BajaNomad

Mountain bike tires - wtb prowler on nashbar ?? good choice ??

BajaBlanca - 11-27-2010 at 12:03 PM

Hi All, I am conducting a mountain bike tire review ... we need a good recommendation for a mountain bike tire that will last in the rugged terrain here in BAJA. 26 inch. and if you have a suggestion for where to get them inexpensively, that would be sweet.

THANKS.

[Edited on 12-2-2010 by BajaBlanca]

chrisx - 11-27-2010 at 01:20 PM

I use 2.55 inch weirwolf lx
u need wide tires in the sand
thin tires wont work

Baja12valve - 11-27-2010 at 02:13 PM

The two biggest issues will be pinch flats or thorn flats. Maintain a good tire pressure along with a strong sidewall tire and P-nches can be controlled. I don't know if you are bombing around or just cruising, but speed and weight factor in that too. A "Mr. Tuffy" makes a great barrier between the tire and tube, really helping the thorn problem. They make for a heavy wheel, but if performance is not a issue, they can work well. Slime is good, but it is really hard to repair a tube with that stuff in it. There are tons of tires out there, many are good. I look for a lot of tread with little spaces between the lugs, not big spaces like you would find on a mud tire. I have taken my bike many times to Baja with different tires and I have found no one tire to be significantly better than another.

Ron_Perry - 11-27-2010 at 02:22 PM

Good question. First, can you shop online? Try Nashbar.com and Pricepoint.com. They have great sales. Another possibility is to hook-up with a bike shop in the states and buy a bunch at once, maybe they can cut you a deal for "the cause". I am against shopping at Wal-Mart due to many of their policies.
Tire quality and size is important, as per Chrisx's post. Alot of sand or someone over 200 pounds, a 2.3 or 2.5 is a good choice. Maybe 35 to 45 pounds of pressure, a little more in the back for a "big" person. Hard surface, or smaller riders, a 2.1. 32 to 40 pounds for a small rider. A gallon of SLIME is a great idea, but you need removable needle valves to install in PRESTA valves. If lots of flats are common, a liner can be used also. Keep spokes tight and even, this will help prevent bent rims.
You can buy tubes in bulk from PRICEPOINT. Buy tire patch in the largest size. PRESTA OR SCRHADER valve will depend on the wheel. Find the best mechanic and have him/her patch a bunch of tubes at one time. When flats occur, check inside of tire for thorn or glass.
I would think a tire around $15.00 should work, but if not, then upgrade. Baja may be alot harder on tires than I have seen. Good luck, Ron

Good suggestions

djh - 11-27-2010 at 02:52 PM

from fellow nomads. I would add that the liners which go between the tube and inside of the tire have helped reduce the number of flats I've had considerably, and I also use the green slime...

When (it is not "if" in Baja) you do get a flat, it is a good idea to mark the tire / tube alignment with a market, chalk, etc. . When you find the patch site on the tube, it will help you fine the spot on the tire to check... The stickers tend to stay stuck in the tire, so you'll want to ensure it is fully removed - otherwise you'll reinstall the repaired tube and get another instant flat.

I love to bike around Loreto. I leave two older (garage sale specials) bikes there. And I have had my share of flats !!

Take a half dozen extra tubes and tires, lots of patches, green slime, liners, and your own quality air pump.

Best,
djh

mulegemichael - 11-27-2010 at 03:13 PM

blanca...for many years i road the back trails of baja and would almost daily get a flat...then i bought some tires at a shop in washington state and they said i would never have another flat...they were right!...it's been three years now, and many miles, and not one flat....the brand name is hemisphere with "armadillo technology"...i think they are kevlar...fairly expensive but if they last forever??

BajaBlanca - 11-27-2010 at 03:26 PM

hmmmmm we need great tires for performance, since these kids race other teams around Baja. Our terrain is especially rocky, thorny.

A couple youngsters, God willing, will be going next November to participate in the Olympics. I do not understand anything about tires, but the Bell tires from Walmart are not cutting it. too many replacements. which is a nightmare since we are so remote.....

This being the case, Baja12valve, can you be more specific about what make and tire I should buy that will have little spaces between the lugs as well as a good sidewall. Forgive my ignorance, I just help sponsor these kids but have never ridden since I was a little kid :) I tried a month ago and gave up for the time being, gave the bike to another kid. I did realize that it is very challenging to ride !!!!

What is Mr Tuffy ????

Bajaboy - 11-27-2010 at 04:42 PM

Hi Blanca-

Here is a link for mountain bike tires: http://tinyurl.com/2blq5hh

Maybe one of the posters could suggest a tire from the link. If so, maybe a few other Nomads might be willing to order one or two as well for the cause. We're headed back down in a few weeks and could deliver them.

By the way, I forgot the get the t shirt from Shari while I was in BA this past week. Are you still selling shirts from the bike club?

Zac

Baja12valve - 11-27-2010 at 05:49 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBlanca
hmmmmm we need great tires for performance, since these kids race other teams around Baja. Our terrain is especially rocky, thorny.

A couple youngsters, God willing, will be going next November to participate in the Olympics. I do not understand anything about tires, but the Bell tires from Walmart are not cutting it. too many replacements. which is a nightmare since we are so remote.....

This being the case, Baja12valve, can you be more specific about what make and tire I should buy that will have little spaces between the lugs as well as a good sidewall. Forgive my ignorance, I just help sponsor these kids but have never ridden since I was a little kid :) I tried a month ago and gave up for the time being, gave the bike to another kid. I did realize that it is very challenging to ride !!!!

What is Mr Tuffy ????



In a perfect racing world, you really want two types of tires and set ups, one for racing, one for training. This is common for those who race, to have a completely different wheel set, one for each. For the racing, you want performance, which translates to less wheel weight, both in rims, spokes and tires. The rotating weight of the wheels can have a bit impact on the performance of a bicycle. The trade off between the two is durability, you don't train on the racing set. If you cannot have the two set-ups, no worries, many do with just one.
Mr Tuffy, it is (was?) a plastic strip, about 2" wide that you would put between the tube and tire. It was very tough and could take quite a beating. I have not seen them, but I would check stores that DO NOT carry high end bikes, Walmart, etc. It is a recreational product, not a racing one.
Tires, go to Specialized.com and look at the many tires there. Same with Michelin, Wilderness trail. If you want to go crazy, Google "mountain bike tires". If you look at the myriad of tread patterns, you will see what I mean. Some tires have just a few knobs over the surface, others have many spaced close together. The tires with a few knobs do not have much rubber thickness between the knobs, allowing more items to penetrate. The plus side is that they are lighter, so they perform better. Downside, not as durable. Both provide plenty of traction. It is all a trade off.
Sidewalls. Research the difference of thread count and different types material for the tire construction. Lots of information to digest, I cannot completely write about it here. Typically, like most items in life, you get what you pay for. I would stay away from discount store tires, unless they are a national brand, Specialized, Michelin, for example. Buy "Walmart" tires and you will pay the price accordingly on the track. Hope this all helps.

mojo_norte - 11-27-2010 at 06:19 PM

slime tubes

chrisx - 11-27-2010 at 06:27 PM

http://www.schwalbe.com/gbl/en/produkte/mtb/produkt/?ID_Prod...
schwalbe the german tire company makes a flatless tire. they are heavy and slow, but long lasting and dont get flats.
I use a WTB weirwolf tire at 2.55 inches wide because some times the river is the road. wider tires donīt sink in the sand. Motor homes drive so badly I take the back roads on my cycle.
Race tires and wheels are much diffrent than those of the explorer. Race bikes cost more than 10,000 US dollars!
http://www.notubes.com/home.php Stans tubless set up is used by some cross country racers. mounting tires to the rims without inner tubes is lighter and faster.
The german tires cost twicws as much but last 3 times longer. marathon plus is the term used for the flatless tires.
last winter I used 4 patches in one day. I started watching where I was going and used no more patches.

chrisx - 11-27-2010 at 06:43 PM

To clarify, Iīm not suggesting tubless, and the flatless marathon tire togther.
get the marathon for best protection least problems.

for speed go tubeless, here there is a learning curve, mechanical knowledge required. perhaps a WTB nano raptor,
or a schwalbe race tire.

for children with no repair skills and only dreams of winning races marthon plus is fine

bajabound2005 - 11-27-2010 at 08:58 PM

OMG...i just finished today, a 60 mile MTB ride from El Hongo to Ojos Negros along with about 225 of my closest friends.. I had one flat...before we started the ride! And my Guapos changed it out for me. But I am flat tire prone of late...so i'll be looking at these suggestions so thanks for posing the question. And yes, SAND IS EVIL.

BajaBlanca - 11-27-2010 at 10:11 PM

Zac - I have t-shirts, just remind me what size ? Anyone out there want one ? All proceeds go to buy racing tires etc for the team.

OK - the tracks the kids ride do not have sand, but very rocky terrain with tons of huge cacti (depending on the trail).

so, here is what I have understood:

1. get one tire for training and one for racing. this is an excellent idea. marathon tire sounds heavy, which makes me think it is not good for training ??

you guys, I did google mountain bike tires and decided to post here after I did it. I need help.

2. tubeless is expensive but good for racing. please someone help me find the best price and site - we certainly can buy online. MulegeMikes suggestion of specialized hemisphere armadillo sounds like my best choice for racing....what do you all think?

If you guys can chose from BajaBoys list or another one - one tire for training an one for racing - it wd make life easy and I will take it from there. The boys are working to buy their own training tire and maybe then we can get help in getting racing tires. Mind you - there are 35 kids on the team now hahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa BUT that has not stopped me from plugging away.

I have a lunch planned for them at noon Sunday and hopefully have some tire cost numbers for them to strive to work towards this month :)

mulegemichael - 11-28-2010 at 07:45 AM

you won't go wrong with the armadillos, blanca.

Ron_Perry - 11-28-2010 at 08:18 AM

More info on tires. Go to a mt. bike race and EVERY RIDER has a different opinion! Here are some good racing tires with prices.
1) KENDRA NEVEGAL -2.1 $36.00
2) MAXXIS NEVEGAL -2.1 $37.00
3) PANARACER FIRE XC -2.1 $22.00

I run tubeless, BUT....you need tubeless wheels. Tubeless tires and wheels can use less tire pressure (better for a softer ride for old riders), get less flats, and are lighter. TUBELESS are for more experienced rider, or riders with more money. I would stick with non tubeless.

Try http://www.nashbar.com or http://www.pricepoint for great deals. And there are many others online. Look for clearances. Good way to get training tires.

Tire size: Most xc riders use a 2.1 size in a cross country race. Heavier riders or sandy and or muddy conditions should use a larger size. Super hard surface, riders can use a 2.0, or smaller.

Hope this helps and good luck, Ron

BajaBlanca - 11-28-2010 at 09:21 AM

getting closer to understanding ... I am going to educate the team today on tubeless and the advantages / challenges. Maybe those who get first place 2 times in a row will get them .... as a reward.

Mulege Mike I like the specialized armadillo for training- can someone please help me find the best price online ? Should I wait til after xmas assuming prices might come down?

tubeless tires need tubeless wheels. learning more each second.

RON - the kendra - maxxis and panaracer are good for racing, correct ?! I will follow the 2 sites and buy the closeouts.

TMW - 11-28-2010 at 10:34 AM

I use a foam insert instead of a tube. Not good for racing as it's like going up 2 gears in pedal resistance. But no flats. I've used slime and still got flats.

chrisx - 11-28-2010 at 02:45 PM

http://www.bikepacking.net/
log on to bikepacking.net and look under ultra racing, or personal set ups for better info. a more concise description of your type of racing would help get you some good advice from mt bike racers.

BajaBlanca - 11-28-2010 at 08:49 PM

chrisx - i logged onto the bikepacking site and spent hours reading away !

BajaBlanca - 11-30-2010 at 09:17 PM

Ron Perry ! Check your u2u and thanks !!!

BAJACAT - 11-30-2010 at 10:38 PM

Panaracers are good allaround tires, and cheaper too. Me I like Continental's but are pricy around $50 each... on my bike now I have WTB'S... they are holding ok..

bajabound2005 - 12-1-2010 at 07:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BAJACAT
Panaracers are good allaround tires, and cheaper too. Me I like Continental's but are pricy around $50 each... on my bike now I have WTB'S... they are holding ok..


that's because you haven't been on that bike in how long???

BajaBlanca - 12-1-2010 at 09:09 AM

BajaCat - where is the best place to get a good deal on panaracers ?

bajabound2005 - 12-1-2010 at 06:52 PM

probably on line, Bajablanca. Best deals on stuff are all on line.

BajaBlanca - 12-1-2010 at 07:19 PM

someone said ebay was a good place .... I think I have to get the kids to start hunting for these .... not one of my favorite passtimes ...

BAJACAT - 12-1-2010 at 07:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajabound2005
Quote:
Originally posted by BAJACAT
Panaracers are good allaround tires, and cheaper too. Me I like Continental's but are pricy around $50 each... on my bike now I have WTB'S... they are holding ok..


that's because you haven't been on that bike in how long???
Your funny Kath... but you are right.

BajaBlanca - 12-1-2010 at 08:12 PM

NASHBAR HAS TIRES - WTB PROWLER FOR 9.99 DOWN FROM 34.99

DO I BUY SOME ?????? please someone tell me if this is good for my kids here in Baja - this wd be their training tire - I am looking for one that with a foam insert will last forever.

I know, it can't last forever but you know what I mean.

Ron_Perry - 12-1-2010 at 11:28 PM

Blanca, I have never used these tires, but give them a try. Compare them to another tire and see what works best in Baja. Some more expensive tires may shred, or tear so this tire may work great. Watch the tire pressure on each ride, about 35 pounds. Flats are more common on the rear, along with tire wear. Keep us posted, good luck, Ron

chrisx - 12-3-2010 at 07:02 PM

hey
there are many types of racing, many types of tires
http://wtb.com/pdf/catalogs/wtb_2009_catalog.pdf
wtb north america lists tire uses on their site
tec support - catalog archive - wtb 2009 archive
they have heavy prowlers for crashing down hills and light prowlers for cross country racing
universal cycles web page has info on tire weight etc
http://www.universalcycles.com/
best prices are whole sale. If you are buying parts for 35 bicycles open a wholesale account
http://cyclonebicycle.com/
http://www.seattlebikesupply.com/
http://www.qbp.com/
vaccounts, prices are 30% - 50% less than retail. qbp is the biggest, with 160 million in annual sales, they refused our account, try the other 2 first.
A bike coop is basically an all volunteer organization. members pay a small fee for stand time, or work trade. Many people donate tools and old bike parts. The guy that knows how to build wheels volunteers his time and shows many people how to build wheels. the guy that knows how to fix etc etc... in the end everyone can maintain their own bike. having all those tools available to the public is wonderful.
there are many bike coops in the us and Canada.
Could be just the thing to help the young folks.
give a man a fish you feed him for a day
teach a man to fish you feed him for life
same with bike wheels.
give a boy a wheel he pedals for months
teach a boy to build a wheel he pedals until a beer for breakfast gringo wants to pass in his motor home

BajaBlanca - 12-5-2010 at 11:54 AM

thanks all for your help !!!!!!!!! Now I feel better about tires/tubes.

we still need mini bike pumps (15) for each kid and they run $7.93 at REI if someone wants to sponsor 1 kid, pls U2U me and lets get them shipped to san diego. One more need is the bottle cage for about 10 bikes - they are also on REI at the killer price of $3.43 each - can anyone help with a couple of these ???? We have a great guy who gets us the bottles, all we really need are the cages.

We have a volunteer HOMAR who heads up one bike club in Guerrero Negro. He is a bike expert who is just fantastic and will be coming this month to La Bocana to work on our 35 bikes so that I know what parts are needed to keep the bikes we have in great condition !!!!! In exchange, I will donate one nice bike and parts to his club :spingrin: