Need 29 in tire recommendation

[dport]

I bought a Specialized Hard Rock Sport a few weeks ago and this is my first bike. Went riding today and ruined the side wall and tube on some fist sized rocks. I need some recommendations on a replacement tire and tube. Tire size is 29X2.00. Thanks in advance.

[FreeManDan]

Well you said rocks, and if thats all you care about then you cant go wrong with the kenda small block 8, it seems like the side walls are thin, but I've never seen one rip, and a lot of people I know use it...as a rear. Down here it texas we have some sand stone rock gardens, kinda like slick rock but slicker, as the more people ride over it, it polishes smooth. But the small block 8 is like the hand of the gecko, just ROOTS or MUD its a handicap. The Panaracer Rampage 29x2.35 is another of my favorites, I use it as a front and converted to tubeless, and the Bontrager ACX as a rear for more universal terrain.
And speaking of tubeless, maybe you could benefit from such and arrangement...funny thing, I've only ripped a side wall on a Bontrager ACX (witch has thick side walls as it was intended to be tubeless) and never any of the tires not intended to be tubeless, but converted anyway.
You really cant go wrong with alot of tire choice in 29er, just that some tires are skinnier then advertised....WTB nano raptor comes to mind.

http://www.pricepoint.com/thumb.htm?dept_id=3&deptName=Parts&sub_id=429&subName=29er%20Parts&category=False&cat=&sort=lprice&ascend=0

http://www.bontrager.com/model/02495

[dport]

Thanks for your response. I will need something that will handle mud and root hopping, as well as some rocks. I guess I should've given a little more info in my inital post. I'm in central Alabama, and am currently doing short rides on what we call "pig trails" These are typically old unknown trails that wind through undeveloped parts of town. They're no wider than a pig or other wild animal. I am using these to get back into shape before I tackle Oak Mountain state park, with it's 17 mile trail system. Some of these trails intersect with "roads" that were cut for development, but left undone due to the ecomomy. These undeveloped roads are what I trashed my tire on, luckily within site of my truck! One last question, can you run a tubeless tire with a tube in it. I ask because I assume the tubeless tire is built with a thicker sidewall. BTW, if you've never heard of Oak Mtn state park, I hear it's a top riding destination.

[Corey]

I am partial to Kendas also, and I run the Kenda Nevegal Stick-E in a 26x2.1.
They make them in 29" sizes too.
http://www.kendausa.com/bicycle/mountain.html

Nevegal
Voted #1 tread pattern 3 years in a row by MBA Magazine!


* Downhill wire bead version has 2 ply construction and STICK-E Compound for better grip
* Cross Country folding bead version is single ply with STICK-E Compound or DTC (Dual Tread Compound)
* New FREERIDE wire bead version is single ply, Stick-E and added Butyl insert for extra strength and durability

212163 DTC F/R 29x2.20 Folding 60 30-50 827±42g $54.99

[Flounder]

I like Nevegals because they work well in most conditions and seem to last forever. I have been running a Small Block 8 on the rear and really like it, but it isn't ideal for all conditions. I've also used Conti Mountain Kings and while I really like them, the love wears off quickly as they wear quickly.

[FreeManDan]

can you run a tubeless tire with a tube in it. I ask because I assume the tubeless tire is built with a thicker sidewall.


Yes, the time I ripped the side wall on the Bontrager ACX tubeless tire, I put in my spare tube in, the side walls were woven tight enough to keep the tube from blowing out the rip and I finished the day ride like that.
My bike even came from the factory with tubes, and Bontrager tubeless "ready" tires. I really didn't like the tires at first, it was like rolling on basketballs. I would bounce like crazy until I switch to tubeless and dialed in the rebound.
Call me the princes and the pea of tires, but tubeless tires need to be broken in what with all that material in the side walls...witch does add weight, but you get it back and then some buy removing the weight of the tube. But for me the weight isn't the big appeal, its the squishiness of the tires. Just like with rock crawler rigs the tire kinda envelopes the rock or root for better traction. Plus flats are rare with the stans tire sealant and no pinch flats on the side of the tube because no tube.

But about your terrane, sounds like some big knobs on any brand of tire will be great. I like the Panaracer Rampage better than the Nevegal, I've used up 2 of each and found the rampage to suit me better and last longer. Both are good dirt grabbers, but rampage has less rolling resistance. I like my Bontrager tubeless tires, but they are pricy and the rocks eat off the treads quicker than nevegal and rampage, so I would point you elsewhere if you aren't going tubeless

[dport]

Thanks for all the input. After doing some reading, I'm liking the Panaracer Rampage. I also would like op's on this tire as they have them for $30 right now, vs $50 at the local shop. http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqSection.jsp?sid=EquipTires29_Specials&eid=5098&menuItemId=9304

[trailsurfer]

Been riding 29ers for 5 years. Kenda Small Block 8's are my favorite tires for all conditions. And they have been very durable.

[tacollie]

I recently bought the Maxxis Ardent in the 29x2.4. It is by far my favorite 29er tire so far. It isn't super wide but really tall. I wasn't a huge fan of the Kenda Nevegal. It seemed to slip a lot when traversing uneven terrain.

[FunkyBee]

I'm utilizing the WTB Wolverine 29er. I'm running it mid-pressure and love the grip on rock, root, hardpak, mossy areas, and dirt/muddy conditions. It sems to track well in ALL conditions

[Cackalak Han]

I've currently got WTB Weirwolf's and I'm not that impressed. I'd like to try out either Continental Mountain Kings (2.4) or Panaracer Rampage (2.3). Might also consider Maxxis Ardent's tacollie mentioned. I ride a hard tail and fat tires are a must (2.3+).

[FreeManDan]

You didn't like WTB Weirwolf? I used it as a front for a year almost, I rarely ever lost traction in the front, but when I did I was a goner! If the tread knobs were 10% bigger I bet it would have gone a long way. The fall leaves stick around quite a while in the North Texas woodlands. If a trail wast used enough to get rid of the leaves I would have to put a foot down and counter steer like a moto cross rider around fast turns. :bike_rider:

As for the specialised tires, I have never used them, but the S-works renegade in 26 got five stars in the march issue of mountain bike action magazine. So the fast trak sport and capt control cant be all bad...but at 2.0 a little thin for my tastes.

[tacollie]

I am really courious about the mountain kings. Let us know how you like them if that is whats you go with. The Ardents are a high volume tire so they would be awesome on a hard tail. I have not ran them in the rear.

I just put on the Ignitor in the rear.

The Weirwolfs don't hook up on anything remotly loose in my opinion. We have a lot of loose soil here. That was my big issue.

[Cackalak Han]

That was my exact problem with the Weirwolfs (wolves?). Places that I powered right up on Nevegals, I was slipping and sliding on the Weirwolf's. I'll give a review of MK's once I get them and can get out on the trails. Supposed to get more snow again today an the rest of the week.

[dport]

Thanks everyone for your help. I ended up going with the Specialized tire that I posted, mainly due to being impatient "waiting on shipping, and I also forgot that I had a discount coupon for the bike shop from when I bought my bike. I did value everyone's input, and will most likely pick up one of the tires suggested in the future as a back up. BTW, wish me luck tomorrow. I am going riding with a cpl of buddies who are exp. riders and I fully expect them to kill me. :sombrero:

[tacollie]

Let us know how those tires work. I like riding with people better than me. It gives me drive and shows me what to do to be better.

[dport]

I went for a short ride today on washed out power lines and 4wheeler trails. I did notice an improvement in traction. I slipped going uphill 3/4 times, but this was on pretty rocky terrain. Since I'm new to riding, I only can compare the Specialized "the captain" to my original tire, but I have to say there is a huge difference in traction. Now I just have to figure out why my rear disc is squeeling.