Let's talk tires

[mudgirl]

I highly recommend the Schwalbe tubeless tires with Stan's sealant. I ran a set of Rocket Rons for a while, and am now running some Nobby Nics. I ride in a lot of New England type roots and mud, though, so I don't know if those tires would be ideal for you. Maybe check out their Racing Ralphs; a lot of my riding buddies who race use those. They're $$, but worth it, IMO. Get the snakeskin EVO versions if you need a tougher sidewall.

[spokewench]

I'm not up on tubeless, but I think they seem to be great. But, dependent on what you weigh, you had them way over inflated.

To tell you the truth, I'm fairly light and have always ridden my regular tube tires at 35-40 pounds at the highest and I ride rocky trails here in Flagstaff and surrounding areas.

If you are heavier, you need to ride with more pressure. I also have a dual suspension.

I've heard you can ride those tubeless at 20 and not worry about flatting? I don't have any experience, but I think it is true. Of course, you give up a bit of rolling resistance issues when you run so low, but I would try them around 25 and see what you think.

Do a little experimenting each time you ride and you will find the right inflation for you.

[limewave]

I've tried 30 and 25 now and I noticed a huge difference. 25 is much, much better. I can't believe what a difference tire pressure makes!

[spokewench]

I've tried 30 and 25 now and I noticed a huge difference. 25 is much, much better. I can't believe what a difference tire pressure makes!

It is key on a mountain bike. On a road bike, it is important to keep your pressure up for less rolling resistance and not quite as important for traction.

But for mountain biking, it is really important. It helps control how much you slip, how much you get bumped around, how your bike handles, etc. I usually put a little less tire pressure in my front tire than my rear, since my fat butt is sitting on the seat and there is usually more weight there to keep from flatting as much. I have run, even with regular tubed tires, as low as 25 when the conditions were just right. I was probably asking for a flat, but I took the risk. By the way, I did not flat!

[jessmarimba]

Yeah, I'm running about 20-22 now, depending on the trails. Love it

[ridebikeme]

Interesting to hear all of the replies here on tires!

Like Spokewench, I have not converted to tubeless yet either. ( although I'm sure I will here in the near future) But I will say that I have always rode with tubes and air pressure between 25-28 and never had a problem. My favotite tires are Maxxis or Kenda, and will alternate between the Nevagals(when it's muddy) to the Small Block 8's in normal conditions. Terrain here in NE is rocky, and lots of ROOTS!


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