How to fix "Understeering"

[slowSSer]

well, one question i havent seen asked is what size is your velociraptor? i think those only go up to 2.1. something larger will increase your contact patch and make life lots better w/o too much cost. heck, a 2.3 exiwolf would be a huge improvement, especially in the sand. other good choices include motoraptors, panaracer fires, nevegals, maxis mobsters (even though you wouldnt think so w/ the tread design).

[2wheel_lee]

Back in the earlier days of mountain biking, people rode 2.1 Velociraptors everywhere and in all conditions, myself included. I even used to ride DH on that tire at Big Bear (Snow Summit).

The Velociraptor is available only in a 2.1. It was a very popular tire for good reason. BTW, it's also a relatively fast rolling tire, much more than most of the better handling tires.

And again, he could install a better handling tire, but that doesn't mean he learned how to ride any better on that bike. He'd still be handicapped trying to ride it the same as his XC bike. However I know most people would rather blame parts - see my first post.

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

well, one question i havent seen asked is what size is your velociraptor? i think those only go up to 2.1. something larger will increase your contact patch and make life lots better w/o too much cost. heck, a 2.3 exiwolf would be a huge improvement, especially in the sand. other good choices include motoraptors, panaracer fires, nevegals, maxis mobsters (even though you wouldnt think so w/ the tread design).

Maybe I don't have a Velociraptor... Mutano-raptor? My tires a 2.4, so if they don't make Vecloiraptors bigger than 2.1...
>>EDIT My front tire is a Mutano-Raptor 2.4

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

And again, he could install a better handling tire, but that doesn't mean he learned how to ride any better on that bike. He'd still be handicapped trying to ride it the same as his XC bike. However I know most people would rather blame parts - see my first post.

I agree, it probaly is my handling skills. I bought this bike 6 months ago, and its my first full suspension, non-xc bike.

[2wheel_lee]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Learning to ride within the limits of a tire will help his overall riding. My SS has a Mutanoraptor, and that's one of the worst steering tires when pushed hard (it's light and fast, though), but riding within its limits it does just fine.

Well...Although I still suggest working on turning technique more than anything, my opinion of the Mutanoraptor is not very high when it comes to cornering.

However, as I tend to repeat a lot, the biggest positive attribute to that tire is that it's very light and it rolls fast for its size.

[Evil Chocula]

Originally Posted by 2wheel_lee

Well...Although I still suggest working on turning technique more than anything, my opinion of the Mutanoraptor is not very high when it comes to cornering.

However, as I tend to repeat a lot, the biggest positive attribute to that tire is that it's very light and it rolls fast for its size.

K, I need new tires anyways. Preferably in 2.2 to 2.4 range. What would you recommend? I'd say I ride mostly all mountain/technical XC.

[2wheel_lee]

This is where I may not be of help. There are so many good tires out there, and they all have some kind of trade-off with either high rolling resistance, weight, cost, and how long they last.

A few of my current favorites include:
Maxxis High Rollers (2.35)
Maxxis Minions (2.35)
Kenda Nevagal (2.1-2.35)

There are many more that I haven't tried yet, so others may offer additional suggestions.