I unexpectedly got into the DK100. I have a 27.5+ bike, a Salsa Timberjack, and don't want to invest in a nice gravel bike this year because I'm in the middle of buying a rental property.
I'm confident that I can complete the 100 mile distance on a mountain bike as I've done 130 in the past on a slow bike (12-13 hour day).
I am confused by tire descriptions and am seeking advice regarding the best plus tire for the Kansas gravel. Obviously, avoiding a catastrophic sidewall tear is the primary goal (well ahead of speed or comfort) and plus tires have thinner walls than ordinary tires.
You don’t HAVE TO run a plus tire. Panaracer has a 27.5x2.1 GK SK coming soon. though IME using too wide a rim exposes the sidewalls to a greater chance of damage
Thanks, I'll probably get a pair of those just to try them out, but they don't look like they could handle the sharp rocks out in Kansas. I suppose that I could test them in my area by riding on the sloped slides of railroad ballast to see if I get a side puncture, but I can't imagine doing a 100-mile test!
I am planning to drive out to Emporia on Memorial Day Weekend and do a pair of 50~ mile rides so I could definitely test them in the field and then switch them out for normal mtb tires if they don't work.
I have thought of buying a pair of nice 29er wheels but like I said I'm expecting some big expenses this year and am trying to avoid buying another bike or any major pieces of gear.
I should add that I like the handling of the Timberjack since it's stable and a lot of fun to ride on fire roads and other dirt roads with the suspension locked out. But I've never ridden it with a bike computer so I have now how fast (or slow, rather) I'm going on gravel-type conditions. I feel like I'm cruising at 12 or 13mph but it might be just 10 or 11mph.
You could use one of the 650b tires, like the WTB venture or resolute. It'd lower your BB a fair bit, but it's not like you'll have to clear any singletrack log-overs
clarksonxc wrote:You could use one of the 650b tires, like the WTB venture or resolute. It'd lower your BB a fair bit, but it's not like you'll have to clear any singletrack log-overs
the stock rims are 40mm internal. I would not use a tire narrower than ~2.5”. A narrow tire on such a wide rim has very vertical—even less than vertical—sidewalls. Easy to slash sidewalls, more rigid, less cush, easier to pinch flat.
I love the G-one, but it doesn't seem to have the toughest sidewalls if that is your priority. One magazine had both testers flat the G-one and dinged it for that. Europeans love that tire, but they don't have the chunky stuff the US has.
I will admit, I have a G-one with a sidewall tear that I got from just mounting the tires. They were a PITA to get on, but I never expected to get a sidewall tear from just putting the tire on the rim. Strange...
