best tires for great divide mountain bike route

best tires for great divide mountain bike route

While the medium-height tread is efficient and capable for most situations, there are better options for braking traction when the terrain gets super loose. The Maxxis Minion DHR II has an aggressive tread pattern with wide paddle-shaped lugs that offer great braking traction on most surfaces, including soft and blown-out corners. Yup, I carried a Kindle! I'll be departing on the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route this August and I'll be riding a Niner M.C.R. I would check out the WTB Prowlers 2.1 SL 29er tires. Rawlins to Pinedale (Great Basin) The Great Basin (the area starting north of Rawlins and ending south of Atlantic City) is often spoken about with reverence as the most remote and dry section of the entire Great Divide Mountain Bike Route. This rings true whether you are churning out miles on pavement, grinding gravel backroads, racing your local cyclocross course, or blasting dirt . I heard the trails aren't that technical but I'm sure theres plenty of nasty stuff along the way. Best For Trail Riding: Cushcore Tire For Great Divide Mountain Bike Route Buy on Amazon Compared with other tires in this category, the Cushcore Tire For Great Divide Mountain Bike Route has a convenient design. The Mazza mixes it up with the best of 'em. I suspect this can even be used to patch bike tubes in a pinch, but Ive never tried it. Pat Donahue also contributed to this review. Vince kept bringing up the fact that he wanted to ride the Divide. Excited to try bikepacking but need help getting started? Find details on the three most recent issues below, join the Bikepacking Collective to get it in the mail (anywhere in the world), or click here to find a collection of selected stories in digital format. Heres the stuff that carried all the other stuff. JavaScript is disabled. Got feedback? Mostly worn for sleeping. Lighter-weight tires often have less protective and resilient sidewalls, while those that weigh more can usually withstand a bit more abuse. Running a Maxxis Minion DHF or Asegai, Vittoria Mazza, or WTB Vigilante front and rear might not be the fastest rolling choice, but it would definitely stop you in a hurry. Racers usually prioritize speed and a lightweight kit at the expense of some comfort, so keep this in mind if you're looking at other gear lists. Mine was threadbare by the time I finished, and I sometimes got sunburnt through it. there's been a few Kahns on Ebay recently. Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances. When you consider all the towns, campgrounds, pit toilets, etc. (Offline caching requires a small monthly fee, totally worth it in my opinion.). But its always a good idea and offers an extra layer of safety if things ever go sideways. I saw everything out there, from How on earth are you surviving with so little? to How on earth are you hefting all that gear up these climbs?. The 2.3 width was a good balance for me, but you could certainly go narrower or wider depending on your priorities. You may prefer another option if you often find yourself riding in loose or wet conditions. Before the rubber hits the dirt, you'll be laying out some coin for said rubber make the most of it. I would suggest trying the smaller Sporty version if youre on the fence. For this reason, many front tires feature tread designs with large side knobs that aid in maintaining cornering grip. You need to be logged in to use these features. Similarly, the WTB Trail Boss rolls relatively quickly, but its stout row of shoulder knobs hook up and rails through the bends. We'd highly recommend it as a front tire for aggressive trail riders who are looking to try something different. While neither of these tires is light, they're both impressive when the going gets radical. Pedaling forces are applied through the rear tire while the front tire is pushed along, guiding the bike along its journey. I have limited tire-to-bag clearance on my small 29er frame but this system is pretty dialed. (1) It can be argued that tires may be the most important (and most affordable) upgrades you can put on your bike. Pedals and Shoes for Bikepacking Is clipless worth it? That's why we put each tire through rigorous testing of heavy use before examining the wear on the tread and casing to assess durability. Through the years, they've mapped routes down the West Coast and several routes across the U.S. for road bicyclists. A 27.5+ hardtail with tubeless wheels and durable tires is recommended for the Baja Divide. This tire has super tall and aggressive shoulder lugs that bite into nearly any trail surface. It also provides heaps of braking traction, providing some of the best control you could ask for. That said, we feel this is a great rear tire option paired with something a little more aggressive in the front, and an affordable one at that. Chamois shorts (2 pair): very personal choice, but Louis Garneau Carbon 2 shorts work well for me. I roll up the hand portion around my wrist when wearing bike gloves. I cant remember if they had any 29" tyres, and I doubt if you can accurately scale the performance from 26 to 29 inches, but its worth a look. The front tire is primarily responsible for cornering and needs to respond appropriately to your input in order to remain on your intended line. Headband and neck gaiter: Buff and/or bandana. The platforms on these pedals are big and stable, and there were times where I rode them unclipped for days. But you might be a few hundred miles from one when something goes wrong! We resupplied a few specific or hard-to-find items our favorite sunscreen, Dr. Bronners soap, chamois cream via several mail drops throughout the route. Kindle E-Reader. The stock build features Salsa Woodchipper drop bars, a 1x11 drivetrain, and 29 x 2.2" tires. We rode the 2.4" Trail casing, endurance compound tire and it was truly an inspiration on the front wheel; holding like a rail through corners, and delivering superb braking performance in a range of conditions. My feet search for stability in the snow . My solo tent: Big Sky Soul 1P. The 10 Best Bike Saddles of 2023 (So Far) Paired with a DIY lid made from metallic bubble wrap to keep food warmer while rehydrating. Tires like the Schwalbe Magic Mary, Michelin Wild Enduro Rear, WTB Vigilante, and Maxxis Assegai slay corners, but they also roll much slower than most of the competition. Rarely used, but again, I had the luxury of mostly hunkering down in bad weather. Off trail alternate routes can require significant navigation skills, especially in poor weather. The Minion DHR II was originally designed for use as a rear tire, and paired with a Minion DHF up front, we think it's the ultimate combo in loose conditions for aggressive trail riders. Read more: Specialized Butcher Grid Trail T9 review. These are made for hiking, not biking, but I use them for both. Stove: Jetboil MicroMo. That said, I do use the eTrex for racing and more rugged routes; see my eTrex review for more detail. Regarding 700x45..I recently trained on some of the panaracers that size, fully loaded for a couple of months. This tire performs as well as the best cornering tires we've tested. By Jeremy Benson, Pat Donahue, Ian Stowe. Yeah I'm thinking about doing it too. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The Eliminator is a well-rounded rear tire at a reasonable price. Racers usually prioritize speed and a lightweight kit at the expense of some comfort, so keep this in mind if youre looking at other gear lists. The Assegai is the best cornering tire we've ever tested. I've got some long term plans for the GDR, and want to check out these two tires beforehand: I use the Marathons for training. Ive gone through a few and find the Cerium to be a good balance of packability and warmth. More here. The sections are arranged in the direction I rode, which is northbound (also referred to as NOBO). In our latest video, Neil sheds some light on the essential considerations that will help you make an educated decision. Benson is a competitive gravel and mountain bike racer, highly experienced tester/reviewer, and published author. Read more: Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 review. I recommend around 3 liters of capacity for most of the route. The Specialized Ground Control Grid T7 is a tire that bridges the gap between cross-country and trail riding, call it down-country if you like. Our selection of test tires is split between the two wheel sizes, and in many cases, our testers have experience riding them in both sizes. Thanks for the detail. Alternate routes are indicated in orange on the GDT map, and include: Mount Rowe to Sage Pass - moderately difficult cross-country ridge walk, literally on the Great Divide without any water sources (other than residual snow). Rain jacket: ArcteryxBeta AR. Once I picked up the bear spray this was redundant. Stretching 2,745 miles from Banff, Alberta to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, it loosely follows the Continental Divide through the Rocky Mountains on a series of dirt and paved roads. Note about toiletries: In the US its common for hotels, and even most budget motels, to provide small amounts of basic soap and shampoo. Side knob designs vary, with slightly less emphasis typically placed on the rear tire's ability to corner. Completed in 1997, the GDMBR was developed by Adventure Cycling Association, who continue to maintain highly detailed route maps and a guidebook. I discuss my repair kit in more detail here: Tools and Spares List for Bikepacking. We did our best to use consistent testing trails that offered a variety of features and soil types. All trademarks property of their respective owners Your needs will vary based on where and how you ride. Next, we identified the main areas of concern when evaluating a mountain bike tire. Baggy bike shorts: I wear these over my padded shorts, just personal preference. The center tread has a well-designed pattern of medium-height knobs with sharp, unramped front edges that provide ample bite and traction with surprisingly low rolling resistance. The medium profile center tread allows for exceptional pedaling efficiency and low rolling resistance, all while offering adequate bite for climbing and braking traction. I'm looking for something with better than average rolling resistance (though it still needs some traction) and good wear. The Trail Boss works great as a rear tire with great cornering performance and fairly low rolling resistance. Unfortunately, this has an adverse effect on braking traction on anything but firm conditions. The special edition 10th issue of The Bikepacking Journal is one you wont want to miss! In general, the GDMBR is perfect for a standard 3-season backcountry layering setup. A mountain bike designed for off-road riding with adjustable components and a 1x drivetrain, and tires with good grip, puncture resistance, and durability will provide . Thanks for reading! We felt this tire was the best balance of rolling resistance, grip, and traction offered in the entire test, a true all-around performer. TCS Light SG2 casing is much lighter than the Tough casing. Braking traction is another highlight, and the large knobs with open spacing grab well on most surfaces when it comes time to slow things down. We loved the Mazza as a front tire where it excels in the corners with a stout row of well-supported side knobs that grip well in a huge range of conditions. Flint hills trail state park. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. And 68-year . History. 27. overmyhead (Jul 15, 2019 . Each issue features a collection of inspiring writing and beautiful photography. Again, many tires are designed to be lightweight and compromise durability. (Update: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Womens Review). Let us know! The Great Divide Mountain Bike Route is a long journey through varied terrain and you WILL be camping at least some of the time, so a solid 3-season shelter and sleep system is a must. TCS Light SG2 casing reduces weight and still feels tough, Tighter fit in the rim during installation. Load: Fairly typical long-distance bikepacking setup. I used one set for the entire 2700 miles and they still had life left to spare at the end. Saddle choice is highly personal, so for help making your own decision see Brooks B17 Short vs Carved vs Standard and Comfortable Bike Seats for Women. There are hundreds of post offices along the GDMBR. Pedals: Funn Mamba Single-Sided SPD. That said, it's no worse than most similar tires, and a trade-off for its otherwise excellent traction and super smooth feel. This tire has a large and stout row of side knobs, like those found on the Minion DHF, to dive into corners and hold a line on off-camber sections. The larger the circumference and the wider the tire, the less up-and-down. Once the clock starts, the rider embarks on a solo, unsupported journey to get to the finish line. Examining a worn-out DHF nearing the end of its lifespan. The cushcore tire for the great Divide mountain bikeroute is designed for tubeless tire systems. Wallet(I use a small ziplock bag) with ID, credit cards, health insurance, etc, plus cash in $1, $5, and $10 (useful for campground fees, laundromats, and donations to trail angels). Held sunscreen, lights, snacks, other small items. This is an awesome resource! Specialized's Butcher T9 is at the top of the heap in the corners as well. Read more: Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail T7 review. Tires are trending wider and so are our test models. In general, a rear tire has more of a focus on pedaling and braking traction, and tread designs often reflect that. Rain pants: Mine (White Sierra Trabagon) have been discontinued, but theyre a relatively lightweight 2-layer pant. Socks: 2 pair of Smartwool PhD hiking socks, plus 1 pair of thicker Darn Tough socks for sleeping. The stiff carcass on the Michelin Wild Enduro Front and Wild Enduro Rear were both tough to pull onto the rim. The Vittoria Martello delivers excellent cornering abilities along with killer rolling speed. See my review of the Copper Spur for more detail. I was thinking about doing it on a Surly Long Haul Trucker - the frame can handle a 45C Tire. A closely packed row of taller shoulder lugs provides good cornering traction and a predictable feel until things get super loose. Now its your turn. It has a wide temperature range without feeling clammy, and critically the half zip fits over a bike helmet for quicker layer changes on the go. Its sturdy EXO casing and mix of tread compounds provide ample sidewall support and exceptional grip, even at lower pressures. Traillinks. If youre lucky, simply change your chain and brake pads halfway through, replenish your chain lube supply a few times, top up your sealant once or twice, and youll be all set. Welcome to part 4 in my series of GDMBR summaries by state. There are countless options to choose from, and we know that finding the right tires for the conditions, terrain, and your riding style can be a challenge. I can definitely see advantages especially for those of us with low tire clearance. We also particularly like the 2-knob, alternating paddle tread running down the center of the WTB Vigilante. Carry at least a small amount of soap and shampoo so you can properly enjoy these showers. A relatively squared-off profile and a stout row of shoulder knobs give it excellent cornering manners, while the moderately spaced center and intermediate tread do a fine job of providing traction when braking and climbing in most conditions. Many bike brands spec the DHR II as a front and rear tire on complete builds. If youre on the fence about bringing something, leave it with a friend and ask them to mail it to you on the road if requested. Whether you have roasted the original set of rubber or need to purchase the right tires for your local trails, this comparative analysis should help you make a decision. Resources and inspiration to support your wildest dreams. What are the best tires for the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route, the Tour Divide race, and other long, mixed-terrain bikepacking routes? While riding, tires make the only intentional contact with the trail and play a major role in your bike's ride quality, handling, and overall performance. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. We were thoroughly impressed by the tread life of the Vittoria Mazza. Semi-slick tires have a pared-down center tread to reduce their rolling resistance, framed in by larger side knobs to maintain strong cornering performance. The tread design of the Trail Boss seems optimized to work in dry conditions, and the tighter spacing of the knobs seems a bit more prone to packing up with sticky mud. Location: Alberta, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico. The Avid BB7 brakes took a lot of fiddling to keep adjusted. Youll probably have service in towns, but dont count on it out in the national forests. BIKEPACKING.com is dedicated to exploration by bicycle. Incredibly fuel-efficient and decently lightweight as a stove/pot combo, especially shared between two people (though I carried it solo too). Specialized's Grid Trail casing feels supportive enough while remaining supple and surprisingly resistant to punctures or tears. . Bigger than the Salsa pouch and similar in size to a Revelate pouch. Disposable ear plugsfor noisy campgrounds or motels. It's hardly a coincidence that many of the best front tires look similar. We've tested this tire on both the front and rear of the bike, and it performs outrageously well in both locations. Look for a model that has thick rubber on the sidewall and the tread. Tires with decent-sized knobbies are recommended. It was never cold enough on the Divide that I needed to ride in this (though I sometimes do in other places), but it was essential for camp and occasionally sleeping on cold nights. Heres a quick list of what I carried on the GDMBR, which I would categorize as a standard type of trip in that post. One of the best pieces of advice Ive heard from couples who take long adventures together: use a 3 person tent! As a general rule, the more aggressive the tread design, the better the tire will perform in loose conditions. Figuring out which tires will perform well and last long can be tricky, especially given all the options on the market. With a relatively squared-off profile, an aggressive open tread design, and the tacky High Grip rubber, the Vigilante eats up the corners and excels in loose conditions from dust to loam. We used our beloved Joe Blow Booster floor pump to successfully set the bead on many, while a standard floor pump proved to be powerful enough for several of them. They didn't hold up as well as I'd hoped and they made me real nervous on descents. Superb, extremely comprehensive, very useful. For help with other aspects of your Great Divide prep, see these other posts: These general bikepacking posts might also be helpful: Or, visit the bikepacking resources center for many more bikepacking guides and stories. We independently buy, test, and rate all the products we review. I use the Blackburn Central 50 which is sadly discontinued, but Planet Bike Superflash is good too. For more help with your Great Divide food strategy, see my bikepacking food guide. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. It worked great for the GDMBR: super quick to set up, good in the rain, and freestanding so it can be pitched on pavement, rock, or anywhere else. Some of the more burly casings are more difficult to work with. Due to the Mazza's tread design, it has a bit more rolling resistance than tires with a less aggressive tread. But its also a long time to be out there without whatever makes you feel comfortable and happy. Fill it with food on your way from the grocery store to the motel, or fill it with water bottles to get you through a rare long dry stretch. Summaries by section: New Mexico | Colorado | Wyoming & Idaho | Montana | Canada. Congratulations! More aggressive treads and softer rubber compounds have a tendency to roll more slowly. Chlorine dioxide: I carried a small number of Potable Aqua tablets as a temporary backup in case my filter failed. George Rose / Contributor // Getty Images. Bluetooth mini-keyboard: As you can probably tell, I like to write! Ways to expand your water capacity: buy disposable bottles; carry collapsible bottles or bladders, fill up the dirty bag from your water filter, and carry a small stuffable backpack to hold it all. what do you think? Spoon: Toaks Long titanium: Simple, lightweight, long enough to eat out of any container. I usually kill a pair (scratched or lost) on every long trip and these are cheap enough that it doesnt matter. The Butcher T9 offers impressive performance at a reasonable price. Figuring out which tires will perform well and hold up for the duration can be tricky, especially given all the options on the market. The route is approximately 2,700 miles long and follows the Continental Divide as closely as . Figuring out which tires will perform well and hold up for the duration can be tricky, especially given all the options on the market. This is my full experience on the New Mexico portion of the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route.I rode the Priority 600x, a bike that I helped design. Flexible flask: Vapur 10oz, used to carry olive oil, or sometimes a bit of whiskey as a special treat. Squared-off edges and siping on tread knobs also help to grip and bite under pedaling forces. It's also one of the least expensive tires we tested, and we feel it is an excellent value. Sunglasses: Im currently liking these affordableCastKing Hiwasseepolarized sunglasses. We can't speak for the science behind it, but we found the Mazza's cornering knobs to have above-average durability. We found the Aggressor works best on hardpack, rock, and loam. They give pretty good traction and so far have been very durable. Read more: Review of my Salsa Fargo After 4500 Bikepacking Miles and Cutthroat vs. Fargo. The Maxxis Minion DHF is our favorite tire for all-conditions riding. Many tires can be used as either a front or rear tire, while some are designed with rear use in mind. There are many different approaches to choosing gear for the GDMBR, and no one can give you the one perfect list. Power bank: 10,000 mAh Ainope, lightweight and quick-charging. The Maxxis Assegai is a gravity-oriented tire from Maxxis that was designed in collaboration with World Cup DH racing legend Greg Minaar. The even tread pattern of those tires also feels more predictable on firm ground as the transition across the tread is smooth the whole way through. Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not. My only complaint: the bottoms arent very durable. The Assegai hooks up in corners no matter the conditions. The Surly Krampus, released in 2012, established the plus bike genre with its massive 29 x 3.0in. If you want a light and fast rolling tire that still hooks up, the Ground Control is our recommendation. These worked great! Monday November 14, 2022. For the majority of these tires, we were able to install and seat the bead on our rims without the use of a high-powered compressor. While the Eliminator T7 is a well-rounded and versatile tire, it sacrifices a bit in the braking traction department in exchange for rolling speed. We inspire and inform through original bikepacking routes, stories, and coverage of the gear, news, and events that make our community thrive. One of the fastest-rolling tires in the test was the Specialized Ground Control. A relatively square profile, squared-off edges, side knobs, and sidewalls all contribute to the overall quality and performance of this tire. Despite the reduced weight, we found the tire to provide adequate sidewall support, and the Slash Guard (SG2) insert stood up to all the abuse we could dish out.

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