Tire recommendations for rock

[bdunn]

A topic that has probably been worn out ... but need some suggestions on good tires for riding on mostly rock and gravel. Our trails here are 70% gravel, 25% sharp granite rock and 5% peat/soil (welcome to the tundra). Water crossings are all gravel and rock bottomed. No trees here. Tried a few searches but didn't find anything usefull. Hope someone has some idea otherwise I am about to embark on an expensive R&D effort this coming year :silly:
TIA

 

[endoquest]

Pirelli MT32 rear. Very soft compound but doesn't chunk off. It's got a thin sidewall though so thick tubes or foam inserts are recommended. It's a great tire.

 

[tentbound]

I think the best front for rocks is the Dunlop K139, but I believe it has been recently discontinued. Call around for old stock. The Dunlop 739 is a good front alternative.

Dunlop 695 is a gnarly rock tire for the rear. Basically, look for a tire with stiff side walls for the rocks.

 

[High Desert XR400]

I have had good luck with the Dunlop, D739 A/T Desert on the rear and the D739 FA-J on the front. Stiff sidewall on both.
The lava rock around here is pretty jagged and they haven't let me down yet.

 

[Hogwylde]

best advice I've gotten for that kind of terrain is the Dunlop 739 AT desert tire. very stiff sidewalls and designed for those guys that race around in the desert with the sand and rocks and stuff.

 

[X-Wrongway]

Originally posted by endoqwest
Pirelli MT32 rear. Very soft compound but doesn't chunk off. It's got a thin sidewall though so thick tubes or foam inserts are recommended. It's a great tire.

I have to disagree. The MT 32 works well in sand and mud but was the most unpredictable tire I ever used in the rocks of PA. didn't seem to get much traction on granite and slate. I use IRC Ve-35 front and VE-33 rear combo or michelin m-2 front, s-2 rear in the rocks and am much happier. The IRC m-5b is a good alternative if its slippery out on the rear. IMHO

 

[justql]

Michelin M12.....works well about everywhere.:)

 

[Patman]

You may think I hit my head a few too many times but, how about a trials tire? Yup they're not just for those funny looking bikes without seats. Many enduro riders are seeing improved traction in rocky and slick conditions. I'm not talking about the look a like treads but honest to goodness Michelin trials tires. Since the tread pattern is just square knobs you get double the wear because ya' just spin it around and have a fresh tire. The down side is they are pricey and soft so they don't have a long life.

 

[justql]

Patman- You're no the first one I've heard talk aboiut this. The guys at the Smackover site had a good conversation about this awhile back.