What's your favorite race tire?

[sixstringsteve]

I just noticed today that my rear tire is getting really worn. It's the intense micro knobby (1st model without the drag strip). I noticed my rear tire slipping a couple times out at the track last week (once on the gate and once on the first corner), so I've decided to replace at least the rear tire. I'm running an Intense Micro Knobby 2 (w/the drag strip)in the front, and I like it quite a bit more than the original micro knobby, but I'm open to other suggestions as well.

What do you recommend? What's your favorite tire?

I'm leaing towards the Maxxis DTH or the Tioga Powerblock's. I know everyone has their favorite tires, but I figure a bit of research beforehand couldn't hurt. I'm looking for a race tire that will stick in the berms no matter what, but I will be practicing sprints on it on the pavement, so I'd like to get more longevity than my micro knobbies. Thoughts?

[b2]

I've recently switched from the DTH to Kenda Kontacts on my 20" and so far so good. Looking to get the Kenda Konversions for my Kruiser.

[sixstringsteve]

was there anything about the DTH that you didn't like?

Is the Kontact dual density rubber?

[joker75]

I have had great luck with my Kenda Konversions. I have never really lost traction, even on that first turn at last weekends Rad Canyon indoor races. I did notice that when I had the pressure up the back end was harder to keep planted when pedaling through that first turn, but that was solved by dropping a few psi out of each tire.

B2 will attest to the fact that I did crash on that first turn during my Main on Sunday, but I am convinced that was completely operator error, and nothing to do with the tires. I did somethin ggoofy when I started pedaling and the front wheel grabbed and OTB I went.

I haven't heard of any real problems with the DTH, or Kenda tires. I have heard of some sidewall problems with the S-Spec powerblocks and that was purely due to the extremely thin sidewalls to save weight. Also, my son;s first set of MK2 tires split down the center. The rubber pulled apart showing the treads and making bulges on the tread. They were replaced for free because he had ony had them for about 1 month when they started splitting. The second set has been fine, so ithe issues with the first set may have just been a fluke.

[bnd]

Iv'e ran the Intense Halos for some time now but I guess I'd better stock up because it looks like they aren't making them anymore.
Iv'e tried the smoother tires like the DTH's & I just can't wrap my brain around the "no-knobby" look & feel. I get in the gate, look down & see a bald tire & it screws with my head. I also like the feedback in the corners a knobby gives me.

b.

[b2]

was there anything about the DTH that you didn't like?

Is the Kontact dual density rubber?

I spun the gate in Reno this fall every round on 20" soon as i got onto the dirt. blamed the tire... maybe it was too warn down. otherwise i have LOVEd the DTH and still have them on my cruiser. just wanted to try out the Kenda offerings.

the Kontacts i have are the Elites... see here;
http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/bicycle ... elite.aspx

[joker75]

Iv'e ran the Intense Halos for some time now but I guess I'd better stock up because it looks like they aren't making them anymore.
Iv'e tried the smoother tires like the DTH's & I just can't wrap my brain around the "no-knobby" look & feel. I get in the gate, look down & see a bald tire & it screws with my head. I also like the feedback in the corners a knobby gives me.

b.

bnd,
I really liked my Halos as well, but feel like the Konversions roll smoother which should eliminate a lot of energy lost to the higher rolling resistance of the knobby tires. The Konversions and Kontact elites have a smoother profile which should give you less rolling resistance, but they still have a lot of tread angles to give you plenty of traction even on dirt turns like Rad Canyons indoor tracks. I understand completely that comfort and confidence in your equipment can be a powerful motivator to help you perform at your highest level. Even if a part is capable of handling way more than you can put it through, if you don't trust it, you are going to hold back which means you are not performing to your highest capabilities.

Of course if you don't actually get on the track, it doesn't really matter what tires you have on your bike does it? Just playin bnd. I look forward to seeing you strut your stuff on the track in the very near future.

[bnd]

I've found that the Halos give me the perfect blend of traction & rolling resistance. I reply on corner speed & traction alot, it's my style plus I have never been shy about contact in the corners too. I need to know & feel that my bike is going to bite when I make a move.
Last time I raced on those DTH's, it felt like I was skating on ice & my front end was one sharp turn away from a washout.

I can't speak for him. but after watching Spencers crash in 41-45 main Saturday night a few times & in slo-mo, I bet if he was running a more aggressive tire, Melton would of been punted onto the 1st turn.


b.

[jnasty]

I run a prototype Kenda tire which is pretty much the Konversion, the only difference is my tires can hold 110 PSI. and I always run them at between 100-110 psi. That may sound crazy, and people shake their heads, but then again we all have different styles and what works for one wont necessarily work for another. I do like having a tire that will hold a great amount of psi because when we go to tracks like Nebraska last year which was like riding on a trampoline, I believe it gave me a little advantage.
I like a smooth tire, in fact as far back as I can remember I have ran a smooth tire. I ran the primo dirt monsters forever, and absolutely loved them. Im not into knobbies, kind of like BND, he looks down and sees a smooth and tire it freaks him out, I look down and see knobbies and its weird. I feel like I have more rubber on the dirt with a smooth tire, maybe its all mental.
For next season I know we might have to run tioga powerblocks, so we will see how that goes.

As far as slipping in the gate, I have some tricks to help cure that, I will share that at the clinic.

[sixstringsteve]

I ran the primo dirt monsters forever, and absolutely loved them.

Those were my absolute favorite tire as a kid. They NEVER washed out on me (granted I was more into dirt jump/park stuff than racing). I wish they made a lighter version of that tire.

As far as slipping in the gate, I have some tricks to help cure that, I will share that at the clinic.

I could really use some non-slip techniques at the gate, looking forward to the clinic.

Does anyone know of a shop that carries the Kenda Konversions?

[sixstringsteve]

Do you expect the Konversions to grip well when the little bumpy tread is worn down? I'm not talking about the blocks, but the little micro bumps on the tire. Anyone know of a shop that carries a 20x1.75 konversion locally? I think I'd like to try one on the rear.

[jnasty]

Laketown Bicycles can get you kenda tires.
1520 West 9000 S # C West Jordan, UT 84088-8001
(801) 432-2995

[sixstringsteve]

Thanks. I jut got off the phone with them, and they can order 'em, but they're not in stock. I was hoping to find something in time for salina tomorrow.

[sixstringsteve]

I ended up ordering a pair of Kenda Konversions online. Thanks for all the advice everyone. I'll let you know what I think of 'em.

[joker75]

I have had my Konversions since earlier this year. Sorry that I don't have an exact, but I think May-Juneish. So far with my strict regiment of sprints once or twice a month and racing and practicing most weeks at Rad Canyon during the summer, I have only managed to wear the knurling off of the center section of the rear tire. I havent really noticed any appreciable loss of grip. It will take me quite a while to wear the knurling off of the tire more on the sides where you will use them during a turn, so until then I can't give you any hard factual evidence, but I don't expect it to make much of a difference.