Tire width for k2 proflex

[thomas]

I need to replace my old Panaracer tires (26 X 2.0)  Went to Moab last weekend and put 3 large slashes in my back tire in the sidewall (they were old anyway).  I am looking at some Panaracer Fire Xc Pro but they measure 26 X 2.1.  I was told over the phone by the bike shop that I may have trouble putting that wide of a tire on my back wheel, it may rub against my frame.  I have a 1998 k2 proflex 4000 (Yellow with the k2 emblem being black and red) Does anyone run a width of 2.1 or higher and do you have any problem with the tire rubbing?  Panaracer also makes a 1.9 tire but I would perfer the width.

Thanks.

[Carbon_Angus]

No problem at all going to that tire size. You can even go a little bigger.

My favorite tire for the EVO style frame is the old Panaracer Smoke and Dart tires. On'e fer the front the other the rear. I have a set on my 959(Oz) and my SS 857.

FireXC Pros aren't that great for rough areas and they wear very quickly. I've used them, but they are not a good durable everyday tire. IMHO

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[Mr.Ed]

    does anybody here use hutchinson tires?

    I don't see too many on the trail, I must be one of the few. I use a spider in the front and an alligator in the rear.

[Colin]

Absolutely agree about Panaracer Smoke and Darts!

But where can you get them these days?
I reckon they must be discontinued?
ahhh! found them!
http://www.panaracer.com/eng/products/mtb/xc.html#i

Alternatively,
WTB Velociraptors with specific front and back tyres.
http://www.wtb.com/velociraptor.html
or......
TIOGA Psycho Edge and TT
Also probably discontinued years ago.......
I've got Tioga Factory DH 2.1" on at the mo' and they fit OK, but are very heavy and clog like mad with Mud!
http://www.tiogausa.com/products/tires/mtb/dh/factorydh21/factorydh21.html

I reckon any of the above tyres are the best XC tyres for here in the UK in Muddy conditions (when isn't it?) and work absolutely fine in the dry as well.
(all pretty predictable on tarmac as well, which is more than I can say for some tyres which are completely scary! ....Specialized Crossroads ......aaaahhh !!.......Thud !!

[Simon]

After many brands and differing sizes I now always use Panaracer trailblaster pro (kevlar bead),1.95's even in our muddy UK conditions I find them very good (considering the shallowish tread)but in the dry exceptional,also very cheap in the UK if you know where to look.
Simon

[Matno]

FireXC Pros aren't that great for rough areas and they wear very quickly. I've used them, but they are not a good durable everyday tire. IMHO

I tend to disagree. I've used XC Pros in some of the roughest terrain in Utah, with great results. However, the caveat is that there are two different models of XC pro, the ones with white lettering on the sidewalls (the high TPI good quality ones that last a long time), and the OEM ones with colored flames on the sidewalls (60 TPI and wear extremely fast - even tear off knobs easily).

My next set of tires may well be Hutchinson Scorpions. Very grippy and fast too, at least in Utah's rocky soil...

[jinder]

My front tyre is 2.2" and I never had a issue with rubbing - ever. I am getting new rubber soon, WTB rapters.

Pics...

http://idriders.com/cgi-bin/album_k2.pl?album=jinder

[proflex252]

I got IRC Backcountry Tires in the dimension 2.25 on my 98 K2 5000 as the backtire.

No prob at all with the carbon swing arm, but I think 2.35 might get very narrow. just try it.

CU

Did anyone try 2.35 Tires? Which one? I'm thinking about to replace my IRCs.

[Sprucey]

Matno is spot on about the OEM/Aftermarket version of Panracer tyres.

The Trail Raker ? is a popular UK tyre for muddy conditions as it has a little more space between the knobs to help the nud clear.

I use Contintal Exploers and verticals - both same traed pattern just 2.1 and 2.3 widths.

About to have a look at some Schwalbe racing Ralphs to see what they are like.

Sprucey

[ChilliConCarnage]

I love my Nokian Gazzalodi Duals 2.35s - they just fit in the frame (200 Evo 4.0).  I had some slight rubbing when I used some Maxxis High Roller 2.3s.  I've heard good things about the Mutanoraptor 2.3s - high volume air but very light weight...

My wife loves her Fire XC Pro 2.1s (in blue!) - I purchased a Fire FR 2.4, but haven't mounted it yet...

[BCRider]

.....Did anyone try 2.35 Tires? Which one? I'm thinking about to replace my IRCs.

I'm running Kenda Kinetics 2.35's on the 98 4000 carbon swingarm with no problem.  There's still lots of room as long as the mud doesn't pack in there.  There's a good 1/4 inch on the sides and about 1/2 an inch at the front of the U.  

[numbnuts]

I am using a irc trailbear on the front 2.5 and it is sweet, thinking of putting the 2.25 version on the back, the 2.5 won't fit. I have been using mutanoraptors f +r 2.4 and they are decent, especially as a rear, but not very durable. the side knobs tear off, but it is expected as they are really light for a 2.4

[Dennis]

I have always been, and continue to be, a huge fan of the dart/smoke combo.

however, I am currently running an IRC trailbear 2.25 on the rear of my Oz (go for it, numbnuts) and it is great.

on the front, I have a WTB weirwolf 2.3. its stunning. I actually think the weirwolf is the best front tire I have ever ridden on an mtb.

forget the raptors, run with the 'wolf!!

my 2.3 cents.

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