Where I live it is really sticky muddy clay and I wonder if these tyres will do well in it (mud clearing etc), but do they ride well on other types of geology as well cos I travel about a bit(i.e sand, rock, chalk etc)

I used Kenda Nevegals & Blue Grooves last winter but they were so draggy I felt like was cycling through glue everywhere (even on a fire road !!) so not that keen to use them again even though I hate waste.

Trailraker feedback would be really appreciated. Cheers

Hi CJ
I use trailrakers in the mud in Epping Forest - they are great, they keep you on track and have great mud clearance!
A friend of mine also rode all year with them and said they were great at Coed y Brenin.
Some folks opinion is that they are slow on tarmac, but I have used them on tarmac (to and from rides) and never had a problem.
I use the 1.95 version, but for all round use I would suggest the 2.1

HTH
Emily

Thanks Emily, I thought they would be good. I have always loved everything Panaracer and was disappointed with my swop to Kenda (and they weren't cheap!). Think will give the 1.95 a go for winter - I can hear my purse wincing already :-) Happy Biking.
PS What is the riding like in Epping Forest ? much singletrack ?
CJ

Hi CJ

There's loads of singletrack riding in Epping Forest - but its really difficult to link it all up unless you know where it is.

These guys do: www.eppingforestepics.co.uk and they are really nice. I used to ride with them every weekend before I moved to Greece.

We are back over the winter, so I amlooking forward to getting a few more rides in Epping (with my trailrakers) soon.

Cheers
Emily

Carefull in those woods dodgey people go there bird watching!

Ah hum..so i hear, dont take my word though.

I don't think its us girls that have to worry ;-)

CJ,
I did a gorrick navigator yesterday and tried a trailraker for the first time. Very Good! I pinched hubby's 2.1 and was very impressed with the traction. The mud wasn't quite like the sticky stuff we get on the downs but nothing REALLY works on that sort of mud anyway. I thought it was rather speedy on tarmac as far as mud tyres go. I'm undecided whether to get a 1.95 or 2.1 for myself.

I ride on the trailraker 1.95 and its great but I do find I need differing tyres for conditions.
Like Larson tt for hard pack dry conditions, conti xc 1.50 for speed.

Good feedback cheers, I am unsure what size to go for either. I usually buy 2.1/2.25 for most tyres but have heard 1.95 is better for winter giving you more clearance(also backed up by Emily above). Might have to 'eeny meeny miney moe' to make my choice tho and just go with it and see how I get on. will let you know.

I used Trailrakers last Winter and I've switched back to them again now. They are the best mud tyre I've tried to date and can handle most Winter conditions. The only thing I've have any trouble with is that hard wet slime covered chalk you get on parts of the South Downs, but I don't think anything grips on that! I've got the 1.95 version, my husband uses the 2.1's. We both use the steel bead version as there's not much point in trying to save weight when you're mud plugging.

Hi Heather

Cheers for the info, whereabouts are you on the South Downs. I am Eastbourne.. CJ

Hi CJ,

Down the other end, not far from QE Park, Butser Hill, Goodwood etc. Spent a week based at Steyning back in July and found some great riding. Didn't quite get as far East as Eastbourne on that trip, but have done the SDW a few times so know there's some good riding to be had in your area. Hope you get on OK with the Trailrakers - I wouldn't be without mine!

Hi Heather, might see you on a Shecycles ride some time. if you fancy hooking up with someone your end, contact HelsBells she lives that way & is keen to go riding. Happy biking. CJ

Thanks for that CJ, I'll look out for HelsBells!