Time to retire the Panaracer Fire XC Pros...
...a friend turned me on to the WTB Mutano Raptor 2.24 for the rear. This is an amazing tire; no doubt a bit heavier than the XC Pro, but it's a bit wider, a bit cushier and grabs rocks like crazy.
I can't tell you how it works in mud (it never rains in NorCal :~P), but it seems to have a stronger sidewall (no pinch flats, yet), the rubber seems a little softer (but is wearing well) and the amount of cush for my tush is much improved. I am now a big fan of bigger tires, and this tire gets big thumbs up from me.
One of the things that impressed me (and this may be totally irrelevant to mtb-ing) is, one day when I was commuting. You know how you pull up parallel to a small curb, hop your front tire up and grind the rear tire on the curb? Well, I tried this on a curb that was 2-3" high, tried to grind it, and the rear tire just grabbed and motored on up the curb. Surprised the hell out of me.
I rode Hogan today, and I was able to climb some things I've never been able to before.
4 out of 5 thumbs up.
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Other shite
BEWARE!
If you have one of them kewl Park Tool toilet paper dispensers, take it down immediately and clear-coat it w/ Rustoleum. My TP holder is not very old, and already it's starting to rust from being exposed to the moist conditions in the bathroom. I expected more from a item from Park >:~P
And of course the update is, I sniveled to Park & they sent me a new one. Before I put it up, I clearcoated it. But, we really shouldn't have to do that.
And now, for something completely different, read this and take notes, for God's sake.
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