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Eldest_OAB has a penchant for seemingly pinch puncturing, slicing, blowing out tyres or bending rear wheels.
While I like the fact he is going faster, and working hard on his technique being more than point and hold on 🙄 , I could do with some beefier rear tyre suggestions. Currently the Hans Dampf, lighter casing, is not surviving.
He is on Radon Slide, Superstar Alpine rims.
What tyres? (and any that are cheaper...)
Worth installing a foam pinch thing?
Double Down casing? Something in a DH casing really might slow him down a bit too
Is he paying for all his tyres and rims? Doing so might inform his line choices 🙂
if a Bontrager G5 hoofed you in the slats dear god you would know about it. Great tyre
If he is happy with Schwalbe just get the Super Gravity casing. Not as heavy as a dh tyre but far stronger than the basic Snake Skin tyres.
Having blown too many tyres on the rear of the tandem I have gone to dual ply rears. Larsens for dryish / all round and High rollers for wet / muddy. that will work
also what tyre pressures? maybe up it a bit to prevent the pinch flats?
Is he paying for all his tyres and rims?
Yes, although there is a balance of 'wear and tear', not just being a elephant on wheels...
also what tyre pressures? maybe up it a bit to prevent the pinch flats?
I am trying to stay on top of this - the tubeless tyres all seem to leak a touch, and so reminding him to pump them up / check each ride.
Before tubeless he would go through an inner tube a ride at one point, even at 30psi+ 😐
The boy is an animal.
stop feeding him so he weighs less? try 45 psi?
WTB tough casings are pretty bomb proof, and can usually be had for cheap. I think i got my Vigilante TCS tough/high grip for £13..
[i]If he is happy with Schwalbe just get the Super Gravity casing[/i]
Just got one of these for my son's bike (a Magic Mary from CRC) - not fitted yet, but certainly has the thickest sidewall I've ever felt!
Stick a proper Downhill tyre in there, that's what they're meant for. He's young, rolling resistance surely isn't a concern until you're older and tired? Also if he's going fast he may enjoy the support around corners that DH tyres give.
I've got a Cush-Core and whilst it feels totally bombproof even with no air in the tyre if you get a flat that doesn't seal whilst out on the trail it's going to be a total menace to get it out and fit a tube. I honestly think it would take me and a mate a good half an hour of swearing at it and our thumbs. I definitely wouldn't ride it anywhere remote on the off chance I tore a sidewall. It's currently sat on a spare wheel as I can't get it off on my own.
+1 for Schwalbe Supergravity or WTB Tough casing tyres on the rear.
He'll probably still get away with Snakeskin / Maxxis Exo casing on the front.
The WTB ones can be a bit tight to fit, FWIW.
As all have said dual ply, double down, super gravity or whatever they call their downhill tyres. There is a lot more meat and strength to the sidewalls that helps prevent cuts and slices. But you can still do it.
Repair kits for expensive tyres are worth considering too.
Try Specialized tyres with the grid casing. Currently running the Butcher and pretty happy so far. Pretty good balance of price, weight, protection and grip.
+1 for wtb. I wouldnt be paying schwalbe prices for myself, let alone a son, not that I have one.
wtb tough are seriously tough!
those G5 tyres i've linked are better than the WTB tyres, and cheaper, I think....
Another vote for Schwalbe Super Gravity casings, but even better would be Schwalbe Procore and whatever tyre you want.
WTB tough casings ftw.
+1 for WTB tough casing, think I must have got mine in the same deal as dumbbot
Another advantage of giving him a really heavy rear tyre would be to slow him down a bit so as not to show you up. Yo could even fill it with water
Any concerns with your coaching if your own isn't doing a proper M check? 😉
Sounds like he needs more practice as his skill level isn't at his speed level (yet)...says me who has neither!
You're right Richard. Try telling a 16 year old to slow down...
Michelin tyres with the Enduro casing. I’ve run my wild Muds for two winters as low as 18 psi and not suffered sidewall damage or rim dings over South Downs flints.
Try telling a 16 year old to slow down...
Suspect that would be better received than telling him he isn't riding properly! 😉
I'm jesting, best I could suggest would be an extra 10psi in the tyres and then adjust to 'improve'.
since switching to a proper DH tyre on the rear i actually manage to wear out rear tyres now( and don't destroy rims), using a butcher at the moment but most of the year use a slaughter