milesf

Hey, I currently ride trail and XC on a 29"x2.25" hardtail. I say trail/xc because I do a lot of climbing on the road to get to trailheads, and a lot of climbing on the trails, however, I think I ride some stuff that's a bit more technical than what most xc riders ride and I definitely am a bit more abusive to my bike. After about 3 months(yes, it was that fast), the middle of my back tire is almost completely bald and my local bike shop and coach recommended that I replace it. I am wondering if anyone had a recommendation for a tire that was did these things(numbered in order of priority since I know it can't have them all). I ride in the bay area and need a tire for all seasons (I won't be swapping out during different weather). It can get kinda muddy, but it's usually pretty packed dirt and rooty with some rocks and a bit of gravel sometimes.

1: Very durable, won't need to be replaced in 3 months
2: Won't puncture easily
3:Good grip for turns
4: Easy to climb
5: Good grip for braking
6: Price point around 50-70 dollars or less since it's just a single tire.

Some people had recommended the:
- Maxxis Recon
- WTB Riddler
- WTB Trail-Boss
- WTB Ranger (Which is the tire that wore out in three months, so I'm leaning away from it)

Which of these seems like the best idea for a rear tire that would fit my needs? Any others that you would recommend?
Sorry if I said something dumb or overshared, I am pretty new to the tech side of the sport and am still learning.

DETarch

I've had good look with the Rekon as a rear tire on my main trail bike (paired with a more aggressive front tire). Do you also run a WTB Ranger on the front? Because that could influence recommendations...i.e. I wouldn't recommend a significantly more aggressive/knobby/grippy tire out back if you have a Ranger up front.

The nice thing about Maxxis tires is that you can choose different casings for improved durability. Personally, I run a dual compound EXO casing for my rear Rekon...the dual compound rubber is a bit more durable and EXO provides good puncture protection on my local trails. There are lots of good XC/trail rear tire options from Maxxis, including Ikon (for more true XC riding), Ardent Race, etc.

On my dedicated XC bike, I run Vittoria Barzos on both front and rear. They've been reliable for about 400 miles so far.

milesf

I do indeed run a ranger in the front. So would you recommend part numberTB96899100

DETarch

I think that specific model of Rekon would be a safe bet. EXO for puncture protection + MaxxSpeed has good rolling resistance/treadwear rating. MaxxSpeed probably gives up some grip for improved rolling resistance, FYI. Of course, whether or not most people could distinguish between compounds on an average ride is up for debate

Once the other Ranger wears out, you could put something a bit more aggressive up front, which I find impacts cornering more than the rear tire anyway.

milesf

The reason that I was asking about the compound was less about how it would feel while riding and more about how long they would last. My WTB Ranger that I was running in the rear went almost completely bald after 3 months, I was wondering if that compound should wear out at a similar rate (is it necessary for me to replace my tires every 3 months or would these tires last longer).

AdkMtnMonster

Panaracer Smoke/Dart. Best all-around tires ever produced.

milesf

Aren't those only 26"?

AdkMtnMonster

Get back to your roots, youngblood. What’s next? 36” wheels with 18” of travel f/r? Who needs that? Ride a bike, not a couch.

milesf

Again, I'm quite new, but what's the reasoning for not running a significantly more aggressive tire in the rear than in the front? I know it would make for much more rolling resistance, but is there a reason other than that?

milesf

I don't know what to make of you old people

AdkMtnMonster

Try making us into role models. You soft children need to HTFU.

prj71

The majority of your weight when riding is on your back tire. Because of that you don't need a more aggressive tire on the back. You'll get the traction you need, not likely to wash out and smaller lugs = less rolling resistance and easier pedaling. Because the front wheel has less weight on it and is constantly being turned left and right a more aggressive tires minimizes the chances of washing out.

I run Continental Cross King in the back and Continental Trail King in the front.

DETarch

This is my reasoning as well. I like a faster rear tire as long as it has decent climbing traction, paired with a nice aggressive front tire.

milesf Part of your issue with wearing out the rear tire could also be the riding you're doing on pavement. Pavement wears out MTB tires much more quickly than dirt (especially the rear, where most of your weight sits while pedaling seated). If you're putting in a lot of mileage that includes a decent amount of pavement to get to the trail, you might just have to deal with rear tires wearing our frequently.

DMC707

I may be dating myself a couple of years but i am using Maxxiss Ardents front and rear on both my bikes. 2.4” width on the big riig and 2.25” on my more xcish bike. Lots of grip, very durable and reasonablt light all purpose tires

no complaints and possibly a tread to check out if you dont need ultimate light weight