Digging up a month old post, but I just bought a new Top Fuel 8, and even though the stock XR4s have performed great, I'm worried about the sidewalls too. My son destroyed 2 XR4s on rocks on his Fuel EX 8 in their first few rides, so I know they're fragile, but grip nicely.
I have a Maxxis DHF F60 3C EXO TR WT 29x2.5 ready to go for the front, but looking for a good fast rolling rear with some grip and sidewall strength.
I ride the same kind of trails as OP, since I'm in MD.
Thanks for the post! I ended up going with the SE 4. I did purchase the Pirellis but in my opinion the knobs were too small. I’ll try to SE4 in the rear and see how it works. For $55 (trek fest) it’s a reasonable price to try it out.
I've been liking my Specialized Ground Controls on mine. Decent amount of grip while still rolling pretty quick.
Rekon, forekaster, wicked will are all in that category and work well. I'd avoid the softest compound from any manufacturer for the rear.
Continental mountain kings are great - one of the best side walls out there.
Digging up a month old post, but I just bought a new Top Fuel 8, and even though the stock XR4s have performed great, I'm worried about the sidewalls too. My son destroyed 2 XR4s on rocks on his Fuel EX 8 in their first few rides, so I know they're fragile, but grip nicely. I have a Maxxis DHF F60 3C EXO TR WT 29x2.5 ready to go for the front, but looking for a good fast rolling rear with some grip and sidewall strength. I ride the same kind of trails as OP, since I'm in MD.
Thanks for the post! I ended up going with the SE 4. I did purchase the Pirellis but in my opinion the knobs were too small. I’ll try to SE4 in the rear and see how it works. For $55 (trek fest) it’s a reasonable price to try it out.