MTB race tires for 29er?

[F0neb0ne]

Hi everybody,

I am searching for tires for my Cannondale Flash 2 29er, that are both suitable for fast riding on the road as well as good and controlled riding on hilly and most likely wet single trails in scotland.

So far I found two tires that look good, one by Schwalbe, and one by Continental:
Schwalbe Smart Sam, for the 29er it is available in 1.75/ 2.1/ 2.25.
 
Continental Race King, which is available in 2.2 in the Protection version.

Both look like they are going to provide fast rolling without much resistance with high pressure. When on the trails I m going to reduce the pressure a little to increase grip.

My question: Do you have first hand experience with one or both of these tires? Which one is recommendable?

[richdirector]

I swear by my Maxxis Ardent after ripping too many Schwalbe tyres. Not as quick on dry but sheds mud great and keeps going through anything

[F0neb0ne]

I finished the Grenzsteintrophy 2014 last year in 8 days with a set of slightly used Rapid Robs with Antiplatt inside for protection. Didn't have a single flat tire, and felt pretty good with them. I was lucky to ride in mostly dry conditions. A few of the singletrails with mud wouldn't have been rideable with rougher tries as well since they were pretty steep and slippery. Had a Racing Ralph with me just in case which I luckily didn't need.

Since lots of miles are on the old military roads with large, bumpy concrete slabs the Rapid Rob, Racing Ralph or Continental Race King are a good choice imo.

[SlowRide]

I'd take a look at the Maxxis IKON EXO, I've found it to be a great all around performer, fast enough rolling for roads and just enough grip on single tracks. Light, great tread life, EXO sidewall protection.