by "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
Published 10/08/2017 at 21:33
by "FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
Published 10/08/2017 at 21:33
Tags: BIKELOPNIK
STARS: 0
For a few years now, I’ve been running WTB Nano Race tires on my old Raleigh. Recently I got a tear that was beyond patching and found the Nano is no longer available in 26". In fact, the only 26" WTB makes less than 2.2" wide is the same-as-it-was-in-1994 Velociraptor 2.1". I saw they were on sale for a silly low $22 at Nashbar and decided to buy a set, since they are front and rear specific. They are heavy buggers at over 800 grams with a 27 TPI case vs. 60 TPI on the Nano. But that means I should get less flats, which were a pretty common occurrence with the Nano. First impressions on a quick trip down an old gravel fire road were pretty good. They do feel heavy, but are sturdy and the paddle treads on the back grip darn well. The ride is expectedly firm, but they also feel very stable. On pavement was better than expected in terms of noise and rolling resistance, but I don’t plan to ride them on the street any real distance. Overall, they just feel right on the bike - a tire from the era that bike was made that look the part but also still work very well. There is a reason these have been in production so long and I’m excited to get out soon and give them a real thrashing.
"Straightsix9904" (Straightsix9904)
10/08/2017 at 21:49, STARS: 2
The Nano races are done? Dang, that is always what I Had in my mtn bike when I did ride. The velociraptors are good in everything but mud. I hated them if it was slightly damp or roots. Hardpack they were good.
Reminds me of when Michelin changed their pro comp compound to some god awful compound that was not sticky at all and had a nasty habit of blowing out the sidewall. I searched everyplace that had NOS and bought every last one I could find. I think I ended up with like $600 in tires.
"Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
10/08/2017 at 21:59, STARS: 1
I won a downhill race on velociraptors in 1995, yes 1995.
"FTTOHG Has Moved to https://opposite-lock.com" (alphaass)
10/08/2017 at 22:03, STARS: 0
They still make the Nano Race in 27.5 and 29 just no longer in 26. Getting 26” tires in anything but 2.3” or more wide is getting pretty hard and my frame fits about a 2.2 max. South Texas mud is unridable with just about any tire. I’ve basically given up on riding when it isn’t dry so these should be fine. I remember a while back Continental did something similar to your Michelin story - one of their tires I had got totally changed even though it kept the same name and it sucked. I’m also pretty bad about hoarding consumable things I like that get discontinued. I’ve been rounding up my favorite running shoes in my size on eBay recently.
"SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media" (silentbutnotreallydeadly)
10/08/2017 at 22:40, STARS: 1
If it helps at all...Vittoria do a tyre that is very similar pattern wise to the WTB Nano that they call the Mezcal. And it comes in both rigid and tubeless casings in a 26 x 2.1 size. https://www.vittoria.com/tire/mezcal/
I run them on my 29er and I rate them...