MarcusT

Maybe it's time to get some opinions about tires. 26 X 4.0
I want to replace my tires this year, but have not committed to go tubeless just yet.
Been looking at what's available. From Schwalbe, Kenda, Maxxis, Panaracer and Surly.
I am a cheap SOB, so I keep an eye on sales and will buy a cheap set of tires before I over-spend.
Right now, the Jumbo Jims are my first choice. Because I put my bike through forest scrub and rocky terrain, I want something more flat resistant.

What say you?

Hypno Toad

Tell us more about your riding conditions, fat bike tires are a complex world... lots of choices for lots of different conditions.

This is 5 years old, but might be helpful: https://fat-bike.com/2013/03/fat-bike-101-tires/

rumrunn6

& why do you want to change tires?

MarcusT

Thanks, The article is dated, but it helps.
I wanted some personal/direct experience, Where one article gives raves another will not.

Rum: My tires are at about half life now, Thus the term "this year". Meaning not tomorrow, but if I ride the same as last year, I suspect by May/June, I will need to replace.

rumrunn6

ah, OK. wonder if anyone rides slicks on these bikes. like for hardpack & stone dust trails

MarcusT

I've seen fat slicks for sale, but have never seen them mounted on a bike

Hypno Toad

In brief, I've used the following tires on my Pugsley:

Surly Nates (stock tires): great for really loose summer conditions, good for snow, really heavy and slow rolling for anything other than dirt. I'll likely sell/donate these this spring, I haven't used them in a couple years.

Panaracer Fat B Nimble: great summer tires, love them for all summer conditions except deep muddy conditions, terrible winter tires. They really should not be run at low pressures (below 8 psi)

45NRTH Dillinger 4 (studded): Amazing tires in loose & snow conditions, and the studs are great on ice. These tires run well at any pressure without any tire-steering.

All tires are 4 inch wide

Tires on my radar: 45NRTH Wrathchild for winter and Surly Knard for summer (I've got a friend that loves them)

Footnote: I ride very little deep muddy conditions, most of the single-track trails in my area are closed when wet.

MarcusT

Very helpful. Thank you. I ride mountain river beds, so wet and rocky. The bike came with CST, a Chinese knock-off. They don't seem bad, but I have nothing to compare them with.

The tires you've listed are the most expensive of the bunch, so there will be some inner debate going on.
Cheers

Howard70

I run two different sets of tires/ rims on my Salsa Mukluk - mostly desert riding, soft sand & deep gravel. No snow yet (& looks like I might have to wait 'til next year...). Both sets are tubless with Caffelatex sealant and their tubless rim strips.

26 x 4.0 Schwalbe Jumbo Jims (snakeskin/Evo model). Very happy with these, they roll well & have good traction. No problems with punctures that don't seal & no problem with sealing on rims.

27.5 x 3.0 Schwalbe Rocket Rons (snakeskin/ Evo model). Also very happy with these. Vast majority of my riding with these tires. Great tread life (>1,200 so far), good sealing, fine traction.

If I change anything next time I get tires I might try the 2.8 Rocket Rons.

Howard

Jseis 

I roll H-Billies on logging roads, shaved BFLs on beach, Vee Speedsters on events like STP.

MarcusT

Hmmm, what are H-billies?

Leebo

Rider weight? Running tubeless? Rim width? Tire width now? 3.8. 4.0. 4.2? Lots of options. LOTS. Go tubeless, no flats for me. I run a hodag up front, spec fast track out back, 3.8 and 4.0 respectively on 80 mm rims for summer use, chunky rocks of New England. I love maxxis for my 29er, very popular and long lasting out here. Tubeless set up great with them as well.

jdswitters

I too am cheap (reasonably valued?) and found 45NRTH on clearance at REI two years ago in the spring. Husker Du, way beter than the older Vrubber tires the framed came with. However, the old v rubbers go on int he summer because they are fine for commuting, sand and dry dirt.

Jseis 

https://fat-bike.com/2014/03/first-l...its-a-tweener/

MarcusT

Thanks.
I cannot find 45NRTH in Europe. Jumbo Jim seems to be the most reasonably priced and readily available.
I may have to change sooner than planned. I just patched my 2nd puncture in a week.

Jseis 

I’ve found very good barely used tires on the FB page fat bike trader and fat bike classifieds.

MarcusT

Yea, unfortunately, shipping to Europe might outweigh the savings.
I found some Surly Nates on sale in a 3.80. Is there a big difference between 3.8 and 4?

Jseis 

I’m not familiar with those tires but..tire + rim width + pressure + tube/tubeless +tread/pattern= carcass and tread width/contact patch. A lot of variables. I finally ended up with the widest beach tire I could run (~4.6 BFLs). An all purpose tweeter tire (think motorcycle universal tread) for logging roads (4.0 H-Billie) and a smooth rolling paved trail/fine gravel/street tire (3.0 Vee Speedsters).