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BajaBlanca
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Posts: 13242
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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Mountain bike tires - wtb prowler on nashbar ?? good choice ??
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]
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chrisx
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Posts: 173
Registered: 12-17-2009
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Mood: baj nomad is broken
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I use 2.55 inch weirwolf lx
u need wide tires in the sand
thin tires wont work
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Baja12valve
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Posts: 185
Registered: 7-12-2006
Location: Oak View
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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.
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Ron_Perry
Junior Nomad
Posts: 79
Registered: 9-21-2005
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Mood: yearning for baja
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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
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djh
Senior Nomad
Posts: 936
Registered: 1-2-2005
Location: Earth mostly. Loreto, N. ID, Big Island
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Mood: Mellow fellow, plays a yellow cello...
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Good suggestions
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
Its all just stuff and some numbers.
A day spent sailing isn\'t deducted from one\'s life.
Peace, Love, and Music
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mulegemichael
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Posts: 2310
Registered: 12-24-2007
Location: sequim,wa. and mulege
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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??
dyslexia is never having to say you\'re yrros.
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BajaBlanca
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Posts: 13242
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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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 ????
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Bajaboy
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 4375
Registered: 10-9-2003
Location: Bahia Asuncion, BCS, Mexico
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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
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Baja12valve
Nomad
Posts: 185
Registered: 7-12-2006
Location: Oak View
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| 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.
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mojo_norte
Senior Nomad
Posts: 725
Registered: 2-14-2006
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slime tubes
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chrisx
Banned
Posts: 173
Registered: 12-17-2009
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Mood: baj nomad is broken
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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.
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chrisx
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Posts: 173
Registered: 12-17-2009
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Mood: baj nomad is broken
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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
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bajabound2005
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2762
Registered: 10-15-2005
Location: Punta Banda, BCN
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Mood: words cannot describe...
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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.
Friends don't let friends drink white zinfandel.
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BajaBlanca
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Posts: 13242
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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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
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mulegemichael
Super Nomad
Posts: 2310
Registered: 12-24-2007
Location: sequim,wa. and mulege
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Mood: up on step
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you won't go wrong with the armadillos, blanca.
dyslexia is never having to say you\'re yrros.
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Ron_Perry
Junior Nomad
Posts: 79
Registered: 9-21-2005
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Mood: yearning for baja
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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
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BajaBlanca
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Posts: 13242
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
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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.
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TMW
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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.
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chrisx
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Registered: 12-17-2009
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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.
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BajaBlanca
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chrisx - i logged onto the bikepacking site and spent hours reading away !
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