Looks like you have the right ideas regards kit but tyres are almost as bad as oil brand to discuss and vary depending on where your riding.
I run a Maxxis IT front and the rear I switch between Maxxis IT, MT43 or MT21 depending on where I'm going & what I'm doing (DRZ400E). I'm not really a fan of the MT21 as it looks like a knobbly but doesn't work as well, they are a good compromise though and are better than a 43 in deep mud, not that you'll find much of that around here.
One thing I tend to consider is that an MT43 will do a better job on wet rock and wet hard packed clay. Some enduro type tyres can be dangerous in these conditions, and also you tend to hurt yourself more from falling on wet rock that you do slipping on mud or getting stuck in a bog so you may want to concider that. I'd rather struggle a little on mud but have the confidense when climbing a rock ascent.
If your just going to run just one rear tyre, and we are getting closer to the dry weather, I'd make it an MT43.
-- Edited by RichT4 on Monday 30th of April 2012 12:14:03 PM
Hi all i am new to TRF live in Exeter but have ridden in the past. I believe that i need to get Boots, body armour, bash plate and armoured trousers. My tyres are also in need of changing but have read online and the concensus appears to be go for pirelli MT21's which i can then use on road.
Hi luggy, ad Doug said get to the east devon if you can. A decent set if boots is a good place to start, after that do a few runs a see what the guys use, kitting your self out can be expensive, its easy to rush into it and spend good money on stuff you might not need.
No Jt, but I have been out on them this year, but not much. I think our normal stomping grounds are similar?
Both east, north and west of Sidmouth, you may get the odd lane that is a bit muddy but TBH I can't think of more than a hand full. I think more are rocky/stoney. There are few stinkers out Stockland way I suppose, and towards Kilmington, one very long muddy/grass climb that can be difficult with any thing less that a knobbly in winter.
Still, each riders perception of the ground conditions will differ. I think, based on where & when I ride, that a hard surface tyre is generally more useful than a soft surface tyre, and that a trials pattern rear seems to work good enough overall but gives much more confidence & control on wet stones and rock.