2015 Rear Tires

[NorskyVik]

At the risk of beating to death a well covered topic...I was all set to get a new Goldentyre 230 Rear...but they don't make them any more and our choices are the 523 (intermediate-rocky) or the 216 (Sand-soft-intermediate) off topic the front 216 seems to have amazing reviews.

Anyway, for good ol' McClean creek...anyone riding the 523 or 216? and or recommend the IRC m5b instead? I'm tempted to get the all around 216 but worried it may get destroyed on many of our bowling ball sized rock strewn hills. Will defer to the experience of the masses here..

[Braap791]

I used to run a 230 rear with a bib. I now run the 523 rear with a bib and 216 front with a HD tube. It's a great setup I like the 523 more than the 230.

[Dakota_c69]

I love the 216 rear! But, I have heard rumors the 216X is the only one available now. The X version is much softer and more pliable, but only lasts a few rides. My last 216 wore really well and had amazing traction.

[boland]

The standard 216 was awesome, I haven't tried the 216x but it's expensive and likely doesn't last very long. I'm using M5B now and it's really good.

The 216 front is my favourite front tire in terms of performance but they only last a month at best so I have gone back to a M12. I'm going to try a kenda washougal 2 next.

[cedric]

I find it interesting that the M5B is still well liked and widely used. That is an old tire design, I remember putting those on my CR250 back in 1992 or so. Perhaps they have updated the tires somehow, but they look just like they did back then.

[350scott]

I find it interesting that the M5B is still well liked and widely used. That is an old tire design, I remember putting those on my CR250 back in 1992 or so. Perhaps they have updated the tires somehow, but they look just like they did back then.

It's not just the ladies that like big knobs. You know, like the big knobs on M5B's.

[NorskyVik]

guys thanks for your replies..much appreciated.

[cedric]

It's not just the ladies that like big knobs. You know, like the big knobs on M5B's.

Maybe you and the ladies should ride a TerraFlex tire? The choice of internet goons all over the world.

[takethebounce]

I have a M5B that I have mounted on a 19" wheel. I tend to use it more for early season riding in BC when we are riding low elevation and find snow. Even at 5psi I have never been fond of that tire.

Been running the Washougal 2 dual compound for the last 10 hours and I haven't made my mind up if I like it. The center knobs lock up too easily when braking but it hooks up when I least expect it when climbing, almost to the point that it hooks up too much. Just not predictable. I will likely go back to the M404's that I have run for a few seasons.

If I could find decent pricing on one I wouldn't mind trying a 216 but with the FIM spec lug height I am not sure how it would perform. They do still list the 230 on their website. http://www.goldentyre.com/dt_portfolio/gt-230-super-gp/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Dakota_c69]

... I wouldn't mind trying a 216 but with the FIM spec lug height I am not sure how it would perform...

This was a concern of mine as well, but after trying the tire out I no longer have any concerns about lug height. Just loved that tire.

[AJRJ]

Here's my tire criteria:

Has Knobs
Is new-ish
Is mounted already (new tires don't work well on the changing stand)
Is durable
Is relatively inexpensive or very long lived

It seems that tires come out, get popular, prices increase, then a new model is created so buyers' short attention spans are engaged. I've run lots of different rears over the years, but I have to say trail conditions, which vary by the day or sometimes hour or minute, have far more to do with traction than any tire choice. Almost any new tire with square edges will work, some just last longer than others. M5B is a great choice, as you can flip it to run the other direction, and get a lot of life from a tire that doesn't seem to shed knobs. Maybe it won't side hill as good as some of the MX cornering tires, but there are always trade-offs, as not many tires will outdo that lug height in the skag.

I'm trying some new tires out, mainly out of boredom but also to meet my durability/price matrix. I'd have to say though "new" tire models is a lot like building a better mousetrap: whats out there works well.

[AJRJ]

Forgot to add that different aspect ratios can greatly change the tire. For M5B, I run the 140. The 120 (or whatever it is) is a VERY different tire. Lugs are smaller, shorter, an much closer together. The 140 may not be the best choice on a smaller bike though.

[malcolmzilla]

I tried my Tread Doctor on a well used AT81 rear, and for less than an hour of work, it restored the bite and, after 3 rides has yet to chunk a knob.
Last rocky ride took the square edge off, I might try to cut it once more as an experiment... Overall the knife work extended the tire traction about another 200km IMO.
Dunno how a soft M5B or other tires would respond to cutting.

[boland]

I agree with AJRJs points. If a tire is reasonably priced, works ok and lasts I want it. M5B fits that bill for the rear. I'm still trying to find a front tire to meet this criteria. M12 is usually a pretty good choice but my most recent one is not holding up very well. I'm trying the washougal mainly because it's $72 and has decent reviews, time will tell if it lasts.

[AJRJ]

I haven't found an inexpensive front that works well, and I do spend money there. For the first time in years I'm trying a new front, only because my favorite ones are getting astronomically expensive. I really have no issue paying though, as I can ride, practice and race a full season on 1 front tire, then take it to Moab and get another 500 km out of it. The most durable tire with great and very predictable traction I've run, ever.

I'm always surprised by the amount of people running the M12. It works great, but I do find tire wear (moderate to fast) is very noticeable. I was not a fan, and found the S12XC a better tire. But neither Michelin can keep up to my Bridgestone model that been around for slightly under 100 years.

YMMV