|   Best light hardpack tire?? | Biker4
Aug 13, 2002 4:46 PM | | I want a hardpack tire to replace my old Bontrager semi slicks. They don't offer any cornering grip . I'm looking for a tire with more cornering bite, even if it means more rolling resistance. I don't want a semi-slick, they're too scary on the loose stuff. I've heard great things about Hutchinson Pythons, but the Kenda Kharisma Lite look good too. The problem is that I don't know anyone that have tried them. Are they good? I know that the tubeless version received a good review in MBA. Any other suggestion will be appreciated. I'm 150lbs and not very aggressive, so i'm not hard on tires. I'll use them mostly for xc racing so I want something light.
Thx,
Phil |
| re: Best light hardpack tire?? | pelkins
Aug 13, 2002 7:39 PM | | I love the Hutchison Python Airlite's. They are 485 grams at 2.0 width. The traction is awesome on hardpack or loose over hardpack. They also offer very little rolling resistance.
If you really want to go light then I would also recommend the Kenda Klimax lite at 345grams. They aren't up to par with the Hutchison's on grip but they are much lighter. I can't say that I've tried the Kharisma though. They are heavier than the Klimax and I highly doubt they have better traction than the Pythons though.
Good Luck. |
| <font color=green> Kenda | dynamicfigure
Aug 13, 2002 9:12 PM | | i I'd give the Kenda Klimax's a second vote. They have worked great for me so far (6 months on them) |
| And a third for the Kenda Klimax Lites... | Wrenchester
Aug 14, 2002 6:10 AM | | I've been riding mine all summer. I'm running them front and rear. I've found that the secret is to run them at the minimum recommended pressure of 40psi (or even a shade under that). The casings seem tough enough for such a light tire--no cuts or tears.
The Klimax Lites are amazing on hardpack (including road, if you find yourself there--but they wear REAL quick with extended street use). But they get a bit scary in deep sand or gravel. Our state Parks folks are fond of filling in high-erosion areas on maintained trails with gravel. I've taken to riding through these "gravel pits" with one foot unclipped because the Klimax Lites knife in and become unpredicatble. But I guess that's going to happen with any tire as skinny as the Klimax. (I don't know where the "1.95" size designation comes from, but don't believe it--these tires are 1.8s at best.) |
| Conti Explorer..nm | WilliamF
Aug 14, 2002 8:26 AM | | |
| SS.....nm | WilliamF
Aug 14, 2002 8:27 AM | | |
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