29r tires for the GDMBR

[MidSouth]

I plan to ride the GDMBR in the next two years or so.  Is the NanoRaptor still the tire of choice for the mixture of gravel, dirt, pavement, and durability on a 29r?  I don't believe the Schwalbe Marathon XR is available in 29r.

[Singlespeedpunk]

Marathon XR is still about in 622 x 50c (Euro version on 29 x 2") but the Dureem seems to have been launched this year and looks lighter.

Others worth looking at ar the Halo Twinrail (used by Pete Basinger IIRC, and possibly one of the brits in 07 / 08?) and the SBC Borough tyres (Friends toured India on a set of these) I will most likely go with the Twinrails or possibly save some $$$ and use what i have on at the time (Weirwolf LT 2.55 / Exiwolf 2.3)

SSP

[rperks]

Take a look at the Marathon Extreme as well,
http://www.schwalbetires.com/marathon_extreme
I have been running the 622x42 for over a year now in different combinations, front rear, with an old XR.  I love it and have not needed the extra volume unless pushing realy fast on loose fist sized rocky trails.  I would have to belive the 50 or 57 would be really nice on more of a 29er type rig.  The road buzz is minimal and for the toughness they roll really well.

here are some pics of my mixed terain set up
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rperks1/sets/72157622761433374/

[Arctos]

I used the Schwalbe Marathon XR in 700x47 for the Divide Ride on my Bruce Gordon RNR- The largest tire I could fit. It was excellent in almost all conditions except loose pumice and sand on the old rail bed in Idaho that was churned up by ATV's. More air volume would have been nice on my rigid ride.
I have the Schwalbe Marathon XR in 26x2.0 on our Fat Chance Mtn Tandem and they have proven to be a durable all around tire as well. I have not used the newer Schwalbe tires as I cannot seem to wear out the XR's!

[DoctorRad]

Take a look at the Marathon Extreme as well,
I have been running the 622x42 for over a year now in different combinations, front rear, with an old XR.  I love it and have not needed the extra volume unless pushing realy fast on loose fist sized rocky trails.

Any suspension at all?

[phil_rad]

Although I used the Nano's this year on the divide, my favorite tire right now is the Geax Saguaro in 2,2. Rolls great, has good traction and wears like iron. It's also good against flats. I run it tubless. I think it's better than the Nano.

[jimfab]

HEy

I agree with Phil, the Saguaro is a Great tire. I have had many sets of them and still use them. The TNT version is very tough. The only downside is that the TNT style is tough to get mounted the first time. You will throw a tire lever across your yard!  but after a few days on the rim they get easy. Used as a front tire they can be kinda sketchy on gravel fire roads, you must give them your full attention but that is true for most any small knob fast rolling tire.