I need help with 26" tire set up for half XC and half road.

[cornsupial]

Ive been running my stock WTB 26'' Velociraptors and wanted some suggestions on what kind of tire set ups that I can use for half XC and half road. The WTBs are killer on the loose hard pack but would like something faster rolling without losing the grip on the trail. Sometimes Ill go 10 miles on the road then hit the trails. My pockets arent deep so I cant afford $50 tires.

[lRaphl]

Last year I've done 3000Km on a pair of Continental Race King Supersonic 2.0 x 26.

Around 1000Km of that was on pavement, 1000Km of pure XC/Trail riding and 1000Km on non-paved roads.

There is also the 2.2 version which is a lot bigger (looks more like 2.4) and better if your frame can accept them...mine can't go that big on the rear.

[cornsupial]

How did the Conti's handle on the trail?

[lRaphl]

The RK SS 2.0 isn't the best for hard cornering and steep climbs but for all the rest it was great. They also rolled great on pavement. Frankly I can't complain about them. This year I'm going with the Conti X-King 2.2 racesport since I got a road bike and wont have to use my mountain bike as much on the road.

[cornsupial]

Thanks for input!!

[fsrxc]

Another option - Hutchinson Pythons, probably similar off-road grip to Conti RKs, but may be found cheaper.