• On a different note, my 26" hardtail is running 2.5" Maxxis High Roller tyres
    front and rear (these were on it when I bought it). I've only been riding the
    trails around Epping so far but on the less technical stuff my cross bike with
    40c tyres is waaaay faster and significantly less effort. The MTB is way more
    fun, but it's so slowwww on flat stretches (especially tarmac, grass, gravel,
    fire roads, etc.) and even mild climbs are a killer.

    Any advice for me? Would I benefit from a different tyre setup? I'm currently
    exercising HTFU but I wouldn't mind making my life a little easier.

  • What compound?

    You don't really need 2.5s for Epping, and tyre casings have got quite a bit lighter since the High Roller, so there's certainly a good chunk of weight and Crr to be saved.

  • Full-on downhill tyres are going be soooo draggy for XC bimbling :-)

    You'd notice a fair difference from just swapping out the rear tyre. So if you like the way the High Roller handles, try one of the XC versions in 2.35", or the Ardent or Advantage. Stick a faster rolling tyre on the back, like the Aspen, Ikon, or Crossmark and you'll get decent straight-line speed, without worrying about your front wheel washing out in the corners.

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