MTB winter tyres

[TheRookie]

Where I ride in winter gets pretty muddy and sloppy, back in the day I used to run pre TLR (but tubeless) Nobby Nic on my 26er in winter and the tyres were circa 450-480g.

A 29er is a about 10% larger circumference and would weight 500-550g but of course they are all TLR now (added 80g on a 26 so taking a 29 to about 660g) but now I'm stuggling to find anything lighter than about 800g claimed on a winter tyre.

Preferred winter size is 29 x 2.2-2.3 anyone got anything that will handle it as well as a Nic? I've seen the Vittoria barzo which comes in at 660g and gets good reviews, looked at the Spesh S-works Fast track but the nobbles look a bit shallow for winter work.

[scant]

I guess it depends on where & how you ride. for a UK winter on my local trails the fast track is little more than an agressive gravel tyre (I use them in summer without issue).

the older specialized butcher 2.3 is around 750g & a lot more grip than a nobby nic

[TheRookie]

Yep, UK winter slop on local natural trails.

Thanks I do have a worn out purgatory (grid) and it's just over 800g - which is the only available Purgatory they currently offer. Can't fairly comment on grip as it's worn out (got as part of a job lot).

[kervelo]

Purgatory Control seems to be available directly from Specialized: currently 50% off
https://www.specialized.com/fi/en/purga ... 00120-4082

Edit: Grid too
https://www.specialized.com/fi/en/purga ... 582-173593

[TheRookie]

Thanks, not sure why it didn't show up when I searched the Uk pages. Anyway I just pulled the trigger on an as new 'take off' so I'll come back when I've tried that!

EDIT - yep not available in the UK - another Brexit bonus!

[jemima]

Maybe put a ReneHerse 2.2 knobby in the rear. Heaviest casing option is 700gm.

[TheRookie]

Their only 2.2 is the Fleecer, nowhere near aggresive enough for mud.

[jfranci3]

TL adds 100gr otherwise, all the weight is in the rubber. In the winter, do you want extra low pressures? Try sizing up grinding the side knobs off. I'm trying a 27.5 2.8 Nobby Nic on my Chisel with the side knobs ground down a few mm (70mm -> 65mm; since I don't expect a lot of lean angle over snow. I used a die drider and some sand paper. Havne't gotten into the snow, not sure if center knobs matter or will just pack up with snow.
Also, keep in mind that tires that do well on rolling resistance test use harder rubber compounds (XC tires); winter means those lose traction. Going with a softer (trail "grip" tires) will likely perform better even on clean surfaces.

https://www.schwalbetires.com/RACING-RA ... 1600248.02
https://www.schwalbetires.com/Racing-Ralph-11600252.02

Maybe try Conti Trail https://r2-bike.com/CONTINENTAL-Tire-Mo ... Tection-TR
Otherwise go to R2 and sort by weight
https://r2-bike.com/navi.php?k=158&mf1= ... ung=9&af=0

[TheRookie]

A Ron front, Ralph rear is my go to summer combo, don't cope with mud at all well in winter.

I definitely lean on my side knobs, that's scarier when you lose grip than in a straight line!