27.5+ 2.8 tyres - a...
 

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[Closed] 27.5+ 2.8 tyres - anything with a sidewall not made of cheese?

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Got a 2.8 rekon+ in my mk2 Solaris with adequate room


 
Posted : 14/09/2016 9:00 pm
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muggomagic - Member
and an update from Maxxis

The Minion DHF is now available for dealers so it's a case of calling round your local Maxxis stockists and reserving.

My daily search of online stores has come up blank again, nobody seems to be listing these yet.


 
Posted : 15/09/2016 8:59 am
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I've asked my lbs to see if they can order them and find out pricing and delivery dates. Will post up when I hear back.


 
Posted : 15/09/2016 9:07 am
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I've just had a reply from nextdaytyres about the DHF saying.

Not available yet and no eta from any UK distributor sorry


 
Posted : 15/09/2016 10:49 am
 duff
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So the concencus so far is Maxxis if you can afford it, otherwise wait for Specialized or more Maxxis? Seems a bit hit and miss with various other tyres?

I've just bought a plus bike with Rocket Rons and was going to swap them straight away as I've read reviews saying they puncture easily. I don't really trust Snakeskin tyres after a 29er tyre punctured on its first ride on the SDW, although I've had the same experience with an Onza Canis and Purgatory Grid so maybe I'm just unlucky. Never punctured in the Surry Hills, just need something that'll cope with Flint without falling apart.


 
Posted : 15/09/2016 11:13 am
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Just heard back from my lbs and they say the same as nextdaytyres. I've messaged maxxis UK again and asked them what the score is, but I really don't want to spend £230 on a pair of tyres so I'd rather wait and see what the prices are when they appear in the German stores. In the meantime I might go for the TCS tough WTB rangers or the schwalbe apex nobby nics.


 
Posted : 15/09/2016 11:30 am
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...just need something that'll cope with Flint without falling apart.

Good luck with that! Like looking for butter that repels a hot knife. 😉

Been to LBS (Spesh dealer) - seems EO October is the due date for a lot of the plus-size Grid tyres.


 
Posted : 15/09/2016 1:53 pm
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Mike, the benefits of plus tires are that they give you the confidence to commit to your cornering and therefore able to work on technique with less fear of exploding in a cloud of dust.
Plus tires are great for any rider looking to progress. Likely little /no benefit for riders with dialled technique and able to ride the raggedy edge of traction in a fully committed corner, but let's be realistic, that's probably 0.5% of the riders on the forum.

Tires wise. 2.8 NN front, no problems. 2.8 RR rear plenty of holes, pinch flats (tubeless so pinch tear at tire bead/sidewall). But repaired on trail with tire patches.
I haven't tried the NN out back but when the RR is holding air, it's a great tire.


 
Posted : 15/09/2016 2:22 pm
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rOcKeTdOg - Member

Got a 2.8 rekon+ in my mk2 Solaris with adequate room

and the sidewalls are relatively tough?


 
Posted : 16/09/2016 12:12 pm
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No good news from Maxxis

Many thanks for getting in touch with us through our website.

The Rekon+ and the Ikon+ are available to buy now. The High Roller II and Minion DHR II+ are due in around January. Prices for the 3C EXO/TR versions are expected to be around £60-£65.


 
Posted : 16/09/2016 6:56 pm
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Yeah, lead times for Maxxis to the UK are slooow, I ordered my fatbike Minions from the states and even though they were delivered by rowing boat they still got here way before the UK stockists finally got theirs.


 
Posted : 16/09/2016 7:37 pm
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A bit late to this thread but ...

Also I'm not reading through the whole thread again so if something's already been said, apologies.

The main problem with plus sized tyres is that in order to keep the weight down (low weight being one of the must haves that we've been told we need in bike tyres) then something's got to give, the choice is between the sidewalls and the tread. As far as the manufacturer is concerned the sidewall is preferred as it enhances that soft plush feeling they can use to sell the tyres.

I've a set of 650b+ wheels running WTB Bridger on the front and WTB Trailblazer on the rear. (This is on a Solaris) I've seen comments on here and elsewhere and been told by riders that having the TB on the front wasn't a good idea so I'm not sure why Cotic still run with it in their Plus package for the Solaris. Having done some measurements the sidewalls on the TB are wider than the tread! I've done around 800Km with the Plus tyres and still going fine.

I've just got back from Iceland and the tyres stood up fine even though there were some rocks I thought were a little on the razor side of sharp. A lot's down to chance really which is the same as with any tyre.


 
Posted : 16/09/2016 7:40 pm
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Anyone know a US site sticking the Maxxis 2.8s? Have someone e coming back next week who'll bring me over one


 
Posted : 17/09/2016 9:39 am
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When somebody manages to overtake me on one I'll give it a go

Roaster alert.....


 
Posted : 17/09/2016 12:23 pm
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HR2, DHF and DHR2 2.8s now listed in the Plus/Fat section of Maxxis.com and Maxxis.co.uk.

Stil not available to buy in the US through Maxxis.com though.


 
Posted : 18/09/2016 5:57 pm
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Forekaster 2.6 looks promising

http://m.pinkbike.com/photo/13968476/


 
Posted : 23/09/2016 6:22 pm
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There's what appears to be a plus sized Magic Mary on one of the bikes in the Cylce Show news articles.


 
Posted : 23/09/2016 7:09 pm
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Killed the 2.8 Rocket Ron on rocks. Crap.


 
Posted : 04/10/2016 10:19 pm
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honourablegeorge - Member

HR2, DHF and DHR2 2.8s now listed in the Plus/Fat section of Maxxis.com and Maxxis.co.uk.

Wonder how much they stretched their rubber ruler when they were measuring them... My 2.7 highroller measured exactly 2.5 😆


 
Posted : 04/10/2016 10:25 pm
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Was chatting to the nice folks at bike-components.de - they have the Minion Plus listed internally now, so [i]should[/i] be on site next week some time.

Prices are 69,50€ for the Minion DHF+ Dual and the 3C version is 84,50€ (ouch)


 
Posted : 05/10/2016 1:39 pm
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Someone posted on the Facebook group for "27.5+ and 29+" about the Duro Crux. I asked about sidewalls and got this

[i]"They were on the thicker and heavier side for sure. I have been running the wtb 29x3 for a few months and these seemed to have a more substantial sidewall. I'm optimistic"[/i]

They're cheap at Ridewill.it

The Duro Miner looks interesting too. Bit weird that the Crux looks like a rear tread pattern and is 3.25" wide, and the Miner looks like a front and is 3.0" wide.


 
Posted : 06/10/2016 7:25 am
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I just fitted a Rekon+ 2.8 in the rear of my Transmitter. It's pretty much the same size as a Trailblazer, slightly smaller than a 2.8 Rocket Ron and definitely not a genuine 2.8. It's not heavily built, but the EXO casing feels a bit stiffer and subjectively tougher which is quite reassuring. I'll let you know when it flats. 😉

It comes in a fancy semi-mesh bag, which seems like an utterly pointless affectation unless you're desperate for a shopping bag which reveals your groceries to the world.

I'm told that the hot ticket for tyre destroyers may be the Tough version of the 2.8 WTB Ranger which is apparently, erm, very tough, but I don't think they're available yet...


 
Posted : 10/10/2016 9:58 am
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put another hole in the side of my 2.8 NN last night. that's 5 now...

what rims are those rekon's on? how wide do they come up?


 
Posted : 10/10/2016 12:19 pm
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It's on a Scraper. I've got a 2.8NN on the front. I don't have any calipers, but using a tape measure, I'd say they're roughly the same width overall, but the Rekon+ isn't as round as the NN, if that makes sense, less sidewall sticking out beyond the tread. It's definitely a smaller tyre than a 2.8 Rocket Ron, which in turn is bigger than a Nic of the same size I think.

If a 2.8N N fits, I think a Rekon 2.8 should go in fine. I don't know if it's definitely tougher than a Schwalbe, but I mostly run Maxxis elsewhere and I've usually found EXO casings pretty good except on the Beaver and Ikon which are built lighter.


 
Posted : 10/10/2016 2:49 pm
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2.8 NN's are already bit tight in my fork/frame for winter slop

i think I'm going to go back to 29r for the winter and wait until next summer to see what the latest breed of 2.6 650+ tyres bring.


 
Posted : 10/10/2016 3:22 pm
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Just noticed that bike-components.de do actually have the WTB Ranger in the Tough version with alleged 2-7 day availability:

[url= https://www.bike-components.de/en/WTB/Ranger-TCS-Tough-Fast-Rolling-27-5-Faltreifen-Modell-2017-p51267/ ]https://www.bike-components.de/en/WTB/Ranger-TCS-Tough-Fast-Rolling-27-5-Faltreifen-Modell-2017-p51267/[/url]

I guess it's an option if the Rekon+ doesn't play nicely with the Peak District and could be the definitive answer the thread title. Was riding with someone using one last week, it survived when two other tyres died from rock strikes 😐


 
Posted : 10/10/2016 3:52 pm
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Bit of a thread resurrection. Bike discount now have stock of the Nobby Nic with Apex casing for 46 euros.

They also have the 2.6" versions in stock

[url= http://www.bike-discount.de/en/shop/mtb-tyres-27.5-folding-8913/label-new/brand-schwalbe/o-titel ]Schwalbe new tyres[/url]


 
Posted : 19/10/2016 4:56 am
 Alex
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Cy has the tough wall Rangers as well in stock.. My Rekon's have survived a Antur/Lakes trip.


 
Posted : 19/10/2016 7:16 am
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I'm taking a pair of snakeskin NNs to Afan this weekend. Wish me luck.


 
Posted : 19/10/2016 7:24 am
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Take a tubeless repair kit....


 
Posted : 19/10/2016 7:41 am
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If anyone's interested, CRC has the WTB Ranger 2.8 TCS Tough tyre in stock, though not the 3.0. Not insanely expensive for a B+ tyre either at £42.


 
Posted : 19/10/2016 8:39 pm
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jam bo - Member
Take a tubeless repair kit.

I've got the anchovies packed in the SWAT box and will have a reel of gorilla tape and a couple of tubes packed too.

The 2.8 Ranger tough rear and a 3.0 apex NN front would be a great combo and all for around £80.


 
Posted : 20/10/2016 4:36 am
 Alex
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In slightly tangential news, I'm pretty sold on the Rekon's at the moment but they are a 'big' 2.8 and the mud on last nights ride definitely generated that frame/tyre interface. NextDayTyres now have both a WideTrail Shorty and DHRII in. I think I'll try DHR2 (which is a nominal 2.4) for winter. Might drop the BB a little but will give me a lot more clearance....

On the Stache, I'm leaving the bridger/ranger combo and we'll see how we get on. And that'll take the new 2.8 shorty/DHR that are coming at some point. Although if they are £90 each I'll probably not bother.


 
Posted : 20/10/2016 8:51 am
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WT Shorty. Basically the best tyre ever.


 
Posted : 20/10/2016 9:30 am
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@Ben, have you tried the 2.5 Der Baron Projekt? I fancy trying one of these 2 but I can't decide which...


 
Posted : 20/10/2016 9:34 am
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So 3 days riding in Wales and no issues at all with the 3.0 Nobby Nics. Which, bearing in mind I was so knackered on the Saturday late afternoon that I was slamming into everything on the Skyline descent, was quite a pleasant surprise.


 
Posted : 24/10/2016 6:51 am
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The 2.8 Ranger is a little on the small side.

Maybe it'll stretch out a bit with use.
It's also not as tall as it could be.

[url= https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5496/30419948082_535aac7ff0_k.jp g" target="_blank">https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5496/30419948082_535aac7ff0_k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Nm7bKu ]2.8 Ranger on Scraper.[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/stu-b/ ]multispeedstu[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 24/10/2016 1:18 pm
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I've been impressed with the NNs and I like that they seem a bit taller than the Specialized purgatory and GC that they replaced.


 
Posted : 24/10/2016 1:38 pm
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benpinnick - Member
WT Shorty. Basically the best tyre ever.

Oh good.... my desk looks even more promising then
[img] [/img]


 
Posted : 24/10/2016 2:03 pm
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so here is a thing. first ride back on 29r wheels after a summer on 2.8NN's.

the hand pump I'd been getting on long descents is gone. vanished. not a hint.

nothing but the wheels/tyres changed.

confused.


 
Posted : 24/10/2016 2:30 pm
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The 2.8 Ranger is a little on the small side.

Maybe it'll stretch out a bit with use.
It's also not as tall as it could be.

Looks like the side knobbles are in the right place though, which is one up in the Trailblazer. 😉


 
Posted : 25/10/2016 11:22 am
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For anyone interested, Alltricks have the 2.8" 27.5" DHF, DHR2 and High Roller (all in Dual Compound) in stock now

http://www.alltricks.com/C-40535-tyres/N-11923-brand~maxxis/N-58733-width~2.80/I-Page1_20

PNOCT gets you 10% on the DHR2


 
Posted : 26/10/2016 11:12 am
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even the discounted price on that rekon is insane...


 
Posted : 26/10/2016 12:16 pm
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First night ride on the WTB Ranger TCS Tough 2.8 out back last night. Slammed into several rockeries at reasonable speed without any hint of a pinch flat, which is a major advance on previous tyres, trust me...

It's pretty fast rolling despite being very obviously a little heavy. Grip feels about right to me for a rear tyre and was happy on everything from rock and hardpack through to medium soft stuff. Not so good on deeper mud, but then nothing much in b+ is as far as I can see.

It works nicely teamed with a 2.8 NN up front though I might swap that for the Rekon+ I took off the back.

As above, it's slightly small for the stated size, the 3.0 might be a better bet for float, and probably around the same dimensions as a Trailblazer, but actually has some edge knobs, which is nice.

At any rate, the sidewalls definitely aren't made of cheese. It was something of a relief... 😉


 
Posted : 26/10/2016 12:36 pm
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Well a piece of flint has just killed my Light Grippy Ranger on the front. Saying that, I'm not sure a Tough version would have kept it out...

Anyway, it was a nice tyre for three rides. Time to work out what to pop on there next. Just glad I didn't pay £80 for a Rekon.

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5488/30775138816_cee9b5e7b9_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5488/30775138816_cee9b5e7b9_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/NTuCzE ].@wildernesstrailbikes WTB Ranger: 0 - IoW flint: 1 Three rides old. The new blood on the squad couldn't take the pace! -- #iowmtb #mtb #ukmtb #wintermtb #nofilter #nophotoshop[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/pimpmasterjazz/ ]Neil Cain[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 06/11/2016 3:04 pm
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Got a 2.8 DHF 3C Exo from Bike-Components today, EUR 79.95, not fitted it yet, but it'll replace a Nobby Nic, with a Rekon out back.

No more tyre OCD. Aaaaah.

Don't think the tyre is listed on the site yet, but they did a special order for me.


 
Posted : 28/11/2016 3:21 pm
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No more tyre OCD. Aaaaah.

You know it makes sense. 😉

WTB above is repaired and holding air. Whether that remains the case after a ride is yet to be discovered.


 
Posted : 28/11/2016 3:47 pm
 Alex
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I see the Minion plus tyres are due in at Next Day Tyres in a week or so. And I see Maxxis's aspiration pricing / legalised robbery continues to generate a 'How f**ing much' from any individual with even a soupçon of fiscal responsibility.

Anyway thats not why I resurrected this thread. Just a bit more info on my Rekon's with around 750km on them. Survived Antur/Lakes/Afan/Cwncarn/Malverns/FoD/etc and - as of yesterday - BPW. Well mostly. For Antur I'd pumped then up to around 18PSI (from 16/14 I normally run) but didn't bother for BPW.

Second run (one of the rocky-ish reds off the top), air was hissing out between the bead and the rim on the front. Thought I'd dinged the rim due to low pressures/being a klutz jumping over slabs.

It was absolutely sh*ing it down all day and my attempt to stick a tube in just got me a) wetter an b) no more inflated after nipping the tube. Workshop at BPW were great, wasn't an issue with the tyre but the stans tape had degraded so it no longer covered all the spoke holes. Maybe the tyre hit it and moved it? Dunno.

Anyway a dry with the airline, new tape (Gorilla tape is what they use and it looks really good), some new sealant and we're back in the game. Tested it on Hot-Stepper (twice), Rim Dinger etc and did all the decent sized drops / jumps on the reds and it was fine. At 20PSI.

That one will be going to Spain in April. Although in the spares bag as I'll probably have coughed up for a ruinously expensive DHF for the front before then...


 
Posted : 04/02/2017 10:07 am
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So what's the current recommended choice for people riding rocky trails who aren't independently wealthy?

I was considering WTB Ranger tough on rear and NN trailstar apex on front?


 
Posted : 16/03/2017 11:19 am
 Alex
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I'm going with WTB ranger tough on the back and part used Rekon on the front. A DHF would probably be better but I'm not forking out for one at that price. The only NN I have experience of are the very fragile ones that came on the Mojo. They'd be awesome in the FoD if it is dusty, but not for rocky trails.


 
Posted : 16/03/2017 1:18 pm
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I was considering WTB Ranger tough on rear and NN trailstar apex on front?

That's what I'm running on the Sonder. Seems to work, though I guess if you really slammed the front wheel hard into something square-edged, you could probably hurt it. I'm not normally a Nobby Nic fan, but it seems like a pretty good all-round front tyre in plus guise. I suspect a Rekon would be slightly tougher, but not as grippy on softer stuff.


 
Posted : 16/03/2017 2:18 pm
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Thanks guys, I'm glad you've done the beta testing already.

The 2.8in NN Snakeskin Apex Trailstar is quoted at 960g, which is 75g more than the 29er Magic Mary Snakeskin - and that has proved more than tough enough for my needs.

I prefer the look of the tread on the Rekon or Minion, but I refuse to pay that much for a bicycle tyre.


 
Posted : 16/03/2017 6:06 pm
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Same dilema here. I test rode a Spesh turbo levo at the weekend and didn't get on ( grip wise ) with the 3.0 Purg up front so was going to start getting some tyres sorted. Ive always run a 29" MM on my Enduro which is a confidence inspiring point n shoot tyre and was hoping for the same for the yet to purchase Levo. Certainly looking for a tough tyre weight not really an issue as pedal-assist. Has anyone real-world experience with the DHF in + or HRII?


 
Posted : 16/03/2017 9:34 pm
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LOVE my 2.8 DHF 3c


 
Posted : 16/03/2017 9:55 pm
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Anyone compared a trailblazer and a ranger 2.8 side by side


 
Posted : 16/03/2017 10:51 pm
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After waiting the best part of a year for them, I've decided against buying the minions. The price, Maxxis narrow sizing and shallow tread has put me off.
I know that the view is that the tread doesn't need to be so deep on plus tyres as there is a bigger contact patch, but that just says to me that they will need replacing sooner as there wasn't much tread to start with and at £80 a piece I wouldn't want to be replacing them that regularly.

The 2.8 butcher and slaughter GRIDs are now available in the states. If they aren't going to be available in the UK anytime soon, I might see if I can find somewhere that'll ship them over.


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 6:43 am
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Anyone compared a trailblazer and a ranger 2.8 side by side

There you go Mick.

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5496/30419948082_b62a80e067_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/6/5496/30419948082_b62a80e067_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/Nm7bKu ]2.8 Ranger on Scraper.[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/stu-b/ ]multispeedstu[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/396/20122664671_7e116695ed_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/396/20122664671_7e116695ed_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/wEaV9k ]69mm.[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/stu-b/ ]multispeedstu[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 6:50 am
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Not sure why so few people are posting re the WTB Bridger. Good few of us using them over here, and I'm not aware of anything but deep love for them.
We've got a good range of terrain over here every time we ride (rocks, flint, roots and slop etc) and they just work.


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 7:24 am
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Cheers stu very similar looks like ranger has a smaller sidewall but bigger knobbles


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 7:40 am
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The Ranger is a much better tyre.
The knobs actually go all the way to the outside of the tyre.
Think it's grown a little now too. I'll try and measure it later.


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 7:50 am
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I've posted about Bridgers before. I run them front and rear on my hardtail. They're a fantastic Spring/Summer/Autumn tyre, not so great in slimy conditions IME.

They have stood up well to rocky peaks and Welsh rides, no punctures. Great all round tyre.

I'm now running 2.8 NN and WTB 2.5 Breakout on the bouncer too. The BO is a beast of a tyre, stoutly made and large for the quoted size. It's supposedly based on the TB carcass, don't know how true that is but it is big.

I've not put many miles into these tyres yet though but they fared better than I expected in the few sloppy rides I've got in so far.


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 7:54 am
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Thanks mate


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 7:55 am
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I'm now running 2.8 NN and WTB 2.5 Breakout on the bouncer too. The BO is a beast of a tyre, stoutly made and large for the quoted size. It's supposedly based on the TB carcass, don't know how true that is but it is big.

Aye, the breakout is a corking rear tyre, heavy - granted, but fast rolling, toughest tyre I've experienced and way grippier than it's tread pattern would suggest.


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 8:11 am
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Has anyone compared the 2.8 to 3.0 Ranger? Got a trailblazer at the moment but fancy more grip to match the bridger on the front.


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 8:39 am
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Specialized UK have just told me that they aren't "ranging" the 2.8 butcher and slaughter GRIDs. They're only stocking the 2.6 versions. Very disappointing.


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 9:40 am
 Alex
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That's a shame. I do wonder if 2.6 will become the new 2.8. Currently on WT 2.5s on one bike and they are great but they don't feel like a chubby.

@nixie - I have the bridger on the rear of my Stache. Great three seasons tyre as pointed out above.


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 3:16 pm
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The BB is already quite low on the stumpjumper with 3.0 tyres. Should be ok with 2.8 but think a 2.6 is going to be too much of a drop. What's the chances of Schwalbe getting the magic Mary out this year?


 
Posted : 17/03/2017 4:52 pm
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Not sure why so few people are posting re the WTB Bridger. Good few of us using them over here, and I'm not aware of anything but deep love for them.
We've got a good range of terrain over here every time we ride (rocks, flint, roots and slop etc) and they just work.

I'm running Bridger front and back with no issues really, still trying to dial in the pressures though....


 
Posted : 18/03/2017 9:43 am
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I am tempted by the bridger on the rear as well but not 100% sure there is room (longitude 2016). Should measure it really given the front i have is in the same rim.

Alex, bridger not good in winter mud then on the back? Been using the trailblazer this winter and that has been slippy at times (think tractor pulling style wheel spins to go forwards).


 
Posted : 18/03/2017 9:40 pm
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Found the 2.8 butcher GRID in Arts Cyclery, but they are $60 each and they want another $60 to ship them via UPS. HiBike.de are going to have stock arrive end of May and they are much better priced at 50 euros each plus 9e for shipping. So I'll be holding off on any tyre purchases until they arrive in Germany.


 
Posted : 21/03/2017 11:43 am
 Alex
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Right proper test coming up this weekend. Rekon Front, TCS Tough Ranger on the back

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3817/32939973473_6007ca341a_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3817/32939973473_6007ca341a_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/SbMYv8 ]Mojo 3 goes chubby for our Snowden weekend[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr

And this is why I removed them for the last few weeks

[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3837/32910004514_b1b22cfb03_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3837/32910004514_b1b22cfb03_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/S99nLW ]Mojo 3 goes chubby for our Snowden weekend[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr

Not a lot of room in there for UK mud. It does keep the bike super short at the back tho.

If they survive the ranger path, they're staying on for Ciclo Montana/Spain in three weeks. If not, it's back to the WideTrails which I've really come to like. For info this pairing (even with the heavy Tough casing) are lighter than a WT DHR/DHF combo by about 200 gr if you care about such things.


 
Posted : 31/03/2017 10:42 am
 Alex
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Cost wise WTB cost me 32 quid after a discount code, rekon was £70 cash new. I'm not sure it's twice as good 😉


 
Posted : 31/03/2017 10:43 am
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WTB need to get make a plus version of the vigilante.

Alex are the tough versions noticeably stiffer than the lights?


 
Posted : 31/03/2017 10:49 am
 Alex
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I hope so. Definitely less floppy and the sidewall feels beefed up significantly. My old fast rolling one wouldn't even support it's own weight off the rim. This one is a lot stouter. It's nearly a third as heavy coming in at just under 1000gr so as long as the heft has been put in the right places...

I did like the tyre tho on my FlareMax before I destroyed it. Fast rolling, surprisingly good on braking for such a shallow thread and loads of grip (until it's really muddy). Hoping this combo is as good. Other tyre on the FlareMax was the Ranger which again I rate. It's on my Stache now with a bridger on the back and I'm very happy with those.

But year 2.8 Vigilante would be ace. Especially at < £40.


 
Posted : 31/03/2017 10:55 am
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That sounds like a good option then. I had a Bridger and while I quite liked the tyre I found I had to run it with more pressure than the other tyres as I'd used as the sidewalls were so thin. So far the stiffest sidewalls I've found have been the Specialized GRID tyres.


 
Posted : 31/03/2017 11:10 am
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I think I'd said before I really liked the 2.8 NN front, rocket ron rear I had on my last scale plus (once I found the pressure sweet spot) Plenty of repaired tears on the Ron with glue patches but it was still absolutely fine run tubeless. No issues with the NN but it was only ever up front so not really at risk.
I've a 3.0 purgatory grid pair now and whilst it's a much heavier tyre that I've no doubt it will not need anything like the sidewall repairs that the RR was subject to, however it is probably the least reliable tubeless install I've ever had. I can't run it much below 20psi without it oozing sealant under JRA pedalling (in snow).
Once the snow is completely gone, I'll try and solve the tubeless problem or just retire them for now and looking forwards to trying the rekon 2.8 that came on the new bike.


 
Posted : 31/03/2017 1:24 pm
 Alex
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[url= https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2940/32956710444_fba5e631b3_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2940/32956710444_fba5e631b3_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/SdgKPA ]North Wales MTB Weekend - Snowdon and CYB[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/alexleigh/ ]Alex Leigh[/url], on Flickr

Test passed wth flying colours. Snowdon Ranger path and a lap of the beast. Included casing a bunch of water bars, smashing through some proper jagged rocks and generally abusing the tyres in as many ways as possible.

No issues whatsoever. Mate's had quite a few punctures on 'normal' Maxxis 2.3 DHF/DHR but not so much as a burp from either end on the Mojo, And I preferred the bike with them on. Might have just been as it was a fab weekend but they're staying on.


 
Posted : 02/04/2017 8:35 pm
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That's proper mtb'ing Alex ^^

In contrast I managed a few local miles pottering through the woods on my freshly cobbled-together 650b+ bike [a 29 Parkwood with Recons] and 2.8 WTB Ranger Comps - it's so 'springy' and fun to ride, I guess it's the combo of a coil fork and soft 2.8 but it just launches off small roots and lips 😀

The sidewalls on the cheap Comps might be a bit cheese-like, but having ridden them now, I'll happily drop £50 on the Tough version if I do manage to rip a sidewall. They ride nice and the clearance is good (wouldn't want to go any bigger in the RS Recon). I only run 27mm rims and they still come up about 2.6 on the carcass and 2.8 across the shoulder knobs.

Not sure if these pics will work ..
[IMG] [/IMG]

[IMG] [/IMG]


 
Posted : 03/04/2017 8:23 am
 Alex
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Looking appropriately chubby. I am starting to become a fan of WTB tyres. Seem to be tough (if you get the right casing), have a decent roll to grip ratio and cost about half a Maxxis! I think I paid less than £35 for mine by just doing a google search... not a shop I'd used before.

At 2.6 you're in the vanguard of the latest niche without having to buy expensive tyres. Result 🙂


 
Posted : 03/04/2017 10:57 am
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