help me pick a 26" tire

[JasonF]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

Thanks guys, and yes Jason, that's the plan. I picked up an old bridgestone MB-3 here and am going to take my time over the winter and build it with some kind of drop bars and make it an adventure rig.

Very cool, I'd love to see the build progress. Good luck!

[bobswire]

Maxxis Holy Rollers, love'em on my GT Zaskar that I've been using as my adventure/errand do all. Roll on pavement and dirt alike,fat fun and you can gun'em. 2.4 in front and 2.2 in rear.

[Andreas]

Road / Dirt / not loaded / low risk for sidewall badness: RTP

sturdier sidewall / backcountry touring / VT-NH: Schwalbe rock razor

softer ground / AZ etc: WTB ranger (if you can fit)

[MrDangerPants]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

great bike dangerpants! what shifters will you use for the 2x10 situation?

Thanks! Most likely thumbshifters. I'm thinking of 2x8 also (or 1x8 even) as I have an 8-speed drivetrain hanging out in my parts bin. Here's what the setup looked like on my Firefly:

[mg2ride]

Originally Posted by AngryScientist

great bike dangerpants!

Dangerpants was rocking fat tire drop bar bikes at least 10-15 years before it was cool to do so.

[JAGI410]

Surly ExtraTerrestrial

[Stevemikesteve]

IMHO unless you're set on something really gourmet like Compass, consider Resist Nomads. Especially if the Schwalbe Marathon/Marathon Supremes are a candidate, give the Nomads a look. I think they offer a 26 x 2.25 option.

[ColonelJLloyd]

If you can afford to, keep the tire weight down. Compass RTP or Schwalbe Thunderburts or something like that.

[vitaly66]

Yes I'm in exactly the same search for my Troll. Want something like the Compass, light and plush and lively, reluctant to pay the Compass prices. (FWIW, I do have 2 pairs of Compass in 700c already.)

Currently running Big Apples on the Troll, 2.35", after reading loads of recommendations for them. Very solid and bombproof. But to me they are *very* heavy and dead feeling, good grief, they are like 900g each.

Before the Big Apples I was running Michelin Pilots in 2.0". These were a pretty good kevlar bead slick, and not so heavy -- but nothing like them from Michelin seems to be available now. I have the impression that selection in 26" tires is decreasing. For example, not seeing much availability of Marathon Supremes any more.

The Surly "Extra Terrestrials" are said to be like a bigger Big Apple. So that rules that out!

My shortlist includes some already mentioned, like the Thunder Burts, plus Kenda Small Block 8s, TIoga Powerblocks...

Most curious about this, anybody have anything to say about the Maxxis DTH skinwalls?

[Mikeys]

Been on the hunt for a good fast rolling yet dirt capable 26" tire as well

My experience...
Schwalbe big apple: Good on pavement. Zero flats so far. Not good on hard dirt unless you really let pressure out. They're a little too stiff for that though.

Compass rat trap pass: Great on pavement and okay at low pressure on dirt (if you're running them tubeless). Too delicate though. Seemed like I was getting sprayed in the face with stans sealant every time I rode them off road. Forget about riding them off road with inner tubes.

Next up to try...
Maxxis DTH: Tread looks better for dirt. Comes in gumwall...

[Ronsonic]

Kenda K-Rad, wear like iron, roll nicely good on pavement, gravel and dirt, cost pennies and available in 1.95, 2.3 and 2.5. The 1.95 fits nicely under fenders, the others need more room.

First got them years ago for an "Urban XC Race." Fell in love and they've been on my townie ever since.

[bobswire]

Originally Posted by Ronsonic

Kenda K-Rad, wear like iron, roll nicely good on pavement, gravel and dirt, cost pennies and available in 1.95, 2.3 and 2.5. The 1.95 fits nicely under fenders, the others need more room.

First got them years ago for an "Urban XC Race." Fell in love and they've been on my townie ever since.

Wow those look cool, same pattern at the Maxxis Holy roller that I love but cheaper, the K-Rad 2.50 DTC folding is only $21.00
http://www.jensonusa.com/Kenda-K-Rad-26-Tire
I'll have to score a couple of those.

[MrDangerPants]

Originally Posted by vitaly66

The Surly "Extra Terrestrials" are said to be like a bigger Big Apple.

I've been eyeing this for awhile and really want to try them.

[Frankwurst]

Rat Trap Pass.

[heartattackride]

I dig the Kenda Kwik's...decent road tire, long life, and pretty confident on the sandy hardpack here in So Cal