Best tires for AZT: Phoenix to Tucson

[OregonMTB]

I'm leaving next week to bike the section of the AZT roughly from east of Phoenix to Mt Lemmon. What type of tires should I use? Looks like everyone is using knobbies, but our local bike shop fitted me with some Serfas Drifters, 26 x 2.0.

Curious for opinions and any tips for that section of trail

http://www.serfas.com/product_details.asp?ID=558

[AZTtripper]

Not sure witch route you are taking. The AZT single track or the dirt road version of the AZT. But I don't think those are the tires for either one.

For the ST you'll wish you had more tread. Even if you are doing the dirt road tour route I think the Willow Springs road gets pretty sandy. I have done the AZT on 2.0's and dirt commuter tires at that but those things look like slicks.

The Armadillo's I ran in 06 were commuters but at least had side knobs as well as a center bead.

Good to hear more people getting on the AZT have fun out there.

[OregonMTB]

Thanks for your advice. I had the same concern when I saw them. We'll be doing a combo, dirt road and single track. I think I'll go with a center bead and side tread. I've had good luck with that combo on past tours.

[OregonMTB]

What about these? Kenda Pathfinder?

http://www.amazon.com/Kenda-K908-Pathfinder-Blackwall-1-95-Inch/dp/B002DX1DGW

[Beaglesdadi]

I didn't catch if you were tubeless or tubes? Anyway, I've been running this tire in the rear (set up ust/29), super fast and it's withheld the punishments of Bootleg Canyon.... http://www.amazon.com/WTB-Vulpine-Comp-Tire-2-1x26/dp/B005LQU72O/ref=sr_1_7?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1321032770&sr=1-7

Matt

[OregonMTB]

Thanks, Matt. I've decided to get something similar. I am using tires with tubes...seen too many messy blowouts with tubeless tires.  Julie

[Beaglesdadi]

Thanks, Matt. I've decided to get something similar. I am using tires with tubes...seen too many messy blowouts with tubeless tires.  Julie

Take lots of pics of your adventure and make sure you post back with a ride report....enjoy!

Matt

[AZTtripper]

Thanks, Matt. I've decided to get something similar. I am using tires with tubes...seen too many messy blowouts with tubeless tires.  Julie

Lots of people running tubeless on bikepacking set ups for what it's worth.

Nothing wrong with tubes.

Slime, Stan's, Truegoo what ever just make sure that your tubes have sealant, in the spares as well. 2-3 per rider min.

Enjoy the ride.

Tim