Joined
·
72 Posts
As to tires, some thing we can agree on is the following facts:
1. Weight in areas under motion result in rotational weight.
2. Increases in rotational weight decrease handling and acceleration.
3. The cheapest way to reduce the weight on a bike is the tires.
4. Thicker side walls equals a tire with less play or movement while cornering.
Based on these facts one can see the advantage to the WTF group spec tires.
Pre-ride impression of the Hutchinsons were that they sealed well on SLR rims, super light weight, and looked good.
Post ride, I first thought the WTF Manitou was my culpert to the wallow in the front end. It was the soft side wall on the front tire causeing this effect under ultra fast descents. It scared me to death.
The rear blew my mind! I never lost traction anywhere! I ride eastern trails laden in slick roots that the finest tires are sent into a spin. In fact, this year Mountain Bike action did a wright up on my home trail in Alabama because Specialize utilized it for their tire development. If you find the article and read about the locals laughing at specialized for using a blower to clean the leaves off the trail, I was the local laughing. Anyway, I assumed it was the SL and its superior climbing geometry negating spin. It truly climbs better than anything I have ridden in 15 years.
So, I tried a tube up front to stiffen the side wall to no avail. I studied this forum, and learned that several riders were pleased with Kenda Nevegals, thus, made the purchase.
Post ride I learned that the Hutchinson on the rear grips way better than this nevegal. I switched between the two tires and watch the Hutchinson sidewall wrap around the roots giving me insane traction regardless of the gear. The Kenda would spin in protest and sent me to the ground quite painfully once.
However, the Kenda up front was a improvement. I did expect a little more in the way of sidewall stiffness from the kenda, but no matter what I did, I could not get the front end to push. This was easily achieved with the Hut. However, in no way was it a critical improvement.
I first assumed that Ibis spec these tires for one reason - Marketing the number 21.9. While tires are the cheapest way for a bike company to reach positive marketing weights, in this case, they actually work. I personally will run a mix of brands for best results. But for those of you pondering a WTFSL complete kit - DO IT - its all good! Yes, even the Manitou.
Think of it as a wife, facts are she will get fat over time so start with the thinnest hottest wife possible. The WTFSL is the lean MILF. Yes, over time she will gain weight with the addition of gravity equipment, but she will still be light. I have added a little pork to the Wheelset but she's still well under 24lbs. I guess I do not understand building a fat SL when a SL thats 6 pounds lighter will accomplish the same objective, yes even DH. But, I will save that for another Thread.
In conclusion, The WTF Hut in the rear is out of this world. If you XC your perfect front and rear. DH with front Huts will get you puckered up. But, I guess thats why the Huts have XC written real big on the side.
1. Weight in areas under motion result in rotational weight.
2. Increases in rotational weight decrease handling and acceleration.
3. The cheapest way to reduce the weight on a bike is the tires.
4. Thicker side walls equals a tire with less play or movement while cornering.
Based on these facts one can see the advantage to the WTF group spec tires.
Pre-ride impression of the Hutchinsons were that they sealed well on SLR rims, super light weight, and looked good.
Post ride, I first thought the WTF Manitou was my culpert to the wallow in the front end. It was the soft side wall on the front tire causeing this effect under ultra fast descents. It scared me to death.
The rear blew my mind! I never lost traction anywhere! I ride eastern trails laden in slick roots that the finest tires are sent into a spin. In fact, this year Mountain Bike action did a wright up on my home trail in Alabama because Specialize utilized it for their tire development. If you find the article and read about the locals laughing at specialized for using a blower to clean the leaves off the trail, I was the local laughing. Anyway, I assumed it was the SL and its superior climbing geometry negating spin. It truly climbs better than anything I have ridden in 15 years.
So, I tried a tube up front to stiffen the side wall to no avail. I studied this forum, and learned that several riders were pleased with Kenda Nevegals, thus, made the purchase.
Post ride I learned that the Hutchinson on the rear grips way better than this nevegal. I switched between the two tires and watch the Hutchinson sidewall wrap around the roots giving me insane traction regardless of the gear. The Kenda would spin in protest and sent me to the ground quite painfully once.
However, the Kenda up front was a improvement. I did expect a little more in the way of sidewall stiffness from the kenda, but no matter what I did, I could not get the front end to push. This was easily achieved with the Hut. However, in no way was it a critical improvement.
I first assumed that Ibis spec these tires for one reason - Marketing the number 21.9. While tires are the cheapest way for a bike company to reach positive marketing weights, in this case, they actually work. I personally will run a mix of brands for best results. But for those of you pondering a WTFSL complete kit - DO IT - its all good! Yes, even the Manitou.
Think of it as a wife, facts are she will get fat over time so start with the thinnest hottest wife possible. The WTFSL is the lean MILF. Yes, over time she will gain weight with the addition of gravity equipment, but she will still be light. I have added a little pork to the Wheelset but she's still well under 24lbs. I guess I do not understand building a fat SL when a SL thats 6 pounds lighter will accomplish the same objective, yes even DH. But, I will save that for another Thread.
In conclusion, The WTF Hut in the rear is out of this world. If you XC your perfect front and rear. DH with front Huts will get you puckered up. But, I guess thats why the Huts have XC written real big on the side.
