Hard Enduro Tire Set Up with Quinn Wentzel

How to Set Up a Hard Enduro

Tire with Three Rim Locks

Quinn Wentzel’s Go-To Method for Maximum Traction in Slick Terrain

Hard enduro riding demands a tire setup that can handle extreme terrain—slick rocks, roots, mud, and long technical sections where traction is everything. In this walkthrough, Quinn breaks down his personal rear tire setup, sharing exactly how he changes a hard enduro tire using three rim locks, a custom bib mousse, and a gummy FIM-approved tire to achieve optimal grip.

Filmed at Beaver Creek Cycle before a ride at Wellsville, this guide is packed with practical tips for riders who want their setup dialed, soft, and race-ready.

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Why Run Three Rim Locks in Hard Enduro?

Hard enduro riders prefer a very soft rear tire to maximize traction in technical terrain. Running three rim locks allows the tire to stay securely seated on the rim even when the setup is extremely soft.

• Prevents tire spin on the rim
• Allows lower effective pressure or softer mousse feel
• Maintains control in slick, rocky conditions

Some riders run four rim locks, but Quinn finds three to be the sweet spot between performance and manageability.

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Removing a Tire with Multiple Rim Locks

Changing a tire with three rim locks adds complexity, but the right technique makes it manageable.

Key tips Quinn shares:

• Start by fully loosening all rim locks
• Use three to four tire irons for better leverage
• Work the bead off gradually, moving around the rim
• When removing the second bead, carefully lift it over each rim lock one at a time

Patience here prevents damaged beads and bent tools.

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Inside the Bib Mousse Setup

Quinn uses a well-worn, modified bib mousse to get the exact feel he wants for hard enduro.

His setup includes:

• A shaved mousse (about half an inch removed)
• Drilled holes for added softness
• A cut mousse combined with a moose egg insert
• A deliberately “tattered” feel for maximum compliance

This setup creates an ultra-soft, traction-focused feel that performs especially well in slick East Coast terrain.

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Choosing the Right Tire: XGrip King Kong

For this setup, Quinn installs a new XGrip King Kong hard enduro tire.

Why this tire works:

• FIM-approved with short lugs
• Soft, gummy compound
• Slightly smaller carcass than some alternatives, which pairs well with his bib setup

Always check tire rotation markings before mounting—even tires that look bidirectional may not be.

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Mounting the Tire with Three Rim Locks

Mounting is the most technical part of the process.

Quinn’s approach:

• Start with one rim lock and work toward the others
• Use curved tire irons for better leverage
• Flip the wheel as needed to work each bead separately
• Push rim locks outward while slipping the bead into place
• Take extra care near the final rim lock to avoid tearing the bead

The final rim lock is often the easiest once most of the tire is seated.

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Seating the Bead and Final Checks

Once the tire is mounted:

• Tighten all rim locks before adding air
• Use a rubber-tipped air gun to help seat stubborn bead sections
• Inflate just enough to pop the bead into place
• Bounce the tire lightly to help everything settle

As long as the bead is seated around all rim locks, riding will finish the job naturally.

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Final Thoughts

This setup delivers soft, confidence-inspiring traction that shines in hard enduro conditions. While changing a tire with three rim locks takes practice, Quinn emphasizes that once you have done it a few times, the process becomes second nature—and the performance payoff is worth it.

Special thanks to Beaver Creek Cycle in Lisbon, Ohio for their continued support and fully stocked shop.

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