I have run Ricks f/r, then Peyotes f/r, and back to a set of Ricks f/r now. I like both a lot and feel like they have their own sweet spots. The Ricks seem to handle softer/looser/deeper conditions a bit better as they have some “real” knobs/height to the tread. The Peyotes are really supple and feel great on hardpack or firmer trails but most of the tread on the tire is very low height/tight and the tire is a little vague in deeper/softer/looser terrain.
For reference, I ran Ricks in Moab, Whiskey in Prescott, and Front Range CO.
Swapped to Peyotes and ran them in Grand Junction and more Front Range CO.
Most recently swapped back to Ricks for Nationals in Roanoke and still have them on back in CO.
Thoughts on the general longevity of the Dubnital in the race casing for riding on pavement?
For years I’ve just run Rekon’s in a trail casing since my XC bike was my only bike. I have another trail bike now, so I grabbed a set of Dubnital Race 2.2’s to try a faster tire for racing.
I tend to ride my XC bike on bike paths to the trails, so half my training rides end up being pavement. Cornering at speed on these Dubs feel like I’m about to rip the knobs off the side whenever I lean the bike over.
Am I going to just shred these tires training on them with alot of pavement miles?
Any real world experiece with new 2025 made in italy race compound Pirelli XC RC? They claim that the tire should be bigger and also shape should be slightly more square and that they should also roll better.
Same. I just switched over to Race King/Race King on my race wheels on the FS to train for Cheq after having a more downcountry setup all of last year when I trained for Little Sugar (Rekon/Agarro front and Rekon Race rear). The King on the front feels wildly without traction on loose over hard and the little baby side knobs don’t hook up the way I’m accustomed. I definitely might be still riding and pushing that bike like it has trail tires on it tho . I have had a few different Schwalbes on my HT (Rick, Ralph, Burt) and Terreno XC and I felt they all had better front end and cornering traction vs the King but again could be the way I’m riding that bike. The Contis are definitely fast and may just take a few rides to get used to them. Still up in the air what I’ll run for Chequamegon FS or HT and what tires…
In my ongoing quest to get some tires that actually measure 2.4” or more, I bought a pair of 2.6” Vittoria Aggaros (Similar, maybe a little more aggressive, tread pattern vs Wicked Wills).
These measure 165mm bead-to-bead, and I expect will measure 2.4-2.5” when mounted. Will post a pic once mounted.
The caveat with Maxxis is that the evidence I’ve seen shows their tires tend to roll slower - until their most recent Aspen version. But that tire has very little actual tread, which won’t work well for me for “daily riding” on my local trails.
These tires measure 2.45” when mounted on 30mm rims.
I’ve been impressed so far. On pavement they roll similar to Wicked Wills, and noticeably smoother than Nobby Nics - based on the feel and sound test - less vibration on the handlebars, and less buzzing sound. Not very scientific, I know. But “feels fast” (and certainly for a tire with a lot of grip).
On one of my local downhill segments, I was a second off my PR for the year - and would have beaten it had I not gotten held up passing a couple of people. Always felt planted, despite pushing pretty hard.
I’m still a long way behind one of our local high school riders who’s on the US junior downhill team in the upcoming world champs. She is crazy fast. I don’t know where she picks up time on the trail.
The extra volume is very reassuring also. On this section of trail, it’s very common for rim strikes and pinch flats (Aug 18 in pic below). I didn’t rim strike once with these bigger tires.
If I ride Moab Rocks next year, I’ll probably ride these tires.
By way of comparison - I was in the bike shop today, and the Continental Trinotal and Magnotal look pretty puny compared to these. They might roll better, but for Colorado trails, these Agarros seem to be a great match
I raced XCO last season with ground control front, fast trak rear (both t7). Coming from a background of enduro/DH racing, I am accustomed to grippy tyres and like the confidence the GC front tyre gives me when descending. Our races are generally quite technical, in forests with lots of slippy roots and tricky climbs (UK style conditions). Just wondering if anyone has insight on whether this is overkill for my requirements and if I could get away with a faster rolling setup (e.g. fast trak front and rear) without compromising too much on grip levels. For super muddy days I have a maxxis forekaster (old style 2.2 inch) setup.
. I have had a few different Schwalbes on my HT (Rick, Ralph, Burt) and Terreno XC and I felt they all had better front end and cornering traction vs the King but again could be the way I’m riding that bike. The Contis are definitely fast and may just take a few rides to get used to them. Still up in the air what I’ll run for Chequamegon FS or HT and what tires…
