Cutting ramps on a Nobby Nic.

T

The_Taurean

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Hi folks,
I've been running an Ardent race on the back of my Spicy as I'm pretty sensitive to rear tyre weight but I need something a bit stiffer and grippier. I was going to go a regular Ardent but as everyone was sold out I thought I'd try a snakeskin Nobby Nic. The weight of the Nic is good at 606g on my scales but I'm a bit skeptical about how fast it'll roll. I'm considering cutting ramps on the centre knobs to improve it a bit, like the HR2 I've got on the front. Assuming I can actually do it without trashing a $90 tyre, what's your opinion Rotorburn? Brilliant, worth a try, epically stupid?
 
use an angle grinder, 12" or bigger for the win...
post results in the gruesome pics and fw threads, recover then buy some tyres to suit your bike and riding. of course you could be the greatest tyre designer in the world and don't know it yet.

PS. nics roll really well, so long as you stay clear of shale and sharp rocks as they roll better when not slashed and penetrated.
 
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Pfft......save yourself the effort. Fit it up, pedal around the block, the knobs will have all fallen off of their own volition by the time you reach your driveway :thumb:
 
The_Taurean said:
Hi folks,
I've been running an Ardent race on the back of my Spicy as I'm pretty sensitive to rear tyre weight but I need something a bit stiffer and grippier. I was going to go a regular Ardent but as everyone was sold out I thought I'd try a snakeskin Nobby Nic. The weight of the Nic is good at 606g on my scales but I'm a bit skeptical about how fast it'll roll. I'm considering cutting ramps on the centre knobs to improve it a bit, like the HR2 I've got on the front. Assuming I can actually do it without trashing a $90 tyre, what's your opinion Rotorburn? Brilliant, worth a try, epically stupid?
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you paid $90 for a tyre?
 
Knuckles said:
Pfft......save yourself the effort. Fit it up, pedal around the block, the knobs will have all fallen off of their own volition by the time you reach your driveway :thumb:
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Pull some skids to remove any excess as well.

Edit: Why didn't you just buy a Rock Razor................
 
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I was bored one day and used a dremel to sand down the centre line between the knobs to improve grip on a crossmark. Thats a few hours of my life i'll never get back.

Its very difficult to impossible to cut the knobs neatly and safely. High risk of also cutting a finger off. If you want to shave the knobs down then a sanding linisher of some sort may be the only way.

Overall but, as have been there, i wouldn't waist your time.
 
Fatherpaul said:
I was bored one day and used a dremel to sand down the centre line between the knobs to improve grip on a crossmark. Thats a few hours of my life i'll never get back.

Its very difficult to impossible to cut the knobs neatly and safely. High risk of also cutting a finger off. If you want to shave the knobs down then a sanding linisher of some sort may be the only way.

Overall but, as have been there, i wouldn't waist your time.
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You guys really need to get a hobby or a girlfriend or a season ticket to the local knock shop.........
 
Buy a ribbed franger and try removing the ribs, will give you an idea of how it will go. report back on durability
 
It can be done with little problems with a 4"grinder. If you haven't used a grinder that often don't bother, it wouldn't even take me 20 minutes .
 
eastie said:
Buy a ribbed franger and try removing the ribs, will give you an idea of how it will go. report back on durability
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Actually that's probably worthwhile. Apparently, they're for her pleasure, where's my motivation?
 
eastie said:
use an angle grinder, 12" or bigger for the win...
post results in the gruesome pics and fw threads, recover then buy some tyres to suit your bike and riding. of course you could be the greatest tyre designer in the world and don't know it yet.

PS. nics roll really well, so long as you stay clear of shale and sharp rocks as they roll better when not slashed and penetrated.
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Unfortunately I don't have a big grinder. I do have a drop saw, beer, a camera and health insurance. What could possibly go wrong? :D
 
If you really wanted to do this, use side cutters ( aka diagonal pliers) and start with every 2nd knob. If you want to do it quickly though, put it on backwards, go find a nice rough asphalt street and do skids till you rip the leading edge off the knobs then put it back the right way
 
two words if you don't like the drop saw.... Stanley knife. Don't do it at the kitchen table though, sit the tyre on your knee or groin
 
eastie said:
two words if you don't like the drop saw.... Stanley knife. Don't do it at the kitchen table though, sit the tyre on your knee or groin
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Two more words you'll need after the Stanley....stich es :faint:

I'd actually recommend a ramset powder actuated clout gun. Probably won't be much chop for trimming the tread blocks, but they're great fun, and the results should be a lot more..........sudden.
 
You should just stick with the best tyre........MAXXIS

The Ardent and Ardent Race are both exceptional rear tires

If you still want to go with the tyre cutting just use a sharp blade
or some side cutters

You can beef up the sidewalls with a heavier tube;);)
 
I did this last year making over a Maxxis Crossmark as a rear tyre abd worked....

Used a new set of pruning shears from Bunnings and cut the round side knobs and sharper ramps into every centre knob....

Probably what Maxxis need to do with it....ie. a Crossmark Trail....lol
 
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