All Things Bikes and Tacos! (...and every vehicle imaginable)

Anyone have recommendations for a fast rolling tire setup that aren't built for full-on XC race and can still be at home as a trail tire?

I've been running some Maxxis Rekons (F/R) and while I'm quite happy with them I'm just curious to other options.
The WTB Rangers look to like they may be a good option in that department.

Edit:
I'm basically asking of non-Maxxis offerings that are comparable to the Maxxis Rekons. Which IMHO are fantastic tires when used in the intended terrain.

 

Like faster than Rekons?

 

I ran 2.8 Rangers on my Stache, and while they are def more XC oriented, more than held their own in the chunky to dusty utah trails.

 

No not faster than Rekons. Was more looking for non-Maxxis offering that are on the same level of Rekons.
I'll actually edit my post now.

Good to know. I'll be using these on predominantly hard pack/loose over hard pack XC and trail terrain. I'm in the SE so roots and rocks are just an accepted part of most any trail, but by no means comprise the entirety of every ride.

 

Loose over hardpack is the definition of northern Utah trails. Plus plenty of sharp jagged rocks down south, etc. Very popular with the bikepacking crowd as well.

Also, the Bontrager Chupacabras, that they renamed the XR4(?) did quite well before I bought the rangers.

Edit: XR2

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_US/...m-issue-tlr-mtb-tire/p/11866/?colorCode=black

 

Good call. Didn't realize they rebadged the Chupacabras. Had those on my Stache and they did well locally.

 

Chupas/XR2's were great, but I've only ridden the 2.8" and 3" ones. Not sure how they would do in a more normal 2.4" width. I was going to say XR3's, depending on the terrain, and pretty close to the Rekon. I run XR4's, but we are pretty rocky here.

 

I've been running a Terravail Honcho/Ehline combo on my hardtail and they've worked nicely. I think they'd fit what you're looking for well. The only issue I've come across is that they seem to lose air if I don't ride the bike for a week plus. It's never been an issue on the trail only in storage.

We got down to Moab this past weekend. Wife and buddy rode half-enchilada while I dealt with the kids. It was a great weekend there! Crowds were minimal and the weather wasn't toooo hot.

 

Gave this guy $115 shipped. It might sound blasphemous, but going to try the DPS on the Arrival. The DPS was mainly bought because cheap, and may be the go to if I try those 130mm links coming out.

https://m.pinkbike.com/buysell/3337784/

edit…. Wow quick service. Pinkbike definitely needs to come up with a rating system.

 

I'm interested in getting a 1up rack, with the intent to not remove it for long stints. I'm curious on the view with the backup camera with the double rack. Would like to back into my garage and have minimal room and am dependent on the camera to line things up. Other option is to go to the single rack, but lose expandability to 4 bikes in the future. Any input or photos are appreciated!

 

I have the double rack and it def impedes the backup cam. You can clearly make out the farther stuff and the top 50% but the up close stuff down low is at risk. Easy to remember the layout of your garage, but trying to make a U-turn at night in a strange neighborhood, etc is where it gets tricky. Not too bad of a problem, just enough to be annoying.

I'll get you a pic when I get home from work.

 

On my recent tire hunt I saw a surprising amount of recs for the XR line tires. I would guess XR3 is probably closest to rekon speed/grip. I got the impression even the XR4 was a pretty fast tire. Maybe an XR4/XR3 f/r combo would be good. No personal experience though.

 

The XR2 was fast AF once you got it rolling in a 3.0. It was a pretty wild tire that just worked despite how small the knobs are. Reckon the 3 and 4 are prob along the same lines.

 

I did the single rack and purchased an add-on, felt it was the best balance of being able to keep it on full-time (as it didn't block anything) and still expandable up to 3 bikes I believe. Very happy with my decision. If you do 90% of your riding by yourself and just need the single rack most of the time, why not buy the rack that works the best for you the vast majority of the time.

 

I've run Rekons a lot in the past (and still have a set on one bike) but I can say that the current Big-S Ground Control tires blow them out of the water. They aren't any faster or lighter, but the Grid Trail T7 version I'm using is totally comparable in those areas while being MUCH more sure-footed. This is to the point that I don't plan to buy Rekons again, as they are just an "ok" all-season radial of the MTB tire scene.

Additionally, they are wearing quite well, even with the slightly softer T7 compound. The Rekon MaxTerra is only a good tire for ~175-200mi of actual trail use on the rear, if that depending on how/where you ride. The dual compound (EXO/TR) last longer (comparable to Ground Control T7), but aren't as grippy.

Edit: I'm not the biggest Specialized fan, but these tires are convincing. Better yet, they are "only" $65 each. Enter your email when asked to and you can get another 15% off with the code they provide you.

 

Are you running them f and r? I am on the hunt for tires for my build. Was considering Rekons but have seen so/so reviews about them. I ride trails with a lot of roots and rock so looking for something with good traction in those conditions.

 

Yep, I am running the Ground Control Grid T7 29x2.35 F+R and have been very happy thus far. I'm ~250mi in at this point, and just rotated them. (I'm weird, if I run identical tires F+R, I swap them when the rear wear starts to outpace the front by a rough margin so they wear out at about the same time)

 

TLD A3s come with a built in sweat band. Only one that has ever worked for me.
If you need/want a new helmet, I highly recommend it.

 

Hey! I was down there this weekend too! Had a lot of newer bikers so I couldn't so things like ahab or enchilada. But still fun! Did you notice the price for the popular camp area down willow springs?

 

I got a single for my truck. When backing in the garage lining up the red line on the screen with the bottom of the back wall is the perfect spot. I can still see that with the 1up single in the upright position. You might not be able to see the spot you use, but you should be able to add a new line with paint that will work for you. Can't speak to the 2-bike version but I'd think the view below would be similar. Would think you could borrow one of each for a few mins to try them out.