One of the hottest topics in the Iceman Cometh Challenge Facebook group every year is tire choice and pressure. And for good reason—this race throws a little bit of everything at riders: fast gravel, sandy sections, hardpack singletrack, and unpredictable weather that can turn the course into anything from a dry, dusty speedway to a frozen, muddy mess.
With so many riders on different types of bikes—gravel rigs, full-suspension enduro machines, single speeds, and even the occasional fat bike—the question always comes up: What’s the best tire setup for Iceman? The answer? It depends. Let’s break down the pros and cons of various bike and tire setups and what they mean for your race day performance.
That said, tire pressure often matters just as much as tire choice. Too much pressure and you risk bouncing off roots and losing traction in sandy or muddy sections; too little and you might bottom out on rough patches or roll too slowly on the flats. Finding that sweet spot requires factoring in your weight, tire volume, trail conditions, and how aggressively you ride. Testing different pressures in advance—especially during pre-rides—can make a huge difference in comfort, control, and how much energy you save over those 30 grueling miles
Gravel Bikes: Speed Demons with a Catch
Gravel bikes are light, fast, and built to fly on hardpack and smooth gravel. Some riders love them for Iceman’s long open sections, but they come with trade-offs.
✅ Pros:
- Fast rolling on the fire roads and hardpack trails
- Lightweight frame for quick accelerations
- More aerodynamic than a mountain bike
❌ Cons:
- Sketchy in deep sand and loose corners
- Limited tire width means less traction in muddy or wet conditions
- Rough ride on rooty and rutted sections of singletrack
Tire Recommendations:
- Maxxis Rambler (40mm) – Fast rolling with decent grip
- Panaracer GravelKing SK (43mm) – Smooth center for speed, knobby edges for control
- Schwalbe G-One R (40mm) – Great balance of speed and grip for mixed terrain
- Lower pressure (35-40 PSI) to absorb some of the rougher sections
Hardtail MTB: The Goldilocks Choice?
Hardtails are one of the most common choices at Iceman for a reason. They offer speed and efficiency while still handling technical terrain well.
✅ Pros:
- Lightweight and efficient for climbing and open sections
- Handles sandy and loose conditions better than a gravel bike
- More forgiving than rigid gravel setups
❌ Cons:
- Can still be jarring on rougher sections
- Requires good bike handling skills in technical spots
Tire Recommendations:
- Schwalbe Racing Ray (Front) & Racing Ralph (Rear) (2.25”–2.35”) – Excellent combo for speed and grip
- Maxxis Aspen (2.25”) – Fast-rolling with good cornering traction
- Continental Race King (2.2”) – Low rolling resistance for hardpack
- Ideal Pressure: 18-24 PSI for tubeless setups (adjust based on rider weight and conditions)
Full-Suspension MTB: Overkill or Secret Weapon?
Full-suspension bikes, especially longer-travel trail or enduro rigs, aren’t the most common Iceman choice, but some riders swear by them.
✅ Pros:
- Maximum comfort over roots, rocks, and rough terrain
- Better traction in corners and loose sand
- Confidence-inspiring on technical descents
❌ Cons:
- Heavier than a hardtail, which can make climbing and acceleration harder
- Requires efficient pedaling to avoid wasted energy on suspension bob
Tire Recommendations:
- Schwalbe Wicked Will (Front & Rear, 2.4”) – Fast rolling with great grip
- Maxxis Rekon (Front) & Ikon (Rear) – Balanced traction and speed
- Specialized Fast Trak (2.35”) – Good all-around XC tire
- Ideal Pressure: 18-22 PSI to maximize grip and efficiency
Single Speed MTB: Simple, But Brutal
Some riders prefer the challenge (or the pain) of tackling Iceman with one gear. It forces you to keep momentum and pick the right lines—there’s no bailing yourself out with an easy spin up the climbs.
✅ Pros:
- Lightweight and mechanically simple (no derailleurs to break!)
- Forces efficient riding and pacing
- Bragging rights for crushing Iceman without gears
❌ Cons:
- No bailout gear for steep climbs
- Tough on the legs if you pick the wrong gearing
Tire Recommendations:
- Schwalbe Thunder Burt (2.25”) – Extremely fast rolling
- Maxxis Ardent Race (2.35”) – Good grip without too much drag
- Ideal Pressure: Slightly higher (20-24 PSI) to maintain momentum
Fat Bikes: The Wild Card
Every year, a handful of riders take on Iceman on fat bikes. While they’re not the fastest choice, they can be fun, especially if conditions are snowy or muddy.
✅ Pros:
- Unmatched traction in sand, mud, and snow
- Surprisingly comfortable over rough terrain
- Turns heads and makes for an epic ride
❌ Cons:
- Heavy and slow on hardpack sections
- More rolling resistance means more effort to maintain speed
Tire Recommendations:
- Schwalbe Jumbo Jim – Fast-rolling fat bike tire (what I raced on in 2024)
- 45NRTH Dillinger 4 – Fast-rolling fat bike tire with studs (optional)
- Bontrager Barbegazi – Lightweight and fast for a fat tire
- Ideal Pressure: 6-10 PSI for grip and comfort (adjust based on conditions)
My Go-To Setup: Schwalbe Racing Ray & Racing Ralph
I personally like Schwalbe tires for their balance of speed, grip, and durability. For Iceman, my recommended setup is:
- Front: Schwalbe Racing Ray (2.25”) – Aggressive tread for cornering and confidence in loose terrain
- Rear: Schwalbe Thunder Burt (2.25”) – Lightweight and extremely fast rolling, perfect for maintaining momentum
- Pressure: 20 PSI front / 22 PSI rear for optimal performance
This combination gives great traction in the sand while still rolling fast on the hardpack, making it an excellent choice for Iceman’s mixed terrain.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Best Setup
The best bike and tire setup really comes down to your riding style, fitness level, and how much you prioritize speed over comfort. If you’re chasing a personal best or looking to hang with the front pack, a lightweight hardtail with fast-rolling, low-profile tires—set at just the right pressure—can be a game changer. The efficiency and responsiveness of that setup let you power through climbs, carry speed on flats, and stay agile through the tight singletrack sections. On the flip side, if your goal is to soak in the experience and enjoy the grind, then anything from a full-suspension trail bike to a single speed or even a fat bike can turn the race into an epic, unforgettable ride.
No matter what rig you roll, tire pressure is one of the most important variables you can control. The terrain on the Iceman course is notoriously mixed, and small tweaks in pressure can make a big difference. Too much and you’ll feel every bump and struggle for grip in sand or mud. Too little and you risk sluggish rolling or rim strikes on rough patches. Taking the time to test different setups—especially on the course itself or similar sandy sections—helps dial in that perfect blend of speed, grip, and comfort. Don’t wait until race day to figure it out; a few test rides can go a long way.
Weather also plays a huge role, often changing the ideal setup from one year to the next. A dry, fast course favors narrower tires and higher pressures, while a wet, muddy year might call for something with more tread and a bit of forgiveness. Keep an eye on the forecast and be ready to adapt. Whether you’re chasing the podium or just chasing good vibes, the right tire setup can give you an edge—and make your Iceman experience that much better. So, what’s your go-to tire combo for Iceman? Drop it in the comments and let’s swap some knowledge.
Thank you Gerald Gaecke @g_dubs83_ for being our May guest blogger. You may recognize Gerald as he was one of our 2024 Iceman Ambassadors (Trailblazer)!
