Once again crawling up out of my hole as a digest mode lurker...
I have noticed a few postings regarding off-road tires and thought i would
share what i have learned about them over the years....
TIRE 101...
There are FOUR classes of tires ... most of which have been given a
percentage rating of street vs. offroad use.
1. TRUE RADIAL (Pick a good tread design and be happy) all 80/20%
BFGoodrich, Goodyear, Pro Comp (built by Cooper), General tire, Yokohama,
Dunlop, Cooper
2. BIAS CONSTRUCTION RADIAL
Swamper SSR/TSL 60/40%, Swamper RADIAL/TSL 50/50%, Mickey Thompson Radial
Baja Claw 70/30%, Parnelli Jones, Dick Cepek and many others ... overall
much better than Bias but still follow ruts and wear down quickly.
NOTE: All of the below tires require a break in period of 500-1000 miles
before they soften up and ride good. This also effects their ability to wheel
and clean out.
3. BIAS/NYLON belted
Gumbo Mudders 30/70%, Buckshots 50/50%, Swamper BIAS/TSL 40/60%,
Swamper SX/TSL 50/50%, Swamper BOGGER/TSL 10/90%.
Most of these are NOT round and flat spot when cold. Balancing is very
difficult and will require many rebalances, especially sizes over 33" tall.
4. BIAS/FIBERGLASS belted
Mickey Thompson Baja Claw 50/50%
The only bias tire that has a reputation for being round in the morning and
balances well. Not as much traction as a Bogger on the trail, but far
surpasses overall
quality/ride/street performance. Flex really well after break-in period.
L8ter...
Dana, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
www.stomperzuk.com
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