Dammit’s adventures in mountain biking

however much clearance you have in both :)

2.6 is a bit much

How would one work that out ahead of time? Measure between the fork legs I presume?

If boost spacing 2.6 will be fine. If not, you might need to be more careful.

2.4 on the back, 2.6 on the front

Go 2.0 and 2.8 for the full mullet tyre effect

It is boost, thanks.

Bigger is better in tyres I am guessing?

It is boost, thanks.

Bigger is better in tyres I am guessing?

Bigger is better in tyres I am guessing?

Not really....depends what you are doing. If I was going to a trail centre with an uplift I'd go bigger, but for every day riding I'd stick with something around 2.35" on the front.

Current tyres are Maxxis Ardent, 2.4 front and 2.25 rear.

I run a 2.35 Nobby Nic on the back of my habit at the mo and it feels a bit overkill for pedally stuff.

That said, the 29er 2.35" rocket Ron on my F-Si seems OK.

Almost all of my riding (currently) is Swinley. In fact, all of my current riding is Swinley.

However, I'd envisage weekends of South Downs way (and anything I can get to in short range of London) when it warms up a bit.

Your current tyres are probably more than adequate for Swinley / South Downs.

You need to get yourself out to the North Downs though. Swinley is for when you need a quick fix with minimal faff and dont want to get too muddy. The South Downs way is not technical - just point up and winch - point down and plummet.

In terms of a really satisfying day out, and trails which you can push yourself and develop on, you need to go to the North Downs.

Perhaps we need another guided day out - I know there were many in the past and some folks did one not long ago - if I can get myself together i'd be happy to show people round a nice 30 mile loop, but I know Howard knows his way just as well or better than me.

You'd still be fine on your Ardents...

I'd be very keen on a day out on the North Downs.

Right - might see if I can get a day release from parenthood for something later in March...

Interested though please not a silly early start. I'm not bothered about being back by brunch

yep, put me down for a north downs day.
could I propose next sunday 17th march
x

You promise not to break yourself again?

You promise not to dial out the rebound on my fork again? :~)

No. My route my rebound settings

Rigid forks for all of you

This can't be the '90s, I have much less hair.

Think I've got a pass for next Sunday.

yay

I'm planning on Swinley tomorrow if anyone fancies it?

@Dammit FWIW I have the same 2.25/2.4" Ardent combo as you on one bike, and a 2.35/2.6" Nobby Nic on another. The Nic seems to give better straightline grip ( climbing/descending ) than the Ardent, whereas I trust the Ardent a little more when cornering; on the front, at least

If you intend to ride more 'aggressively' then a Maxxis Highroller or Schwalbe Hans Dampf as a front tyre would likely give you some extra confidence. Moar grip = moar drag though. There's no getting around that

I have no idea about Swinley, but your current tyres will do fine on the North Downs/Surrey Hills until Autumn