realskiers

Hey GT -- thanks for the feedback.  What are the trails like in N-E? Rocky? Smooth clay? Just curious to know, because for some areas certain tires work well in that terrain, but not elsewhere.  Would be good to put Liam's and your advice into context.

That said, the Small Block 8 is too limiting for me -- summer only -- so I'm really not considering those. 

That's good info on the Slant 6.  The local guys here are very keen on them, and say they work well on the hard wet clay.  Is it still on your bike now? Working well on damp fall trails?

I kinda like your idea of running the Slant 6 rear / Nevegal front -- hadn't considered that combo, but it makes sense.  Put the slower roller on the lighter front end, but use a grippy aggressive tread for control.  Good idea.

The slant 6 self destructed a month or so ago.  Bead blew off the tire like a rifle shot, kinda typical of KENDA failures, it was showing wear so was due for replacement, though I didn't need the 4mile hike out of the woods in the gathering dusk.  Typical trails, ledge periodically protruding through organic soils, lots of hardwood roots.  Hilly, so off camber is pretty common.