Grabbed some WTB Mutano Raptor Race 2.4s the other day, as a replacement for the array of skinny XC tires that have adorned the B17. Most recently I’ve been running Tioga Factory XC semi-slicks and some IRCs whose name I forget. Anyway, after trying Alex’s Bontrager Jones 2.5 shod Cove Stiffee, I realised big volume rubber was the way to go. Wiggle had these kevlar beaded balloons for less than £15 a wheel, so the order was duly placed . I guess I have had them on for 10 days now, but I’ve managed to put about 160KMs on them. Initial impressions are really positive. I’ve tried them at 28, 32 and 34PSI, with the latter providing a decent speed, without unduly compromising the grip, comfort, and rock handling capabilities. The latter is the most obvious improvement over skinny treads, they just shrug off the various bits of shrapnel that adorn the SDW, barely skipping a beat. Downsides? Well I can feel the extra weight, and they don’t quite fit in the crown when the fork is fully compressed. However, they absorb so much, I’ve been able to click in a little more compression in an effort to resist the XVerts tendency to plow through their travel.
I’ll put a few more miles on them, and report back.