Intense 650B MTB tires....

Kirk Pacenti · 01-31-2008

I feel sort of funny being the one to out this, but I just got word that Intense Tire Systems is seriously considering jumping into the 650B MTB tire market.

They are calling a dozen or more OE brands interested in the wheel size this week to gauge interest; more to come soon...

Give them a shout to show your support! info@vsiproducts.com

BrendanC · 01-31-2008

Do you happen to know what tread pattern they'd use?
A System 4 could work nicely!

RockStarRacing · 01-31-2008

i hope there doing an 2 inch XC biased tyre as well.......

Kirk Pacenti · 01-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrendanC

Do you happen to know what tread pattern they'd use?
A System 4 could work nicely!

Brendan,

The word is it will be a System 4, but perhaps with lower, or fewer knobs to keep the weight down.

RockStarRacing · 01-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk Pacenti

Brendan,

The word is it will be a System 4, but perhaps with lower, or fewer knobs to keep the weight down.

having looked at the intense site, id of prefered a system 1 or 2 type tire..........fingers crossed there gonna do some!

yogiprophet · 01-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk Pacenti

The word is it will be a System 4, but perhaps with lower, or fewer knobs to keep the weight down.

That sounds sweet Kirk. How do you think that tire will differ from the Neo Moto?

Kirk Pacenti · 01-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogiprophet

That sounds sweet Kirk. How do you think that tire will differ from the Neo Moto?

I don't have any experience with ITS tires, so I couldn't really say. But from the looks of it, it seems more XC oriented than the Neo-Moto is.

MMcG · 01-31-2008

System 4 would be great!

grawbass · 01-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockStarRacing

having looked at the intense site, id of prefered a system 1 or 2 type tire..........fingers crossed there gonna do some!

I have a System 2 and its a really nice tire. Rolls very well and has decent traction.

Super E · 01-31-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk Pacenti

I don't have any experience with ITS tires, so I couldn't really say. But from the looks of it, it seems more XC oriented than the Neo-Moto is.

The Neo-Moto is plenty XC oriented IMO...I guess it depends on what you mean by XC oriented. I've rolled the Neo-Moto nearly a 1000 miles now on the front of my bike and can say without a doubt it is fast and rolls with little resistance. It's not a light weight XC-racer boy tire, but for all-day XC-endurance it's top of the line.

Fisty · 02-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Super E

I've rolled the Neo-Moto nearly a 1000 miles now on the front of my bike and can say without a doubt it is fast and rolls with little resistance. It's not a light weight XC-racer boy tire, but for all-day XC-endurance it's top of the line.

Yeah a great tire but The Neo-Moto is not "plenty" XC RACE oriented IMO..

TNC · 02-01-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fisty

Yeah a great tire but The Neo-Moto is not "plenty" XC RACE oriented IMO..

Real XC guys desiring real XC tires would never consider a 730g tire with as aggressive a tread pattern as the NeoMoto, generally speaking. You see really low tread tires like Nanoraptors and similar setups on many true XC folk's bikes, and many of them weigh 100-200g less than the NM.

That said, I hate XC tires as they generally work horribly on a bike like a Nomad used for aggressive riding in rocky terrain, and they get sidewall cuts and rock punctures too easily for me. But, that's why they make different tires to suit different riders, bikes, and application. It's nice to see some other choices on the horizon for other 650B users. The NeoMoto works excellently for me, even as a tubeless setup, but I can see where it wouldn't suit everyone.

Kirk Pacenti · 02-04-2008

“Intense Tire System is looking hard into the 650B market. However they are getting conflicting reports on what type of tread pattern and size this market is looking for. We really would like to see some suggestions on what 650B customers want keeping in mind our current 26” offerings. Go to http://www.intensetires.com/contact.htm and give us your suggestion”

yogiprophet · 02-04-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNC

Real XC guys desiring real XC tires would never consider a 730g tire with as aggressive a tread pattern as the NeoMoto, generally speaking. You see really low tread tires like Nanoraptors and similar setups on many true XC folk's bikes, and many of them weigh 100-200g less than the NM.

That said, I hate XC tires as they generally work horribly on a bike like a Nomad used for aggressive riding in rocky terrain, and they get sidewall cuts and rock punctures too easily for me. But, that's why they make different tires to suit different riders, bikes, and application. It's nice to see some other choices on the horizon for other 650B users. The NeoMoto works excellently for me, even as a tubeless setup, but I can see where it wouldn't suit everyone.

My race tires weigh 750g(that's a 26") and man I am am leaving people in the rough and the corners. That is saying a lot for a top heavy guy like me to rule in the tight stuff.
Those weight weenies don't know what they're missing.

I hope they make the system 4 type tire with a tubeless bead. I know you said the Neo Moto works great as a tubeless with your setup, but I'm not into the Stan's strips. I would much rather that material be used in the bead and make it the real deal and then just cover the spoke holes with the yellow tape. That is what I am running now (tubeless ready)and it has been a winner literally.

Just took the El Paso Puzzler this past weekend. It was 44 miles of tough desert. The front wheel has a Stan's ZTR 355. It came through like a champ with never a bit of air lost on this very rocky route.

I did endo on a long decent that was a picture from downhill hell

There is a 200' section of about 1 foot rocks piled on top of each other all in the shape of squares and diamonds strewn all down the path(no dirt just big rocks). The 29ers were at a great advantage on this section. I was wishing for a 650b. Next year for sure.

bcd · 02-05-2008

give us a real dh tire! i would switch to 650b in a heartbeat!

steelbike · 02-06-2008

Contact Intense. They are very interested in the 650b feedback.
tobyh@vsiproducts.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcd

give us a real dh tire! i would switch to 650b in a heartbeat!

derby · 02-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcd

give us a real dh tire! i would switch to 650b in a heartbeat!

You'd need a stronger rims too. The 650b rims currently are very light XC, questionable for heavier duty AM style use.

A DH 650b bike would be the "unfair advantage"!

Kirk Pacenti · 02-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by derby

You'd need a stronger rims too. The 650b rims currently are very light XC, questionable for heavier duty AM style use.

A DH 650b bike would be the "unfair advantage"!

I have asked Velocity to roll me some of their "Psycho" rims for testing. I have a pro DH team who may be willing to give the wheel size a shot, at least up front... I'll keep you posted on availability.

MMcG · 02-06-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by steelbike

Contact Intense. They are very interested in the 650b feedback.
tobyh@vsiproducts.com

I wrote and got a personal reply back which was cool!

yogiprophet · 02-06-2008

Wooo, that would be very very sweet. I was saying way back that the downhillers should be pumped to put a 650b in the front.

IMO, the 26 rear/27.5 front would be the rockin' combination for the downhill racer. The 29 up front is too big to keep it within reasonable stiffness/strength for that level of abuse on top of the fact that it just wouldn't fit with the amount of suspension needed.
With the 27.5, they could still keep all of the travel(hoping that the wheel fits into 26" suspension forks) with the enhanced rolling of a larger radius wheel.

Looking forward to seeing this setup at the races.

bcd · 02-07-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kirk Pacenti

I have asked Velocity to roll me some of their "Psycho" rims for testing. I have a pro DH team who may be willing to give the wheel size a shot, at least up front... I'll keep you posted on availability.

its a little narrow most dhers use 36mm ish rims.

alex

Cracked Headtube · 02-07-2008

BCD I saw a 29" DH on your BCD page, what rim was used in that application?

bcd · 02-07-2008

KH, but this year i am using salsa gordos

Rubicon · 02-07-2008

Where can I purchase a 650b wheelset or wheel or rim? I can't seem to find any... Who carries the NeoMoto for sale? One last question do any of the Marzocchi XC forks MXPro, Marathon, 600 etc... work with 650b wheels and tires. Thanks...Dave

TNC · 02-07-2008

Rubicon, there are several sources for wheels. I got mine from QBP's WheelHouse program and got the tire from Kirk. QBP is also carrying the tire very shortly. They even already have it in their inventory listing. My understanding at the moment is that most Marz forks aren't good candidates. I have my front 650B in an '08 Nixon on a Nomad. It's a great wheel and tire combo and makes a noticeable improvement.

Arsbars · 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rubicon

Where can I purchase a 650b wheelset or wheel or rim? I can't seem to find any... Who carries the NeoMoto for sale? One last question do any of the Marzocchi XC forks MXPro, Marathon, 600 etc... work with 650b wheels and tires. Thanks...Dave

I ran a Marzocchi Bomber Air '04 for a couple rides. It cleared but any trail leaves/sticks got wedged easily between the tire/fork. I was running this on my 1x1 with 650b front and back. I find that the 1x1 fork is handling a lot better for my liking than the Bomber did, plus there is tons more clearance.

Rubicon · 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNC

Rubicon, there are several sources for wheels. I got mine from QBP's WheelHouse program and got the tire from Kirk. QBP is also carrying the tire very shortly. They even already have it in their inventory listing. My understanding at the moment is that most Marz forks aren't good candidates. I have my front 650B in an '08 Nixon on a Nomad. It's a great wheel and tire combo and makes a noticeable improvement.

Thanks TNC... I have found the tires ... but I cannot find prebuilt wheels, even from Velocity. Or I am just too computer illiterate to navigate throuh their site. Thanks again I dearly want to do a hardtail in 650b-- I love the ride of my Kula 2-9 and I would like to replicate it in a 650b and see if it still works and perhaps improves the overall performance.

Thanks again...

Dave

Rubicon · 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arsbars

I ran a Marzocchi Bomber Air '04 for a couple rides. It cleared but any trail leaves/sticks got wedged easily between the tire/fork. I was running this on my 1x1 with 650b front and back. I find that the 1x1 fork is handling a lot better for my liking than the Bomber did, plus there is tons more clearance.

That is interesting... thank you.. It does appear that a bit newer or bigger hit design Marzocchi for would work... as the fork you used is not a high clearance model. Thanks again. I don't want to go rigid... my old bones crack too easily! LOL.

Dave

MMcG · 02-08-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arsbars

I ran a Marzocchi Bomber Air '04 for a couple rides. It cleared but any trail leaves/sticks got wedged easily between the tire/fork. I was running this on my 1x1 with 650b front and back. I find that the 1x1 fork is handling a lot better for my liking than the Bomber did, plus there is tons more clearance.

This intrigues me big time. I just picked up a old Marzocchi Z1 with 5" of travel and the old taller bolt on arch - I betcha a 650b would clear this old school Zoke.

Damnit I wish I had a wheel and tire to test it out on.

Anyone in CT riding a 650b up front yet that can help????

Arsbars · 02-08-2008

I haven't been able to find anyone with another Marzocchi that isn't thru axle. My suggestion would be not to put on any fork that isn't designed for the frame you are riding.
It's the same as a 26" wheel just a bit larger ya know.. so putting a 5" fork on a 1x1 just wouldn't make sense.

MMcG · 02-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arsbars

I haven't been able to find anyone with another Marzocchi that isn't thru axle. My suggestion would be not to put on any fork that isn't designed for the frame you are riding.
It's the same as a 26" wheel just a bit larger ya know.. so putting a 5" fork on a 1x1 just wouldn't make sense.

The fork is going on a Soul Cycles Titan - which is an all mountain hardtail.

The 650b fits in back with room, just need to see if a 650b will work in the front with this fork as well. However, I don't have a 650b front wheel and funds to get one aren't readily available at this time.

Here's the bike in question:

And in 26" Guise - see it is designed for a long travel fork.

bcd · 02-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by derby

You'd need a stronger rims too. The 650b rims currently are very light XC, questionable for heavier duty AM style use.

A DH 650b bike would be the "unfair advantage"!

yeah, it would but just a bit less than 29. its like when i first started snowboarding
and dressing in ski clothes, hat to get baggy for my freinds to ride with me.
i am trying to fit in here.......if it takes riding a smaller wheels for the DH crowd to
catch on, i am all for it. o btw, i love reading you past posts.

Arsbars · 02-10-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by MMcG

The fork is going on a Soul Cycles Titan - which is an all mountain hardtail.

The 650b fits in back with room, just need to see if a 650b will work in the front with this fork as well. However, I don't have a 650b front wheel and funds to get one aren't readily available at this time.

Here's the bike in question:

And in 26" Guise - see it is designed for a long travel fork.

Very nice! It looks like a fun bike to ride.

MMcG · 02-10-2008

It is actually my 11 year old son's main ride and his Dad's experimental project bike!