Since I've probably picked the worst time to try and sell my frame I think maybe I should just try to adapt what I currently have to make it more pedal friendly for local rides. Easiest place to drop weight and improve here would be tyres and TPU tubes - currently a Clutch SX front and Hans Dampf rear. Since it's still 26" I'm kind of limited, but the Vittoria Barzo looks pretty good for what I'm after. They're quite expensive compared to Schwalbe though, so would something like the Rocket Ron/Racing Ralph offer a similar type of performance - anyone used all of these and have a favourite?
Usage - mostly tame but muddy bridleway/towpaths with the odd day out to Northampton/Leamington bike park (all smooth and fast hardpack flow type trails). Still want to have fairly good "leant over" grip on the side knobs. Happy to swap the front back to the Clutch for the days when I get a chance to ride somewhere a bit looser - usually Woburn or Chicksands.
Rocket Ron/Racing Ralph offer a similar type of performance
I have these on my whippet, really impressed, I only MTB in drier conditions though
I really like Barzos for winter, muddyish trails. Obviously not like trail tyres but pretty good for a fast rolling tyre. In summer I swap to Continental Raceskins, which must the fastest rolling MTB tyres around, but rubbish in winter. The difference in rolling speed between the two is surprisingly small.
Barzo/Mezcal combo is popular for a reason. Peyote is a fast-rolling front tyre as well, but has more pronounced side knobs, which might suit you.
I've had a pair of Barzo's on my hardtail for the last year, including doing the puffer. TNT ones IIRC (with a grey sidewall).
They will be replaced with the same again.
IN the long distant days of the Mk1 26" Scandal, I ran mine with a Schwalbe RoRa combo and it was pretty awesome for my local woods and trails when the going was good. When the weather turned swampy they understandably weren't the best but were predictable therefore still capable. When I traded up to a 29er Scandal, I had a pair of Geax Saguaro which were similarly great tyres and kept them on all year round too. They eventually died and I picked up another RoRa combo for a great price which are still on there now.
So to answer your question, either a set of Saguaros or a RoRa combo would be fast during the nice weather and predictable when its not so great. so whichever you can get the best deal on.
Cool, might try the RoRa combo first then as Vittoria tyres are about £50 each whereas Schwalbe seem to be about half that. Wondering how silly an enduro bike is going to look with xc tyres on it 🙂
I bought a pair of Spesh 29 x2.35 Controls for about £18 each, T5 rear and T7 front I think.
They roll great and grip well in the dry.
Not sure what size/compounds are available in 26" though
As a previous user of the said combo and I've been running Racing Ray and Racing Ralph combo. Got them in two bikes.
Spot on zero fuss. Daft cheap compared to to others. Not bad any issues with them splitting and I've had a few sets.
Don't last as long but so what, you can get them for £25 ish. Currently 24 on merlin.
I've gone a bit CBA on tyres, especially when they got to £70 each- I got a bit annoyed and sought a cheaper option which didn't blow up in my face!
No idea really what you get for double the price with the Addix version. I can't fathom Schwalbe's compounds - never been able to.
