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I've entered the Griftfest event in the middle of June which is billed as a gravel bike event but I'll be riding it on my Kona Kahuna DL hardtail. I'm still running the stock Maxxis Rekon EXO TR Dual 29 x 2.25 tyres and was wondering if XC tyres like the Vittoria mezcal / barzo would give me more speed? Also wondering if 2.35 inch tyres be faster or slower than 2.25?
Apart from that event I mostly use the bike for XC rides from my house which involve little sections of road to tie together bridleways and not too technical single track. Any recommendations? I find the choice of tyres a bit overwhelming and only got experience of the current tyres so nothing to compare with them at the moment.
A mate usually rides it on a rigid MTB with Vittoria Terrano Dry tyres.
A Mezcal / Mezcal combo might suit the event better.
In terms of tread those Rekon's look fast. I doubt a barzo would be much faster. I like the Barzo/Mezcal combo so consider it when your current tyres need replacing. I can't tell the difference between 2.25 and 2.35 tyres in reality. Sort of depends on brand. Given the choice and equal cost I'd go slightly larger, even when I want speed.
Mezcal front Terreno rear might be the fastest in the dry. Probably a bit sporting if it's wet.
If you are riding a lot on tarmac and getting miles in then I'd think about something cheaper on the back rather than performance. When I used to do that wort of riding I got through rear tyres.
I really rate Terreno XC 2.25s if it's dry and hardpack/rocky/gravelly or there's longer tarmac sections. Not so good on damp grass or mud and if there's no tarmac then Mezcals are a better bet. WTB Rangers in 2.25 or 2.4 also good, or the classic Nanos.
I really rate my Racing Ray/Ralph combo.