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So after slicing open my Maxxis Aspen 29.2.25 with EXO casing today i need a new tyre
Requirements are it must be 29x2.25 (that's as big as my frame will allow)
Must be an XC or trail based tyre (the bike is an XC bike)
Must have strong sidewalls, EXO+ and above or other manufacturer equivalent as most of my riding is in the Southdowns and a nice big flint killed my tyre today and its not the first time Ive sliced EXO casing tyres and Schwalbe casing tyres due to flints
So is there a 29x2.25 fast rolling Mtb tyre with strong sidewalls out there???
There was a similar South Downs 2.25 tyre thread a little while ago I think..
Yep
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/lower-profile-29er-2-25ish-tyre/#post-10455302
I find the tough Vittoria or Onza options have had the fewest issues (although not necessarily my favourite tread patterns, ho hum). Maxxis EXO is just a write off for me, across a few tyres. Came to the conclusion that whatever it is I do, the protection is just in the wrong place.
https://e-biketires.com/en/e-mtb-reader/smart-sam-dd.html
Any good to you?
I use the 2.35 nobby nic with the ebike symbol on the sidewall and they're pretty good too.
Maxxis exo are pretty rubbish... As a few other have said in other threads, the sidewalls tend to go all wobbly after hard riding... I've done 2x minion ss and a dhr2.
I've found the On One Smorgasbord to be plenty tough but then I'm pretty sure they were made by Maxxis, along with Onza tyres iirc.
What about some WTB in Tough TCS casing?
Double down Maxxis Aggressor, 2.3" though.
Not sure if it would be classed as XC but should roll pretty well and will certainly be tough if the past tough wtb tyres I have had are anything to go by.
Might struggle to get a proper xm tyre with good sidewall protection.
Cheers for the replies
Ill check out the SD tyre thread
The Smart Sam looks good, comes in at 840 grams which is good
The WTB Trail boss looks good, little heavier than id like though
The Maxxis Aggressor 2.3 with DD casing would probably fit and i do like Maxxis tyres (i run a DHF 2.5 WT and a Assegai 2.5 WT DD on my e-mtb) but i suspect it will weigh 1100+ grams
After similar issues I switched from Racing Ralph, to Rocket Ron, until settling on Vittoria Saguaro TNT. Rolls well and have only had wide puncture in my years which was a sidewall tear on Rim Dinger at BPW
Had the same dilemma on my old Whyte 29C... Couldn't fit anything bigger than a 2.25" Schwalbe in there (and only just at that) or a 2.2" Maxxis. I'm not the smoothest or lightest of riders, so...
The solution in the end, was to fit a tyre insert! I found that a Huck Norris, which may not be quite enough for the Enduro set these days with them having moved on to CushCore or Rimpact etc, was ideal. Gave me just enough support to save quite a few incidents.
It's also worth considering the newer Schwalbe "Performance Line" folding tyres in the "Double Defence" casing... They're rated for up to 50km/h eBikes, and the Double Defence casing is a good bit tougher than the normal Snakeskin without going to the weight of a Super Gravity tyre. Also, they're a good bit cheaper than the Evolution Line tyres, being £35 @ RRP (quite a bit cheaper online) vs the £60 RRP of the Evolution line folding tyres. They're still tubeless ready too. Could be the answer possibly!
Cheers but a tyre insert wouldn't solve my issue
I run the rear tyre at 35 psi, the sidewall strength when riding though fields of flints is the issue
So Ive been looking at the Schwalbe Smart Sam double defence and it from what Schwalbe say its basically is a snakeskin sidewall with a raceguard under the tread, so this is no good, Ive sliced snakeskin sidewalls before
Not too sure on the WTB TrailBoss tyre, it weighs 1050 grams in 2.25 with the enduro casing
Think ill have to either suck up the extra weight of a Maxxis DD casing will add but give me the protection i need or get another EXO casing tyre and hope i don't get slashed again, there does seem to be a lack of Maxxis EXO+ tyres out there to choose from
I like these Conti Race King Protections. Had them on for a year now in all manner of conditions and they’re pretty quick. IMO they are quite a large ‘2.2’
In the same predicament and spent time yesterday trawling the internet for suitable 29 x 2.25 for my rigid hardtail and im pleased to see this thread has mentioned Smart Sam DD as thats what i was erring towards
Vittoria Agarro? 2.35 but they're small/accurate for their size. It's their 'light' trail tyre, less agressive than the Martello, but more than the XC tyes.
“I run the rear tyre at 35 psi, the sidewall strength when riding though fields of flints is the issue”
35psi may actually be the problem. At that pressure the tyre is so firm it won’t give and get out of the way of the flint. I’ve been running Maxxis Exo tyres for about five years, riding the singletrack and bridleways of the South Downs and it’s years since I had a flint cut a tyre all the way through.
Tried several different tyres on the Downs but always revert back to Ardent EXOs. Have never sliced on flint at 20psi. Thunderburt on the other hand…..
I’m very impressed with vittoria tyres. I’m running a barzo 2.0 graphine in 2.25. It rolls quick and has decent grip. I don’t think it will be brilliant in mud but then it is a lightweight xc tyre.
Yep Vittoria TNT sagauro would be my choice