Best MTB Tires for XC Racing - Casing, Weight, Rolling Resistance and...Worst Choice

Those who looks for options, always wants the best possible. That is good strive, but hardly achievable due to a lot of variables, including casing, weight and rolling resistance - to name only few.

With that in mind it is a lot easier to figure out the worst case you can choose. And in this video apart from above details we will get to know what is the baddest tire choice you can go with.

Discussions are always welcome!

00:00:00 - Whats this and whats covered in part 1
00:00:43 - Tires Casing / Carcass
00:02:22 - Tires Weight
00:05:27 - Rolling Resistance
00:06:55 - Worst choice you can make?
00:07:22 - Decision making
00:08:26 - My setup and whats next

2023 Season MTB Races Analysis with EN Commentary:

2023 Season MTB Races Full Onboards:

Insights about the bike & gear:

After Stats:

Information about the gear used:
Footage captured: GoPro Hero 11 + Max Lens
Tracking device: Garmin Edge 1040
Power meters: Stages Cycling XT/XTR
Bike: Scott Spark RC Pro 2022

[alwinvanasperen]

I’m riding the Pirelli scorpion rc xc light normally but I absolutely love them. So much grip and speed.

[TheRickysee]

I’m like you, I keep trying different tires. The race king have been my favorite. I’ve gotten all my PR‘s with those and I feel comfortable with the handling. I decided to try the fast track and renegade combination because of their weight. They ride like shit. Did you notice the handling was off with the fast track in front?

[Mike-vdqt]

Most of the racers on the Tour Divide use Vittoria Mezcal. But many regular touring riders complain the Mezcal gets flats that are hard to repair. Any feedback on the Vittoria Mezcal?
I'm going to try some Race Kings and see how they do here in Colorado. 170 pounds, plus 20 pounds of camping gear and water.

[Nikica]

Rekon Race 2.4 the heavy boiz 800g or schwalbe Racing Ray Racing ralph combo, i might go back to Schwalbe :)

[MuhammadKhairulIzwanMohd-uqwm]

Great video.Would you give your opinion on how should I pair my tyre setup for my hardtail xc bike? Im riding Orbea Alma and mostly race in XCO and XCM. Currently Im using Mezcal/R & Barzo/F on my Nobl TR32 rims. I live in Asia where the weather normally sunny and wet through out the year. So what combination should I go? Thanks in advance.

[stefanlukic]

And how could you left out the VITTORIA MEZCAL...

[serppint]

Could you please make a video about your wheels, as I saw, you are running on Duke rims ( maybe you have already review on them, but I didn’t find)

[axelgiuliano]

Now we have the aspen ST 2.25 and 2.4 with 170tpi. I would like to try ❤

[trentvlak]

A lot of talking but not a lot of information in this video.

[Dreamlink]

I just drive on rims no tires and dw about it.

[aronjuhasz]

Hello!
I ride xco in slovakia, czech, hungary, (mainly) what tires would you chose for dryer terrain? I have a crossking for rougher weather.

[tadasragaliauskas]

Nesu montavęs daug padangų, bet Pirelli Scorpion, iš montavimo pusės, yra košmaras. Paskutinį kartą, jau netekęs kantrybės, nusivežiau į degalinę ir ten prisipūčiau ratus:).

[benjammin]

Seeing that you are very receptive to comments, could you recommend a tire set for me? I’m also riding a Spark RC WC and in Colorado where there are loads of loose sandy gravel over hard pack. I’m currently using recon race and have been fairly happy, though maybe a bit slow? I run them at 18 front / 20psi rear being 150lbs. I was thinking icon? Do you think Maxxis 3C is necessary? Also any need for tire inserts like cushcore?

[Saladon]

Does lower TPI rating increase durability of tires and makes it more resistant to punctures and cuts?

[aronjuhasz]

What do you think about the conti crossking 2.3 protection?

[ClownPatroI]

Do you have any thoughts on the Wolfpack 2.4 (such as the race or speed)? I would like to know how they compare to the Pirelli Scorpions or the Aspen

[Paganiproductions]

i prefur all round tires setup that works the full year round.

[josericobaeza]

Que neumáticos me aconsejas para terreno mixto nada mojado todo lo contrario seco y piedras, busco algo que no lastre y agarre decente. Gracias y saludos