTCs best. I've tried Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1s, Specialized Roll-x 2.0s and Nokian NBX 2.1s and the Nevegals are far and away the best all-around performer. On the heavy side, but they roll well.

Some folks like the Continental Explorer in the Mid-Atlantic. It's light.

 

[MightySchmoePong]

The Nevagal's are great

Yep, the Nevegals work great in the DC area, IMHO. I've run the 2.35 and 2.1 Stick-e and the 2.1 DTC. So far, I like the DTCs best. I've tried Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1s, Specialized Roll-x 2.0s and Nokian NBX 2.1s and the Nevegals are far and away the best all-around performer. On the heavy side, but they roll well.

Some folks like the Continental Explorer in the Mid-Atlantic. It's light.

I find the 2.1 stickee versions to be VERY slow rolling, but they have outrageous traction. I'll probably throw those back on for the slimy winter and spring months.

Once it dries out I switch to a 2.1 DTC Blue Groove up front and a 2.1 DTC Nevagal in back and it's sweet. Almost as much traction and they roll pretty well.

I've run the Fire XC pro's for many years; they're decent tires but can't hold a candle to the Kendas.

I also ran Conti 2.3's (Survivor?) and I had a ton of problems w/ the sidewall ripping out @ Gambrill. Decent traction and they roll OK, but I prefer the Fire XC's. I also had a lot of issues with pinch flats.

Dave