Downhill Tires

[MtnBkr]

I am currently riding on the tires my bike came with when i bought it and they are getting crappy...and they were horrible for me when i raced! so that brings me to my next point. I need your guy's opinion on a good Downhill Tire. I Don't want to spend too much money but that all depends. IT would be great if guys could give me your opinions! thanks!!

-MtnBkr

[hogboy]

gazzalodi run tubeless ftw

[dirtrider2]

I've run so many DH tires in so many compounds and sizes that it gets tough to remember them all (though that could be from the dain bramage...) Anyway, I think that I can remember enough of them to give some decent advice... Since you don't want to spend lots of money, Maxxis Minions, High Rollers, and Mobsters in 60 shA compound last a while and are usually on sale somewhere. They are very popular and many riders love them. The Kenda Blue Groove/Nevegal combo are also very popular and relatively inexpensive. Again, go for the 60 shA compound so that they last a while and grip O.K.

That said, I run Michelin Comp 32 up front and Comp 24 out back because and I love them. However, I would not recommend them since a) they are very expensive and b) the wear out fast (thus even more $$$$). Also, I tend to run the softest compound tires that I can get (usually around 40 shA). The lower the number, the softer the compound and better they'll grip on roots and rocks, but the faster they wear out. DH tires tend to run from 40 to mid 60's in the shA range.

I'm not a fan of any Nokians including the Gazz, but there are a core of riders who still swear by them (as evidenced by Hogboy rec.). But that's my opinion and you can take it or leave it. They'll definately last a while!

No tire is the best tire for everything, so you may want to talk to people who DH where you plan to DH and get their opinion. The most important thing about tires is the psi you put in them. Every tire has its sweetspot and it makes a HUGE difference!

Good luck!

Dave

[Doro]

a good combo is minnion dhf on front and back. Make sure to get the 2ply as the single ply will just blow out on you. Not sure if they make a 60a compound on the double ply though. But 40a is better anyway although it does wear out faster. They grab real well and not as expensive as michi's which I prefer overall.

[dirtrider2]

Good point on the double ply. Can't believe I forgot to mention it.

Dave

[DVRider]

Michelin Comp 28

Is this a new tire or just the dane bramage?


and before you say I'm being hurtful, I'll give you something. I think you should use this for your avatar since you don't have one on this site.

[dirtrider2]

Dain Bramage it was! Thanks for the heads up. Geez, I musta been pretty off typin' that post...

Oh, and I'll git you Dave not Riding and your little dog too! I don't like the fact that you have extra time to create hurtful posts. Heal up man!

Dave

[fitchmunk]

a good combo is minnion dhf on front and back. Make sure to get the 2ply as the single ply will just blow out on you. Not sure if they make a 60a compound on the double ply though. But 40a is better anyway although it does wear out faster. They grab real well and not as expensive as michi's which I prefer overall.


I second what Doro said. I race DHF's on the front and rear. They hook up in corners like they're on rails. They shed mud pretty well, too. A good all around tire if you don't have money to be switching tires with the changing weather. Like Doro said, be sure to get the Super Tacky, otherwise they'll be too hard and won't handle anywhere near as well.

[auntesther1]

I am a HUGE fan of Arrow Ramped Bites in the sticky compound. Only downside is they are a bit porky and roll slowish ( but its only noticeable on pavement). But they grip incredibly well, wear like iron ( I got close to 2 years from one pair in the soft compound), and super flat resistant.

[bike187]

big fan of the WTB team DH tire (it ight be called the weirwolf or timberwolf, but whichever has the double ply) up front and highroller in the back, though I have a 24" in the back and am limited in rear tire options. I've also ran a minion up front and that was decent too.

[mhaskell]

minion DHF's on both the front and back, super tacky rubber. Best traction of any tire I've used, I found it to wear pretty well.