This new MTB front tire offers very good steering and handling for all kinds with ideal comfort on hard pack and good puncture resistance. The navigator provides excellent value for the money. Available in wire and Kevlar bead.
Submitted by
Giuliano Pochini
a Weekend Warrior
from La Spezia, Italy Date Reviewed: November 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Local dealer
Strengths:
Good grip on dry. Cheap compared to most medium-hi-end tyres.
Weaknesses:
Unbalanced, bounces, hard to mount.
Similar Products Used:
Other tyres :))
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500 '98
Bottom Line:
It's unbalanced and makes the bike dance a bit at high speed. It's really hard to mount and to remove even using tools. With its rounded shape it behaves wonderfully on dry road and good trails, but it bounces a lot on hard terrain. Don't buy it if you like to downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Racer
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclists
Strengths:
Good on packed down/hard packed sufaces.
Weaknesses:
Squirrly on mostly all other condition; doesn't grab or corner well; UNpredictable when going downhill, or making turn. NOT a well-rounded tire!
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Bontrager, Specialized,WTB, etc, etc,
Bike Setup:
Bontrager RL, full XTR
Bottom Line:
Honestly, this front tire SUCKS!!!All the people that gave it a 4-5 chili rating don't know how to ride bikes. All they see is "Made in Germany". Not everything in Europe is the best and this tire sucks, period. Watch out on the turns because this tire will slip. Cornering on this thing is scary. Very sketchy going downhill. Not a dirt riding tire. I'll probably put it on my commuter bike because it tred pattern is aero and it's probably good for street riding. I give it one chili for good on hard surfaces, and another chili because I too was fool by the "Made in Germany" label.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from UK Date Reviewed: March 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
All this is the worst tire I ever used on the front of my bike. Doesn't grip and gives no feedback.
Similar Products Used:
Jones, michelins, panaracer, other conti's
Bike Setup:
Specialized M2, Pace forks.
Bottom Line:
Don't waste your money. I gave mine to the dog to play with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shay
a Cross Country Rider
from denver, co, usa Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$37.00
Strengths:
kevlar lining, longevity
Weaknesses:
pricey, skiddish on turns
Bottom Line:
What really saved me once was the kevlar lining. Was at Canyonlands NP, UT, for a 5 day trip. Tore off a knob climbing on rocks on first day. Didn't have spare. Rode rest of the 55+ mile trip on damaged tire. Inner kevlar lining prevented tube from blowing out even thru some really rocky stretches and heavy landings. While pricey, these tires are tough as nails!! Other than torn knob and scratched sidewalls, they show surprisingly little wear even for 3 yo tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam W
a Cross Country Rider
from College Park, MD Date Reviewed: March 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Pits
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It works. What else can you ask a tire to do?
Weaknesses:
they're a b!t@h to get on the rim... but eh, whateves.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, Conty Goliaths
Bike Setup:
Trek 930 frame, z.3 LT, mostly XT
Bottom Line:
This morning I hit a short track XC race, first time I've ever raced - it rained all day yesterday, and there were mud puddles that swallowed you to your top tube out there this morning. End result: I didn't finish last, I need to do some laundry, and my front tire, a Navigator, is begging for more. It got me wherever I wanted to be; I didn't even have to think about it, I just pointed and it went. Can't argue with that. They're expensive, hardly value, but they get the job done...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rico
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Baños, Laguna, Philippines Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
old logging trail up the Makiling Forest Reserve
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
light, widely spaced treads
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls look weak; sidewall color (Chocolate or mud)
Similar Products Used:
On a Hound Dawg/dirt Dawg combo for 5 Years
Bike Setup:
Rigid CroMo Bike
Bottom Line:
Best bottom line: I got it for an equivalent of $11.25 each (eat your heart out, boys), and no, it is not a cheap knock-off of a Conti. It's the real thing. I'm using it both in the front and back (following the prescribed tread directions). I find the front kinda skittish on pavement....will be testing it on the rocky logging road this weekend and will update review. In a nutshell....it can be had at alow price, but visit us here in the Philippines.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bryan
a Cross-Country Rider
from denver Date Reviewed: October 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
its a secret
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great traction light
Weaknesses:
sidewalls split
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
95 cannondale f700
Bottom Line:
I love the tread pattern. I've owned 3 and on each one, the sidewall has cracked before the tread is barely worn (within 3 months). I now use Michelins(sp). 4 turds for the tread, -1 for the sidewalls.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Chicago Date Reviewed: October 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
trialsin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
decent. in mud
Weaknesses:
not so hot in everything else. terrible if you ride on pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Conti baja pro, Irc somethin or other
Bike Setup:
Brew 200 proof stock trials bike. rigid, full xt, bombproof
Bottom Line:
ok as a last resort, but don't favor it. washout in the front on everything but mud. there are a lot better tires than this one.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross-Country Rider
from Columbia, MD Date Reviewed: June 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Avalon
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Low Weight Low Rolling Resistance
Weaknesses:
Not as versitile Tight tread pattern
Similar Products Used:
Conti Leader Pro
Bike Setup:
Hardtail, Judy XC
Bottom Line:
I always wanted to try this tire. I've run Conti's Cross Country rear for two season and love it, so I wanted a Conti front to match. My Leader Pro couldn't hang with aggressive cornering in anything but ideal conditions. The Navigator is LIGHT and the rounded profile really lets you carve switchbacks well. Rolls like a dream on hardpack, but will drift in the hard corners. I'd like a grabbier edging tread, but overall it has served me well - it's not like we can stop to change a tire beofre each corner or change in terrain on a two hour ride!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Columbus Ohio Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
all of em
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
grippy fast straighline great on mud
Weaknesses:
tread loads with mud a little Not the best for hardpack
Similar Products Used:
Spec Team Control
Bike Setup:
Rigid Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
Killer tire. I rode through mud, hardpack, sand, creeks, and gravel. It handled well. I'm only using it on the front. Good for quick cuts or carving at higher speeds. It even does well on pavement. The knobs on the side are a little bit too soft for hardpack. It doesn't do as well as on hardpack as my old specialized, but it makes up for it on the other categories.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
prc
a Weekend Warrior
from Yonkers,NY Date Reviewed: May 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fast,Gripy in most conditions
Weaknesses:
$$$$, A pain to get on rim, packs up mud big time, wear rate
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, WTB V-raptors, Ritchey Z-max
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche , full XT Drivetrain, Magura Raceline, Judy SL
Bottom Line:
This tire is awesome in all but the muddiest of conditions. I'd give it 5 flaming chili dogs if it weren't for the dam price.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trigger
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999
Bottom Line:
This is a fast tire that carves into turns on dirt. On technical trails with lots of roots and rocks, it is too narrow and does not grab well but rather deflects off the objects. The longitudinal 1/2 inch knobs bite well into corners but does not provide lateral stability as well as some other tires I've used (i.e. IRC Mythos XC). Durability is also an issue. After 300 miles of XC riding--I go fast but do not do super-technical terrain and rough terrain--the outside knobs began to shear off from the base. I got rid of them, and the IRC Mythos is a much more durable tire. I found also that the Conti's sidewalls were less durable for me as well. Mine were easily ripped by rocks resulting in the bulging of rubber through the sidewall. I tried to get the tires warrantied because I thought that it might have been a manufacturing defect, but my LBS was lame in following up in calling Conti. I didn't want to wait, so I bought myself some new tires. Durability should match the price. These tires are expensive.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lancer
a weekend warrior
from Northride, CA Date Reviewed: February 8, 1999
Bottom Line:
The Navigator is a great front tire. These tires replaced Ritcheys, handling improved. I would rate this as one of the best front tires used, better than Specialized Team Edition (which are very noisy) or IRC Mythos. My riding is cross-country, I am not up to my armpits in mud, tire meets my needs 100%. A very fast tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrice denis
a cross-country rider
from Longueuil , Quebec Date Reviewed: November 25, 1998
Bottom Line:
Another fast tire from continental. A great all aroud tire but don't ride it on gravel, it simply don't grip.In mud, it's easy to pack up but if it clean the navigator grip well on wet roots and rocks.On hardpack the soft knobs roll over and give it a bad feel.However, not a bad tire but the leader pro fell better.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Houghton
a cross-country rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998
Bottom Line:
Navigator? Aggrivator is more like it. Most of the trails I ride are off-camber hard pack and this tire cannot hold onto it in the least. It feels squirrely in turns and never seems to grip, just glide, often with disastrous results. I couldn't wait to get this tire off and get my Panaracer back on. A hype tire; a total waste of money.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Beercan
a cross-country rider
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: October 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I suppose this is a good racing tire for hardpacked conditions. It is pretty light and offers a decent amount of grip. But for all-around riding, I think there are much better choices. I too got this tire as part of a wheelset deal.. At first I was stoked because of the light weight, but after experiencing much skittishness on rocky descents, I decided to replace it with old faithful, WTB V-raptors. AFter slapping the WTB back on, I was shocked at how much more confidence I had. Overall three burning rats -- it's a good tire for a very specific range of conditions.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John the Laughing Boy
a cross-country rider
from R.O., Michigan Date Reviewed: October 7, 1998
Bottom Line:
WORD OF ADVICE: don't run these tires with low psi, they just won't perform well I built up a new wheelset and decided to put the navigator up front and a Cross Country in back. I tried them out a day after a rainstorm on a local trail that has tons of sand, hard pack and mud. This thing did not fail me. I had it pumped alllll the way up and it held perfectly. In a place where I normally have to slow down to make a sand trenched turn, I just went through it with out washing out. This thing grabs with the huge lugs and just blows through the soft stuff. It's a great point and shoot tire for me. I think it's perfect for michigan trails. The hard and large profile lugs get through the soft stuff and grab whatever's underneath it. As a side point, I went riding with three other guys. two of us riding navigators up front. In a fast wide turn caked with sand, the two of us with navigators breezed past it at high speed and the other guys washed out.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Connecticut Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
The first thing I noticed with this tire was how much faster I could go with this tire. I have been extremely impressed with how versatile this 1.9 has been. It excels at hardpack/medium fast course terrain however is suprisingly good over the technical and wet stuff. I haven't encountered the mud shedding problems as described in some of the other posts. No one tire excels at everything, but the Navigator Pro with it's light weight(kevlar), quickness, and good all around performance should prove to be the bomb for many riders.I like my chile hot . Give the Contis 5 big ones!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Sloan
a cross-country rider
from Fresno CA Date Reviewed: September 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
Got these tires with a wheelset deal. They are really, really terrible. They have no compliance at all, slide all around, and are very harsh. Compared to my Spealized Team Master tires, these are literally trash. I might save them and throw them on a kid's bike, but will never ride them again after trying twice.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CJP
a weekend warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: August 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
These are best, but only when you use them for what they are meant for. Of course it slides in gravel, it's a 1.9 round profile, meant for for tarmac/hardpack/dirt conditions. First time I put these on, I realize that Directional Control has taken on a whole new dimension. Definately the most agile front tyres I've had. I hope people don't pin the blame on this otherwise excellent tyre because of their own ignorance. One only thing Germans aren't as good as the rest of the world is hyping. These tyres ain't no hype. Can't stand the stupid chocolate coloured sidewall, that's irrelevant though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stacy
a cross-country rider
from Tacoma, WA Date Reviewed: July 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
I got this tire thinking it would be an improvement to the leader pro, but this tire doesn't hold on to the ground. On loose dirt and gravel, it breaks away and you slide. It handles poorly over damp roots and rocks. It's ok on the flats, but all tires are ok under ideal conditions. I'd skip this tire and get another brand....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris G.
a weekend warrior
from Daly City, CA Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've gone on a few local trails on this tire matched with a double fighter in the rear and so far so good. It holds its own in the rough stuff, but does get knocked around a bit in really rocky sections. Otherwise, it works well. Cornering is good and braking is fine. Nothing really spectacular, but also no big shortcomings. I haven't used this tire in mud, but it does look like it would pack. I like this setup for the summer...it's fast and predictable and very light.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WrasseMan
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: July 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
Good fast tire that holds well in quick turns. Will predictably plow in sharp fast turns on dirt but I can remain in control. I can get down low with this tire when cornering because it holds well and gives me confidence. I agree that this tired packs mud and wet dirt easily and doesn't shed the stuff well at all. At speeds near 30 mph, this tire feels stable. I'm satisfied with this tire, but it is expensive.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Shapiro
a racer
from Frederick,MD Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is one Continental tire that I do not like. I had bad experiences with this tire at the 24 hrs of Canaan race last year 97. The pack up with even the slightest mud and handle rather squirmmily. Dont buy it for the front or the rear.I ran some panaracer tires at Canaan 98 with better success and wetter conditions
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
do
a cross-country rider
from Idaho Date Reviewed: May 31, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just purchased the navigator pro after my specialized pro contols gave the last they could give. On my first ride I immediately noticed the superb grabbing ability of the tread. The tire was nimble climbing through rocks and adept in loose gravel. It even handled mud and snow as good as any tire can. I use the navigator in front and a conti traction pro in the rear. I'm climbing up loose trails that I would spin out on a year ago. Now I have no excuse but my own legs for not making it to the top without a breather. Great tire, but try to find them on sale or for a bargain price. They ain't cheap!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Florida
a downhiller
from COLORADO Date Reviewed: May 3, 1998
Bottom Line:
I use the Navigator as an all purpose tire. It works great for Singletrack, Sand, Rock, anything. It works great paired up with the Continental Spike in the rear. Another great tire from a great company. Plus they are one of the few companies that use real, natural rubber. Might wear out faster, but works the best.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STEVE
a weekend warrior
from MISSION VIEJO CA Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
I LOVE THIS TIRE, IT HANDLES LIKE A DREAM GREAT TRACTION.....
BUY IT, IT AS A GREAT TIRE AND I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMBS WITH IT. IT SHEDS DIRT PERFECTLY, I HARDLY EVER SLIDE OUT...... THE TIRE IS AROUND $32 AND IT A GREAT INVESTMANT I HAVE TRECTION AND NAVIGATOR PRO TIRES.....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
freaky styley
a weekend warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: February 22, 1998
Bottom Line:
I liked this tire fine until I hit my first muddy single track. This was a bad choice for me. I could not depend on it to hold a line. I am a heavy rider and need more bite from a tire. replaced the Navigator with Ritchey Alfabite WCS 2.1 and had a huge improvement in front-end handling. I sometimes switch to a Missile 2.35 which is heavy but a very fun tire at high speed or technical trails.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a racer
from Corning, NY Date Reviewed: November 30, 1997
Bottom Line:
Handles mediocre, but it clogs with mud worse than any tire I've ever seen. I gave mine away, and I'm a very loyal Conti customer.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Launch Pad
a cross-country rider
from The Eastern Woods Date Reviewed: November 14, 1997
Bottom Line:
Overall this is a pretty good tire. If the ground is soft, it bites very well and you can rail it around corners. I find that it resists washing out quite well. However if you are going to be riding a lot of extreme technical terrain, (such as what we have here in the Eastern Woods) I would consider something else. The NP is very narrow, and seems to get knocked out of line/overwhelmed in very rocky terrain. OTOH: If your riding takes you over a variety of terrain - dirt roads, jeep trails, singletrack - or if you are a race weenie - then this may be a good tire for you - it's fast and light.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Literider
a cross-country rider
from WI Date Reviewed: November 2, 1997
Bottom Line:
Just an OK tire, nothing spectacular. 1.9inch width helps as a front tire (but so are many other tires out there). Get it only if it's on sale (like under $18 wire-beaded, $28 kevlar), or else cheaper ones like Piranhapro or even Psycho would be just as good.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Alker
a cross-country rider
from England Date Reviewed: June 14, 1997
Bottom Line:
This tyre looks like a psycho 2 and oh shit it works like one too. Clogs in the mud, slides in the dry, is equally crap in between. Dont buy it!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirty Dave
a weekend warrior
from Toronto Canada Date Reviewed: May 20, 1997
Bottom Line:
Yes! With this baby on the front and the Coss County on the rear you can just rip! The only bad thing is it tends to stick in the ruts.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MacDaddy CC Racer
a racer
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: April 5, 1997
Bottom Line:
These tires rule! I've raced one all last year in texas' 5 ecosystems and they perform well in all conditions. They clog in mud but what doesn't and the 1.9 profile gives you plenty of clearance. It's fast and corners nicely in everything (snow I would know but I would probably be checking out a snowboard anyway).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a weekend warrior
from California, USA Date Reviewed: February 1, 1997
Bottom Line:
Continental Navigator tire, 50-559 (26*1.9), wire bead $30, 21.5oz (610g) on a postal scaleHardpack / medium: 5 -- quite good Soft / dusty: 4 -- good, but could be better Rocks: 5 -- surprisingly good in rocky areas Mud: 2 -- clogs easily, sheds slowly Road: 3 -- about as good as a mountain bike tire can get
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lurch
a cross-country rider
from Fort Worth, Texas Date Reviewed: January 8, 1997
Bottom Line:
I installed a 1.9 on my front wheel, after reading all the good reviews on this site. With a cross-country installed in the back, my bike's taken on a whole new personality. A good one, too. The tire's light, doesn't wash out in the slow stuff and is totally predictable when it breaks free. I probably should have gone with a 2.0 in the front, but I had a little problem finding that size in stock. Still, a great front tire!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will Tacy
a cross-country rider
from Brooklyn, NY Date Reviewed: January 8, 1997
Bottom Line:
I've been using the Navigator Pro on my front wheel for about four months now. I ride mostly single track - some really sandy, some loamy woods stuff, some rocky hardpack. The Navigator has proved to be great on just about everything. It's really supple and tracks nicely on everything but the nastiest hardpack. The round profile floats nicely in sand and rolls like nothing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Wright
a cross-country rider
from Louisville, KY Date Reviewed: November 6, 1996
Bottom Line:
I've paied the Navigator Pro (non-snakebite version) in the front with the Cross Country in the rear at the advice of my LBS and previous posters to MTBR. This combination makes for a sweet setup. The Navigator front tire tracks very well around corners in the twisty singletrack around here. I've ridden the Navigator over both hard and soft soil with good results.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ Tebay
a cross-country rider
from Leeds West Yorkshire Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
Bottom Line:
Good tires are worth their weight in gold. They can transform the weight and
handling of a bike and are the easiest upgrade to be had.
These Nav. Pro's from Continental are an upgrade of sorts as they give the front end great stability
at speed and in almost all situations give you loads of warning before they wash out (apart from
cornering in mud, but which tire does do this in mud?). They also wear very well.
They only down-side is they are a bit heavy (750 grms for steel) and they do 'rail-road'
a bit (that is they take the line of least resistance and make it hard to steer out of ruts.
Overall quite specific but worth the effort if your a speed freak in corners.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance Surgeon
a weekend warrior
from Lawrenceville, GA Date Reviewed: August 5, 1996
Bottom Line:
I switched from the Leader Pro and really like the improvement. I ridden the Nav
Pro's (non Shake-Bite) in a variety of conditions. Equal to the Leaders in the
dry and much better in mud and wet technical stuff (read damn roots). Now if
Conti would produce a 2.0 version.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Bell
a racer
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996
Bottom Line:
I'm using this tire for now, but I just got my Nav. Pro with snakebite protection that I will describe as soon as I get it installed. A great jump up from the LeaderPro, with better treads for more precise and accurate cornering and control at speed.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Bell
a racer
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996
Bottom Line:
model: snakebite
I just got this tire installed and replaced my Nav. w/o the snakebite protection. This adds some weight, but if you want a tire that won't blow on you, then this is it!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Kenney
a cross-country rider
from Reseda, CA Date Reviewed: March 28, 1996
Bottom Line:
The Continental Navigator 1.9 is probably the best front tire I've ever
used! It works great in combination with a Cross Country 1.9 rear tire.
There is a lot of tread to provide lots of bite. The narrow size doesn't
deflect as much in rough terrain. It likes to go OVER the obstacles!
While this tire is great on fire roads, it really shines on technical
single-track. It really sticks to loose, off-camber ribbons of
cliff-hanging dirt! The anti-snakebite version I have is a little
heavy, but still not as heavy as a steel tire.
Overall Rating:
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