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Currently running Rocket Ron 2.25 rear and Nobby Nic 2.35 up front. No issues with traction at the front, but finding the Rocket Run just isn't cutting it in really muddy conditions, so considering a change. Was thinking either go full Nobby Nic, or look at other brands. Any suggestions? Worth noting that max width at the back is 2.25. Had been looking at Barzo, but it looks very similar to Rocket Ron so not sure it would offer much of an improvement. Maxxis Forekaster looks like it might do the trick, but also looks very similar to Nobby Nic...
Bontrager Mud. Loving them all over again this winter.
depends on your mud - where do you ride (and do you ride anything other than mud in winter) ?
New forest here - ALL mud, except for the sandy bits. maintaining any forward motion is the absolute prime concern
@zippykona - Are they discontinued? Can't find much info...
@scaredypants - I ride a mix of XC routes, with some VERY muddy bridleway sections, and the trails at Woburn Sands, which currently have some very muddy and wet sandy sections, particularly on the Danesborough side.
Medusa 2.25 was awesome, discontinued now but still a few around.
Something like a Maxxis Beaver or Bonty Mud is probably best for proper mud plugging, anything with well-spaced small square knobs really.
I am currently running a Maxxis HRII fr Forekaster rear combo and I've liked it up until recently as it is a bit more 'trail' friendly. THye were overwhelmed recently though with the rear struggling to grip. With more rain forecast I'll probabl put the beavers on.
I think the Bontrager Mud X has been discontinued? Shame if so, used to like it.
The Barzo seemed a bit sketchy to me. Maybe because the compound is quite hard? Probably okay in sandy mud but didn't like it for slippery clay or chalk.
Currently got the latest Purgatory on the rear of my winter hardtail. Seems surprisingly good for traction. First Specialized tyre in years that doesn't piss sealant from the sidewalls. Otherwise Forekaster...
Beavers have more bite than the forekaster
Spesh storm control?
I’ve been running Maxxis Beavers on my bike for winter duties for a few years now and my usual riding spots are Woburn, Rushmeere and the Chilterns.
I’m loving the Beavers in the current slop. In the dry I use high roller 2 and Ardent but when it started to get wet in Autumn the tyres would just clog and spin. Absolutely loved it when I switched over to the beavers. Instant confidence in turns and loads more traction up hills and cope well with wet roots too.
My riding buddy uses Bonty XR4 which are a similar open spaced pattern but with shorter knobs and less sipes in the tread and he copes pretty well to. I appear to have better traction in really muddy conditions and am able to keep the bike just about moving in the worst while he may stall.
The XR4 are probably a better choice if you want to run one tyre all year round but if you don’t mind swapping then the Beavers definitely have a bit more performance in the mud.
@jairaj - The Beaver looks great, but it also looks like it's been discontinued. Doesn't appear on their website, and I can't find stock of anything other than 2.0 width with UK retailers.
Hopefully someone will come on and say 2.6 Bonty XR2s cos I bought a set last year but never fitted them. They keep winking at me.
Spez Storm here on the rear for winter hardtail duties - Come up quite thin but I think that possibly helps cut through as rarely spin out compared to riding pals. I have a wider / higher volume tyre on the front, that still deals with the mud ok, and unweight the rear for when downhills get rocky.
I’m liking Forekasters so far this winter. Only the stickiest of mud gets stuck on them. Just local bridleway type stuff though so outright grip not too critical.
another shout for Bontrager MudX - I like 'em so much I've not used anything else for 10yrs or more. I bought my last pair from here > https://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/bontrager-xr-mud-27.5-team-issue-tyre.html
The Vittoria Barzo is a great all rounder xc tyre, they work in the mud but nothing like the MudX.
Looks like the Specialized Storm Control in discontinued too! Lots of love for discontinued tyres! So far that's the Specialized Storm Control, Bonty Mud and the Maxxis Beaver!
Bit old school but really like panaracer fires on the back in mud, got one waiting to go on the fs when I can be bothered. Actually might be too wide for you - h/t has a bardo on it been quite happy with that in Surrey mud so far
Maxxis Forecaster front and Michelin Mud rear for me. Michelins dont last long , so keep away from any tarmac but grip well for Berkshire/ Hants gloop.
Looking at the Maxxis website looks like the Forekaster is their muddy XC tyre I'd give that a go.
Or try the Bonty XR4, been working fine for my mate round the red loop at Woburn throughout winter so far, I don't think the gap in traction to my Beavers is that big. There are only a couple points where it gets really boogy after heavy rain where maybe there isn't enough traction for him to keep moving but I'm close to the edge with the Beavers too and close to stalling myself.