Why Are You Using The Same MTB Tires the Pros Use?

On 06/21/2020

Situation 2 When You Might Not Want to Ride Like a Pro:

Are you as skilled as Danny MacAskill? Can you corner as fast as Greg Minnaar? Can you brake as effectively as Rachel Atherton?

If your answer to any of those questions is “no”, then don’t you want to stack the odds in your favor? This has always puzzled me – it seems like so many riders want to make riding harder than it needs to be.

Off-camber wet roots are slippery, trails featuring them are challenging, so are steep, loose trails like Burro Pass in Moab (The beginning of The Whole Enchilada).

To give myself the best odds possible, I want a supple ride and the best traction I can get.

I do this by running big, fat tires: 29”x 3.0 tire (3 inches wide) with 15-16 psi in the front.

I run a 2.6-inch tire on the back of my bike as that is the widest tire that fits.

Yes, I get a lot of weird looks and questions: “Aren’t those tires slow-rolling?”
Well, actually they roll really fast, see, the outside diameter is a little over 30” and 15 psi sucks up at the little bumps on the trail.

“Little bumps on the trail?” Yeah, you know, tree roots, rocks less than two inches high, ruts, and holes. None of those bumps slow me down as much as they slow down riders on skinnier tires with more pressure.

“Explain that.” Well, my sidewalls are much taller than yours so there is more room for the tire to flex, absorbing the impact instead of bouncing off the obstacle and trying to push my body weight up. Combined with only 15 psi it is like having an extra, super subtle inch of suspension travel.

Did I mention the traction? It’s amazing, my contact patch is massive and the tire stays on the ground, surrounding pieces of gravel instead of sliding on top of the gravel! This gives me much more confidence. Especially in the corners.

Couldn’t you use a little more confidence? I know I appreciate it!

It was glorious! I was heading towards a loose corner on LPS and I instinctively reached for my brakes to slow down and saw that giant motorcycle tire in my peripheral vision and thought: “Why am I reaching for the brake lever, you have plenty of traction!” So I reeled in those fingers and railed the turn faster than I ever had before!

I have no idea if I could have done that with smaller tires. Maybe I could have, the thing is, I had never tried with my 2.5” front tire, I didn’t have the confidence!

Why Do So Many Mountain Bikers Compromise Their Traction? Is it simply not knowing the benefits? Is it fashion? Fear of being ridiculed?

Student: I read that Riche Rude tried plus-sized tires and didn’t like them.

Me: Can you corner as well as Richie Rude?

I love my 3.0 front tire except when flying with my bike! (it is a struggle to fit into my bike bag)

I won a National Downhill Championship and tied for a KOM on the fastest section of the Whole Enchilada last year using my 3.0 front tire. They even work great in the mud! Despite being completely packed with mud the big tires were surprisingly stable going down this volcano on Reunion Island a couple of years ago. Watch the video HERE

In 2002 I was running 24” x 3.0” Nokian Gazzaloddi tires at the UCI World Masters Championships and many of my competitors were laughing at me and my “slow-rolling, fat tires”. When I earned second place those same competitors told me I had cheated by using those tires. Too funny! Even funnier is those competitors of mine never adapted wider tires, and sadly those tires soon died off.

I believe all riders could benefit from more traction and a smoother ride. To do this you should be running the widest tires your frame (or rims) can fit with the least amount of pressure you can get away with. Experiment! Test tire width’s and pressures, yes, the change will feel strange at first so give those wide tires at least five rides before your final judgment.

I run a 29×3.0 Maxxis 3C Minnion F with EXO sidewall upfront and 29X2.6 Maxxis 3C Minnion F with EXO+ sidewall outback. Both on 40mm internal width rims without cush core type flat protection.

In Moab, because of all the square-edged rock hits, I run 16 psi in the front and 26 psi in the rear tire. In most other places I run 15 psi in the front and 22-24 psi in the rear tire.

Please share this article with anyone you think may benefit and feel free to call or e-mail with any questions.

Cheers
Gene

Comments

5 Comments

PT on 06/29/2020 at 5:49 pm

Thanks for the article! I remember a couple of years ago you posted one about how you loved your 27.5+ bike (Trek) and when you posted on your latest bike (Scott), I missed the part where you mentioned wide tires, so I thought you had gone back to conventional widths. Even though 27.5+ seems to be going out of style these days, I bought one last year (convertible to 29×2.6) and love it – easier to lean the bike in corners, more stable when landing jumps, much smoother over the rock gardens, more traction on rollers/slabs and just generally more confidence inspiring. Unfortunately I just smashed the frame, so will be forced to ride 29×2.3 and dated geometry until I get it replaced; I’m sure it will make me appreciate the return to wide tires that much more!

PS. Took your camp in VA 3 years ago and it definitely helped me reach new heights as a rider.
Reply
- Gene on 07/01/2020 at 9:59 am
  
  Hi Pascal,
  
  Sorry to hear that you broke your frame! I hope is warrantied/fixed soon. Great to hear your impression of riding wide tires with less pressure!
  
  At my height I went 29″ plus and I love them!
  
  Glad to hear my course has taken your riding to new heights! Keep practicing with intention and doing your drills and you will continue to reach new heights!
  
  Cheers,
  
  Gene
  Reply
- Steve Paulson on 07/06/2020 at 1:49 am
  
  Don’t have to make a believer out of me. And thanks for the vote of confidence after hearing the “fatties” had died off. In Kodiak, Alaska we have numerous technical, primitive, rooty, rocky and muddy single track trails. The switch to a 2.8 or 3” tire has made a HUGE difference for all the serious riders I know. Since our local bike distributor here is all Specialized, I have to plug the Black Diamond Butcher 2.8. At half the price of a Magic Mary, it’s every bit the best tire for serious traction. Oh and since I missed your instruction this year in Moab due to the virus, I’m more inspired for a future course.
  Cheers
  Reply
slcpunk on 12/21/2020 at 8:37 am

I saw your post on MTBR too. What’s a maxxis minnion f? The minion line ( one “N”!) has a few different models:

DHRII ( also in Plus model )
DHF ( also in a Plus model )
FBF + FBR ( fat bike models )
SS

Can you detail exactly which you’re talking about when you say “Minnion F” ?
Reply
- Gene on 12/21/2020 at 4:50 pm
  
  Hi Slcpunk,
  
  Thanks for catching my spelling error and sorry to confuse you. When I refer to a Minion F or a Minion R I am referring to the DHF and DHRII in the case of this article both are plus size, the DHF in front is a 29X3.0, and the DHRII in the rear is a 29X 2.6.
  
  I hope this helps.
  
  Cheers,
  
  Gene
  Reply

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Rider Reviews

Thanks again, you were a great part of my succees for 2005. I had the best year of my life. Part of which at the age of 52, I entered numerous mtn bike races, podiumed 5 times and won the Texas Mountain Bike Racing Association series for my division.

Your instruction, professsionalism and emails went above and beyond all expectations.

Kent Wells
2016

Thanks Coach Gene for your time the last 2 days! Your coaching is spot on! I’m so lucky to have had the chance to spend this time learning from the most passionate mountain biker out there – one who cares about the sport and all the techniques that go into it! Total respect! That’s all I have to say! If anyone is questioning or “thinking” about signing up for his camp- DON’T , just do! Thank you Gene!!!!

Gretchen Wavro

This was by far the best use of both money and time in regards to my mountain bike training.
Its 3 days of my life I will never forget.

Jim, BetterRide Camper

The results are starting to trickle in as I have the time to ride some of my local rides that I track my times on. I’m astonished!

My descending time from the summit of Chimney Gulch to the Beaver Brook cross over dropped from a personal best of 6:51.0 to 5:46.0, for the bottom section it went from a personal best of 13:42.0 to 10:12.2. Considering that I really haven’t had enough time to practice a lot yet, I’m stunned at the improvement. I can also say that I felt more in control than I used to and I cleaned a section I’ve never had the balls to even try before.

Again Gene, I can’t thank you enough. The camp was great. Your ability to break skills down into digestible parts, watch riders and help them refine techniques, your humility and sense of humor make you a world class coach. I’ll be taking your next level two clinic this year and probably a refresher next year.”

Mark Forgy
Expert XC racer, Mountain Bike Fanatic

Just wanted to give you an update and let you know that I am starting to experience the delayed effects of your camp. I knew when the camp ended that I was leaving with some new skills that were helpful immediately. But I also knew there were other skills that were going to take more practice, patience and time. Well, I’m starting to see them.

I’ve been practicing descending the way you instructed us but until the last couple of weeks, I knew I was still faster descending the way I always had – I was just more comfortable that way. But in the last couple of weeks, it all kind of clicked.

I’m not winning any downhill races – yet – but all of a sudden (and it really did seem to happen pretty suddenly) your techniques took over and instead of just using them at low speeds only when I thought about it, I was using them all over the trails and feeling pretty comfortable. Now I find myself only reverting to my old techniques when I come into a corner already off balance. Anyway, thanks, it’s a great feeling – can’t wait to use them on race courses this year!

Sarah Kaufman
Top Pro Endurance Racer

I just wanted to let you know that I’ve had big improvements in my racing this year after taking the betteride course (about 10 minutes improvement from last year). I got 2nd place in the beginner category at Eldora, then placed 15th out of 35 in the Sport category at Winterpark in my first ‘sport race’. I passed people on the downhill for the first time in these two races, and am feeling much more confident on the downhills (I hit 31.5 mph max on a tight singletrack in the Eldora race).

Jonathan Jones

Tonight was the first night of practice cyclocross races. The cornering techniques I learned in you camp last weekend rock on the cross bike. I was able to carry speed through the corners and off cambers that I could only dream of last year!

I actually found myself cranking up the speed before the corners instead of braking. Nobody else is using this technique. I found my self keeping pace with stronger riders just on cornering skill alone. Imagine after I’ve a had a few weeks to practice.

I had best time of my life on a mountain bike at your camp, and look forward to doing another one next spring.

Chris Cornelison
September 24, 2010

I took your Neshaminy clinic in June. I wanted to fill you in on my race results. I raced all season in the Midatlantic Super Series in Women’s Sport. I won the overall championship! I am so happy that I won! I will be moving up to Elite next year.

I’ve been doing the drills you taught for 20 minutes, twice a week. I almost always preride my race courses. I work on hard sections to figure out the best lines. Since the clinic, I have noticed that my balance has improved tremendously.

So, Gene… thank you for the clinic. I still tell all my riding buddies about it. Especially how you break down the mechanics of everything that you teach. I let them know how you explain the physics behind the techniques. I tell them that the learning environment you provide is the perfect way to learn something, practice it, and really get it. I’d love to do a refresher course.

Angie Wallace
September 15, 2009

Attending Gene’s camp in Sedona was one of the best decisions that I’ve ever made. You can read skills articles and watch the youtube videos all day, but these will never engrain the skills needed to become a good mountain biker.

Gene’s course teaches you all of the primary skills, and then he drills them into you. You repeat these drills under his watchful eye until the become engrained. It’s been about 9 months since I attended the course and I still hear Gene correcting me if I’m going about an obstacle or turn in the wrong position.

I still make every ride a learning experience because of what he taught, and my riding has improved immensely as a result. Thanks Gene!

Steven Peyton
August, 2018

Just wanted to show you what your lessons made me do this past weekend! If you click on the photo or link to the photo album look through the album and on the 2nd page, bottom row, there’s a great shot of me doing what you taught me to do with my elbows-totally Brian Lopes style.

I was impressed to see myself doing that-a big change in my riding style and I know it’ll make me faster in the long run.

So thanks and I may have some time coming up where I can make it to one of your camps-I’ll let you know.

Amanda Riley, Kenda, Titus, Hayes Team
Winners of 2008, 24 hours of Old Pubelo

Thanks again for holding the camp last weekend. I was finally able to get out and ride yesterday on the falcon trail (loop that goes around the Air Force Academy). There are two sections that I have had problems with in the past. One is a tight turn with two drop offs that are oddly spaced and the landing slopes off into some bushes. I’ve ridden the trail a dozen times and walked that section most times. Once I tried it and endo‘ed into the bushes. When I rode it yesterday, I cleared it with confidence.

I kept repeating to myself “Do or Do Not – There Is No Try” I relaxed, saw the line I wanted to take, found my balance and went through the section very controlled – it was great!

The next section is a steep switchback climb with a ton of sand. I have never made that turn, although I have tried to every time I’ve ridden the trail. This time I approached the switchback using the techniques and strategy you taught us. The result – made it! No problem!

The last thing I noticed is that the whole ride was smoother. I focused primarily on the vision techniques – and body position skills. The ride felt slower than what I normally ride, but it was actually six minutes faster! Absolutely amazing!
Brad
Oct. 8, 2008 (5 days after his 3-day coaching session)

My son took your camp in winter park at age 14. He is 16 and just completed the Laramie Epic (30 miles) last weekend. He placed 2 in the age bracket 0-29. He continues to use your techniques and tips. Smooth is fast! Your worksheets are worn out and weathered from continued use! Worth it….you bet!!!

Sheila Palmer
July 2019

Your camp gave me the confidence to go out and try a few races this summer. My first race was in the beginner 40 to 45 age class in the “Point to Point” cross country race in Winter Park. While I certainly did not break any records – I at least had a respectable finish and more importantly had a total blast.

My second race was a Super D (much more my style in that there is MUCH less uphill cranking) at Winter Park where I got a second place finish in my age group. 3rd race was a Mountain States Cup Super D race in Copper where I came in tenth. Again no records but still having a total blast.

My friends the same age as me think I am crazy doing this stuff but I think they are crazy to be sitting on their arses. Again, thank you for giving me the confidence to go out there and try some racing and hopefully in the near future I will be in another one of your camps!

Will Edgington
September, 2009

Thanks for the e-mail. By the way, after completing your camp in Arizona, I dropped 5 minutes off my previous best lap time at the 12 hours of Temecula mountain bike race (59 to 54 minutes). Obviously, this was a significant breakthrough.

I’ve also noticed that by being a smoother and more efficient rider and by decoupling my body from the bike, I exert less energy and travel faster. “Looking to victory” works like a charm. Most importantly, the basic skills I was exposed to in your camp (and continue to develop) have made mountain biking more enjoyable.

Keith
January 2008

I’ve been wanting to pass on a personal success story. I participated in my first mountain bike race in Copper Harbor, MI. I placed 6th in my age group (over 6 min. behind 3rd place) on a very technical course. Considering the field, I was happy with the results.

My goal after the BetterRide camp was to be in the top 3 in the same race with a similar field. With my new found skills I placed 1st this time with 2nd place over 7 min. behind. I tore it up! Thanks, I’m always telling people that no matter how much they think they know how to ride a mountain bike, they owe it to themselves to attend one of your camps. A year later I still practice my skills every time I’m out.

BTW, a while back you suggested some reading material. I chose Body, Mind Mastery by Dan Millman. (in audio book form). Not only do I feel it helped my mountain bike skills with things like, how tension is counter productive and how the “opponent is not the enemy, but instead the teacher” it also helped me in my own personal life. Good recommendation!
Keep up the good job.

Rich Schmit
April 2011

Gene and fellow BetterRiders!
I have been smiling all day long today, thinking about our rad weekend together! I taught 4 of my kids how to do wheelies today and they thought I was super cool for a solid 5 minutes until they had it completely mastered and were smoking past my on their rear wheels.

Thank you forever, Gene, for sharing your passion and deciding to teach. An empowering, motivating, completely exhilarating weekend. I feel like a little kid on Christmas morning with my new toy. It was a total honor to cross paths with you all!

Currently standing on one leg while I brush my teeth and dictate this email…
Jen

Friends took the 3 day a while ago and really enjoyed it.

I didn’t think I was ready for that but I hired him privately for most of a day. Best experience going. It helped my skiing also. Eyes, eyes and balance via movement on the bike.

Steamboat in the rain…..

John Rostenbur

MTB Skills Camp in Fraser, CO. It was amazing. Phenomenal skills coach, Coach Gene Hamilton, literally broke down the fundamentals of mountain biking in 3 days. Super fun fellow campers. Enjoyed every bit.

Now I need to practice and strengthen some new neural circuits. If you want to improve your MTB skills, no matter your level, take a course from Better Ride.
Patricia George

Thank you, Gene! I thoroughly enjoyed your skills camp. One of the most effective learning environments I have experienced to date. Now it is all about due diligence!

I am interested in a “day with Gene in Moab” and future course offerings.

Ryan Bertram

Gene, The first thing I did was buy some cones. My drive way is pretty steep so can do switch backs there. My pedal wheelies are coming along. Yesterday I had a bit of a breakthrough ride with my vision. On a ride with some small drop offs I realized by using the vision technique I was more balanced, more comfortable and jumped further without trying.

That was the best clinic I have ever done. Thanks for the reading list. I’ve read a number of those books but I now have more to read.

Don Leet