mtbtires.com

Hutchinson did confirm the 29×2.0 Python at Interbike. Latest word is it will be produced (only) in a Tubeless Ready version.

“We plan to make the Python 29″ in TUBELESS READY. This means that Python 29″ will be able to be installed using FAST’AIR tubeless latex on a UST compatible rim/wheel or you can mount this tire (with tubeless beads) onto a normal rim and use a tube. To be clear, there will only be one (version) but this Tubeless Ready tire can be mounted tubeless or with a tube.”

I was taken with the Rubena DH/FR tires from the Czech Republic.

Triton in 2.45 and 2.25

Harpie 2.25

They also have XC tires in their complete lineup.

Schwalbe has a new intermediate to wet.
Muddy Mary 2.50 w/ a HD casing

Geax Datura 2.2
Deep open tread and light weight casing

Geax Suguaro XC tire
26x 2.0 & 2.2 and 29×2.2

WTB has NINE new tires including the Stout 2.3

Dissent 2.5

Prowler MX 2.5

Prowler XT 2.3

Vulpine 2.1

Raijin 2.1

WeirWolf 29×2.55 LT

Favorite Most-Conditions Tire:
Hutchinson Spider

Favorite Trail Tire and 29er Tire:
Panaracer Rampage

Favorite Downhill Tire:
Michelin DH32 AT

Co-Favorite Mud Tires:
Panaracer TrailRaker and Schwalbe Black Shark Mud

Favorite Most-Conditions Tire
Not sure of the conditions or the terrain or just do not like to change tires? Mount the Hutchinson Spider (any size, standard or tubeless). The Spider can take you from summer hardpack and gravel to winter slop with barely a slip. Not the best for any one condition and does not struggle in any.

Favorite Trail (and 29er) Tire
Know how a good road slick just sticks no matter had hard you push it into a corner? Want that same feeling on dirt? The Panaracer Rampage delivers. It can feel blasé when ridden passively. Get aggressive and it comes alive. Lean it into a corner and it carves the turn, lean it more and it grips harder. Feel at the limit? What limit? Available in 26″ and 29″ sizes.

Favorite Downhill Tire
Yes, it is big (2.80″) and heavy (1450g). It is also cushy and grippy. The Michelin DH32 AT delivers traction in the deep powdery dust and rock gardens of the mountain resorts, and in the wet of the Pacific Northwest without wearing out in a day or two of shuttling. All of Michelin’s downhill tires have the added bonus of being UST compliant without added weight.

Favorite Mud Tires
The Pacific Northwest is (in)famous for it. A good mudder is a revelation coming from a “regular” tire. The Panaracer TrailRaker and Schwalbe Black Shark Mud are the best of breed. Tall open treads that punch through for traction and release the crud to be ready for the the next bite.
The TrailRaker is the slightly better choice for harder/drier conditions. The Black Shark Mud excels in the deeper and sloppy to sticky glop. Both do surprisingly well on wet roots and rocks but do not expect miracles. Mud riding, more than any off road condition, is about partial traction. Mudders make it more controllable.

Partial traction and control. The essence of mountain biking and mtb tires. They give us the excitement we love.

I have been thinking that the stock ExiWolf tires on my Redline Monocog 29er look bigger than the one I measured last year.

Today I measured one. It is bigger: The casing is about 2mm wider and 2mm taller. This clearly makes it the highest volume 29er knobby currently on the market.

I have added the re-measure to the spec charts along with the original numbers.

MAY 03, 2006 — MORGAN HILL, CA — Specialized recently announced the Recycle a Tire program, which was created to put shredded treads to good use by repurposing them into retailer welcome mats.

“As outdoor enthusiasts, we’ve got an obvious interest in protecting the environment,” said Mike Sinyard, president of Specialized.

As part of the new program for 2006, bins especially designed to hold used tires will be placed in the showrooms of all the company’s U.S. concept stores. Each tire donor will receive a free commemorative water bottle. Capital Bicycle in Annapolis, Maryland was the first to roll out the program.

Specialized teamed with West Coast Rubber Recycling of Gilroy, California, as part of this pilot program. The mats will be featured at all Specialized retailers across the country in 2007.

“The Recycle a Tire program is a simple way that we can help make a difference,” Sinyard said.

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The WTB Weirwolf LT (2.55) is on its way. Preproduction tires are expected soon for wear testing/evaluation. The actual volume of the tires will not be known until the samples arrive. Production tires due late Sept/Oct.
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29er specific tread designs are coming from WTB. Also due around Interbike ‘06.
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Kenda USA wants the new manufacturing equipment for the BIG 29er tires. Taiwan is mostly convinced and it should happen ($35,000-38,000 cost).
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The Karma “2.20″ is being relabeled as a 2.00″.
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The Kenda Small Black 8 will be made in a 29″. Did not get in which width. I got my first look at an actually SB8. The knobs are small and tightly spaced. It should be grippy and fast on hardpack/fine loose over hardpack. In the mud it could make the Python look like a good choice.
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The “96ers” could be a good thing for new 29er tire choices. At least once they were mentioned as reason to increase a company’s tire offerings and bigger tires as clearance is less of an issue front than rear.
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Schwalbe North America is working hard to convince Schwalbe Germany more, and bigger, 29er tires are needed. Germany has the impression there are 500 bikes a year sold here (no emails need be sent). Germany wants an order of 2500 tires before making a new mold (~$16,000). The tread design and size has to be the same though different casing, bead and compound specs could be combined. Of their current thread designs the Racing Ralph or Knobbie Nick in a 2.25-2.35 were discussed (I also want the Big Betty 2.40 FR tire!)

Just wanted to let you know we’re coming with a new 29″ x 2.3 super light (680 gram) FULL KNOBBY available in August.
Jeff at Panaracer

As promised, here is the latest breaking news on the Rampage 29″ from Panaracer. This comes directly from our head of R&D, Mr. Masa Odani:

Size ; 29X2.35 (58-622)
Origin ; Made in Taiwan
Keep inflated ; 240-380kPa(35-55P.S.I.)
Actual width (estimated) ; 58mm +_ 1mm
Actual diameter(estimated) ; 742mm +_ 2mm
Bead wire ; Aramid(Kevlar) only
Compound ; Durable compound Durometer ; 62a
Casing color ; Black TPI ; 60
Weight (estimated (target)) ; 680gr

I know some of you want wire bead, let us hear from you on that and any other questions or suggestions!

Still Rolling…

Panaracer Jeff

(adapted from mtbr.com. Original thread)