BC Bike Race: Tires Choice

Overall BC Bike Race leader Chris Sheppard (Rocky Mountain) swears by these Maxxis Ikon with EXO sidewall protection. Sheppard, who was second on Tuesday’s rough and tumble stage, runs his 2.2s with 28psi in the front and 32psi in the rear. Photo Jason Sumner

So many bikes, so many choices, each right for their owners. With two wheelsets on more than 450 bikes, that's a lot of tires. Photo Jason Sumner

Gravity legend Brian Lopes is running a pair of prototypes from Kenda wrapped around some sexy carbon Enve wheels. The unnamed Kenda 2.2s are looking a little worn after three hard days of racing. But Lopes is hanging tough with the big dog XC racers. He’s 11th overall after stage 3. Photo Jason Sumner

Your author has been running tubeless WTB Mutanos, 2.2 at around 30psi front and rear. Wheels are Mavic's new Cross Max STs. The set-up has been rock solid through three days, predictable and grabby on the numerous tricky root-rock sections, while not overly cumbersome on the climbs. Sadly we had to say goodbye to the rear tire today after a loose piece of metal on a wooden bridge crossing cut a half-inch gash in the sidewall. Fortunately we were able to boot the hole, throw in a tube and get to the finish. Photo Jason Sumner

North Vancouver-based bike shop Obsession Bikes operates a mobile bike shop during the race, and has “sold a ton” of tires according to the lead mechanic. Obsession is stocking a mix of Maxxis Minions and Schwalbe Rocket Rons. Photo Jason Sumner

Scwalbe's Rocket Rons have beefed up sidewalls, a good thing for the BC beating. Photo Jason Sumner

Like solo race leader Chris Sheppard, fellow Canadian Kris Sneddon (Kona) is running the Maxxis Ikon. The only difference is that Sneddon’s are of the 29er variety. The similarity: Sneddon and teammate Barry Wicks are leading the open duo category. Photo Jason Sumner

The line-up of tires and bikes waiting for post-race service. This occurs after every stage of the BCBR. Photo Jason Sumner

Continental’s Trail King 2.2s are a frequent choice at the BC Bike Race. Photo Jason Sumner

Obsession Bikes also stock plenty of Maxxis Cross Marks for the 29er set. Photo Jason Sumner