On my local terrain, which is forest loam plus plenty of wet rocks and roots, the Rekon Race is the XC tire I keep coming back to. In my experience it is far grippier and slower than you expect by looking at the tread pattern. But that’s why it’s so easy to live with. I even raced some gravel events on them with good success. It obviously falls apart in deeper mud, but as long as it’s only wet and not deep mud, they are totally fine. They also have some of the most reliable side knobs on the xc market which makes it a joy to lean the bike over in turns. A really underrated and versatile choice in my opinion.
@@ferencvarju651 not exactly sure - did you mean it is slower than some could expect, or less slower? One way or another, IMO its the first option - tire is heavy for low profile (830ish grams), rolls definitely not as good as others, but on the other hand offers better sidewalls protection. Thus, depending on the terrain, could be beneficial too🐥
Great video, great edit! I personally have been running Vittoria Barzo Race and Mezcal Race during the race season for the past fews years with great success. Have not tried the new Vittoria race compound and Peyote yet but want to!
Thanks! I am yet to try Vittorias at some point - but which do you use - 2.25 or 2.35? One downfall IMO in some manufacturers, that they have .2 gap between their lineup. Now - if some thinks it makes not much of the difference - well, it does;)
@ Good point, I'll have to measure and find out if there's a difference but I typically run 2.35. Vittoria's tread pattern wraps around the tire much further than the Maxxis Aspens with a more rounded shape. Only downside, they don't do too well with sidewall punctures under 20psi unless you have an insert but the new compound supposedly fixed this issue.
I'm also using Vittoria Barzo xc Race 2.35 on my hardtail and i'm very happy with this tire! Tried Mezcals for half a season, but was a bit too slippery on roots (maybe i chose too narrow option).
@ 2.35 is my preferred as well but I run lower than Vittoria recommends, Mezcal on the rear at 20 psi and Barzo at front, 21 psi. I'll go down as far as 18/19 psi on wet rocks/roots
In my experience, 2.4 tires have too much rolling resistance and are also heavier, so I use 2.25 Wolfpack tires, Race in the front, Speed in the rear. So far, it's worked great! 🤘🏻
What terrain and conditions we are talking here? I agree that 2.4 makes a drag, but in technical areas it gives that cushion and comfort which I tend not to dismiss for speed purposes only.
@@tom10crafted 2.25 is better everywhere, if the pattern is not right for the track then I put on a different type of tire, but I stick with 2.25. I tried 2.4 many times, but it always ended up like this. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, I don't know. 🤷🏻♂️ I can ride with 2.25 tires at quite low pressure, but on rough, rocky fast sections you have to be more careful with carbon rims, so far I've escaped a rim break, although there have been many tricky situations... 😅
@@henriquemonsantopohl Both are 30mm internals. In the past I had 28 on the rear, which was quite a good combo :) Weight is important, absolutely, but in demanding terrain comfort and risk management plays a more vital role IMO
I got MAXXIS with my Spark. After 1 year, they went to trash and have been replaced by Wolfpack Race/Speed (front/rear) over 2 yrs. Great tire combi, BUT the Speed was worn fast and on gravel loosing traction in the corners. I kept Race on the front and put Specialized Renegade. What a change xD. Similar tire profile, but much better trackion. And now, I'm on Epic gen 8 with Fast Trak / Renegade (29x2.35") and in wet, dry and loose condition very good all-round combination 🙌🙌
I wonder what Wolfpack had in mind when they named their tires, haha! Based on tread pattern, Speed would be kind-of more suitable for front, but Race is chunkier, aand heavier. However, there is also Cross version, which, probably supposed to be used at front. Regardless, it is surprising Renegade works as good all-round for you - based on it's symetrical pattern I bit hate it on wet, ha!
I live in Ashland Oregon USA. Lots of mountains and trees. Looks just like the terrain in your videos. The X King seems like it will last for many seasons !
@@Roger-dy5gq thats interesting - let us know when you get it destroyed, wonder how many km's it could last (surely, there are more factors involved than just km's, but still!)
What is the carcass width on the rekon race? Are you running them front+rear now? My son (44kg)will use xc rc lites in 2.2in this weekend, I feel the 2.4in are better to attack the bumpy sections, have lowered pressure to 12.5/15.5 psi, will let you know how they do. Do you stretch the new tires for 24-48 hours before riding?
If we talk about width of tires volume, then Recon Race is about 61mm, while Speed ~59.5mm on same 30mm rim internal. I don't do any redundant(IMO) stuff with new tires like adding 3bars, waiting N time, etc. When mounted, I make sure to drop it to the ground while rotating, to settle in, and thats pretty much it. +checking the air coming into next ride
Used 2.2in and son did great in the race, bike ended up 11.15kg and his lap times rivalled the winner with 8.7kg bike. Used 12.5f and 15.5psi rear, in the past we used xc rc 2.4 with 14.5f and 16psi rear and did good on that(will use 12-13psi on front for 2.4in in future) I was really contemplating using 2.4in for front and 2.2in for rear, Will do some testing with that setup as my son isn't too fast downhills and techy sections so I wounder if a bigger tire on the front with 12 or so psi would help.
@@Babychickhands when tire width decreases, you should increase the pressure, not decrease it. Unless in the past with 2.4's the pressure used was too big (in this specific example). As volume gets smaller, you need more air to maintain similar characteristics of the tire
@@tom10crafted you are right, I think 14.5/16 on 2.4 was a bit too high, we tested with 2.2in and run 15.5/18 and seemed too bumpy and dropped to 16/13 and he felt more comfortable on that and in hindsight some people were commenting that the track was fast today, so my son might have been faster on say 14/16.5 psi today.
salut Tom , .. bien que je roule pas de la même façon , il y à effectivement une nette différence entre les pneus suivant le terrain que tu roule , quand j'ai fait le Roc la premiere fois avec le Genesis (rigide) j'avais des pneus WTB Ranger 29x3.0 avant et arriere , pression 0.8 , pour ma façon de rouler cela convenait parfaitement , actuellement je monte des 29x3.0 de chez Bontrager en version XR2 (AV) et XR4 (AR) pression 0.8
@@charlesb-0457 then, it is quite obvious question - why you do this with yourself? Ha! Meaning, you really loose a lot of time and experience excessive rolling resistance, with questionably reasons. Unless you mixed up numbers somehow and it is not 3.0?
@@tom10crafted ...oui effectivement je perd beaucoup de temps , mais ceci n'est pas un problème , je vie cette passion avec plaisir , cela fait maintenant deux saison que je roule pratiquement toutes les sorties avec le fat bike et là je roule avec du 26x4.8 , c'est une toute autre façon de rouler ..
@@charlesb-0457 while it is not a performance based (which is absolutely fine), on what bike you feel a need for 3.0 tires and what is the reason behind it? Comfort?
No Maxis Icons or similiar ever - it has very little protection, it is lightweight but the most expensive icons was a pain to keep pressure due to small holes in tire which it was sweating sealant always - so never ever. I used to ride on Schwalbe but switched later to Continental Race King. This tire has quite good reinforcement, is super fast, but it is very hard to control in turnes - very unstable, unpredictable. Currently I stay with Wolfpack speed / race 2.4 TL which doesn't work for u but for my everyday rides and ocassional marathons is a good choise between weight, control, predictability, wear. If u ride mud i am not sure that there exists good enough tire. Probably I will stay longer with Wolfpacks but maybe I will change my mind after watching your review.
It very much depends on the terrain you are riding. Wolfpacks are great in softer terrain, but on hard and hard over loose - you will find in the video, why not. AT LEAST for me - but with the facts on hand which were covered - I don't see any good reason why it could be working for someone. As for Race King, if it were anything more than 2.2 - I think it would be very good choice too. Now for solely marathons they are great, but just about it. BTW I had two carcass issues with Conti's, which will be covered later!
@@tom10crafted Happy with RK at the rear. Front can be ok if it's not super technical, it has a decent grip a low pressure if the terrain is not liquid. Still i mostly ride Barzo front for extra safety.
Watched your review - few things i noticed: u compare brand new Recons (like maybe less riden compared to Wolfpacks which looks worn), so not a very objective comparison but subjective but u are explaining why, good. Both tires are at similiar weight, Recon is more aggressive and looks probably better in cornering. If u ride more in very dry conditions outside Poland probably Recons will work better for u. So if u are seeking a grip for a wheel u can go with less preassure, so low to not introduce snakes :) If I would be the one to be the best in the race, instead of changing tires I would change tactics: mountain marathons are all about ascending so it makes sens to simply train faster ascending, if it is XCO it more about maintaining momentum, good technics and endurance. If it is flat marathons higher speed makes a difference. Another words there are more important things to consider that makes huge difference in race. Maybe u should think also about change to HT on races which requires climbing. It all depends on what u are expecting, what is your target? u want to be more confident or descent s or u want to be faster overall ? I would say tactics is more important ...
Great great observations, love it! The fact that WP is more worn does not change the result that it's profile is round - it would be same either way(new, even rounder, logically). In Calpe, I came with NEW Speed tire, and guess what - it was not at all better. Well, maybe bit more grippy where the grip is available, due to softer rubber. As mentioned, less pressure was already not an option, because it's been 1.15 - with my weight anything lower is a compromise for rim's integrity, just as you mentioned. Now consider you are in the new terrain right away - it is no longer tactics game, nor the preparation. That, is only the possibility to consider for the future. Thus, you can either take it and swallow it as is, or look for something to change. I been adapting to it in CBR24, and was enough of adaptation in Roc d'Azur :D It is like - you can ignore it or try to improve it right away - with a catch, that chase for the better can backfire, haha! Last but not least - going abroad, for Stage races for the first time - is always a bit of unknown, as you don't know EXACTLY what to expect. But even if you do - that does not necessarily guarantees easy time in deciding whats the best to choose from:)
Depends on where you would ride them - in general great if we talk race/cross kings. Yet, rubber seems to me on the softer end and tends to wear quickly, especially on X (don't know if they are same though, that chilli compound, and where its laid on tread:))
Tires width & tread covered here: ua-cam.com/video/gsjPMiudxJM/v-deo.html
Worst tires choice: ua-cam.com/video/svh4DCDwCrw/v-deo.html
On my local terrain, which is forest loam plus plenty of wet rocks and roots, the Rekon Race is the XC tire I keep coming back to. In my experience it is far grippier and slower than you expect by looking at the tread pattern. But that’s why it’s so easy to live with. I even raced some gravel events on them with good success.
It obviously falls apart in deeper mud, but as long as it’s only wet and not deep mud, they are totally fine.
They also have some of the most reliable side knobs on the xc market which makes it a joy to lean the bike over in turns.
A really underrated and versatile choice in my opinion.
@@ferencvarju651 not exactly sure - did you mean it is slower than some could expect, or less slower? One way or another, IMO its the first option - tire is heavy for low profile (830ish grams), rolls definitely not as good as others, but on the other hand offers better sidewalls protection. Thus, depending on the terrain, could be beneficial too🐥
@@tom10craftedyes. I meant exactly what you say. It’s slower than you expect but more versatile.
Great video, great edit! I personally have been running Vittoria Barzo Race and Mezcal Race during the race season for the past fews years with great success. Have not tried the new Vittoria race compound and Peyote yet but want to!
Thanks! I am yet to try Vittorias at some point - but which do you use - 2.25 or 2.35? One downfall IMO in some manufacturers, that they have .2 gap between their lineup. Now - if some thinks it makes not much of the difference - well, it does;)
@ Good point, I'll have to measure and find out if there's a difference but I typically run 2.35. Vittoria's tread pattern wraps around the tire much further than the Maxxis Aspens with a more rounded shape. Only downside, they don't do too well with sidewall punctures under 20psi unless you have an insert but the new compound supposedly fixed this issue.
@@KP-ol3tc thats why they also have their own inserts I guess, haha!
I'm also using Vittoria Barzo xc Race 2.35 on my hardtail and i'm very happy with this tire! Tried Mezcals for half a season, but was a bit too slippery on roots (maybe i chose too narrow option).
@ 2.35 is my preferred as well but I run lower than Vittoria recommends, Mezcal on the rear at 20 psi and Barzo at front, 21 psi. I'll go down as far as 18/19 psi on wet rocks/roots
In my experience, 2.4 tires have too much rolling resistance and are also heavier, so I use 2.25 Wolfpack tires, Race in the front, Speed in the rear. So far, it's worked great! 🤘🏻
What terrain and conditions we are talking here? I agree that 2.4 makes a drag, but in technical areas it gives that cushion and comfort which I tend not to dismiss for speed purposes only.
@@tom10crafted 2.25 is better everywhere, if the pattern is not right for the track then I put on a different type of tire, but I stick with 2.25. I tried 2.4 many times, but it always ended up like this. Maybe I'm doing something wrong, I don't know. 🤷🏻♂️ I can ride with 2.25 tires at quite low pressure, but on rough, rocky fast sections you have to be more careful with carbon rims, so far I've escaped a rim break, although there have been many tricky situations... 😅
@@MTBukk at least finally someone who's genuinely not lying to everyone that 2.4 are not as fast as narrower tires when we talk speed!!
What is the internal width of your rims? It makes a big difference. For 30mm internal width, 2.4 works great, but they really do weigh more...
@@henriquemonsantopohl Both are 30mm internals. In the past I had 28 on the rear, which was quite a good combo :) Weight is important, absolutely, but in demanding terrain comfort and risk management plays a more vital role IMO
I got MAXXIS with my Spark. After 1 year, they went to trash and have been replaced by Wolfpack Race/Speed (front/rear) over 2 yrs. Great tire combi, BUT the Speed was worn fast and on gravel loosing traction in the corners. I kept Race on the front and put Specialized Renegade. What a change xD. Similar tire profile, but much better trackion.
And now, I'm on Epic gen 8 with Fast Trak / Renegade (29x2.35") and in wet, dry and loose condition very good all-round combination 🙌🙌
I wonder what Wolfpack had in mind when they named their tires, haha! Based on tread pattern, Speed would be kind-of more suitable for front, but Race is chunkier, aand heavier. However, there is also Cross version, which, probably supposed to be used at front.
Regardless, it is surprising Renegade works as good all-round for you - based on it's symetrical pattern I bit hate it on wet, ha!
I changed over to Continental X King 2.2 Black Chili Protection. It rolls fast , great traction and its strong. Best tires I've ever had !
What terrain are you riding them? In general, they are great, but wears very fast:)
I live in Ashland Oregon USA. Lots of mountains and trees. Looks just like the terrain in your videos. The X King seems like it will last for many seasons !
@@Roger-dy5gq thats interesting - let us know when you get it destroyed, wonder how many km's it could last (surely, there are more factors involved than just km's, but still!)
What is the carcass width on the rekon race? Are you running them front+rear now? My son (44kg)will use xc rc lites in 2.2in this weekend, I feel the 2.4in are better to attack the bumpy sections, have lowered pressure to 12.5/15.5 psi, will let you know how they do. Do you stretch the new tires for 24-48 hours before riding?
If we talk about width of tires volume, then Recon Race is about 61mm, while Speed ~59.5mm on same 30mm rim internal. I don't do any redundant(IMO) stuff with new tires like adding 3bars, waiting N time, etc. When mounted, I make sure to drop it to the ground while rotating, to settle in, and thats pretty much it. +checking the air coming into next ride
Used 2.2in and son did great in the race, bike ended up 11.15kg and his lap times rivalled the winner with 8.7kg bike. Used 12.5f and 15.5psi rear, in the past we used xc rc 2.4 with 14.5f and 16psi rear and did good on that(will use 12-13psi on front for 2.4in in future) I was really contemplating using 2.4in for front and 2.2in for rear, Will do some testing with that setup as my son isn't too fast downhills and techy sections so I wounder if a bigger tire on the front with 12 or so psi would help.
@@Babychickhands when tire width decreases, you should increase the pressure, not decrease it. Unless in the past with 2.4's the pressure used was too big (in this specific example). As volume gets smaller, you need more air to maintain similar characteristics of the tire
@@tom10crafted you are right, I think 14.5/16 on 2.4 was a bit too high, we tested with 2.2in and run 15.5/18 and seemed too bumpy and dropped to 16/13 and he felt more comfortable on that and in hindsight some people were commenting that the track was fast today, so my son might have been faster on say 14/16.5 psi today.
What's your opinions on the Vittoria Mezcals?
Has anyone tried them yet?
@@kip4135 Vittorias are one of the few which I haven’t tried:) but based on comments in other videos - plenty are using them🤘🏼
salut Tom , .. bien que je roule pas de la même façon , il y à effectivement une nette différence entre les pneus suivant le terrain que tu roule , quand j'ai fait le Roc la premiere fois avec le Genesis (rigide) j'avais des pneus WTB Ranger 29x3.0 avant et arriere , pression 0.8 , pour ma façon de rouler cela convenait parfaitement , actuellement je monte des 29x3.0 de chez Bontrager en version XR2 (AV) et XR4 (AR) pression 0.8
Hey Charles! The only reason I get get a sense why you use 3.0 tires - is it E-bike? Otherwise, it would be WOW!
@@tom10crafted .. Non pas du tout , tous mes bike sont des musculaire, j'ai jamais rouler sur E bike ..
@@charlesb-0457 then, it is quite obvious question - why you do this with yourself? Ha! Meaning, you really loose a lot of time and experience excessive rolling resistance, with questionably reasons. Unless you mixed up numbers somehow and it is not 3.0?
@@tom10crafted ...oui effectivement je perd beaucoup de temps , mais ceci n'est pas un problème , je vie cette passion avec plaisir , cela fait maintenant deux saison que je roule pratiquement toutes les sorties avec le fat bike et là je roule avec du 26x4.8 , c'est une toute autre façon de rouler ..
@@charlesb-0457 while it is not a performance based (which is absolutely fine), on what bike you feel a need for 3.0 tires and what is the reason behind it? Comfort?
No Maxis Icons or similiar ever - it has very little protection, it is lightweight but the most expensive icons was a pain to keep pressure due to small holes in tire which it was sweating sealant always - so never ever. I used to ride on Schwalbe but switched later to Continental Race King. This tire has quite good reinforcement, is super fast, but it is very hard to control in turnes - very unstable, unpredictable. Currently I stay with Wolfpack speed / race 2.4 TL which doesn't work for u but for my everyday rides and ocassional marathons is a good choise between weight, control, predictability, wear. If u ride mud i am not sure that there exists good enough tire. Probably I will stay longer with Wolfpacks but maybe I will change my mind after watching your review.
It very much depends on the terrain you are riding. Wolfpacks are great in softer terrain, but on hard and hard over loose - you will find in the video, why not. AT LEAST for me - but with the facts on hand which were covered - I don't see any good reason why it could be working for someone.
As for Race King, if it were anything more than 2.2 - I think it would be very good choice too. Now for solely marathons they are great, but just about it. BTW I had two carcass issues with Conti's, which will be covered later!
@@tom10crafted Happy with RK at the rear. Front can be ok if it's not super technical, it has a decent grip a low pressure if the terrain is not liquid. Still i mostly ride Barzo front for extra safety.
@ you are a beast, thats why 2.2’s are ok for you! 😈 Well, and lets not forget LIGHTWEIGHT beast, too!
Watched your review - few things i noticed: u compare brand new Recons (like maybe less riden compared to Wolfpacks which looks worn), so not a very objective comparison but subjective but u are explaining why, good. Both tires are at similiar weight, Recon is more aggressive and looks probably better in cornering. If u ride more in very dry conditions outside Poland probably Recons will work better for u. So if u are seeking a grip for a wheel u can go with less preassure, so low to not introduce snakes :) If I would be the one to be the best in the race, instead of changing tires I would change tactics: mountain marathons are all about ascending so it makes sens to simply train faster ascending, if it is XCO it more about maintaining momentum, good technics and endurance. If it is flat marathons higher speed makes a difference. Another words there are more important things to consider that makes huge difference in race. Maybe u should think also about change to HT on races which requires climbing. It all depends on what u are expecting, what is your target? u want to be more confident or descent s or u want to be faster overall ? I would say tactics is more important ...
Great great observations, love it! The fact that WP is more worn does not change the result that it's profile is round - it would be same either way(new, even rounder, logically). In Calpe, I came with NEW Speed tire, and guess what - it was not at all better. Well, maybe bit more grippy where the grip is available, due to softer rubber. As mentioned, less pressure was already not an option, because it's been 1.15 - with my weight anything lower is a compromise for rim's integrity, just as you mentioned.
Now consider you are in the new terrain right away - it is no longer tactics game, nor the preparation. That, is only the possibility to consider for the future. Thus, you can either take it and swallow it as is, or look for something to change. I been adapting to it in CBR24, and was enough of adaptation in Roc d'Azur :D It is like - you can ignore it or try to improve it right away - with a catch, that chase for the better can backfire, haha!
Last but not least - going abroad, for Stage races for the first time - is always a bit of unknown, as you don't know EXACTLY what to expect. But even if you do - that does not necessarily guarantees easy time in deciding whats the best to choose from:)
What about continental tyres??
Depends on where you would ride them - in general great if we talk race/cross kings. Yet, rubber seems to me on the softer end and tends to wear quickly, especially on X (don't know if they are same though, that chilli compound, and where its laid on tread:))
@tom10crafted thank you for all the info. 🦵💪🦵💪