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We usually use the Michelin Wildgripper DH for downhills and trainings.
Some of us changed the tread. But we use the Wildgripper Mud and the
Panaracer Spike too, especially on sloping meadows and muddy ground.
Last year we made out a new tire: the 3" Gazzaloddi by Nokian. By
this enormous width many more burls have ground contact. In addition it
is possible to use an air pressure down to 1.5 bar. It adapts to the roughness
(roots, stones, ...) much better than smaller tires. Therefore it offers
a better absorption and hold.
Especially at austrian tracks this is advantageous. These are rather
slow (except Kaprun), and there are much more roots and it's steeper.
In Nauders '98 Hannes and hannes used their "Noki" as front
tire.
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Nokian Gazzaloddi in comparison to Michelin Wildgripper DH.
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Fundamentally the Nokian Gazzaloddi can be recommended for tracks with
lots of sloping meadow. In times gone by we always had the problem to
choose the right tire: Wildgripper DH at root passages, or the Mud at
sloping meadows.
But you have to note, that the "Noki" can't be assembled on
every bike. Many tails don't offer enough space to use a 3" tire.
We don't have any problems using the tire in the Mr. Dirt Fat Fork.
Gazzaloddi offers a special tube, but in a case of necessity a Michelin
DH tube can be used too.
You have to mention two circumstances, especially on less steep tracks
with lots of step passages: the tire has a higher roll resistance particularly
in case of 1.5 bar air pressure. Furthermore you have to note the higher
weight.
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Some thought, that this wide tire is hard to control at
the track, because it is steep and and full of corners. They noticed nothing
like that. The others used the 2"-3" Wildgripper Mud (including
the mud layer), Hannes' and hannes' tire width was 4". But the mud
didn't disappear faster.
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