What To Look For When Choosing A New MTB Tyre? | Everything You Need To Know

[@gmbn]

Do you experiment with tyre choice? What's your favourite tyre setup? Let us know 👇

[@frankiemazzei8882]

enduro up front with trail/xc rear

[@zacharystrueder7739]

Front Tire Butcher GRID 2.8 Rear Tire Slaughter GRID 2.8

[@flemming_j_]

A lot!!, these days i run Maxxis Highroller II 2.5WT 3C/EXO/TR in the front, and Maxxis Aggressor 2.5WT EXO/TR on the back. Tubeless Of course, on 31mm rims.

[@vtecmossy]

Wild am up front Wild enduro out back on the trail/enduro Dh maxis or swalbe for the dh rig both are good

[@hurricaneheli79]

I'm running Maxxis Ardent since March 2018 & have just over 2,000 miles on them, still look new. Best tires I've used.

[@prajwalpingali]

3:44 the bike starts to fall, quick cut to hide it 😜

[@cvellas]

Lol

[@EvilSlothsTony]

At that moment his voice changes. 😂

[@neildonoghueMTB]

smooth eh?

[@prajwalpingali]

@@neildonoghueMTB yup! Smooth indee

[@prajwalpingali]

@@neildonoghueMTB have you tried the new Vittoria Agarro tyres?

[@rupedog]

Love that slo-mo suspension movement.... cool

[@craigb.5650]

The right tire can compliment someones riding style, or compliment the handling characteristics of a bike. I believe as riders, we can research all the data of a certain tire, and research all the reviews of a tire. But in the end, we have to decide if we are willing to take a gamble of going with a tire (or pair of tires) we have never rode and could possibly hate (and waste a substantial amount of money). Or, keep buying the same tire we have been running season after season and just be content.

[@Pienimusta]

It's hard a choise - Do you want to prepare for the worst case (mud or very loose etc.) or do you want good all-around tyre, like Nobby Nic, which might come a bit short on those extreme ends.

[@geemail369]

Same with clothes - what's your solution there?!

[@gmbn]

Doddy over on GMBN Tech recommends running 3 tyres throughout the year. The summer setup is a fast-rolling rear tyre combined with a more aggressive tread pattern on the front. For the winter setup, you can simply transfer this to the back of the bike and run an even more aggressive tyre in the front. It doesn't work for everyone but it's worth giving a try. Hope this helps 👍

[@blairrighton6270]

Been using the geax barrow mud 26' 1.7' on the rear of my steel xc hardtail for years and haven't looked back. Up front I find a maxxis ignitor 26' 2.1' does well for me and both tyres compliment each other well on most trail conditions and terrain In the end it all comes down to the type of rider you are, the style and type of riding you wish to experience, and the bike choice of which there is a plethora of choices out there.... all the best and have fun figuring it all out!

[@jamesdunphy1207]

Late reply but, what kind of riding do you do that makes you use those tyres? Just realised you said xc, but could the maxxis ignitor be grand for more traily muddy rides as well?

[@blairrighton6270]

@@jamesdunphy1207 hey no worries I find the Ignitor is a goodie for most trail conditions but it seemed more suitable for loose gravel on hardpack (as the manufacturer suggests) I ended up swapping out the ignitor for a 2.3' continental vertical for the type of riding I do in muddy conditions and it paired quite well with the barrow mud. I guess one could go really crazy by pairing a maxxis 2.5' wet scream up front and a 1.8' medusa on the back lol have fun out there

[@migatron1]

What To Look For When Choosing A New MTB Tyre: Does it say Maxxis DHRII on the sidewall

[@j.h.237]

Migatron1 Minion DHF**

[@UltimateMTB]

I came here just to post this comment and it's already here...

[@RichJ-nr1ho]

The DHRII is not my favorite tire, but boy does it make a hardtail more pleasant downhill. The tread is a lot more supple and softer than DHF, at least it feels like it. And I don't know why people say it's slow, yeah maybe coasting on pavement, but it's not slow on dirt. Brakes great, no drama at all in the back.

[@Paspa1801]

Do you run the dhr11 on both wheels?

[@louiefriesen]

@@Paspa1801 no the DHR 11 has not come out yet lol

[@rupedog]

Before even watching this, I cant be the only one thinking 'right tyres, especially for muddy berms...hey Neil' 😋🙃

[@hardmtnbiker]

I’m experimenting with tire types with my stable of bikes all the time. One thing that I like about the lighter casing high volume tires is the supple feel. Of course you have to but them on wider internal width rims i30-i35 with 2.4 to 2.6” tires. Another thing is if you run tubeless, make sure to get tubeless compatible tires. Most brands are now realizing and making high volume tires with different casing and tread designs. I usually choose 120tpi for a more supple tire and on my more aggressive tread thicker durable sidewall tires it’s 60tpi.

[@reidoverturf]

I love you guys! Thank you for all the good stuff you do, day in, and day out. You folks rock!

[@joshrowe9774]

Thank this helped me i don't think i have been this early to a video

[@Pedro_Is]

Hi guys First and foremost, great, I mean really great channel you´ve got. You address all the aspects of MTB, really well. I suppose no one could ask for more... well, maybe a chip or something for us do download and ride as you do :-) Could I count on your help regarding tyres? I ride mostly cross country and have been using X-King 26*2.2 and Race-King 26*2.2 all along. And I love them. I think they have good puncture resistance, last long and have good grip. But it's getting difficult to find tyres 26" and numbers not always correspond exactly from one brand to another. What options for identical tyres 26*(+/-2.2) do you suggest or recommend? Thanks a million and please keep up the wonderful reviews and tips and teachings.

[@lwittrock1]

Great video Neil!

[@ChariEL-JP]

It was helpful! Thank you!

[@rupedog]

Good, balanced informative video for a paid promo 👏

[@ShaunCTR]

Really enjoyed that video and learnt a few things also 👍

[@mysticalyog472]

Neil: Tyres are the only type of contact on the trail. Me: What about your ass, your face and your chainstay protector?

[@irvsstella]

GMBN, you seem to forget everyone doesn't have sponsorship. You reel off all these tyres for each condition, wet, dry, rock, mud, xc, dh. Some folks just ride the weekend for their enjoyment, fitness and to get away from the missus for a couple of hours! I love my biking and have done since the early 90s, but to push these choices on impressionable youngsters is a mountable to bullying, if you don't buy these, you'll fail! Teach these younger riders to ride, to shred, to appreciate the conditions, then let them make to conscious choices, I applaud your channel and love the advice but please don't push these high end goodies on a cash strapped young un.

[@AndyBeal1]

Valuable info, thanks!

[@tomsanger6249]

Neil still got his battle scars from his crash 👊🔥😂

[@WM-hv3bf]

Would he get wsib lol?

[@86Bibendum]

Funny how he advertises a tire he just washed out with.

[@tomsanger6249]

Bibendum ye 😂

[@neildonoghueMTB]

@@86Bibendum Correct, I didnt have my permanent grip on any terrain all the time tyres on ;)

[@chad9160]

Neil Donoghue comedian 🤪

[@lukasla1786]

Assegai front and aggressor rear?

[@MrTech1210]

What would be the good all round tyre for my riding? I ride a 26” MTB, I usually do 40% road then 60% on forest tracks like county park’s and loops around reservoirs. I occasionally go on slate waste in the local quarry.

[@michaelwood3825]

I’ve looked for answers, but I’m confused by the tyre width options. Is there a factor / dimension in the wheel and/or fork that limits the width of tyre you buy? Appreciate anyone who can give me a simple explainer

[@curtisf.r6233]

Helped alot thanks Neil👍 just to clarify.... if im riding something loose, then I should go hard with bigger the knob, to penertrate deeper, to gain better purchase, for better satisfaction? Roger that👍😎

[@maximus6728]

Are we getting Death Grip 3 this year?

[@eoghanhealy2884]

Keep up the gud work. You should come to Ireland

[@skankhunt84ich87]

2.8 tyres are must have"!

[@randyh7945]

What about for my uni cycle. She rides like a champ!!

[@eugenegutierrez5106]

Vitoria tyres are affordable and light , but careful not to use the too light unless your doing cross country.

[@AndreRicoyDias]

The tires are great, but I think the suspension is a little soft. I've saw lots of bottom out in the front in the slow motion images.

[@migatron1]

That's how Neil rolls

[@ClaudiuB]

Continental Cross King is my choice, it's a mixt for almost every terrain type

[@joshuabrown9398]

Really? Ridden a few times on a 2.2 width cross king and found them terrible

[@jeskli11]

Thanks for the video! I'm an XC rider and so I just decide to go (because of my team's sponsor) either for Mitas Scylla or Mitas Zefyros, so what you, downhill and enduro riders, would consider as decision between semi-slicks and slicks 😂. Then I just have another wheelset with Mitas Hyperion for very muddy situations, but that's all. To be honest I'm pretty impressed how many factors you have to consider to be going as fast as possible. Although on my local trails I can beat most at least local endurists on a hardtail fitted in those "semi-slicks" with high saddle 😂.

[@living4adrenaline]

Soft compound in the front, hard compound in the rear for less rolling resistance. Get the Vittoria Mota because it's that litt chronic?

[@widdelin15]

Is it really a choice, Maxxis always

[@migatron1]

Fo lizzy

[@arhu74]

I swapped out my Schwalbe Nobby Nic/Rocket Ron for Maxxis Icon/Ardent but I much preferred the Schwalbes, much more grip and smoother :(

[@RichJ-nr1ho]

@@arhu74 Yeah but how many people trust their life and health with tires that sound like some Saturday morning cartoon show.

[@alvarobesnier]

What would you recommend for slippery mud situations

[@davidegan2779]

Can gmbn do a trail guide for stile cop at cannock chase in staffs. Very overlooked downhill park

[@lukerogers3878]

Hey what Maxxis tyres are best for what conditions? Loose on hard pac

[@williampennjr.4448]

I have a mountain bike but I don't do much off-roading. I mostly ride on paved roads. What are the best tires for speed, while maintaining some tread for off roading? I'd also like it to be tubeless.

[@simonm1447]

In this case a hybrid tire may be the best option. One example for such a tire is the Schwalbe Smart Sam, which is available in all common sizes, with a lot of knobbles in the middle to maintain a smooth ride on roads but it's still capable for offroad riding. You can get it in the normal version and in a puncture protected plus version. The only thing is Smart Sam is at least officially not tubeless (some guys will try it nevertheless) - but I'm not sure if such a hybrid tire (they are typically also less costly compared to a competition grade tire) is offered officially in a tubeless version at all.

[@williampennjr.4448]

@@simonm1447 thanks.

[@mikieson]

@GlobalMountainBikeNetwork..Im 265lbs. I have a GT Pantera Comp.Its a 27.5+ that came with 2.8 tires.Kind of alterain tire.Im wondering if I can go to a 2.4? 2.5 tire? I ride mostly slow trails.Leaves,pine needles all over.Mostly dry to slight wet "sometimes"..I dont ride in mud unless its a puddle i cant get around..Mostly trails with no flow at all."boring actually" lol. Just wondering if the narrower tires will help me go a bit faster? and give off less resistance? im 48 and a slow rider as it is..Thanks

[@geemail369]

Narrower tire means less weight, therefore a bit more agility. A tame tread will help too. Dry and more "mellow" conditions you say, not goin crazy fast, i think you're good going for a 2.4 or 2.5! Just have a look at you *internal rim width* beforehand! You've bought a _PLUS-specced_ PLUS-bike - means you might not be able to make appropriate use of your narrower tire's shoulder knobs when leaning the bike over, due to the tire's profile getting kinda stretched out/deformed, being mounted to a wider rim than it was designed for. There's tables online illustrating reccomended ratios between tire width and the width of the rim it gets mounted to - just look'em up.

[@mikieson]

@@geemail369 yeah i know about the widths and the tires not fitting or riding right..thats why i asked and thought maybe they might know all the details..:D but you did good with your comment.Thanks and im gonna go check things out as best i can. HEY if you think you know more about this check yourself if you want and report back here..ill check up later on..thanks man..

[@James-dn1hu]

High roller 2 are the ones personally

[@migatron1]

Bro, I was riding these front and rear, changed them to DHR II front and rear, and all I can say is WoW! When the time comes to replace them, check the DHR II out. You will not regret it

[@tommycocacocke]

Just slapp a maxxis dhf on the front

[@enricosimionato7986]

or shorty with mud

[@willbennett7107]

Enrico Simionato shorty all conditions dhfs are great but clogg up too easy

[@rupedog]

Dhr generally thought better up front than dhf...despite the intended position!

[@aco4892]

keep up the good work🤟🏻

[@chompchompnomnom4256]

So I want to ride on the road to get to my trail, is it better to use the cross country?

[@kostoglousalexandros7509]

Hi. So I am making the transition to tubeless and I need some advice regarding the tyres. I kinda want a little bit of everything, an all arounder. I've been looking at Continental Cross King, Mountain King and Vittoria Barzo/Mezcal. What would you recommend?

[@j5k395tks]

3.47" i think that the bicycle felt on the side? 😁

[@gmbn]

🤫🤣

[@erosqing]

mmmm I'm more on continental, choices!!!

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Great insightful video Neil. What tyre would you recommend for the likes of tackling The South Downs Way Neil? Great stuff #GMBN

[@jeffnoble2165]

I am looking to move from a XC tire to a more aggressive one. The ones I on the bike now are the ones that came with on it. My question is and I think you guys can give the best answer. The tires wall say 29 x2.0. I am having a hard time finding that exact match. Most tires I find are just over the 2.0 size. more like 29x2.35. I know if the tire is to big it won't fit my rim but how much wiggle room do I have on tire size and still have it fit the rim? Thanks in advance

[@gmbn]

So the rims of your wheels for your 29 x2.0 set up will definitely accept up to a 2.5 width tyre. The second number isn't the width at the bottom of the tyre, just the top where the tread is. So you could happily get a 2.35, you just have to check your frame and fork and if you've got clearance for the tyre to run and flex without contacting the frame!

[@jeffnoble2165]

@@gmbn thank you. Love you channel. Lots of great content. Keep it up 👍

[@LuLuDaBomb90]

I love it

[@NattyDread011]

Just ordered a pair of Goodyears. Peak for the rear and Escape for front.

[@dhruvverma6460]

"It's the only contact you have with the trail" Me: Are you sure?

[@juanlizardo5282]

#askGMBN Hi, my name is Tony, love your channel, i have a Scott Aspect 940 hardtail what do you recommend for tires both front and back, i live in the Dominican republic the climate here is hot mid to high 80's all year round, most of the year is dry with the exception of Hurricane season which is from the beginning June to the end of November which is the rainy season. I use my bike mostly to commute to work on asphalt, but on the weekends i hit the trails which depending on which part of the country i ride in it could be dry or muddy. I cant afford to have two wheelsets so i'm looking for a set if tires that i can use for commuting as well as going off road with my friends whether it be on dry sandy dirt or mud. what do you recommend. The terrain varies from roots, mud, rocks, hard pack dirt to loose soil. it varies depending on the region

[@DuncanFraser3]

2.4 front and rear for enduro stages?

[@willbennett7107]

Do Vitoria do any dh tires. Could you guys do a guide to Vittorias tires don’t really know much about that company

[@migatron1]

Vittoria is an Italian tire manufacturer established in the 50s. No DH tire, currently (that I've seen). Their road tires are up there with the best, so I imagine the off road variants have to be respectable, and tbh, those grey sidewalls look pretty sick!

[@AssamExpressNE]

Great

[@TxJonathan]

New rider here, I'm just starting out on beginner trails and my bike is constantly slipping and has no grip. I ride on hard packed dry dirt with lots of rocks and gravel. Would the cross county tire be good for my situation? Also I go slow and lots of tight turns so I'm not looking for speed. Also I'm tubbed

[@matthewkramer8613]

A more aggressive XC tire would work if you still prefer fast rolling on hard-pack but if more of your ride is on loose orver hard, go for a tire that has mid hight to lager nobs and wider spacing and channels, like maybe a "trail" oriented tire. this will provide more grip and maybe run a little lower pressure. If you don't care about rolling efficiency as much go for bigger nobs and wider spacing. Each brand has tire of choose for various terrain and what you may be looking for in terms of traction. for Maxxis maybe Agressor (R)/DHF(F). Vitorria: maybe Agro (R) / Martello or Mazza (F). Generally its best to go with something fast rolling but grippy enough in the rear, and something nobby up front or a bit wider in size. good luck..

[@webcini27]

Is there a weight limit?

[@stoonystunsin]

always a blast to see neil ride. is it me or is neil made to go fast. :-)

[@frankiemazzei8882]

legends

[@stuartsaville6054]

What size is that reactor and how tall are ya if you don't mind me asking 👍

[@gordonhunt5967]

I’m wanting to convert to tubless but have a question about my tires. My rims are tubless ready but according the the bike shop my trail boss tires are not. I really like the tires I have as they’re practically new and fit the type of trail I ride. Is it possible to convert to tubless with the tubless ready rims but tires that don’t say they’re tubless ready?

[@rupedog]

No ideal, cud use lots sealant. Tubeless tyres have more rubber on sidewalls..some non-tubeless can be little more than the casing threads, so they just leak. Might work but not ideal, cud be hassle. Tyres wear...ride then out, then go tubeless next set of tyres

[@RichJ-nr1ho]

Well you know the phrase "Ask 5 doctors, get 5 opinions"? I can't make a tire tubeless to save my life, but 3 bike shop opinions. 1: We can make any tire tubeless. They went out of business by the way. Not their fault or anything. 2: The tire doesn't have to be tubeless but the rim does. 3: The tire and the rim both have to be tubeless. This happened when I had a bike shop try a tubeless tire with a non-TR rim --- it didn't work (see #2). So maybe you can make it work but they could not and they do 100% MTB's.

[@paulgeraghty6041]

reallly starting to like amber walls again

[@alexandrerutkowski3742]

nice tires doooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Notwilliamafton441]

Ali G on mtb

[@nathanmeek1248]

Featuring the forest of dean my local stomping ground

[@bhaiwithbiceps]

Hi from South Africa. I have a very cheap bike. But the fork is the problem. what can I do to improve my suspension????

[@hjalteholdgaard3814]

You Can buy a rockshox recon for only 200 bucks

[@geemail369]

cheap oem forks only get you started - once you spot their shortcomings and feel limited, it's time to go for something new.

[@Ben-zw6xp]

How many times did Neil say knobs??😂😂

[@jmolloutdoors893]

My bike is old does anyone know of some good 26x2.0 tires

[@cristobalmunoz9222]

A poy yuor desichon of the so ide of the cambi of thes news tyres in yuor #moutainBike bike guy nils of the #GMBN nice the session's 👍 #muntaiBiking. From the Chile 🇨🇱

[@marcbaroud8842]

3:46 the bike fell

[@seanfilprincefoz3530]

slim tire but taller tread or wide tire but shorter tread??

[@deltatadel]

youve made this video 10 times already

[@toy7521]

Does anyone know a company that makes a 20” MTB tyre that is tubeless?

[@liana.chawngthu]

Yeah

[@theforruner117]

The peyote tires let you ride in space 😉

[@migatron1]

I'm going for an Ayahuasca on the rear

[@theforruner117]

@@migatron1 for sure. I usually run the salvia double casing, but right now I'm gonna stick with the DMT tread

[@migatron1]

quinn foley Hopefully upgrading to toads front and rear in time for summer

[@РоманСтецюк-э5д]

The bike is solid and my Ebike conversion went great. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Very smooth ride at 30mph with no problems (135 miles ridden so far). The picture is a bit deceiving - there is WAY less space in the center of the frame than it shows. The suspension connection takes up the entire thing. So I needed to attach my battery on the bottom of the frame and my controller on the top. Instructions for assembly were lacking but honestly it wasn't too hard to figure out even though I have very little bike knowledge. Watched some youtube videos on adjusting the disk brakes but that was it. Still, I am loving it and very happy with the purchase.

[@teamtaylor4439]

Never been this early

[@robertssilevics8922]

#askgmbn hi im thinking of getting a new derailleur, i was wondering if i would need to get the same brand/model as the old one ?

[@dabhenjiman8694]

Roberts Silevics yea it’s has to be the same make as your gear shifter

[@dabhenjiman8694]

But Any model of whichever brand shifter it is

[@gmbn]

Hi Robert, it's best to stick with the same brand due to the different amounts of cable pull that are used. Check out this guide 👉 blog.artscyclery.com/science-behind-the-magic/science-behind-the-magic-drivetrain-compatibility/

[@inakitorres3271]

Should i get a pre built bike and then upgrade, or should i make a custom? and which is cheaper?

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

I'd say pre built. If you look at a bike you like and list what frame, components, wheels etc it has and then price those up separately and you'll be amazed how much money you save getting pre built

[@tjaartdewet5252]

Yassssss

[@ianfleming008bsi8]

Whats up bois

[@gmbn]

🤘👊

[@chuckwalters4759]

It's TIRE

[@gmbn]

Not in the UK it's not 😉

[@chuckwalters4759]

What it should be. ;) Lmao

[@R.O.F.]

10:34....so uncool.

[@Gamebit450]

So we are just watching the same videos now? No new info ....but hey YW for the view.

[@travelisalife6002]

Hlo sir raj again

[@rupedog]

I do love a new tyre...any tyre..car, bike, tractor, ...so long as its new...just something about them...mmmm

[@migatron1]

The smell, it's definitely the smell ! :¬p

[@yacinekhenata1570]

😍😍😘😘

[@killingaurapvp3178]

Let’s be honest, we all know they only made this for the Vittoria sponsor...

[@migatron1]

This is a job, and people need to get paid, so it's to be expected in all fairness

[@killingaurapvp3178]

Migatron1 yup, gotta do what ya gotta do

[@BurninatorTheTrogdor]

Conti no mas

[@joeronaldsbricks5917]

Just a dude rubbing his hand across bike tires

[@travismarks3252]

I need to get new tires, y'all spell tires wrong... Enjoy the content.

[@rupedog]

Its spelt the English way, i.e. correctly....given the vids in English. 😋👍🙃

[@simonbevan7581]

Three different size nobs lol