Did you use tyre levers to install?
I recently had a Rekon warrantied for a wobble, the distributor was really good, but mentioned that they have been having issues with tyre lever installs damaging beads and creating wobbles.
I don’t usually use tyre levers for the front (Rekon), but relatively often it’s needed on the rear with the insert.
Hopefully it’s just a batch issue. I’m quite keen to try the Race King/Cross King combo when the 2.4" RK is released.
When is the Race King 2.4 going to be released? That may be a pro only tire like the Maxxis Aspen 170tpi.
Pretty sure I did, especially since I’ve also had to break the bead, take them off, re-seat. Sometimes I can get them on without the lever, most of the time I need one, but it’s not like it’s a huge issue. Get them close, pop the last section over.
I’m going to try my one spare this weekend, will give both tires a full exam when off, including the bead in the sections that are wobbling, and then see what happens with the other two I have on the way.
I’m curious to hear more impressions when you get some more rides with this tire! Looks very promising as an all-round summer tire for xco. Maybe pair this with Karma 2 on front for wetter conditions?
More than worth just training on. I race on the Fast Trak or Fast Trak / Renegade combo and train on the ground controls. Quality tires, durable, and fast. My preference over Maxxis these days even if just on price alone. Refuse to keep paying $80/tire for an +800g tire vs <700g and readily had under $45 for the Specialized.
I’ve got one more gravel race next weekend and then after that plan to spend a lot of time back on the XC bike in the lead up to Leadville, so I’ll post some more impressions both from the trail but also how it does on some long gravel rides. I have a gravel loop that about 64 miles that I’ve done many times on both XC and gravel bike, so my times should give some indication on how well the Rush Pro rolls.
I actually tried the Karma 2’s last fall after the leaves fell. I typically put Nobby Nics on late in the season here in Ohio to help punch through the leaves. The Karma 2’s were a great alternative to the Nics. So maybe I’ll mix and match again this fall.
Stretching out a brand new 2.2 raceking overnight at 45psi. Lifted the bike up in the morning and it was like a grenade going off. Totally failed bead, must have been faulty (rated to 60ish).
On another note, my team just got a support deal with Vittoria. I’m going to continue running conti. I just can’t deal with the way the top layer of the 4c tyres disappears after about 200k and then the tyre may as well be an OEM wire beaded slick.
Yikes! What wheels were the RK’s mounted onto?
Yikes. Makes me wonder with the balance issues I just had with two of mine.
I have a 100k marathon event on Saturday and I’m debating about whether I want to change from F/R Mezcal 2.35 to a Syerra 2.4 in the front. It’s almost all single track with kind of gravely soil composition (decomposed granite). I have a Syerra on hand but have never ridden it as a front wheel and am not sure how much grippier it actually is over Mezcal. I’ve had my font wheel wash out before on this course though so tempted by something with more cornering lugs.
Can you get a Barzo?
Possibly, but I’d have to buy one vs having a Syerra on hand. Barzo would be the more obvious choice though I don’t think the rolling resistance difference between it and a Syerra will be big on this course. I’m more worried that a Syerra front with Mezcal rear might be weird from a mismatch of grip perspective.
Bailey Hundo? Im racing and am planning 2.4 Aspen f/r
Syerra is a lot more draggy and a lot heavier to be using for a 100 miler.
Barzo would be fine but the size knobs on all of these are relatively similar - the main changes are in the rolling tread which get more spaced out to clear loose mud.
Are you running inserts? Can you use them to reduce pressure?
Yeah I’m running Evo SL inserts front and rear and that’s my plan A, just run lower pressure.
Yeah. This is my third year doing the 100k and i normally ride something more like the V1 Forekaster up front because the soil is so loose in places, but with how wet it’s been this year it’s actually a lot firmer than normal. I think 2.4 aspen is a good choice since it has float but decent enough knobs, but I’ve had the 2.35 Mezcals mounted for a month or two and most likely going to stick with that rather than make any last minute changes.
That’s good info, I appreciate it. I’ve ridden one day in Buff Creek before so I’m going in a bit blind but excited for it - it seems like an awesome race. Hope to see you out there!
I’m curious about your experience with vittoria. I’ve found they have very good durability for wear with my last rear wearing through the top layer of rubber after 1500-2000 miles. Where do you ride?
The tyres have a thin layer of very soft rubber on the outside of the ‘4c’ construction. This wears out fast leaving a firm layer below. This firm layer lasts a while but the grip and rr is poor when racing.
If you look at the pros running Vittoria’s they are almost all single compound special tyres with red hot patches.
My last set in Massachusetts didn’t wear through the top layer in that distance. They are appearing to be less durable in the Rocky Mountains though. I’ve had good luck with their durability and grip
Oh gosh, I feel slightly dirty. I’m abandoning my Barzo / Mezcal defacto combo for a Ground Control T7 / Ardent Race combo - for Summer Marathon XC.
We are having a very dry and dusty summer in the UK and my sons new bike came with 2 Ardent Race and he’s coped well, but I’ve bought him a GC T7/T5 combo for trail/ race when it gets damp.
Therefore the two Ardent Race 2.2 will go on the back of our bikes next year assuming it’s dry, with me swapping a worn Barzo out for a GC T7. And if you thinking T7 may be a bit much, I ride on confidence so I need a front that sticks.
It feels like cheating on your Barber….
