What tyre choice?

[mat777]

I use my MTB for commuting on the road during the week, and for XC /mild DH riding at the weekend.

I currently have a WTB Graffiti UK tyre on the front - it is a dirt jump tyre that looks like this:




I bought it becuase the big flat roll very well on the road, but the sharp edges bite and grip in mud, so it was the perfect compromise tyre.

However, since then my local trail (Ashton Court) has resurfaced the mud with hardpack, and on wet hardpack the Graffiti's big flats slip, slide and wash out scarily meaning I have to ride like a granny.


I therefore want something that inspires confidence on wet hardcore (a mate uses Panaracer Fire XC's) but isnt draggy as fk on the tarmac (but he doesnt use his MTB for commuting and it is slow on the road). And no, I dont have the money for another wheelset and I dont have the time to be constantly swapping tyres over.

I had a few tyres in mind -

Kenda Small Block 8:




DMR moto:




Schwalbe Table Top:




Schwalbe Land Cruiser:




Can anyone recommend any others or comment on the ones I have mentioned? I would prefer something super tacky and free rolling to something that relies on big knobbles to generate grip. I would also like something that costs less than £20 max.

Edited by mat777 on Monday 12th November 12:37

[anonymous-user]

i ride ashton court a fair bit and currently have a Maxxis Ignitor on the front and a Maxxis Larsen TT on the rear. the Ignitor is the 62a compound and is epic, digs in well and doesnt feel too sluggish. Ashton court dries out quite well so you can really notice a good tyre compared to a bad one, too much tread and you a re slow and have no grip at all, the Ignitor is 2.35 and as big as I would ever go but the softer compound really helps. I also run them quite hard, around 45 psi.

Earlier in the year I had a pair of Larsen TTs when it was dry though i might try Race Kings in 2013 for a change.

[mat777]

Thanks for the reply pablo.

I have since been offered a used front wheel with disc for a fiver, and a 2.35 maxxis high roller front 42a for a tenner. for £18 quid all in with the cost of a new tube do you reckon this is a good option for a "bh" front wheel to swap over when off roading?

[gradeA]

Had exactly the same issue - bought an old rigid mid-90s MTB to commute on for £35 to stick slicks on for the road.

Much better solution than having tyres which are a compromise on both road and trails as you'll never get a tyre that is great at both.