Tire Rumors
January 29th, 2007 by Guitar TedWe’re hearing some new tire rumors here and there, so we thought we’d share! Remember; these are rumors, not hard facts, so keep that in mind.
First off, we’re hearing that Continental has two new 29″er tires on the way that will fill the XC niche and something a little wider for the more aggressive crowd. The stated widths were 2.1 inch and 2.4 inch, but if these are “typical” Continental widths, they will most certainly be narrower than the stated figures. We’re hoping Conti will drop the “28 inch” designation that they used on their first 29″er tire, the Vapor, and go with an actual 29 inch marking. Less confusion and you’d think that their tires would show up in search engines a little easier.
On the big meat side of things, we’re hearing that an almost DH worthy tire is moving from design to pre-production. It’s promised to have a big beefy casing ready for free ride and all mountain abuse. A long travel fork from one of the major fork manufacturers for 29″ers would go nicely with this, no?
Finally, there is a rumor out there that says there will be a winter specific, wide 29″er tire out by next fall. Studded? We don’t know, but how “cool” would that be? (Sorry about the pun!) Right now the choices in true winter type 29″er tires is on the narrow side, (for studded), or a compromise, (WTB Weir Wolf 2.55″).
Have you heard any juicy tire rumors? Give us a shout out, or post your comment.
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Then, the ever present question for me… Will I be able to get a German made tire in Germany? Looking forward to this…especially if I can get ‘em.
I really love my Astrix Rook 29er, it’s my everyday bike and I really dig it. I ride it fully rigid. I think 29ers are the way to go……except in the arena of DH. This talk of making a 29 inch DH rig is silly and borderline stupid. Wheels will have to weigh a TON to compete with the strength of current DH wheels….which I should remind you already weigh a ton. Some dumbass is sure to try to make a 29 inch DH rig, some dumbass will buy it, but it will never compete with a 26″ DH rig no matter what tires you get, what fork comes around, or who makes the frame. Lets’ acknowledge that 29ers make great cross country rigs, but when it comes to something with a decent amount of travel (5″+) they are not the right choice.
Imagine the bottom bracket height on a 8″ travel 29er. it would be like riding a bone shaker you would be so high of the ground
24″ rather than 26″ DH wheels were not lighter to be worth their weight loss in strength. The other way around, hardly any weight is needed to build extra strength. To keep things proportionate, wider hubs will be required for sure. They allow for a reasonable amount of spokes to keep the rim firmly in place. 29″ DH (I like to call it 30″ dus to 25″ across rims and 2.5″+ tires), I expect will make 26″ redundants. The roll-over effect is huge in DH. The riders and man (or woman) enough to handle a bit heavier wheels. and at higher speeds with less suspension travel.
For “winter” use, I keep dreaming of a Surly Endomorph in 700c x 3.0″. Now THAT will roll! Weight around 1100g. Huge float AND speed.
………and I might add that 29″er DH rigs already exist, and have been doing well in competition, even with the Exi Wolf being used as a tire, which is completely out of it’s league here.
Once a truly tough, burly 29″er tire arrives, I think that alot of barriers are going to fall. That said, I do not expect 26 inch DH tires and rigs to disappear any time soon. I have the belief that the 26″er will still reign as king in DH, but you will see 29″er DH rigs, and they will win here and there.
That’s my take….
Having raced DH for a few years in the Rockies, I think a 29″ DH bike would do really well on a lot of courses, just not ALL of them.
And Cloxxki’s right- wider hub spacing makes a big strength difference with minimal weight penalty. Of course, this is from a guy whose national DH championship is held on a wheelchair ramp…
Los
The conti rep here in Denver went to conti’s factory and was told they aren’t doing anything 29er?
Maybe they are keeping it under wraps?
Dave N: I have a “mole” headed over the pond to ferret out some solid info on this Conti rumor. If he proves worthy, we shall know more by the end of the month!
I really do like a few of there tires alot….. It well be interesting
I have fond memories of the double fighter. SO FAST!
The pro 1’s and 2’s were great for Maine mud too. (dating myself)
Still waiting for a kevlar belted or some other aramid armored tire to come out for 29ers. I have the Specialized ones on my 26 and love them. I have 700c Schwalbe expedition tires for my 29er (mounted on other set of rims) for pavement /hard pack but want some armored knobbies.
To Sevo’s first post, I must say; It’s an uncany repeat to the coments in ‘94 re: long travel suspention mountainbikes…