What sidewall protection do you go for when conditions have sharp rocks?
Looking at you, NW Arkansas!
Posted Jan 28, 2020, 4:32 PM UTC
415
Here we have those same sharp ozark rocks here. Everyone just rides the more protective tire of whatever brand they like. Exo, snake skin, protection, whatever they call it
3
I'm a fan of the Vittoria mezcals
3
I was going to get some, but I had a friend running mezcal and barzo who ended up with 3 flats racing NW Arkansas :/
1
Not all Mezcals have the same sidewall protection AFAIK. My Mezcal TNT-s endured 2 years of training and racing with zero issues. No punctures, no slashing, no noticable loss of air. My local trails are built on sharp limestone and construction garbage which includes sharp metal, rock and glass. So my vote goes to Vittoria Mezcal TNT tyres. I'm agressive rider and take a lot of risks, one thing I don't have to worry are my tyres. Since two years have worn down the tread, I bought a new pair of Mezals without even considering anything else.
5
you want Vittoria Peyote TNT's. the Peyote is their hard-pack, Mezcal is the all-around. I never had a puncture racing in northern Mexico (all desert, pointy rocks and cactii.
3
Mezcals have thicker side walls then barzos...I wonder if he punctured the barzos? Multiple guys love them for the sharp shale fields here in Western Montana. Myself included. Ive never flatted a mezcal...or a barzo for that matter.
1
I have a TNT Barzo up front and a TNT Mezcal in the rear, both 2.0, and they are the same. The 1st generation tire sidewall was softer than the 2.0.
I ride in both New Mexico and Arkansas, disagree with the Peyote recommendation for AR. Two totally different ecosystems and I'd rather crash in AR. MTB riding in NM is horrifying but gorgeous.
3
Both, barzo once and mezcal twice in one race!
1
That's a crappy race. I love them but I'd never ride them again if that happened to me.
1
Maxxis EXO/EXO+
Have had a completely busted sidewall on an Onza Svelt (almost immediately after fitting it, though it is a seriously lightweigh ttyre after all..), and a couple of repairable nicks on other tyres.. but have never busted a Maxxis EXO.
3
I've been running tires with exo from maxxis here in nwa. 0 slashed sidewalls
2
this. i am amazed at what my ardent race exo's have taken.
2
Just check which casing your tire is made with. Manufacturers will typically offer the same tire in an ultralight casing and something more robust that weighs a bit more.
2
Maxxis EXO or Continental Protection. Have never gotten a puncture in NW Arkansas or NE Oklahoma.