What are your typical trail conditions?
Muddy, Sandy, Hardpack, Loose, Loose over Hardpack, Rocky, Roots, etc?
Muddy, Sandy, Hardpack, Loose, Loose over Hardpack, Rocky, Roots, etc?
Tires for beginning mountain bike rider
Hello Everyone,
First off, I apologize for creating another "help me pick a tire thread", but I know you all know better than I do, so I'm posting anyways!
I've got an older Gary Fisher Mamba mountain bike that I got from a family friend. It's in great condition but just needs new tires (26").
Last year I rode a mix of hard pack trails and pavement, but this year I'm intending to ride A LOT more trail type and single track riding, with less hard pack/pavement riding. While I want to ride more trails, I'll inevitably find myself on the pavement from time to time.
So I'm not looking for a tire that is just for the trails, nor do I want a tire that is just for pavement. I was originally considering the Bontrager LT3, but now I'm think that would have been perfect for me last year, but since I'm looking to do more trail riding this coming season, it wouldn't work so well. I want something more aggressive for sure, but I don't want to lose all control when I hit the pavement.
So, what tire would you recommend for a beginning rider focusing on trail riding with the occasional pavement ride?
Not sure if it matters, but I'm 5'8" and 150lb.
Please let me know I'm there is any other information I can provide, I'm new to this forum and mountain biking in general
First off, I apologize for creating another "help me pick a tire thread", but I know you all know better than I do, so I'm posting anyways!
I've got an older Gary Fisher Mamba mountain bike that I got from a family friend. It's in great condition but just needs new tires (26").
Last year I rode a mix of hard pack trails and pavement, but this year I'm intending to ride A LOT more trail type and single track riding, with less hard pack/pavement riding. While I want to ride more trails, I'll inevitably find myself on the pavement from time to time.
So I'm not looking for a tire that is just for the trails, nor do I want a tire that is just for pavement. I was originally considering the Bontrager LT3, but now I'm think that would have been perfect for me last year, but since I'm looking to do more trail riding this coming season, it wouldn't work so well. I want something more aggressive for sure, but I don't want to lose all control when I hit the pavement.
So, what tire would you recommend for a beginning rider focusing on trail riding with the occasional pavement ride?
Not sure if it matters, but I'm 5'8" and 150lb.
Please let me know I'm there is any other information I can provide, I'm new to this forum and mountain biking in general
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
Good tires for beginners are grippy ones, it helps build confidence in the rough stuffs and corners. It's a bit heavier and drag a little more. Kenda Nevegal, Excavator are good choices for that. Even Small block 8 is pretty good.
My latest set of tires is Tioga Psycho Genius available now in 2.35, but soon you can get 2.1 if you are in dry condition they are excellent. Roll well and quiet still offer plenty of grip.
I'd stick with Kenda for more aggressive trail though.
My latest set of tires is Tioga Psycho Genius available now in 2.35, but soon you can get 2.1 if you are in dry condition they are excellent. Roll well and quiet still offer plenty of grip.
I'd stick with Kenda for more aggressive trail though.
Thanks for the reply. Honestly, I'm not even sure. I don't think any of trails I'm intending to ride or muddy, sandy or rocky. I guess I'd go with hardpack and loose over hard pack.mtnbiker72 said:What are your typical trail conditions?
Muddy, Sandy, Hardpack, Loose, Loose over Hardpack, Rocky, Roots, etc?
Thanks for the advice. I'll check out the tires you mentioned. That sounds like a good plan on looking for grippy tires to build confidence.mimi1885 said:Good tires for beginners are grippy ones, it helps build confidence in the rough stuffs and corners. It's a bit heavier and drag a little more. Kenda Nevegal, Excavator are good choices for that. Even Small block 8 is pretty good.
I'd stick with Kenda for more aggressive trail though.
Ya, when I started riding my buddy was riding with semi-slick on one bike and Hutchinson Python on another. I had a skinny 1.95 Mosquito on f/r it was an absolute nightmare for me. It took a long time for me to realize that the bigger, heavier but gripper tires are more fun and better for my skill building. Now I prefer bigger tire but on my XC bikes I can run 2.1 and still be ok.
The only thing I'm worried about with an extreme grippy tire is the lack on control or traction on pavement. Do you think this will be an issue? I'm not looking for anything amazing on pavement, but I don't want to be loosing control or anything.mimi1885 said:Ya, when I started riding my buddy was riding with semi-slick on one bike and Hutchinson Python on another. I had a skinny 1.95 Mosquito on f/r it was an absolute nightmare for me. It took a long time for me to realize that the bigger, heavier but gripper tires are more fun and better for my skill building. Now I prefer bigger tire but on my XC bikes I can run 2.1 and still be ok.
Also, I forgot to mention previously, my budget is around $35 a tire.
Above mentioned tires are about $35 or below depending on website. I've never had any grip problem with Kenda on pave only wet road may be.
Most 2.1 size tires designed for off road use will be fine for a beginner. More important for off road is keeping tire pressure under 40 psi and probably closer to 30.
I would get the Excatvator 2.10.Malibulx3 said:The only thing I'm worried about with an extreme grippy tire is the lack on control or traction on pavement. Do you think this will be an issue? I'm not looking for anything amazing on pavement, but I don't want to be loosing control or anything.
Also, I forgot to mention previously, my budget is around $35 a tire.
Not worries about them breaking loose on pavement in normal riding.
1 - 9 of 9 Posts
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