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I recently built up a 2013 Spearfish 1- my first MTB build, my first 29er, and really my first serious MTB. In other words, I don't have a lot of experience.
I am looking for tire suggestions because so far I have been unhappy with my selections. I guess this is a general 29er tire question, but I figure I may as well ask other Spearfishers.
My riding is XC with mostly hardpack, loose over hard, rock, and occasional loose rock (scree). No mud, no deep sand.
First tried Schwalbe Racing Ralph- Performance Model. Very light and fast to spin up, felt ok on flat hardpack, but grip sucked on basically everything. Climbing was not so good, cornering so-so and anything loose was a disaster.
Next I tried Conti X-King (as issued on "stock" Spearfish 3). Also light and fast. This tire gripped better than the Ralph, but still not great in loose stuff. Sidewalls seem really thin, constantly weep sealant and don't hold air well. This is my favorite so far but still wanting more grip and something that plays nice with sealant.
Most recently tried Kenda Slant 6. Not terribly different looking than X-king, but is definitely not as fast. Kind of a dog on paved and dirt roads. Feels like it has much more resistance. Does play real nice with sealant, holds air perfectly, seems tough. Unfortunately does not grip as well as X-King, although it is better than Ralph.
Frustrated, and tired of spending money on tires that don't work out.
Suggestions?
I am looking for tire suggestions because so far I have been unhappy with my selections. I guess this is a general 29er tire question, but I figure I may as well ask other Spearfishers.
My riding is XC with mostly hardpack, loose over hard, rock, and occasional loose rock (scree). No mud, no deep sand.
First tried Schwalbe Racing Ralph- Performance Model. Very light and fast to spin up, felt ok on flat hardpack, but grip sucked on basically everything. Climbing was not so good, cornering so-so and anything loose was a disaster.
Next I tried Conti X-King (as issued on "stock" Spearfish 3). Also light and fast. This tire gripped better than the Ralph, but still not great in loose stuff. Sidewalls seem really thin, constantly weep sealant and don't hold air well. This is my favorite so far but still wanting more grip and something that plays nice with sealant.
Most recently tried Kenda Slant 6. Not terribly different looking than X-king, but is definitely not as fast. Kind of a dog on paved and dirt roads. Feels like it has much more resistance. Does play real nice with sealant, holds air perfectly, seems tough. Unfortunately does not grip as well as X-King, although it is better than Ralph.
Frustrated, and tired of spending money on tires that don't work out.
Suggestions?