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I currently run 29er Der Baron front and back. I love them BUT I think the bike would be more fun with a little less grip on the back for my regular trails. Wondering about putting a Kaiser on the back there now it's drying up.
Bike is a 29er Jeffsy, would just like the back end to be a bit less sticky. I'd like to stay with Continental because I'm an idiot that likes front and back tyres to match in some way...
Its a better tyre for all round use especially now its all dusty and dry, but its still a beast of a tyre.
If you want a better rolling tyre i really like the x king 2.4 for a big volume rear tyre. Id personaly not run a kaiser or baron on the back unless i was in the alps or doing uplift. Tubeless though, and in the protection black chili version.
I totally get it, the baron is bonkers grippy!
What about the new 2.3 mountain King out back?
I'm about to mount these fr/rr as my summer set up as having run the Barons for the winter my normal fast setup with old casing 2.4 mk2/Xk pairing seems a little skittish comparatively.
Hopefully the new tyre design doesn't give up too much grip over the baron but keeps its low rolling.. moon/stick?
Conti's range is very limited really, it has some really good stuff though... I quite like the Baron Projekt I have (I think if I was only allowed one front tyre it might be that) but they've not got anything that makes much sense behind it. Unless the new MK is a big upgrade on all the old shit ones.
If you want to stay in brand, I'd switch to a brand that actually gives you what you want, rather than having some sort of loyalty to one that doesn't. No manufacturer is the best at everything but Conti don't really try. But if I was you I'd stick a rock razor on the back and keep what you like on the front.
I've been running Baron/Kaiser for about a year now and struggled with the same issue. Having tried all combos I've come to the conclusion Continental just don't make a decent rear tyre for dry conditions. Also, after 4 tyre failures (all replaced under warranty) in that time, it's time to give up on Conti.
Baron / Trail king combo on my Jeffsy...works a treat
Another Trail King vote here. They come with Alex sidewalls in the posh version, so you’ll keep that supportive feeling.
Looking at the Trail king now - does seem to be a good idea. Thanks all.
Run 2.4 trail kings on my alpine. Very, very, good tyre. Make sure you get the apex/protection version as the sidewalls are a little flimsy otherwise.
The Trail King is a really good rear tyre -handles most conditions well, progressive on the cornering limit, good at braking and driving. Hopefully the new Protection Apex casing is as tough as the very old UST Rubber Queen one, because I found the original TK Protection a bit flimsy.
2018 version looks like it’ll be a good front tyre too, but I doubt that’s out yet...
I run a baron F&R at the moment and sometimes a baron/semi-slick combo. Conti don't have a decent fast rolling rear tyre that isn't XC
2018 version looks like it’ll be a good front tyre too, but I doubt that’s out yet…
Top center, 2018 TK 29x2.4 protection apex...it's definately out 🙂
I've been happy with a Der Baron front and Trail King rear for a couple of years as all round tyres. The Baron is a really good tyre. Just trying out the half semi fat option now at 2.6 wide and I have gone for the new Baron front and the very different new Mountain King rear. Only had a chance to try them in the dry, but much comfort and grip so far.
@excaliber, 2.6 Mountain King? That's a tyre I thought was delayed.
BearBack, Ordered them a couple of weeks ago here:
Been using a Kaiser on the rear for a bit now and it seems like a really good tyre. Has been grippy enough for me in all conditions and it's tough (if a little porky)!
@BearBack & the OP - should've noticed that you are 29, not 27.5, might affect availability for the 2.6 width.
Yep, they're 27.5 only but all our bikes run both wheelsizes.
North America are back ordered on Baron 2.6.. sea otter didn't even show anything but the Baron 2.6 so I assume cross king and Mountain King are not coming our way.
We did have the same announce/release/availability delay for 27.5 DH casing tyres too