Howdy,

I ride in the north east on a tracer and have ust wheels I run with stans. I do mostly xc type riding and race (top ten sports class). I already own some ust pythons, which I use and don't mind (its a love hate relationship really!) when it has been dry for a while. I am looking for new rubber that will cover the riding season of humid to pools of mud season (most of the season here!). These would be tires I would race at Mt snow: need traction, and need to cover a wide viariaty of terrain.

1) What tires would you recomend?

2) I have tried the fire xc and really like them, yet I have seen the 2.1 listed at different weights, from 580 to 6-something. Does anyone have an explenation for this?

3) What is the riding difference between a 1.8 and the 2.1 in the rear?

Thnx

Mt Snow is an interesting race circuit, this year it's earlier in the season and there is a VERY good chance it will be wet and muddy. I have used the Panaracers and felt they rolled slowed, Mt Snow also has a lot of climbing so a bit of weight savings go a long way.

Last year it wasn't so wet when I was racing (Expert XC) so I used Larsen Exception TT's, I also brought a set of swap things with me that I would have switched to if it had been wetter.

It's hard to pick a tire for everyday riding and racing. For day to day riding and training I use a Tioga DH 2.3 up front and a DH 2.1 at the back. These are great because they are cheap, hook up well, big volume and don't flat easily.

The UST thing throws a different perspective in, but if I was you I'd look for a cheap set of everyday rubber and something light and fast for race day, if MT Snow is your primary focus perhaps Hutchinson Mosquitos?