Ive recently started riding singletrack after previously just leisure cycling with the mrs - mainly at Swinley Forest nr Bracknell. Now Im getting more confident and riding faster the first thing I notice is lack of grip especially at the front. My bike has the standard tyres it came with 3yrs ago (Specialized Fast Trak LK 26x2.0). Next trip out Im gonna try dropping the pressure as previously I had pumped them up high for less rolling resistance on tarmac to my local ride. Other than that would I really notice the extra grip from some newer & better tyres esp if wider?

Ive done a bit of googling and Maxxis seem to have a good rep. But there are so many choices for each model of tyre. Folding tyres seem more expensive but is the only advantage practicality (storage and getting tyre onto rim) or are they generally better quality.

Singletrack at Swinley is a combination of hardpack and dirt.

Any advice appreciated. Ill pop down to my local shop (Mountain Trax Barkham) for some advice but always like to have a bit of a lowdown first.

Cheers
Simon (MTB noob)

 

What pressure have you been running?

About 24psi up front should be good

 

I still like my Panaracer Fire XC Pro, with the Kevlar bead. Have them on and two spare sets, in case they aren't available.

 

XC Pro is quite aggressive and OTT for summer riding

The OP's Spesh tyre should be OK

 

**** me I'm around 40psi unless its snowy when drop to around 30psi (I weigh around 11.5 stone)

Years ago I used to ride with much lower pressures but I find 40psi gives you more front end bite

 

I ride up at swinley, i've got maxis high rollers with the 60a compound pumped up, find that it gives very good grip. Had the specialized clutch on my downhill bike up there and the grip wasn't anything like the high rollers

 

I will have to double check but I think around 55 psi as tyre wall said 35-80 or similar so went middle of the road. If Im correct I will drop it down to 40psi first as 24 does seem low.

 

I was looking at these. Are these the folding ones and what width grip you running?

 

Thing to do is try it. What have you got to lose? 40 is still too high IMO

 

WellI run mine at around 40 PSI over at Swinley no problems. i find anything lower and I starting getting pinch flats.

 

Maxxis crossmarks sound like they'll be the ones for you IMO!

Maxxis tyres are ace, but i do agree the range of choice can be a bit confusing! When you go to the shop, have a look at the little chart thing on the back of the card, that should make it all a bit more clear!

One thing that you sound like youve overlooked is weight and compound. I race DH and wouldnt use anything other than a 2.5 supertacky highroller front and a 2.5 supertacky minion on the rear .... but stick these tyres on a trail bike and you might as well be dragging an anchor! Ive just put some new crossmarks on my trail bike and i really rate them .... mind you, havent really used them in the wet yet!

When you see the range of maxxis tyres, picking up a highroller and a crossmark will highlight the weight difference, then dig a finger nail into the tread and youll feel the difference in compound .... honestly fella, it makes a massive difference!

What you want is a rounded profile section, getting nobblyer towards the edges and an easy rolling profile down the centre ... and a 60a or higher compound!

 

Currnetly running a Ardent on the front and a semi slick Contiential on the back

 

I'm on Continental Rubber Queens in 2.2 at the mo and I love them! I also like Panaracer Cinders

I can very highly recommend doing a skills day. I went to Dirtschool and thought it was brilliant, well worth the money.

 

I did a trailrider course at Swinley (via Purple Bike Shed) last sat and it was good. Didnt go into specifics about tyre types and pressures though.

 

Yeah I used to run these, they are a very good all around tyre.

 

Maybe he could just whack a single XC Pro on at the front?

 

I have some Continental tyres for my MTB which are extremely good as off road tyres, think they may be 2.75 wide but not 100% without going outside to check. I'm not using them at the mo as i'm on 1.5 hybrid tyres for commuting

 

40 psi on a mtb. maybe in depths of winter with mud and snow, drop it a bit.

mind you I run fast, semi slicks in height of summer and swap to mud plugging stuff in winter.

in all scenarios, I try for 1.9 or 2.0. you need the speed on roads, tracks etc.

 

I've got a commencal meta 55 and it came with 2.35's so I've stuck with that. They are folding ones that I have got, slightly smaller would probably be a lot easier but I kind of like the setup so stuck with them

 

The Fast Trak tyres aren't the grippiest but they are fine unless it gets muddy or on wet roots and shiny stones.
Your tyre pressue is way too high.

as a starting point you want 40psi rear and 35psi front and perhaps then drop it a bit.