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Recently bought a couple of 3.0 Bridgers in TCS light variety in CRC sale at a tenner each and managed to squeeze them into a Santa Cruz Chameleon frame. Didn't expect much but thought they were worth a punt and have been pleasantly surprised. Ridden mainly on long days on South Downs and surrounding area, and in the dry. Grip seems fine and they roll pretty quick for a big tyre but give a nice forgiving ride on a hardtail. A 2.8 on the back would be a better fit on the frame as the 3.0 gives very little room and I'd like to stick with WTB (I prefer to match brands front and back). Thinking of a Ranger to keep things fast rolling but would any of the other WTB tyres fit the bill? And, big question, how would the light casings hold up in the Lakes? Doing the Jennride again this year so I want to make sure the tyres will be okay. Has anyone run WTB lights on the Jennride in the past?
I wrecked my light trailblazers in short order on my rigid HT. Really fragile IMO, so might not be the best for anywhere with rocks. You might get away with a tough on the back and a light up front if you have a suspension fork maybe?
Thanks woody2000. That was my worry. A tough would definitely be preferable but trying to find one in stock is a mare. Running a Pike up front so I'm thinking okay at the front.
FWIW I think the trailblazers were really light casings and that other light casings are a tad tougher. I've got the tough Judge/Vigilante on my Evol and I'm not sure I need any air in them...
WTB? And you managed to get them on?
Went on without too much drama on 40mm rim with just a cheap floor pump. Put a tube in first though to get it seated.
I trashed the sidewall of the light version on the SDW. In the lakes I'd want the heavier one. Also the light version can't wrap sealant through the sidewalls very quickly ( like fresh sealant dried out in 2 days quick)!
Can't find any Tough casings available so looks like a rethink. Was thinking the light versions were maybe too fragile for the Lakes. Shame. Last year I rode the Jennride on a full sus with Minion DHF 2.6 up front and a Rekon 2.6 on the rear. Fancy riding it this year on a hardtail but would like a 2.8 or 3.0 combo. What combinations can singletrackworld folk recommend?
I have done it twice with Rekon 2.8 front and rear.
I did the same - bought some light versions silly cheap on CRC threw them on my Genesis Tarn and almost immediately ripped a huge hole in the sidewall thanks to some lovely Welsh slate. Definitely not designed for anything remotely rocky.
Nope, nope, nope. Not for this year's Northern version of the Jennride. I'm definitely putting on a heavier set of tyres. I had the same tyres as you and they lasted half of my first Lakeland pass.
I have 2 x 27.5 x 2.8 Trailblazers in TCS Light that I don't need and 3 x tubes if you are still interested in those tyres.
cheers
Dave
eastham8 at aol dot com
I run WTB Rangers in 29 x 2.4 light, fast rolling flavour on my hard tail and they have been fine. Survived the SDW without any damage at all.
The rear is ready for replacement after only 1,000 miles though and not sure if that is a decent wear rate or not.