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OK I have currently got WTB raptors on which were good when I was riding bridleways locally etc and OKish at trail centres (lacking grip). Now I have a CX bike for local bridleway use etc so
The MTB just get used for trail centre visits as due to time and family constraints so there is no need to compromise on the rubber anymore. This will be 95% of the time at Cannock. Planet X have some folding Racing Ralphs for £15 each. I don't really want to spend loads.
Are racing ralphs any good for this or what else can you suggest?
Unless just going in the summer, I personally would get something a bit grippier for the front. Fine for the rear though I would have thought at most trail centres.
Depends on weather/trails/riding style/etc. I wouldn't go with racing ralphs on red/black trail centers, especially in Winter. Not been for a few years but personally would want something a bit more robust & grippier for the likes of e.g. Brechfa, Whinlatter, Brenin.
Currently, HR2 on front, Spesh Slaughter rear (bought for Summer use).
I've not had any problems with the on-one smorgasbord tyre. Grippy enough, reasonably tough, cheap as you're going to get.
I've not had any problems with the on-one smorgasbord tyre. Grippy enough, reasonably tough, cheap as you're going to get.
+1
And the Chunky Monkey isn't bad either.
Check what compound the tyres are. I can't remember the names but I really wasn't very impressed with Schwalbe's durable (budget) compound found it lacking in grip especially if the ground was damp. On the other hand their normal/mid range compound (slightly less durable but gripper, but not a super tacky compound) was much better.
I have used a Rocket Ron on my XC racy hardtail before and found it quite good on hard pack in dry or wet. The knobs are not very tall so if the ground is soft there isn't much to bite through to get to the hard stuff and the tyre will start to slip around.
My local is Cannock and I've been running the On-One Chunky Monkey and Smorgasbord combo (in 26" dual compound flavour) on my Mega for the last year - seem to handle pretty much all conditions.
They're slightly draggy but haven't had any issues with grip - like **** to a blanket :lol:.
HR2 Exo/Slaughter Grid works well for me or much all year round at Cannock, except when it's super dry and Dusty, when it's like marbles and nothing grips.
I was there last week in the wet on a HR2/Ardent combo and whilst grip was fine, the sidewalls on the non Exo Ardent are so weak I smacked the rims a fair few times on Tom, Dick, or Harry. Never had that issue at the same pressures on a Slaughter Grid.
I meant to order the On-One combo last year when they were discounted to £12.50 for each tyre. They have gone back up to full price now so that might discount them!
I've just fitted a Chunky Monkey/Smorgasbord combo on my rigid SS Inbred, and rate them for grip / value (bought when £13ea). Had been underwhelmed with the CM in 650b flavour on my old HAT, but they seem to work well in 26" guise. Great at this time of year, and not *too draggy (faster rolling tyres are available!). Tough too.