maybe the Conti Trailking (it used to be called Rubberqueen) would be something for you too. There is a cheap wire version and a good folding version with Apex insert. Weighs about 870g. It was my first MUni tire that I used on my unicycles and I dug it out again. It seems to ride well on both narrow (30mm) and wide (45mm) rims. I recently fitted it again and was very happy with the performance. It is easier to steer than 3" tires and has no trouble with the sideways gradient of the road. Since this tire is unfortunately no longer manufactured, it could be available cheaply.
Can anyone confirm whether the Duro Crux 27.5" x 3.25" tire is tubeless ready on a KH 2023 27.5" rim? UDC indicates it’s not while other sources I’m coming across indicate that it is.
You could say that it’s both TLR and not. The tire itself is not explicitly designed as tubeless ready but the rim is so tight that it works just fine. In fact, the rim is so tight that getting the tire off of it can be a real hassle! And the sealant might dry out a little faster than normal as I suppose the carcass of the tire isn’t as well sealed as a TLR tire normally is. BTW, there’s a new version of the Crux that you can get from JonesBikes(.com) that’s definitely TLR and more stout than the one that comes stock on the KH unis. I suppose that uni brands will eventually start using it
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I don’t think it’s placebo. The difference isn’t night and day but it’s a significant improvement on bias ply tires. Steers like a narrow tire, floats and absorbs like a plus tire. Might be the ideal muni tire
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I think my verdict on the Albert is that I really like it in rocky terrain, I just got to ride it in that again yesterday and it does perform great in it. Absorbs bumps nicely with good control.
I think in not so rocky terrain, the advantages of this tire vs. just running lower pressure on a normal construction disappear. At that point it is still not a bad tire, but I’m not sure I wouldn’t prefer a bias ply tire and have a bit more freedom with tire pressure. (Considering that the Albert does feel a bit sluggish uphill and I’ve found it quite sensitive to even slight tire pressure changes).
I believe I spotted @muni_ben running an Albert on strava, so maybe he can also give some thoughts now.
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You are right 
but I only have one ride on the Albert so far. It was quite muddy, not really the best terrain for the Albert, so I cannot give a verdict yet. I plan to use it for Grischa though, which should be a good way to test it 
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Does anyone have any recommendations for a 27.5 muni tire that’s around 2.5" in thickness? I plan on mostly riding trails and nothing too technical (at least until I get to that point… Eventually)
I built up a Light Bicycle EN728 as an alternative to the fat Hatchet wheel I currently have to make it easier on the legs 
The monsterous wheel on a unicycle is a sight to behold, though I don’t think I’m quite ready to take full advantage of it yet. I figured building up a lighter wheel would be more conducive for me learning muni.
EDIT: I had Maxxis in mind in terms of a brand, though if I’m being completely honest it’s an arbitrary request. The yellow text found on some tires would match with the yellow bits on the rim 
I’ll happily take any brand of course
On my 27.5 the only tyre I’ve used is the standard one, the Duro crux 3.25. I’ve just ordered a schwalbe tough Tom 27.5x2.8 though, I’ll let you know how it rides when I get it.
On my 29 I’ve used the Schwalbe Hans Dampf 29x2.35 and found it decent. It’s available in 27.5x2.35 so that might suit you? Although it doesn’t have yellow logos!
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In another thread, @www.einradshop.ch was showing the Schwalbe Johnny Watt that looked interesting and was available in 27.5 and 29. If price and availability work for you, that could be interesting.
From what you describe, any tire without too aggressive of a tread would do and by the time you will push the envelope, you will know whatever you current tire is missing
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For 27.5" you have lots of choices, as that’s the “popular” enduro/DH/all-mountain mountain bike size.
It depends on what you want… I mostly ride Maxxis (mostly DHR, I love the 29x3.0), but I actually have a Specialized Butcher on my 27.5 and really like it. Probably not as good traction in wet and mud, but responds well and predictable and beefy without being heavy. From Schwalbe you have (in order of aggressiveness) Fat Albert, Big Betty and Muddy Mary (and others that I haven’t tried like Hans Dampf). Pay attention what you buy as for the Schwalbe and Maxxis there are usually different carcasses and thread types and weight can vary a lot, maybe 900-1400g… I wouldn’t recommend the heavy DH versions unless you’re only doing lift-assisted riding.
I personally do not like the Duro Crux as it is too bouncy and pressure sensitive for me. With a mid-weight Maxxis or Schwalbe you probably can’t go wrong. Oh, just a note: Maxxis runs narrow and Schwalbe runs wide, so a Maxxis tire marked 2.5" could be narrower than a Schwalbe marked 2.4". If you want a tire for technical, then Maxxis DHR is pretty hard to beat, but it is not the lightest and it has a bit of rolling restitance. If you’re riding in wet rocks/roots, then get the softer compounds (higher rolling resistence and wear out faster, although most manufacturers are now offering multithread compounds that are great but expensive).
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If you’re in North America, the Schwalbe is probably more expensive (in Europe they’re not soo bad), so I would give the Specialized Butcher a look. Can’t remember, but this looks like mine: 27.5x2.4" at 1000g with grippy T9 Trail, MSRP $70: Butcher Grid Trail T9 TLR Trail Tire
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The Tough Tom 27.5x2.8 arrived today, and has had it’s first ride on my nimbus oracle with the dominator 2 rim it measures pretty much right on 2.8". The ride is good. I did 10 miles on a mix of gravel forest road, tarmac, singletrack and a little sand. It felt good, similar handling to the Duro crux 3.25 but lighter, a little more agile. And in the UK I got it for less than half the cost of a crux (£20.95 delivered vs £49.99 for the crux!). I’ll see how it goes as far as wear is concerned but initial impression is good!
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Sorry, I only just discovered your question 
The tire has excellent grip and provides a good feeling of security. Personally, I think it’s the best Muni tire possible. The only thing that might put me off is its high price, but it’s worth it. Available in 26, 27.5, and 29x 3.0.
Maxxis Rekon is what works best for me as a light muni tire. Available in 27"5 x 2"6
It is lighter and rolls better than she Minion DHR, which is a great tire for DH but not so excellent for light Muni.
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I also have the Maxxis Rekon in 29x2.6 (120 TPI) for light muni and am pretty happy with it. Compared to the DHR:
- lighter
- rolls better
- a little pressure sensitive and gets a little bouncy below say 24psi/2 bar
- not great puncture resistance (I just patched mine today after a ride in the Texas Hill country, where I got a tiny pinhole so it lost air after 5 hours. My DHR would probably not have had a problem)
- much less traction in wet
- less beefy in technical rock gardens
But also a great tire for the appropriate use: at Unicon as well as the upcoming Italian Muni championship in Villanders, I used/will use those 2 tires: Rekon for uphill+XC, DHR for downhill.
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Since it seems like MUni tires are trending narrower between 2.5" and 3.0", I’m wondering how well they perform on the current Kris Holm 27.5" and 29" rims with 55mm width, coming with 3.25" stock tires.
What do you think, are narrower discussed options like 2.6" or 2.8" still well-supported on the KH 27.5" 55mm rim?
Yes. My 29x2.6 and 27.5x2.6 tires are both on the KH rim and work great.
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I’m looking at getting a new tire for my KH 27.5. While I’m not the most experienced muni rider (mostly road) I’ve been riding more loose, rocky steep downhill terrain and found the stock Duro Crux 27.5” x 3.25” to be disappointing. It tends to bounce a lot on divots, “snaps” on anchored rocks and doesn’t grip well on downhill.
EDIT: I would prefer something in the 2.8” width size. I hate the fatbike feel of 3”+ size tires.
While researching, the Maxxis Minion keeps popping up as an all-round favorite among downhill mountain b*kers. Has anyone had any experience with the DHF version? This line stands out to me.
I would expect to DHF to excell on camber since it experiences more turning, unlike a rear tire.
Why don’t you take the Surly Dirt Wizard 29x3.0? This tire has a lot of grip
I changed from the Duro crux to a schwalbe Tough Tom 27.5x2.8 on my oracle. The main reasons being to avoid the tyre rubbing the frame during hard pedaling and it was less than half the price! Also, it was available, where the Duro was out of stock everywhere.
So far (I think around 500 miles) it is holding up well. Decent on tarmac when required and good grip off road. I will happily buy another when this one wears out!