OK, time to start a 2016 Dirty Kanza tire thread....
I am trying to decide on what tire(s) to try out with an eye toward Dirty Kanza. As of now, I am planning to run tubes, and I have been interested in something with extra puncture/side wall protection as well as a tread more aggressive than a file tread.
Anyway, after reading G-Teds review, the Soma Cazadero 42c looks like a potentially good choice. I am particularly drawn to the all-around tread pattern, the 42c size, and the Panaracer quality. There is no mention by Soma of any specific puncture or sidewall protection which might come in handy in Dirty Kanza - but maybe it is rugged without such? Does anyone have an opinion of how it will hold up to hazardous terrain like the Kansas flint rock?
The Maxxis Rambler is light, has (marketing) sidewall protection, and has a somewhat medium duty tread. I would run it tubed, so the difficult set up issues are not much concern. That it quickly flatted in the review really concerns me. Any thoughts on that for Dirty Kanza?
The Bruce Gordon Rock n' Road is also a choice at 43c. It's a little heavier than others, but seems well liked by many riders.
WTB Nano 40c is also a consideration, but it is really heavy according to specs.
Anyone have any thoughts of running any of these rather than going with the popular Clement X'Plore MSO 40c?
I used the MSO's last year and thought they were great. You really just have to pay attention and not bomb down the hills onto the cattle grates and whatnot. If there is water this year, you cannot see the edges of rock which WILL cause pinch flats. I was thinking about the SOMA's as well.
I participated in the DK last year. I used the WTB Nano 40 TCS and ran them tubeless. Amazing tire. The tread is a little more aggressive than many "gravel" tires, but I thought they were great for DK. That race is more of an XC mtb race then gravel road race...a lot of "B" roads, dirt/mud, and loose stuff. I had NO flats or issues with traction. I have over 1,000 miles of gravel on them and they are showing some wear. I will buy new Nano's this spring for the 2016 edition!
I bought a pair of the Cazedero last year after Dirty Kanza, and I am really impressed with their performance. I wouldn't hesitate to ride them in DK if I were riding the same bike, but my new bike will fit bigger tires, so I am going to purchase a set of the Sparwood and run them tubeless.
