I ride the southwest deserts during the cool months. It is a mixed bag of terrain types: hardpack, softpack, hardpack with soft on top, rocky trails, but also lots of sandy washes and occasional dunes. Running BFG KM3's, 30X10-15" all the way around, and they do very well on a variety of terrain, but even aired way down they are a terrible sand tire!
On the other hand, in the hot months (when the deserts are 120 degrees!) we ride at high altitude in the mountains to beat the heat. We particularly like to explore old mines, so there are lots of rocky trails to negotiate. There, the KM3's are perfect, so I will keep them for that application.
So, I am looking for a tire that handles all-around conditions, but is also good at handling sand. (Note-Not at all looking for dune paddle tires here.) I was thinking maybe Dirt Commanders or Motoclaws? I would sure like to stick with a squared up 30X10-15" format for the extra ground clearance and spare tire issues, but I do still have the stock rims and maybe running 28" Motoclaws on those rims, would be the most economical route to go. Plus, running 28X11-15" in the rear (28X9-15" front), would give me better floatation out back.
On the other hand, in the hot months (when the deserts are 120 degrees!) we ride at high altitude in the mountains to beat the heat. We particularly like to explore old mines, so there are lots of rocky trails to negotiate. There, the KM3's are perfect, so I will keep them for that application.
So, I am looking for a tire that handles all-around conditions, but is also good at handling sand. (Note-Not at all looking for dune paddle tires here.) I was thinking maybe Dirt Commanders or Motoclaws? I would sure like to stick with a squared up 30X10-15" format for the extra ground clearance and spare tire issues, but I do still have the stock rims and maybe running 28" Motoclaws on those rims, would be the most economical route to go. Plus, running 28X11-15" in the rear (28X9-15" front), would give me better floatation out back.