I've had Panaracer Fire XC pro 2.1 for years but since I've got into bike packing and now have a rigid salsa fork, so I can carry gear, the panaracers are a little uncomfortable.

I've been doing lots of searches on the web for tyres that would be good for UK bikepacking loaded riding.

I know people have lots of different views but was looking for a few pointers so I could narrow my search a little as I'm struggling to make a choice.


My rims at the moment can take up to a 2.3 tyre and they are 26.

My frame at he rear will take up to a 2.5 and the salsa troll fork I think will take a wider tyre than this.

I might consider fitting wider rims on my wheels that I have got at the moment, but that's for the future, so considering no wider than 2.3 at the moment.


I think with bikepacking it's more than a what tyre for XYZ trail centre. I don't tend to buy lots of different tyres for different seasons or conditions, I've got better things to do than keep changing tyres. And there is also the gear weight to consider, and I think a wider than a 2.1 upfront on a rigid fork should increase comfort at least.

Any help you could provide would be great.

For my rigid 29er, I use Schwalbe rapid Ron tyres, almost a semi slick. Won't be everyone's favourite but I've used them for two years, great for road seconds too as well as the usual off road stuff, mud, rock etc

I've been looking at Schwalbe tyres and also the Maxxis tyres which seem to have a following in bikepacking. Well with America at least as I am finding it difficult to get reviews of bikepacking tyres in the UK.

Also has anyone used specialized tyres for bikepacking. I've got a specialized store near me so this could be an option as well, as I could have a look at them before I buy.

My favourite 'bikepacking tyre' is the Conti' 2.2 Race King. Actually comes up much bigger than you'd think, rolls very well and offers much more grip than you'd believe from looking at the tread ... the only issue is their hit and miss ability to be set-up tubeless.

Forget about specialised local store has almost none of the 26 tyres.

I am seeming to find that it is slightly harder to get a good variety of quality 26" tyres in shops.

Only place seems to be on line.

Bearbonesnorm wrote:My favourite 'bikepacking tyre' is the Conti' 2.2 Race King. Actually comes up much bigger than you'd think, rolls very well and offers much more grip than you'd believe from looking at the tread ... the only issue is their hit and miss ability to be set-up tubeless.

They look a good tyre, good weight and a good price. But do you think they would be wide enough to take the buzz out of the trail on a rigid fork?

They look a good tyre, good weight and a good price. But do you think they would be wide enough to take the buzz out of the trail on a rigid fork?

I have them fitted F&R to my rigid Inbred with Salsa forks. As I say, they have quite a large volume so when run at the appropriate pressure certainly take the sting out.

i like my maxis ardent 2.25 on the front on my riged forks pretty comfy, run it tubeless too a then can be slightly lower pressure, they do a 2.4 ardent that could be interesting , its an vaguely exciting tyre handles mud and gravel really well.

Bearbonesnorm wrote:

They look a good tyre, good weight and a good price. But do you think they would be wide enough to take the buzz out of the trail on a rigid fork?

I have them fitted F&R to my rigid Inbred with Salsa forks. As I say, they have quite a large volume so when run at the appropriate pressure certainly take the sting out.

Which version of the race kings do you have. I see there is a standard and supersonic version.

I presume the standard would be better for the weight you carry with bike packing rather than a lighter tyre.

Ta

Which version of the race kings do you have. I see there is a standard and supersonic version.

I use whatever the standard folding version is ... usually pay less than £20 per end.

I've used the 2.4 ardent and it is a great tyre. Plus it seems to be easy to get from a variety of sources.

People would probably shudder to look at my bike.

I'm running a 2.3 Hans Dampf on the front and a 2.2 Continental Protection X-King on the back. Seems pretty wicked so far, although the X-King is only one ride old. Thats Hans Dampf has no end of grip though, very impressed by that.

I've been really happy with a pair of Onza Lynx and Canis. Go up tubeless easily, nothing leaked out and plenty of grip in a variety of conditions.

I've ordered a pair of Continental race kings 2.2 26" from chain reaction for £40 which includes my British cycling discount.

So I shall see how I get on with those.

I've long been a fan of the Continental X-King for a lot of uses, CX racing through to proper AM mtb riding (sorry for the marketing term). Don't be afraid to go for the 2.4, they tend to come up a bit small compared to some Schwalbes and the like. Worth while going for ProTection versions, a lot better compound and ease of setting up tubeless.

I run a 2.4 Conti X King on the front and a 2.2 X King on the back of my Fortitude... Great tyres. See no reason to change them...