I've noticed some tires on the bikes on here are way more common then others. What front tires do you guys run/recommend? Right now I have a Continental Gravity (2.35) that was on it when I bought it. The rear is a new WTB Velociraptor (2.1), not the most popular tire due to weight, but I have always had them and love the grip for climbs.

I'm looking at upgrading to a new front tire since I'm upgrading the rest of the front end already. I've been looking at the Maxxis Ardent, Schwalbe Hans Dampf, WTB Vigilante or the Continental Trail King. I'm looking for something that rolls relatively easy, but has good grip for turns. The Gravity on it now washes out A LOT if there is even a hint of moisture or sand/dirt on hardpack. I'm not trying to spend $90 on a tire, but I also want a good tire.

The Cycle Path wrote on 06/25/16 at 9:21am:


I'll have to pick your brain in a few hours hah.

WTB Weirwolf front and rear.

I stopped looking for a front tire when I bought a Specialized The Captain. If you ride tubeless, then you won't damage them with sealant (I've had 2 Maxxis tires separate from sealant). They're very light and I love the supple casings and air volume that Specialized tires have. I prefer the Control casings. I've ripped an S-works casing, and the Grids are overkill around here in my opinion.

Gravitythief76 wrote on 06/26/16 at 9:35pm:



Yes.  Second That

Gravitythief76 wrote on 06/26/16 at 9:35pm:


Ha! Talk to text. Gotta love it!

I run Hans Dampf 2.35 up front. SS casing, trailstar rubber. They have been good to me. Stick with trailstar rubber for a front tire as they offer better wet grip (I have tried pace star and trail star back to back, BIG difference in wet) Though, as with all Schwalbe tires, the tread blocks tend to erode away at the base after only about 400 miles. They still perform well though. I have yet to puncture one, or tear off a knob, and can easily get 1000+ miles before I even need to think about replacing.

I have used a Conti Trail King 2.2 w/ Protection casing on the rear before and was less than impressed. Heavy, slow rolling, and not very grippy in wet (even with black chili). The surprisingly narrow tread pattern makes me think it wouldn't be a great option for the front if you tend to lean it over a lot in the corners. My benchmark for comparison here is a Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.25, SS, Pacestar.

Currently running a Rock Razor 2.35 in the rear that I got for free. I LOVE it... It is definitely my new “go to” for dry weather/summer singletrack.

I will probably switch up the front to something different when it is time to replace the HD. Want to try something without so many transition knobs.  From what I have read the transition knobs give a more consistent grip feel across the full range of lean angles, but removing them allows the side knobs to fully bite in and give greater ultimate cornering grip when the bike is fully leaned over

On my short list is the Specialized Butcher, and Maxxis Minion DHF.

My bike came with Maxxis Crossmark front and rear- would never ride those again.

I then put a 2.3 Ardent on front and was pretty good.

After that put on Panaracer Rampage 2.3 and really like it. Better grip and doesn't seem to slow me down too much (and I'm pretty slow as it is)

Skaufma0 wrote on 06/30/16 at 12:25am:


Keep in mind that Specialized tires seem to be higher volume tires than others of the same 'stated' width. In 26", The Captains come in 2.0 and 2.2. The 2.0 is comparable to most mfr's 2.1 at least. Before converting to Spec tires, I generally ran a 2.1 width; I'm running 2.0 Spec and they look larger than the 2.1's I previously ran. FWIW

Ive got 2 rides on a Minion DHF and Agressor rear.  Grip is impressive...but they definitely roll slower than my previous combo.  Prior combo was a 2.4 Ardent up front and Slaughter in the rear. 

I'd suggest to get a beefy front tire for confidence, then go with a faster rolling rear.  A Minion DHF with Minion Semi Slick rear would be a great combo to balance sheer grip and rolling resistance.