Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/241252
Bob, That is a great question and I wish I had a great answer for you, but I don't. I am an admitted tire snob when it comes to rock riding and technical terrain. A lot of people suggest that I try such and such tire in the the rocks because it worked great for them. My internal dialogue is often a variation of "I tried that and it sucked." In my experience, only a few off-road tires work well for me in the rocks, so trying to choose a competent DOT Legal tire is a tall order. However, there may be hope. The Michelin Enduro Competition tires that come stock on the boutique brands (GasGas, Sherco and Beta) seem to work for some people in the rocks. I've tried them and my advice is to run at least 14 pounds of air in the front as the soft sidewall has been responsible for at least one bent rim. Some people actually seek out this Michelin front tire for rock riding. With so few DOT legal choices to chose from, this set up may be your best option. Good Luck! Kevin Kevin, I like Anna's style, is she available? Dan, Salem, New Hampshire. Dan, What do you mean by available? Like, for bachelor or parties or bar mitzvahs? Moonlit rides on the dirt scoots? Please clarify. Honestly, I think you are over your head, or at the very least have your work cut out for you. If you've taken the time to read her articles, and I am guessing that you have not, you would know that they often include something about her boyfriend. And it's not you. Still, I'll give you her cell number so you can try your luck. Good luck and please report back. Kevin, I saw that you went back to the 2 stroke after only a short stint on the leftover '13 XC-F 350. What happened? Nothing happened. The XC-F 350 was good to me. It's just that for the type of riding and racing I will be doing next year, the XC 250 is a better fit. The 2 stroke is a little quicker, lighter and chugs through the gnarl better than the 350. If I rode GNCC's or other faster styles of racing I'd keep the 4 stroke. Both are good but for now the 2 stroke just does it for me. It was fun while it lasted. December 2013/January 2014 7