Decide my life (front tire)

Posted by: BC_Nuggets

Really liking my Conti Kryptotal Fr SuperSoft up front.  Sure it's on the heavy side compared to what I'm used to but very confidence inspiring.  Enduro Casing Soft Kryptotal Fr moved to rear and it's decent rolling and grippy too.  Nice tires, no regrets.

I have the same up front, it is very easy to trust. But unless they come out with it in something other than the DH casing, I won't be buying another. Not only are my hands sore after, it is by far the most difficult tire I've ever put on or off, to the point that I can't see being able to do a trail-side repair if needed. It's good, but it's not that good.

Are you saying your hands are sore from riding or just from the install? I totally agree on the install I will have to get long skinny tire levers for next time.

As for the riding, I find it's so damped compared to my previous lighter casings that I run my fork 2 rebound clicks faster than before...which feels really good as far as traction, cornering and predictability. So except for the extra weight and the crazy difficult install I love the tire. If they do Enduro casing super soft then that's how I'll go next time around. I don't know why they haven't come out with that yet...it's a no-brainer.

Edited to add that the Enduro casing install was no picnic either but nothing compared to the DH casing (on Chromag Phase30 rim.)

Posted by: BC_Nuggets

Are you saying your hands are sore from riding or just from the install? I totally agree on the install I will have to get long skinny tire levers for next time.

As for the riding, I find it's so damped compared to my previous lighter casings that I run my fork 2 rebound clicks faster than before...which feels really good as far as traction, cornering and predictability. So except for the extra weight and the crazy difficult install I love the tire. If they do Enduro casing super soft then that's how I'll go next time around. I don't know why they haven't come out with that yet...it's a no-brainer.

Edited to add that the Enduro casing install was no picnic either but nothing compared to the DH casing (on Chromag Phase30 rim.)

Oh yeah that wasn't clear... hand sore from riding. I have played around a bit with fork settings but not too much. Rebound already pretty quick. Increased OTT (DVO Onyx) to no avail. 

I agree the Enduro casing would be an improvement, the DH casing is the #1 complaint I've heard about this tire. Makes me wonder if there's some weird reason they can't make it. 

I would be looking elsewhere for my next tire... probably MM.

Interesting.  Like I said I really like how they ride but tire, wheel, fork, bars, grips, brakes all affect comfort and confidence.  I'm on a Chromag hardtail btw so we might be coming from completely different places. ;)

I'm quite surprised that the tire gives your hands so much trouble. The Conti DH casing is very supple and compliant compared to other DH tires (Maxxis DH, Michelin DH 22, Schwalbe Super DH).

Coming from a lighter casing, i had to drop pressure by 2-3 psi but didn't have to change the fork settings at all.

Hey timer what psi are you running?  And your weight?

For the Conti DH front tire, I’m running 20 psi in the dry, 18 psi in the wet, weighing ~70kg with kit.

OK, I'm a bit heavier than you at 175 - 180 lbs (80-82 kg) and run 20.5 to 21.  So similar when taking weight into account.

I don't understand the DHF/DHR, Minion, etc for an XC/Trail bike.  I see them all over the place here in MI.  I've tried a DHF and e*13 something and they were both slow pigs.  The Vittoria Mazza in front is the only tire I have found that isn't a watt suck while still having the capability for soft, slick, loose, otherwise I go with something like the Agarro, Spec Purgatory or similar.