|   Comments on these two tires? | bob
Aug 14, 2003 11:19 AM | | I can't make up my mind so I ordered both sets of tires...Hutchinson Python Airlite 2.0 and WTB Mutanoraptor 2.4 (race). I'm just wondering how they'll compare as I wait for the shipment to arrive. The Pythons will be smaller than the Mutanos but the Mutanos are on the small side for a 2.4. I'll use either in conditions that include mostly hard pack, some sand, some roots, occasional rocks, and little mud. Anyone have any thoughts on these two? |
| Aww, ya beat me by 5 minutes. nm. | jw25
Aug 15, 2003 9:37 AM | | nm. |
| Don't be so sure who's bigger. | jw25
Aug 15, 2003 9:35 AM | | I haven't ridden the Mutano's yet, but have a few years on Pythons, and they are huge. The Mutano 2.4's I've seen are fairly close in size to a Python. Check out Shiggy's site for a volume index - handy before laying cash down.
http://www.themudzone.com/tire/
According to the charts, there's a 2mm difference in the casing widths.
The tread is different enough, though. I used to really like the Pythons front and rear, but I've gotten better or tire technology has improved enough that I prefer something else up front. The tiny corenring knobs just don't have the bite I'm looking for. Even on hardpack, they seem to drift rather than hooking up, though they still go through corners well. It could be more feedback than I'm used to, as well.
I really like a mosquito front with a python rear - both have the same casing, so they ride similarly, but the sparser, larger knobs on the mosquito seem to grab better.
I'm riding in central PA, in simialr conditions to those you mention. More roots and rocks, probably, and wetter this year, but mostly hardpack or hardpack with a loose layer on top.
The python makes a great rear tire, though. Since you don't lean the rear as much, the drift is less pronounced, and the lack of rolling resistance is noticeable. They will pack in mud, but shed fairly well, and go over roots remarkably well, as long as you aren't overpressurizing.
I'd say start with a Mutano up front and a python in the back, and see how they do. You've got both sets, so play around and experiment - that's half the fun. |
| The Mutano casing is... | shiggy©®
Aug 15, 2003 10:06 AM | | ... 3mm wider and 5mm taller than the Python. Big difference |
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