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Racing Ralph Evos / Arch Rims combo
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
Hey, anyone had experience running Racing Ralph Evo version tubeless on Stan's Arch 29er rims?
Not so worried about the front tire, more the rear picking up sidewall damage or rolling off... There's not much to those sidewalls! Would it be safer to opt for the snakeskin variety on the back?
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Ive been running ralphs on arch rims, with a snakeskin on the back for a year or so. So far all good on the XC/24hr races.
I switched from ralphs on the 26 dually as I was getting too many punctures.
Yeah... I've heard a lot of people say that Racing Ralphs are too fragile.
I have them as OEM supplied on my XC29er and while nice and light the sidewalls are nearly gone while there's a lot of life left in the tread.
Done about a thousand km.
Snakeskin is supposed to be better without the weight penalty of full UST.
I have friends on this site that refuse to render assistance to a puncture if they are riding racing Ralph's. I myself haven't had any issues at all. I've been through 2 sets of 26" and a set of 29".
I think you have to go Snakeskin for riding around with all the rocks/sticks we have.
I've run two sets of Ralph SS over the past 18 months and no issues apart from the tread wearing slightly quicker than other brands (Maxxis/Kenda) but you can't argue with the grip. I also think Maxxis sidewalls aren't great if you don't go EXO protection.
I've been running Ralph SS on the rear for about 12 months with no probs. I run tubeless at 22psi on Mavic Crossmax ST rims with no burps or damage to sidewalls. I agree with the previous poster that they do wear a little quicker but the grip is great.
Go Ikon, enough said.
Don't understand the lack of trust in RaRas. I've used the 29er Snakeskin version for years now. Put a set on in May 2012, rode the BC Bike Race, Cap Punishment, every second day at Ourimbah, yada, yada, yada, and only replaced them recently due to wear. Get on em.
I've been using RaRa with snakeskin for a few years now. Especially if you go tubeless. sidewalls have been fine. My first pair was the standard one but it didn't last long around Red Hill or Manly Dam.
You can put the std one on the front, or better yet, the rocket Ron std. the front, but snakeskin or UST on the rear for sure.
Ikons aren't any better unless you buy locally in which case maxxis tyres generally are cheaper
For general XC & racing I've run Nics & Ra Ra's for years. The std Evo versions are thin walled but the UST & now Snakeskins are good enough to use until the tread wears off (unless you're unlucky or really hard on your tyres).
If you want tougher try UST or EXO maxxis but they're heavier. Specialized Purgatory / Captain 2bliss also seem ok as a midway option & if you're looking for fast not fat the Rubena Kratos/Scylla are bloody good.