|   Tire Recomendations | aantiix
Jan 4, 2004 8:53 PM | | I am new to MTB (obviously) and feel that my tires may not be the best for my situation. I don't know if it is air pressure, traction, size etc. as I am still learning. I currently have WTB Primal Raptor 47/54 (front and rear), which are fine on hard packed single track which I love to ride, however, I cannot ride on anything somewhat loose (gravel, sand, etc.) as my front tire digs in and slides over to the side causing me to wipe out. Also, I ride quite often on rocks and my tires do not grip on those surfaces as I would like, I just end up spinning my tires as others are able to climb. Going down steep rocks my tires tend to slide down as well (no slippage with the brakes, its just the tires). Any help that can be offered on tire size, tread, air pressure etc. is appreciated. Also, I would like to mention that I am riding near recommended tire pressure (just a pound or two below). |
| tips | EricTheRed
Jan 4, 2004 9:26 PM | | How to choose psi:
It can take a while to get the best psi for you. Its depends on many things, your weight, tires, tubes,rims,terrain, etc... A way of finding the optimum pressure is to find out at what psi you start to get pinch flats, then bump up your psi a bit. It also doesn't hurt to see what others are running and you can make a guess from there. I weigh about 140 and run 35psi in the rear and about 30psi in the front (front has lower psi for better traction).
Technique:
Sometimes technique will help you up/down a section more than your equipment. For example in the frontrange (Colorado) some of the terain is like dust on crust, and if you try to climb pedaling out of the saddle you will end up spinning the back tire so you have to adjust.
Try climbing with your butt pushed up near the front of the saddle this way you will keep your front wheel down and also help from slipping the back.
Tires:
There are tons of tires out there and there are also tons of reviews of those tires on the review section of this site. If your tires aren't cracked and old then they should be fine. Wait till you found a tire pressure that works for you and see if you need a new set of tires. |
| eric gave some good tips, add this info... | msylvan
Jan 5, 2004 11:23 AM | | ...the problems you described can also be explained by riding style and/or bike setup. This can actually get a little complex, but I'll take a shot.
Here's the given in my opinion: your tires are pretty good tires, run them at 35 to 40 psi and you should be in an OK place pressure wise. Goof around with it, as tire pumps vary. Find a pressure that is as low as you can go while keeping the tire from banging the rims on jumps and drops. Also, WTB just plain makes good stuff, even though I'm a Panaracer guy myself.
Bike setup. This varies according to riding style/preference, but for a general cross country climbing descending groove you really want your weight to be centered over the bike when seated, and will move yourself around to move your weight where needed for climbing/descending. If you can't do this by changing stems and/or adjusting/changing handlebars, your bike is probably the wrong size for you (this is given that your seat is set in a place that makes you and your knees happy).
I spent some very good bucks getting fitted at a bike shop, though many will tell you it's not necessary on an MTB. I think it is, unless you have the skill/knowledge yourself.
Lastly, wear your tires out and try something else. Tire choice is highly personal. I hated IRC Seracs, but my best buddy thinks they are great tires. I loved my Velociraptors, he hated them. The most popular tire with my riding crew, currently, is the Geax Sturdy. Raves from all around for the Sturdy, but I haven't ridden one yet.
It just goes to show ya... |
| thanks for the tips | aantiix
Jan 5, 2004 12:15 PM | | I will work on my tire pressure. My seat is adjusted correctly and the bike has been fitted as the correct frame. After the information that was left hear I did some research and found that my stem is the wrong length and angle so I am getting a new one of the correct length/angle and hopefully that will also help.
Thanks much for your help! |
| |
