Looking at picking up a pair of 29x2.6 Forekasters but I need to understand what the different TPI and compounds actually do?
Guessing it’s rolling speed/strength etc?
They come in 60tpi with dual compound or 120tpi with 3C Maxx speed.
What ones would you recommend?
The more tpi the mute compliant the tyre, the 3c is better than dual compound
All info on the maxcis site
It's confusing for sure. Generally price goes up for the tougher/grippier tyres Minion 3c Maxx Terra's here - basically wanted best grip.
What ones would you recommend?
Depends what you are wanting them for?
Where have you seen 29x2.6 in 3c MaxSpeed. Struggling to find them anywhere.
Not actually looked. Just seen them on the maxxis site.
Minion 3c Maxx Terra’s here – basically wanted best grip.
3c Maxxgrip = best grip, maxxterra is probably the most popular 3c tyre as they last longer but definitely don't have as much grip. I generally run 3c maxxterra dd on the rear and 3c maxxgrip exo up front on the full suss
3C just means 3 compounds (soft, medium and hard) that is arranged to provide a benefit, MaxxTerra uses less soft and more medium to get better rolling resistance against grip, whereas MaxxGrip uses more soft than medium, so has better grip, but poorer rolling resistance.
TPI is just Threads Per Inch, so in the carcass it's the amount of threads in an inch, 60TPI will be harder wearing and offer more protection, but less flexible and weigh more compared to 120TPI, that's because the threads will be thicker on a 60tpi usually.
Reality is, if buying Maxxis, you're basically hitting the 3C compounds for most of it, MaxxTerra is the one most go for as it rolls better and has decent grip, only time i use MaxxGrip is on Shorty's for muddy winters on an ebike, maybe if i did just bike parks i'd also use them for that, but MaxxTerra is on the normal bike!
Thanks all. So MaxTerra is the one. That would rule out Forekasters. Anything similar in 29x2.6 that’s a lazy fit and forget set up? I understand this means a compromise over the seasons.
jayx2a
Free Member
Not actually looked. Just seen them on the maxxis site
Ah! I have one on the hartail in 3c MaxSpeed. Bought last year when Maxxis had a sale on. I reckon it's ok for xc. I also think dual compound would be ok for xc or on the rear. I'm after another in 29*2.6 but hard to find
I guess 2.6 is not definite. I just want something with a bit for volume for the HT which is running 2.3 High roller and 2.25 Ardent. Not a lot of squish for the old bottom lol
Can’t find any 2.6 by Maxxis shop has 2.5 if that is any use?
https://shop.maxxis.co.uk/collections/mountain?gf_237606=Width%3A2.50WT
Yep 2.5s more than ideal. Probably suit the rims more too. What faster rolling rear do people pair with the DHF?
IME higher tpi count is basically always preferred- it rolls better, can be lighter, and isn't really any weaker (individual threads are weaker but there's more and the coverage is better). It seems to be mostly that they use it where it's needed, on newer tyres, and quite often on 29er tyres, whereas they use 60 still on older models and where they can get away with the lower spec and where people aren't expecting it. Kind of like how some dh tyres get a folding bead now but others are still wire.
But you tend not to get an awful lot of choice.
Dual compound should be harder wearing for a rear tyre shouldn’t it? (The 3c tyre I just took off my e bike had no side knobs left) but don’t seem available in any modern tyres.
Compound:
Dual Compound, Maxx Speed or Maxx Terra on the back.
Maxx Terra or Maxx Grip on the front.
Sidewall - trickier, how hard do you corner/ hit things? Ever cut tyres or ding rims?
Rule of thumb: exo or exo+ up front and maybe something thicker out back like a Double Down casing. Though many people get away with EXO out back too.
You might struggle to find the exact combo you want in stock.
Fun fact for those riding in sub-zero temperatures: 3C compound hardens in cold and cracks easily.
In general popular choices for the rear are:
- Minion SS
- Ardent
- High roller
- DHR 2
They are in order of low grip & fast rolling to high grip & slower rolling.
Not sure what sizes they come in but those are usual suspects people recommend on the rear.
120tpi feels more supple at lower pressures.
I’d say EXO+ if you ride anything Rocky/rooty. Maybe DD on the rear (if you’re fitter than me).
Max Terra for best durability, unless you can afford to change tyres often, then max grip are good.
2.4WT or 2.5 is a good deal bigger than the 2.3’s.
So was looking at Forekaster Rekon combo.
According to Maxxis website these are the options for both:
Rekon
2.4
60tpi
Dual
60tpi
3C Max Terra
120tpi
3C Max Terra
Forekaster 2.6
60tpi
Dual
120tpi
3C Max Terra
I do more light trails and not an aggressive rider. Only tyre I have destroyed was. Mezcal on some flint.
I don’t lean over a lot, I’m more of a careful rider and usually stick to the more smoother trails if that effects choice of compound.
