Tyre choice for adventure riding? (Mixing road and off-road)

[NordieBoy]

I think the major issue is the tread blocks are very tall,a good 18-20mm tall.
Might try different pressure on DB1K,but for that kind of riding I don't think it'll be as vital.

I found with the MT21 and 30psi that it would be bouncing off rocks like it was allergic to them. The back was all over the place. Once down to 20psi it rolled over them better and was a totally different tyre.

[mazz1972]

Have been reading through this thread but it's pretty long...!

I need some new rubber for my KLE500 - sizes are 130/80 17 and 90/90 21.

We are doing Molesworth and Rainbow next month and I'm looking for tyres to help me out in the gravel since I'm pretty crap at gravel and this is going to be a big ask for me. So I need tyres that will give me all the help I can get!

I've noted that many people recommend the Mitas E07's but was a bit alarmed when a few mentioned about square-ish profile and how this felt in cornering - depending on rim size - I've no idea what mine are!

Can anyone help with suggestions for tyres in those sizes? I haven't found too many options so far.

Price is a bit of an issue as we need to order three sets of tyres this month and the money tree is feeling pretty violated at the moment.

Any recomendations would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

[NordieBoy]

For good general purpose and value for money I'd go Pirelli MT21 on the front and a 130 width Shinko SR244 on the back.
In 8000 odd km when the back is shot then go to a Mitas E07 in a 130 width on the rear.

[mazz1972]

Thanks Nordie. I've ordered Shinko R244's for both front & rear. Hopefully do the trick!

[Crisis management]

Thanks Nordie. I've ordered Shinko R244's for both front & rear. Hopefully do the trick!

Change the order...put a very good tyre on the front MT21 (as Nordie suggested) or Continental TKC. You must have front end control, the rear doesn't matter.

Seriously, put the MT21 on the front.


Got the message??

[NordieBoy]

Thanks Nordie. I've ordered Shinko R244's for both front & rear. Hopefully do the trick!

Change the order...put a very good tyre on the front MT21 (as Nordie suggested) or Continental TKC. You must have front end control, the rear doesn't matter.

The 244 on the front is ok but the mt21 is much better

[timg]

As Rossi said "Put something you love on the front, and something round and black on the back"

[Crisis management]

The 244 on the front is ok but the mt21 is much better

Hence my post.....

[NordieBoy]

Hence my post.....

Hence my quote of your most excellent post....

[_Shrek_]

Thanks Nordie. I've ordered Shinko R244's for both front & rear. Hopefully do the trick!

If you're going to do metal on a regular basis then I would suggest for your next set the TKC80 on the front & the Mitas Eo7 on the rear as this combo will serve you well on both tar & metal

[clint640]

If you're going to do metal on a regular basis then I would suggest for your next set the TKC80 on the front & the Mitas Eo7 on the rear as this combo will serve you well on both tar & metal

Yep, I'm definitely liking that combo in 21" Front / 18" Rear on the 640.

Cheers
Clint

[mazz1972]

The Shinko's are on and from the looks of it I'm ready to do Mt Everest - could say they are slightly WAY more chunky than the photo eluded to!

They weren't my first choice but some of my other selections weren't available.

Despite having a dual purpose bike I'm not particularly adventurous when it comes to riding off tarmac (and not very good at it either!) so the Shinkos will probably come off after that trip and the rear Metzeler Tourance back on and look for a new front since it was stuffed anyway.

Thanks for your comments everyone

[NordieBoy]

Keep the Shinko's aired up to 30f/34r psi and they'll govery well on the road.
I got 8000km out of my rear and 20,500km out of the front.

[mazz1972]

Keep the Shinko's aired up to 30f/34r psi and they'll govery well on the road.
I got 8000km out of my rear and 20,500km out of the front.

What pressure would you recommend offroad?

Wow some some great mileage!!

[NordieBoy]

What pressure would you recommend offroad?

Wow some some great mileage!!

I ride like a nana.

Gravel roads - 22f/26-30r.
Off road - 20f/22-24r.

The higher rear pressure if you're carrying luggage.

You'll soon find pressures you like.
If the rear is skipping around off rocks or sliding far too easily then it's probably running too high pressure.

I found the 244 rear at 35 psi had better gravel grip than the Pirelli MT21 at 24psi.

As I've said the 244 front was OK but the MT21 is brilliant however I prefer the 244 rear over the MT21 any day of the week