Tires Firestone or KENDA
I had Kenda Kountachs and they served me well, only really got pinch flats ever and that was 100% my fault.
Nothing wrong with Kendas. They get the job done.
Talk to Daelen at MAP. He can set you up with Kenda Tires at a discount. With a KA you should make it through multiple events on one set of Kendas.
They had been recommended to me by a couple friends, but obviously you have to try it before you really know. This is *my* take on these tires **after only one ride**. I can corner better than I've ever been able to on a 29er. I feel more comfortable going through loose sand and dirt. Traction on most surfaces that I rode on (packed dirt, loose dirt, rocks, road, and gravel) was much higher. Due to the above, I was able to go faster through more areas of trail. Rolling over small objects was smoother. Rolling resistance is much higher than I had thought, but it doesn't stop you dead. To me, this simply means I have to work a little harder, which I have no problem doing.
I've had it for 1 week now, the lackluster looks of the stock 16's and the squishy, uncertain ride of the Goodyear's was killing me. Discount Tire was quick to the rescue with a set of Faulken LX-10 wheels and they were nice enough to let me get the tires I wanted through Tire Rack. They advised me to avoid the tire size I selected, but I was certain that it would work. The wheels are 20x8.55\" with a 35 mm offset, gloss black backround, machined face with chrome lip. I wanted to fill in the expected wheel gap, so rather than lowering it, I stuffed more rubber into the wheel well 'cause I bought this car to avoid the tailpipe sniffing experience of my previous GTI. The car sits 1\" higher than before, no rubbing, nothing touching in full lock either direction. The tires are Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500, staggered to 245/45-20 front and 255/45-20 rear. My biggest concern was the front lower shock saddle, I clear it by the width of a credit card, an offset of 30-32 would have been perfect, these tires do not stick out at all. The ride and handling are huge improvements, the extra sidewall actually gives a more more comfortable ride than stock with none of the wandering from before. Handling is now crisp and defined, but I wish for a better feel from the steering wheel as it is so overboosted, the setup feels light, until braking, it seems I have to push the pedal harder than before, I'd like to hear your opinions as to why this is. Other than that, I'm quite pleased, $2100 later.
On my Sportruck (1980 caddy)(winter beater) I had Firestone Snowbiter studded snows all four. 155/85/13 HONEST to GOD! this truck would leave well set-up K-5 4x4 BLAZERS wallowing in it's dust as soon as the snow and Ice hit.
Firestone Winterforce snow tires with studs! Now I have that satisfying clicky clicky back. And the ability to drive through all the snow and ice EVER. Sure, the handling on dry roads is absolutely garbage now, but it's more fun in other ways!
here in MN were we rally-x in fields, clay, and grass....I use 185/60/14 winterforces....I run intertubes in the fronts to avoid debeading.
I ended up with the firestones. I know they are not the best winter tire but I'd take them over an A/T in the winter. I got my moneys worth the day I put them on because we got a decent "wet" snow storm and the main road out of our neighborhood was closed do to an accident as usual. I had to take a alternate rout which is a steep curvy 1 lane road and I was one of the few to make it all they way out without spending time in the ditch or guardrails.
I liked the feel of Nevegals, but mine started to fall apart about 4 months after getting them. Durability seems to be an issue for myself, and some other people after reading other reviews.
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