[rola643]

Kinda been looking at new tires for when the time comes. Pretty sure I have settled on MAXXIS. My problem is selecting the correct tire type for the MAJORITY of the terrain I ride.

For the most part it's hard packed with some loose sand in a couple of places. The majority of the places we ride around here are root filled rough stuff. Very little mud except for now in spots.

Looks like the MAXXIS Aspen could fill the bill.
http://www.maxxis.com/Bicycle/Mountain/Aspen.aspx

Anybody have any other input that might help. I want a tire that will still roll fast, have a decent bite in the corners, handle the roots as well as some durability.

I have noticed the stock Bontrager Experts don't handle wet slick tracks well. I get that nothing is going to handle wet slick stuff but so good but these are far worse than the tires I had on my old 26. They also seem to slide over the roots vs staying true and getting over them.

Thanx in advance for your positive input!

[Poolie]

I'm sure those Bontrager Experts have their place, it just isn't on any of my bikes ;-) For the trail conditions around here it was like riding around with slicks.

The like the profile of the Aspen's and have considered trying out a set. Currently I'm running the Ignitor which is a little more aggressive, but for your conditions I think the Aspen's will be great.

[rola643]

You Re exactly right Poolie. I'm gonna live with them for a while longer but they are slick!

[rynoman03]

If I had the change I'd go Schwalbe Hans Dampf 60+ a tire isn't cool. I have been looking at the Maxxis Ignitors myself. I hear good things about the WTB Exiwolfs too.

I just settled with the Specialized Fast Trak's for now due to price. Plus they are a good low resistance hardpack summer tire! If I don't like it on the rear I'll get something else. I looked those Aspen's. They just look too slick to me. I bet they shed well though.

Here's a decent deal on them!

http://www.blueskycycling.com/product7072_52_-Maxxis_Aspen_Folding_Tire.htm

[rola643]

Is there a REAL advantage? I have read about the benefits and it sounds nice. But the last the thing I read 145# guys running 20-30 psi. I already use 25-30 depending and I'm 180ish. There are more costs to going tubless and it seems to me having to be mindful of sealant every so often depending on climate.

I've never has an issue with that pressure and really want to know of there is a REAL advantage to going tubeless. I understand there is almost as much advantage to going a 2.25 over a 2.1 as well. Sounds kinda crazy to me but wth.

rynoman03 one of the guys I ride with just bought the Schwalbe and went tubeless at the same time. Not sure I would go with the "Jack of trades" tire though.

[Poolie]

Wish I could help ya with this one, but I'm in the same boat. I already run air pressure between 25-27#. I read that the weight saving of not having a tube is one reason to go tubeless, but in my mind, the sealant has got to cancel out much of that... maybe I'm wrong.

The one obvious reason would be to eliminate flats. Knocking on a really big piece of wood, I haven't had too many problems in that area so I don' know.

[Industry_Hack]

This is one of those times where your LBS totally trumps the internet. Ask the guy who rides the same trails as you. Look for the guy with lumpy shins - he'll know.

[rola643]

Originally Posted by Industry_Hack

This is one of those times where your LBS totally trumps the internet. Ask the guy who rides the same trails as you. Look for the guy with lumpy shins - he'll know.

There in lies the problem They are the ones perpetuating my delima!

[Industry_Hack]

Problem child, this rola.

[rola643]

It's what I do.....best