29x2.2 Road/gravel tire

[p nut]

Looking for some better tires for my Fargo. I've been using Maxxis Ikon 2.2's but looking for something with a smooth(er) center tread with some knobs on the outside. I've seen tires like Thunder Burt, but I need a high mileage tire, not a race tire. Weight is not as much concern as longevity/durability.

I've found tires in the ~40-45c range but I like ~2.2" for the rides I go on, which involve some buff singletrack. Tread similar to Clement Xplor USH would be ideal, I think:

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/productimages/images450/clxou3-1.jpg

I've also thought about just going with Schwalbe Big Apples and dealing with the extra squirm off road. That would be a plush ride.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[sandyrs]

Looking for some better tires for my Fargo. I've been using Maxxis Ikon 2.2's but looking for something with a smooth(er) center tread with some knobs on the outside. I've seen tires like Thunder Burt, but I need a high mileage tire, not a race tire. Weight is not as much concern as longevity/durability.

I've found tires in the ~40-45c range but I like ~2.2" for the rides I go on, which involve some buff singletrack. Tread similar to Clement Xplor USH would be ideal, I think:

https://www.biketiresdirect.com/productimages/images450/clxou3-1.jpg

I've also thought about just going with Schwalbe Big Apples and dealing with the extra squirm off road. That would be a plush ride.

Thanks for any suggestions.

The USH tires have no bite for what it's worth. May as well run big apples in that case.

[rcnute]

My gen 1 Fargo fits Super Motos. I like it better with narrower tires though (put Resist Nomads on).

Ryan

[gomango]

My gen 1 Fargo fits Super Motos. I like it better with narrower tires though (put Resist Nomads on).

Ryan

I ride mine with Resist Nomads as well.

Work great!

For muck though, I run a Surly Knard (29x3) up front and a Knard (41) in back.

I'm not in love, but let's call it a strong like!

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1699/25600622806_d1ac19c286_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/F1eTfo)IMG_3021 (https://flic.kr/p/F1eTfo) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/598/21525721753_3fc81a8e2e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/yN9X8F)IMG_2650 (https://flic.kr/p/yN9X8F) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

[zzy]

USHs corner surprisingly well with the right pressure. I wouldn't ride them on wet or soft terrain, but for a decent road tire they ride well on trails. Very durable too. I actually put Big Apples on my old 90s MTB and it makes a decent all around tire for firm trails but still makes it a decent street commuter. Rides like a cloud too. Fargos are definitely an inbetween bike so finding the right tire will be hard. I run two sets of wheels, one road (Schwable Kojacks) and one gravel (Clement USH) rather than swap out the tires every time. Your best compromise may be inverted tread tires and another set of knobbies for soft stuff.

[p nut]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I live in a very dry climate so mud and such won't be the norm. I think I will try out the Super Motos as they seem to be a bit lighter than Big Apples, and come in folding bead. 29x2.35 seem to be the ticket.

[p nut]

Any of you have any experience with Smart Sam's? Looks like it may be another viable option.

http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/off-road_tires/smart_sam

[binouye]

How about the Schwalbe Furious Fred? I've been using it for a couple years and been happy with them. They did well last weekend at the Dirty Pecan ride, 60 miles with ~75% dirt road.

[aarondgirard]

I've been very happy with my Terravail Sparwood tire so far on my Cutthroat.

[sparky33]

The Hutchinson Black Mamba 29x2 looks nice. Wish I had a bike that fit them.

[thirdgenbird]

USHs corner surprisingly well with the right pressure. I wouldn't ride them on wet or soft terrain, but for a decent road tire they ride well on trails.

That's been my experience as well. So far, they seem like a good option for mixed riding. In my first ride, they kept me up on a wet dirt/grass trail when I went into a turn a little too hot. A true off-road tire would have been better, but the ride home on pavement wouldn't have been as fun.

[p nut]

How about the Schwalbe Furious Fred? I've been using it for a couple years and been happy with them. They did well last weekend at the Dirty Pecan ride, 60 miles with ~75% dirt road.

I've been very happy with my Terravail Sparwood tire so far on my Cutthroat.

The Hutchinson Black Mamba 29x2 looks nice. Wish I had a bike that fit them.

Thanks for the suggestions. I was hoping for something with more of a solid center tread. Like the USH above or maybe Soma Cazadero. But maybe it wouldn't make that much difference. I'll check out those tires.