Desert Tires on 856?

[pressureangle]

I'm posted in Baghdad Iraq, and everything is flat, slightly bumpy and very very hard.
Any recommendations for tires? My riding area will be strewn with river rock and various metallic hazards and maybe glass here and there. The overcoat to the hardpack is so fine it's not like sand, but settled dust. Slippery as heck when wet, though that's a short season here.

[orange]

something with Kevlar in I would think for puncture resistance. You don't need nobblies, just a light tread. Beyond that I can't name brands, but you get the picture. Good luck.

[shovelon]

Baghdad eh? That's a first.

I really really like Stan's sealant. If you use schreader tubes, you can add 2 oz. to 4 oz. and punctures are self healilng. Send them a picture and an SOS, and an address, maybe they can hook you up pronto.    http://stanstiresealant.com/

 I really like the Continental Mountain Kings 2.2. The soft casing absorbs snakebites better I belileve. Other than Contis, Specialized Crossroads tires have an Aramid belt for puncture resistance. I have never had a flat on mine, and have used it on the rear wheel. In fact, send me an address, and I will send you mine, with some sealant. Front tire, you are on your own, but should be ok with the tire you have.

Good luck and stay safe,
Terry

[Thunderchild]

I have been using the Syncros Point N Chute tire for dry conditions.  Currently rolling the 2.35.   It is It has worked well on dry rocky/dirt trails in Utah.  Did I say rocky.  It rolls faster than some of my more aggressively knobbed tires. 

Thunderchild

[willem]

Let me know if Nashbar - or whoever - can't ship to your APO; I can lend a hand.

Simon's offer and advice are quite always best taken. (When he's not out riding his bike, he may be rebuilding the next armored vehicle you're riding in!)

Can you really get any riding in outside the Green Zone? Safely, that is...

Hard to believe anyone could ride a bike in Baghdad. The news here STILL portrays it as George W's personal killing fields. Thanks for hanging in there, bud!

[Colin]

I use:
Panaracer Mach SK 26 x 1.95 Tyres
http://www.rei.com/product/764315

in England's war torn sandy environments...........Marsh Farm..........
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=45rCrKpw-s8C&pg=PA208&lpg=PA208&dq=marsh+farm+riots&source=web&ots=u2VmI0uGeK&sig=eX0drytrEXyJuKcme0DJEnpXskk&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=6&ct=result


We cycle through the woods adjoining here every now and again, funny how the delightful chav children motivate tired legs to go faster! <GRIN>

Col.

[pressureangle]

Let me know if Nashbar - or whoever - can't ship to your APO; I can lend a hand.

Simon's offer and advice are quite always best taken. (When he's not out riding his bike, he may be rebuilding the next armored vehicle you're riding in!)

Can you really get any riding in outside the Green Zone? Safely, that is...

Hard to believe anyone could ride a bike in Baghdad. The news here STILL portrays it as George W's personal killing fields. Thanks for hanging in there, bud!

Well, let's not confuse me with a soldier...these guys do the hard work. I'm just a glorified truck mechanic working for the Army via Navistar, keeping their armor rolling. I can't say enough about them to do them justice.
I'm posted on a forward operating base in the south of the city, and I don't get to go outside by land without good cause. I do have about a 3.5 mile loop around the perimeter though and about 5 acres of sandy/hilly/ditchy area to ride in.
As far as safety in the city, the violence is contained mostly to Iranian-made EFPs and the occasional rocket and mortar attack. Individuals don't have much to worry about anymore unless they're high-profile, and they're less likely to be grabbed outside than in the green zone. I'm less exposed to danger here than I was back home riding my motorcycle to work in rush hour traffic.
Buy Iraqi Dinars. In 5 years you'll be very glad you did.

[willem]

Sounds like you & Simon have a lot in common. Cool.

I think I will buy some Dinars, by golly! (They make oil there don't they?)