Single track rear tire: Trials vs motocross style?
Posted: Fri Sep 20, 2019 1:32 pm
I loathe myself already as I'm starting a tire thread
Background: Getting the bikes ready for the Shen 500 in two weeks and a 4-day trip to Hatfield McCoy two weeks after that. Some of the guys I ride w/ are top level riders. Used to race, done the TAT, half my age, twice as crazy, much better fitness, etc. I have all the excuses. They love technical nasty stuff. Last year, we went straight to the advanced ATV connector trails on the Shen 500 the first day and ignored the whole planned route. In the past I've been able to sort-of keep up by using my old age and wisdom. That boils down to basically cheating and bringing more machine (light KTM vs their heavy DRZs) and some training (trials.) Over the last year they've all upgraded to a new 2T 300 Husky, newer KTM500, and a new Beta 430. I am screwed.
So here I am yesterday staring at the two rear tires I have for the KTM. One is a Pirelli MT43 Pro trials-type hybrid and the other is your typical moto-x blocky tread pattern. Both are fairly worn and I'm in a bit of a conundrum. Which do I replace and put on the bike? I haven't done enough off-road to really know which suits which terrain. I just ride whats on the bike. So... My question to those more experienced than me: Which type should I use? I'll probably get a new MT43 or K760. I know the motox style is better in really loose stuff and mud. Sounds like the trials-hybrid is better in the hardpack. FWIW, I have a tubless setup on one rear wheel so that helps. I have the stuff to outfit the other rear wheel if needed. The Shen 500 wasn't really muddy last year. I've never been to Hatfield McCoy so don't know what to expect. Should I just bite the bullet, replace both, and take both w/ me to Hatfield and pick based on condition?
Background: Getting the bikes ready for the Shen 500 in two weeks and a 4-day trip to Hatfield McCoy two weeks after that. Some of the guys I ride w/ are top level riders. Used to race, done the TAT, half my age, twice as crazy, much better fitness, etc. I have all the excuses. They love technical nasty stuff. Last year, we went straight to the advanced ATV connector trails on the Shen 500 the first day and ignored the whole planned route. In the past I've been able to sort-of keep up by using my old age and wisdom. That boils down to basically cheating and bringing more machine (light KTM vs their heavy DRZs) and some training (trials.) Over the last year they've all upgraded to a new 2T 300 Husky, newer KTM500, and a new Beta 430. I am screwed.
So here I am yesterday staring at the two rear tires I have for the KTM. One is a Pirelli MT43 Pro trials-type hybrid and the other is your typical moto-x blocky tread pattern. Both are fairly worn and I'm in a bit of a conundrum. Which do I replace and put on the bike? I haven't done enough off-road to really know which suits which terrain. I just ride whats on the bike. So... My question to those more experienced than me: Which type should I use? I'll probably get a new MT43 or K760. I know the motox style is better in really loose stuff and mud. Sounds like the trials-hybrid is better in the hardpack. FWIW, I have a tubless setup on one rear wheel so that helps. I have the stuff to outfit the other rear wheel if needed. The Shen 500 wasn't really muddy last year. I've never been to Hatfield McCoy so don't know what to expect. Should I just bite the bullet, replace both, and take both w/ me to Hatfield and pick based on condition?