https://bikepacking.com/gear/29-tires-list
https://www.cyclingabout.com/bikepacking-tires-which-brands-are-durable/
https://www.qbp.com/call_up/on-the-plus-side
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Bontrager XR2 (Chupacabra) (3"): 850 grams; 120 TPI
Maxxis Chronicle EXP TR (3"): 1050 grams; 120 TPI;
WTB Ranger+ Tough (3"): 1145 grams; TPI ?;
Panaracer Fat B Nimble (3"): 760 grams; 120 TPI;
Teravail Coronado (2.8"): Light & Supple (990 grams; 60 TPI); Durable sidewall (1175 grams; 60 TPI)
Vee T-Fatty (3"): 920 grams; 120 TPI
Vee Speedster (2.8"): 980 grams; 120 TPI
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MAXXIS CHRONICLE EXO TR (3.0”)
https://www.maxxis.com/catalog/tire-495-140-chronicle
https://bikepacking.com/gear/maxxis-chronicle-29-review/
The Maxxis Chronicle is the bellwether tire of the group and has seen more mileage by our testers than any other 29+ tire listed here. The tread on the Chronicle may look aggressive at first glance, but it’s actually next to perfect for mixed terrain, gravel, and all-around dirt touring. The profile is characterized by short 2mm center directional tread that gets more aggressive as you move outward to the 5mm angular side knobs. The resulting squat profile means more tread on the ground, but the outcome of the Chronicle’s dual compound design is a surprisingly fast roller on hardpack, gravel, and tarmac. The soft yet warlike outer tread is happy to be pushed into corners, even on loose hardscrabble. Our only complaint in the traction department comes when braking on very steep, loose stuff; oddly enough, the tire climbs fairly well on steep, loose rubble, but when railing down the same surface it’s easy to lose grip with a tap of the rear brake. In addition, out of the 29+ tires we tested, the Chronicle has one of the longest lasting tread compounds, second only to the Knard. Note that we tested the 120TPI EXO Tubeless ready version.
Pros: Medium-fast rolling; Long lasting tread; Tough; Good middle ground of speed and traction
Cons: Not the ideal tire for mud (doesn’t shed or grip well); Expensive
Maxxis uses their EXO sidewall protection technology in the Chronicle which acts as a layer of cut and abrasion resistance.
WEIGHT
TPI
WIDTH (ACTUAL)
PRICE
MANUFACTURER’S DETAILS
CHECK PRICES
75mm casing / 76mm side knobs on 45mm IW Scrapers
1050 grams
$125/each
Link
120
We gave the WTB Ranger+ Tough a Best New Component award in our 2017 Bikepacking Awards. Given the steep pricing that beleaguers the plus tire world, it’s great to see such a high quality, great performing tire come in at such a competitive price point. The Ranger Tough rolls well, corners nicely, and the sidewalls are a big improvement for bikepacking over their lighter weight predecessors. Rangers are also available in a wide variety of sizes, including 26”, 27.5”, and 29”, with 2.8″ and 3” and widths on offer, too. While we’ve found they wear faster than some other, more expensive tires, we certainly can’t fault them for their price.
There is also a light version that weighs 902g, 238 grams less than the 1140g Ranger Tough. However, we can’t recommend these for bikepacking. While Logan took a pair across the rocky, 613-mile Tian Shan Traverse in Kyrgyzstan with nary a flat, the light casing is prone to tears as well as serious weeping with a tubeless setup.
Pros: Fast rolling; Reasonably long-lasting tread; Tough; Good mix of speed and traction
Cons: Tread wears out faster than the two tires mentioned above
WEIGHT
TPI
WIDTH (ACTUAL ON 45MM IW RIMS)
PRICE
MANUFACTURER’S DETAILS
CHECK PRICES
73.6mm at casing / 76mm at side knobs
Undisclosed
1145 grams
$70/each
Link
REVIEW: - MTBR.com - Pinkbike - Guitar Ted Productions - GRAVELBIKE - The Dropper Post - Bikepacking.com -
We were pleasantly surprised by the Bontrager Chupacabra. Its seemingly small, widely spaced square center tread and less-than-burly side knobs certainly don’t appear that aggressive. But, after learning of their prevalence in the southwestern US, it was clear the Chupacabra is a solid performer when it comes to rubble-strewn hardpack and fast singletrack.
After finally getting to ride a set of Chupas on the Trek 1120, a few standout qualities were immediately apparent. First, the 120TPI casing is very supple, roughly comparable to the Ranger+ Light’s casing. After putting some loaded miles on them, it seems like the sidewalls provide a good middle ground between weight and stability. The biggest selling point of the Chupacabra is their weight. At less than 900g, the Chupa is lighter than most of the tires on this list, which is quite surprising for a tire this size. All told, the Chupacabra rolls quickly and corners with a level of confidence that far surpasses what one might expect.
Pros: Very lightweight; Fast rolling; Exceptionally good cornering and traction; Surprisingly durable
Cons: Not as burly as others, such as the Chronicle; Some claim the sidewalls are prone to cuts; Not great for wet conditions
WEIGHT
TPI
WIDTH (ACTUAL)
PRICE
MANUFACTURER’S DETAILS
75mm on Duroc 46mm IW rims
880 grams
$95/each
120/each
The Vee Trax Fatty was the first 29+ tire to market after the Surly Knard. On first impression, it seems more like a 2.8” tire, although we never got an official caliper measurement. The Trax Fatties have a tight row of paired center knobs that are fairly fast rolling and seem to exhibit minimal noise on pavement and hardpack. Their biggest downfall is a very pronounced self-steer quality that can sometimes feel a bit squirmy. While it may not be the ideal choice for rugged mountain terrain, the VTF certainly makes a fine all-around tire for bikepacking on routes that involve hardpack, sand, and moving fast.
Pros: Fairly fast rolling; Cheap
Cons: Pronounced self-steer squirminess; Not as big as they claim
WEIGHT
TPI
WIDTH (ACTUAL)
PRICE
MANUFACTURER’S DETAILS
CHECK PRICES
920 grams
$60/each
TBD
120
The Panaracer Fat B Nimble is the lightest 29 x 3.0” tire in this list, and, as far as we know, the lightest on the market. Here’s what Panaracer has to say, “Bike B Nimble, bike be quick. The Nimble is available in three diameters and widths. This is an amazingly capable tire at amazing weights considering the amount of tread you are putting on the ground. Get your fat on, Nimbly.” The Panaracer Fat B Nimble comes in 26 x 4.0”, 27.5 x 3.5”, and 29 x 3.0”.
WEIGHT
TPI
WIDTH (ACTUAL)
PRICE
MANUFACTURER’S DETAILS
CHECK PRICES
765 grams
$74/each
TBD
120
Untested/From Vee, “The Speedster was designed for rolling speed and minimal drag on hard pack or paved terrain. The honeycomb center tread provides virtually zero rolling resistance and unbelievable tread life. The honeycomb feature also gives you excellent traction in dry or wet conditions. Large diamond shaped side knobs provide the grip you need in corners, while the tread knobs get smaller towards the center for the ultimate speed and traction. And with its balloon-style structure, you’ll feel like you’re floating on air.”
WEIGHT
TPI
WIDTH (ACTUAL)
PRICE
MANUFACTURER’S DETAILS
980 grams
$60/each
TBD
120
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Teravail Coronado (2.8"):
Light & Supple (990 grams; 60 TPI): https://teravail.com/tires/coronado#TR7294
Durable sidewall (1175 grams; 60 TPI): https://teravail.com/tires/coronado#TR7295