The revolutionary innovation: the first Continental-downhill-tire with tubeless technology has a completely new tread design with superior performance. Specially designed shoulder blocks offer excellent handling in turns at high speed. The "Endless Edge" tread block design features five-cornered-blocks in variable orientation for grip and effortless, precise steering in all conditions and for all kinds of soils. The VerticalPro provides smooth rolling on hard pack and stable handling on gravel with extremely high limits. The tire is suitable for front and rear use. VerticalPro is also available in wire and Kevlar bead.
Vertical Pro 26 x 2.30 660 grams (wire) 590 grams (Kevlar)
Vertical Pro TL(tubeless) 26 x 2.30 960 grams (wire)
Submitted by
DesertRiderAZ
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, CA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Point and shoot. It goes where you point it, climbs incredibly well, sticks to hardpack dirt, rocks, and roots, glides through sand and gravel. There's a reason this tire has the highest rating out of any with 100+ MTBR reviews. This tire is extremely durable (lasting through years of hard weekend riding). Recently re-released with Black Chili rubber, which is supposed to provide even greater traction. Buy it while you can! And send Continental a message that you love it! Your local bike shop will probably have to order the tire in, as Continental's recent production run was so small it didn't make the catalog. SERIOUSLY, BUY IT.
Weaknesses:
The only time this tire ever loses traction is on wet rocks or roots. Hardly a failing, as virtually no tire provides good traction in that situation.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracers, Specialized S-Works, IRC Mythos XC
Bike Setup:
XT Scandium Dual Suspension Kona
Bottom Line:
The best tire I've ridden. The best tire my riding partners have ridden. Best for traction. Best for durability. Best for navigability.
Special order it from your LBS. You won't look back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
schlim
a Cross Country Rider
from Hayden, ID US Date Reviewed: October 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Amazing grip and cornering traction, decent air volume, only 580g (non-protection sidewall), excels in all conditions but mud. Accelerates nicely due to its low weight.
Weaknesses:
Packs up in mud, no biggie. Closer to a 2.2, but has decent air volume.
Turner Six Pack, Z1 Light, Crossmax ST, X.9, DHX Air.
Bottom Line:
These are quite simply the best tires I have ever run on my bike. My local trail conditions include loose over hardpack, loose babyhead rocks, hardpack dirt, and northwest roots. The Verticals have all the grip, traction, and cornering ability of a Panaracer Fire FR 2.4, but in a 2.3 and 300g lighter per tire. I have had no problems with sidewall cuts, even over sharp rocks at speed. The best thing about them is that I can lean the bike way over without feeling like they are going to break loose. I have only slid out once, and it was at low speed without weight over the front wheel. The Verticals are predictable, comfortable, and bite nicely when climbing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirtjumpcook
a Racer
from melbourne Date Reviewed: August 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
buller
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
vicmtb
Strengths:
good grip on the dirt, holds well, takes corners very well
Weaknesses:
narrow, gets clogged up with dirt easily, wears out pretty quickly
Similar Products Used:
maxxis high roller
Bike Setup:
kona stuff, dirt jumper 3 forks, hayes nine brakes,
Bottom Line:
don't buy it, for the same price you can get a much better Tyre
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
r3trodisco
a Weekend Warrior
from uk Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
whiteways
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
halfords
Strengths:
eats uk mud does not clog and up hill grip better than high rollers this is not just a down hill tyer but a trail masterpiece offering lots of grip and brill corner traction
Weaknesses:
dont last long but who cares when there cheep and a little hevey for xc and trail but makes up for it wth grip
Similar Products Used:
high rollers and tioga cubes
Bike Setup:
gt aggressor xc2 with full deore group set and rockshox dart 2 with tires reviewing
Bottom Line:
brill value for money i love mine and for the price well worth a try very very good in extreem wet ang trail turning
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bigfatadder
a Downhiller
from Wollongong, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: June 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
It is bad at everything
Similar Products Used:
Many, many
Bike Setup:
Tried on GT avalanche and Scott genius MC
Bottom Line:
Rubbish, throw it away and buy a different brand as Bontrager is terrible
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis
a Weekend Warrior
from Guimaraes - Portugal Date Reviewed: April 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
hibike.de
Strengths:
Great Rolling, Great Grip, Great Durability, Great Weight!
Weaknesses:
None (a bit narrow, but it's ok)
Similar Products Used:
Nobby Nic's ; Conti Diesel ; Tioga Blue Dragon ; Nokian NBX; Hutchinsons....
Submitted by
Chris Lupton
a Weekend Warrior
from Suffolk, UK Date Reviewed: March 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Coed Y Brenin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Amazing grip. Decent rolling resistance & weight.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Nothing as good
Bike Setup:
2008 Commencal Meta 5.5XT
Bottom Line:
In the slippery, muddy conditions I ride in over winter, these tyres have no equal. I have seen others slide all over the place where these tyres have helped me hold a line. I haven't tried them in summer conditions yet, but on the few dry hardpack rides I have done this winter, thet have rolled well & gripped just as well as in mud. They aren't overly heavy either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Jacksonville, NC Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Brig Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Great Grip,low rolling resistance, durable
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Hutchison Mosquito, Specialized Pro
Bike Setup:
07 Stumpjumper FSR Expert
Bottom Line:
This tire has saved me on a lot of corners where the Mesquitoes would have dumped me on my head. Most popular tire on the local trails of Eastern North Carolina. This tire will warn you before it slips and then find traction anyway. Only complaint is I would like a larger size to use up front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Thompson
a Cross Country Rider
from Plymouth, UK Date Reviewed: January 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Useful all round fast trail tyre that combines good grip with low weight and rolling resistance. Excellent in the dry. Sheds mud well. Grips very well at low pressures. Ok on tarmac. Seems to last well. Good for Dartmoor.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't seem to grip on slick wet rock at all (slate at coed-y-brenin has casused me some pain because of this) - can range from scary to dangerous in these conditions. Also slippery over wet roots (but what tyre isnt?). Carcass not high enough volume to resist pinch flats at low pressures (I am using tubes so maybe this could be avoided by going tubeless). Too small to inspire confidence on rocky descents. Not really 2.3 - more like 2.1 imho.
Seems like a good all round XC / trail tyre for non-hardcore riders. I am always trying others but I keep coming back to these because they offer a realy good compromise between speed and grip. Other tyres offer better grip or volume, but these are really fast for what you get from them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Nelson, BC Canada Date Reviewed: November 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Good for loose dirt.
Weaknesses:
Bad for Rocks, trees especially wet ones.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Mutano and Moto. Panaracer Cinder. Kenda Nevegal. Maxxis Igniter.
Bike Setup:
07 Prophet 3Z.
Bottom Line:
I was using Panaracer Cinders(best tire I have used) prior to using the Conti's. First thing I noticed was the tall knobs on the sides wouldn't grab on rocks and trees (wet or dry) causing me to slide off of them due to the knobs bending. The salesman told me that they are a do all tire which I would say isn't correct. I just checked the conti site and they say the same thing. I would say they are more of a loose dirt tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Katz
a Cross Country Rider
from Dunstable, MA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Low Rolling Resistence
Weaknesses:
Miserable wet performance
Similar Products Used:
Conti Explorer/Traction Pro
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Truth, Fox F100, XTR, etc
Bottom Line:
I'm a Conti fan and that's all I've ridden for years but these tires are treacherous on anything wet other than regular dirt. Wet rocks and roots will put you on the ground pretty quickly. My group usually rides in the early morning so it's usually wet when we start out. It's a combination of the small knows and the hard compound I suppose. Size wise they are more of a 2.2, but I knew that before I got them and they're actually the perfect width for me. Don't know what else to say other than I'm disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Duende
a Cross Country Rider
from Eastern Sierra Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mammoth Rock Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
From a friend
Strengths:
Light,wide, fast rolling front tire. Put these on for winter XC riding with Stans tubeless setup. The first week we had snow, then warm weather and cold nights. So, I have been through mud, sand, loose, frozen snow and ice. I love this tire.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't look very wide. Looks more like a 2.2 but about as wide as a WTB Mutanoraptor 2.4 and much narrower than the Panaracer Fire FR 2.4 it replaced.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal,Karma,Dart. WTB Weirwolf. Panaracer Fire FR.
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5
Bottom Line:
Took my bike to the LBS to remove my FR/AM tires and air up a lighter set of tires for winter XC riding. The bike mechanic mounted it up in the wrong direction and I went out and rode. It went up, down and through without complaint. After the ride, while hosing down the bike, I noticed the tire was mounted the wrong way. I took it back and had him remount the tire to rotate in the proper direction. The tire was even better. Handles well in the corners, sand, rocks, a little mud, ice and snow.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Hunter
a Weekend Warrior
from Liverpool UK Date Reviewed: September 1, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
Wiggle.co.uk
Strengths:
Grips on most surfaces, wears very well (hardly worn after 1 year)
Weaknesses:
Has let go once (loose material on hardpack)
Similar Products Used:
Various Specialized tyres
Bottom Line:
Despite the one 'off' I've had due to this tyre, it's performed extremely well every other time. I've got this on the front with a Conti Vapour out back. Wear rate is fantastic, low rolling resistance and a good price (£14 GBP).
Will be buying again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Albertinho
a Cross Country Rider
from Zagreb, Croatia Date Reviewed: August 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with a good climb and descent
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
2nd hand
Strengths:
Confidence-inspiring, great grip, no snakebites, spiderwebs!
Weaknesses:
Riding on roads is a bit tiring.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Komodo, Schwalbe Albert
Bike Setup:
KTM Ultra Flite 2007 Marzocchi MX Pro fork Formula Oro K18 brakes SRAM X9/Attack shifters Deore/LX kit
Bottom Line:
Very good, but they were putting me off from riding my bike on roads. Buy them for your mountain rig if you have another bike for commuting. I replaced them with 2.25 Schwalbe Alberts, a bit thinner, not so aggressive sidewalls, but I didn't notice a decrease in control during descents. Had a snakebite though. But the Alberts roll noticeably easier on roads and seem more versatile.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allen Zimmermann
a Weekend Warrior
from san mateo, ca usa Date Reviewed: January 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
waterdog,skeggs, downieville nstar
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
universal bikes
Strengths:
Light. Strong. Bullet-proof for cc/trail riding. Have ridden Downieville and N.Star with no flats. Our local areas are much smoother than Sierras, so no problems at all. Will stick with these for now.
Weaknesses:
A little expensive (but worth it). I would go with the higher tpi Protection model rather than the $20 wire version. Not really 2.3 but who cares? It's close.
Similar Products Used:
That's personal.
Bike Setup:
2003 Trek Fuel
Bottom Line:
With what's going on in the world today, does it really matter how good a mtb. tire really is?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam B
a Racer
from Toronto, ON Date Reviewed: October 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Glen Major/Durham
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Northern Cycle
Strengths:
Very grippy in most conditions. Excellent front tire. Rolls fast despite how grippy it is.
Weaknesses:
Not the best on concrete but not meant for that. The UST tires are really heavy, something like 800 or 900 grams. Not 2.3 inches wide or tall, where are they getting these numbers from?
Similar Products Used:
bontrager, michellin, hutchinson
Bike Setup:
Winter/Snow setup: Conti Vertical tubeless front and rear at 20 psi. Regular setup Conti Vertical Protection front and Conti Explorer rear at 35 to 40 psi.
Bottom Line:
I've used the tubeless and the Protection version of this tire and they are both awesome tires. During summer non competitive use I would recommend this as an all condition front tire and maybe back tire if you don't mind the weight. As a front tire it grabs the trail and doesn't let go. As the winter progresses here in Canada I might put the Vertical on the front and rear of my commuter bike to reduce any chance of sliding on city roads while commuting to work and back. When going off road into the snow I use the Conti Vert Tubeless tires front and rear at 20 psi and you can ride up snowy trails you wouldn't think possible, these tires are awesome. You can't go wrong with buying this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
solarity
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood, Sourland
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
They grip when you need it the most. Durable compound.
Weaknesses:
Front placement tends to wander, but that may be due to my bike setup. Tires wear fast, but that is a trade off for good grip.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Panaracer, Michelin and Kenda.
Bottom Line:
Reliable tires in the area of grip and tracking. I have used both, UST and standard versions including PROtection model. Climbing and traction is what counts the most for my style of riding, but I won't ignore the stability when heading downward. I have been using these tires for years and despite trying other models and brands from time to time, I always end up buying another pair of verticals. I love these tires for my riding conditions which include rocky, wet conditions and snow in the winter. Climbing steep, rocky sections of trail - the kind that seems to want to throw you off your bike as if mocking you - is where these tires shine. No tire will offer complete grip in all conditions, especially in the wet and no tire can substitute for skill, experience and proper bike setup, but these tires handle well considering. I prefer these tires over the panaracer fire XC pros wich worked well in dry conditions but fish tailed and slipped liked crazy at any hint of moisture and they did not perform as well when the trail got hairy. All in all these tires can BITE like hell when the trail gets tough and they may be the only thing responsible for holding that last bit of crucial traction in the dog fight for cresting the final point of a brutally tough climb.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robbie Sorrell
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Barton Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sport Shop
Strengths:
Excellent Traction when dry
Weaknesses:
Rolling Resistance
Similar Products Used:
Explorer Pro
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M80 with modifications
Bottom Line:
While moving along the learning curve, I have now switched to the Continental Explorer. The resistance is significantly less while maintaining almost all of the traction enjoyed with the vertical pros - just tweak your riding for the first 3-5 rides to get used to it. I found that paying extra for the kevlar is not worth it as the tires are only good for roughly a year then you should replace. The wire rim is not that much heavier and while they are more susceptible to sidewall rips, you are paying half the price of a Kevlar tire anyway - plus, you are getting the kick butt traction of a new tire again - BFD. Enjoy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Cahmbridge, OH, USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Ernie's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Grips like Velcro, tracks straight, corners consistently, fairly light, good flat protection, yada yada.
Weaknesses:
NOT 2.3 inches, maybe 2.0, thin sidewalls are not for freeriders, but great for everyone else.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Hutchison Spyder Air Light
Bike Setup:
'06 Stumpy 120 FSR Pro with Avid Juicy 7's, THESE TIRES MAKE GREAT TUBELESS WITH SEALANT.
Bottom Line:
This is the perfect tire for xc/trailriders, great in mud and anything else real mountain bikers ride. If you wonder what tires to get, buy these. The PROtection version is the light version.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mervz
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna, Philippines Date Reviewed: August 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Los Banos and Bataan trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$6.00
Purchased At:
915- local LB bike shop
Strengths:
A true all around/all mountain tire. Lightweight. Grippy. Full traction. Fast rolling on and off trails. Unique whimsical design (spiderwebs?! WTF?!) Dirt cheap
Weaknesses:
Not a true 2.3 tire as already voiced out by the majority. I'd say size is somewhere between a 2.1 and a 2.24. Wishful thinking: hope they could be more like the Larsen TT 2.3. now that's robust and light. However a wider rim would make this tire look much bigger (duh)
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis and WTB tires mainly
Bike Setup:
Kona Caldera aggro-XC set-up
Bottom Line:
I'm reviewing the econo version Vertical (not the Pro), the cheapest in the line. It's basically the same anyway save for the slightly lower tpi casing and wire bead. Man I absofreakinlutely love this tire! It would've been the perfect aggressive trail tire for me had it been a true 2.3 size but still I love 'em as it is. But what I really love about this is that it's a very fast, high rolling tire (even on the road) yet maintains a very strong traction and can take on any kind of trail in these parts. I truly am impressed with the handling and performanc of this tire. On the descents it's expected to shine but what really blew me away was its amazing grip and handling in climbing steep technical trails. bottomline is they're lovely and truly one of the best yet underrated tires around. plus they're sold quite cheap here so it's a real damn bargain if you ever saw one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JK
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K Date Reviewed: July 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Marin
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Reasonably light and good tread at first. Low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Not cheap. They wear in a way that compromises their performance well in advance of the tyres being worn out.
Similar Products Used:
Endless number of top brand makes over the last 20 years.
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision
Bottom Line:
When new these tyres are very capable in almost all conditions front or rear. I have 4 of these tyres and I have become concerned that as soon as the nobbles start to wear and round-off, the tyre becomes a very poor performer and possitively evil in wet conditions. I like them when new but I feel that the fast deterioration of performance undermines their long term quality and since they are not cheap, I regard that as a major concern.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a
from Tempe Date Reviewed: July 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Idaho Mountain Touring
Strengths:
Excellent rolling resistance and durability. Works well on the road without wearing down, which is important to me because I often ride to the trailhead.
Weaknesses:
Traction is just OK. Smaller size than advertised 2.3. (Actual width is more like 2.1).
Trek Liquid 2003 with Race Face Diabolis stem and Performance Loco wheels for all mountain riding
Bottom Line:
A good tire for all around use, and very fast. Seems light weight but still holds up well even on tough trails and sharp rocks. Best rear tire I've ever used, and I just bought another -- the old tire has nothing wrong with it other than knobs evenly worn down to 1 millimeter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Boone
a Cross Country Rider
from Chester Springs, PA USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Marsh Creek, Exton PA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle, Paoli
Strengths:
Large treads all over tire, especially on the sides.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer XC, Dart and Smoke.
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 2, with upgraded brake rotors (6 to 8 inch). Lizard skin lockon grips and Continental Vertical Pro 2.3 tires.
Bottom Line:
I love these tires, I have used them on all types of terrain. Mud, hard and loose. They make me feel very confident when blasting down tight trails and hitting corners hard. A few times, I thought for sure that I was going to wash out, but the side bit dug in and I was fine. I would recommend these tires to anyone!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA, USA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Steady and durable. Great tire for soft terrain, gravel or sand base. Becuase of the width, it rolls very easily on roots, rocks and holes. It makes for a very comfortable downhill/uphill with rock solid sure footing.*
Weaknesses:
*Absolutely terrible on loose, dry soft/fine dirt or surfaces at high speeds. Gives you the feeling of speed wobble and don't even think about cornering.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Explorer 2.1
Bike Setup:
19" '98 Gary Fisher steel Hoo Koo E Koo, Manitou Magnum R Shock, All Deore components, Bontrager wheels, Continental Gravity 2.3 (front/back)
Bottom Line:
I've used this tire on the sand based trails it was fantastic. In the mountains where the base will change from limestone to clay is where you start to see the difference. In clay, I couldn't ask any more from the tire but once it hits the limestone it becomes very unsteady at speed. I have switched to the Gravity 2.3 with much better handling in this terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ernie
a Cross Country Rider
from Valrico, FL, USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006
I love these tires. I have yet to slip on them yet. They have also been very good at gripping in wet conditions. They have no problem shedding mud. Very good all around tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Etienne
a Cross Country Rider
from Barberton, Mapumalanga, ZA Date Reviewed: May 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Climbing with a downhill home
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
I went to LBS today and got told continetal would honour waranty, got brand new one! I still had to buy a tyre when I took it in, see my previous post. They seem to beleive in their product wich one can not fault. This must allow them 5 for value tyre was more than 1000 km's old. Overall 4 for no policy to put cyclist back on road same day, good tyre though!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Etienne
a Cross Country Rider
from Barberton, Mapumalanga, ZA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Climbing with a downhill home
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Anton's cycle worx
Strengths:
Grip, flex, durability ok I got 1165km from tyre before sidewall failure
Weaknesses:
sidewall, grip if run at to high pressure
Similar Products Used:
Scott oxyd, Maxxis CrossMax, Larsen TT
Bike Setup:
Scott reflex 25 XT&LX DT rims
Bottom Line:
Disapointed when side wall tore from wire, had to purchase tyre while waiting for claim! Tyre feels shaky if run above 3bar, Grips well at 2.5 - 3.0 bar. Wear ok not great but acceptable at price!
Value good but poor waranty I would Say?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pierre Nel
a Cross Country Rider
from South Africa Date Reviewed: May 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Grant Cycles
Strengths:
Directional stability - it's like going on rails; Traction - it runs like a pair of spikes on a grass track on hard pack, sand(exceptional) loose gravel (I have yet to try it in wet conditions though); cornering - it sticks to its path where you point the front wheel; side-wall-cut-resistance - due to design it provides reasonable protection against side wall cuts; braking - it stops when you want them to!; It takes Stan's quite well.
Weaknesses:
Rear tyre wears quickly, especially when you run bits on tar. But if you get your 120 hours of use from them it is long enough (then you don't have to top-up your Stan's, just replace with new rear tyre :-)!)
The best tyre I have used thus far! A bit on the heavy side but the traction and protection make up for it. If you run it with Stan's (non-negotiable) you gain some on weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Wyndham, New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Naseby Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Reasonable low resistance. Good in dry/light gravel. Wore pretty fast despite minimal road work.
Weaknesses:
Unpredictable in hard cornering, esp off camber. Really let go suddenly on wet rock / roots while cornering (maybe I could choose better lines).
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z max, Tioga, Kenda Nevegal (much better grip vs rolling), Syncros BHT (nice for aggro trail riding).
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, Talas fork, RP3, XT, Avid Juicy 8" / 6"
Bottom Line:
A nice all-round trail tyre but will let you down in the wet or if pushing hard through off-camber corners. Front tyre can wash out suddenly. Even rear tyre is hard to hook up again once it starts to let go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate Henry
a
from TDC, S. Korea Date Reviewed: February 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bonneville Shoreline (UTAH)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Excellent as far as traction and ride quality goes.
Weaknesses:
2.3!!!!! What? Are they kidding?!?!?!! Heavy for a 1.95"(2.3")
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer SMOKE 2.1", since forever.
Bike Setup:
Hartail Homegrown/SID/Etc...
Bottom Line:
I bought these because I wanted a little more float/cushion in my hardtail with similar grip to SMOKE tires. WOW, they are skinnier (is that a word?) than my SMOKE 2.1" tires! Continental should erase the 2.3" and mark this as a 1.95" tire. My bike looks more RACY now and I wanted FATTER. Dissapointed in size but otherwise will be a great tire for a 1.95". I bought the 'Made in Taiwan' 170 tpi version, not sure if that makes a difference...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Glenbrook, NSW, AUSTRALIA Date Reviewed: February 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Durras Mountain-Clear Point
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles Oz
Strengths:
Light, Grippy in all conditions, Strong, Airproof - put them on tubeless rims with no tube and Stan's goop, Went on XTR tubeless rim easily, climbed like a billy goat. Excellent tires for front and back
Weaknesses:
None so far - had to use compressor to seat them on the rim - but that means they're on tight - costly for tubed tires. Been told they wear quickly and lose their edge after a couple of months but so far they are great
Similar Products Used:
IRC - Seracs 2.1 - excellent and strong but front tends to wash out. Hutchinson Pythons 2.1 - Weak walls easily ripped on rocks Kenda Kharma 2.1 - punctured too easily
Bike Setup:
Epic Marathon Large, XTR wheels and disc brakes, XO rear derailleur, XO twister grips, LX brake levers, Monkey Lite bars, Fox RLC 100 forks, Selle Italia Saddle, Thompson seat post, AVID Flack Jacket cables
Bottom Line:
Just rode these tires on one of the toughest MTB Cross Country events around - Wildside in Tasmania - 4 days, 7 race stages and 225 kms of racing. The tires performed flawlessly and gripped fantastically and with no tube and Stan's did not lose any pressure over the whole 4 days. They are outstanding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Clark
a Racer
from Rangiora, New Zealand Date Reviewed: January 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Vulcaniser
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Grip whenever you need it, light weight and low rolling resistance for such a knobbly trye
Weaknesses:
None so far, except they're not really a 2.3 wide tyre.
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Hutchinson, Michelin, Kenda, Panaracer.
Bike Setup:
Marin Nail Trail singlespeed, SIDs, Truvativ cranks. 44:18 gearing on hills, 44:15 on the flat.
Bottom Line:
I use these on my singlespeed for racing, training & fun. On a singlespeed you need climbing grip, cornering speed, and low weight. These tyres have it all. The momentum you can carry into corners is fantastic. If things get scary on a corner, I just lean the bike right over while keeping my body upright and these tyres hook up predictably right through. The large casing size is welcomed too, as I run pressure below 30psi for comfort - my lower spine loves this idea! A whole year so far at this pressure for no punctures.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gavin Holmes
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: January 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Handles all terrain very well.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduros, Kenda Nevegal
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro, Fox Vanilla 125RLC, XT components, Avid Mech Disk Brakes
Bottom Line:
Previously I had used the Specialized Enduros that came on the bike. They always made me feel skittish in the turns. I ride with the Vert on front and a Kenda Nevegal on the rear. This combo has been a very nice improvement on handling in rough, all-mountain type conditions. I run it at about 35-40psi depending on the trail (the lesser for more severe downhill stuff). And what's nice is that it also does good on the streets I ride to get to work. All around great tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doubleB
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg Date Reviewed: November 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
rocks, roots, technical
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
www.eastcoasters.com B'burg, VA
Strengths:
Traction, durability, longevity.
Weaknesses:
None with the Duraskin sidewall version.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, IRC Kujo and Serac XC, Bonty Jones, etc.
Bike Setup:
Fuel 100, Chris King, STANS NOTUBES
Bottom Line:
Stan's recommended this non-tubeless tire for use with non-tubeless rims for an ultra-light tubeless setup. So I gave'em a try. I have had the pleasure of riding a variety of terrain here on the east coast (SW Virginia, W. NC, Vermont, central PA, WV) and this tire gets it done. It climbs better than any tire I've run in over twelve years.
It gives you confidence on nasty descents to just open it up. I like to hammer the downhills especially when someone in the group has a long travel rig - they aren't sure how to take being passed by a XC guy in spandex on a short travel Fuel.
The tire isn't fazed by roots or rocks, it is stable in high speed turns wet or dry.
Tough tire, managed to puncture it pretty badly in a knarly rock garden - pumped air into it while holding my thumb over the hole - Stans did its job - have added over 500 miles to that tire with out incident since.
Run this tire front and back gives bike predictable drift on fire road banked or flat turns. I can't beleive the beating these tires have taken - more yet to give. I used to swap onto Kujos for the winter - but now I am like "why bother?"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tekin
a Cross Country Rider
from NJ Date Reviewed: November 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
ringwood
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
light weight for size, tread design
Weaknesses:
soft sides.
Similar Products Used:
WTB weirwolf 2.1 , IRC Mythos , hutchinson spider, WTB old school velociraptors.
I bought these tires to try it out due to good reviews here. These are 2.3, kevlar, non UST , claimed 590, real 614g versions. I set them up with 37psi that I usually ride with in rocky trails. They felt great for 10min of riding until I came to a rocky downhill where I let it loose. When I came to a almost full stop on a hairpin turn I felt front tire go down. Snake bite. When I replaced the tube I saw front tire down as well. So I had to patch real wheel to continue. I did not wanted to chance anymore flats so I bumped the psi to over 45 and had a harsh ride. A couple of times on fast leaning turns front was almost washed out. I think they could have taken some knobs off and use the weight on the sidewalls. It might be a good tire for smooth single track but not for rocky ones. I put velociraptors on where I could predict what is going to happen with the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rico Mundy
a Cross Country Rider
from Angwin, CA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Angwin singletrack
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great traction on hardpack and sand. Knobs last forever (1.5 years/2400 miles as a front tire).
Weaknesses:
Doesn't corner well on loose gravel atop hardpack.
Similar Products Used:
Many tires, previous front tire was a Conti Explorer Pro (it was a horrible tire, I would never buy another one)
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz superlight
Bottom Line:
This was my all time favorite front tire when I lived in Kansas City. It was awesome on the sandy and hardpack trails in the area. I have put 2400 miles on it in 1.5 years and knobs still look big and meaty despite some riding on the road along with the trails. When I moved to northern California half a year ago it went from being a favorite tire to a terrifying one. On the trails around Napa Valley which are mostly loose gravel on a hardpack base this tire was completely squirrely for me and would lose traction way before the rear tire did leading to many close crash calls. Maybe the tire is just too old and the rubber too worn and a new one would serve me better, but my average speed on technical winding singletrack with the gravel/hardpack base I described is 1 to 2 mph slower on this tire than it used to be. I think I'll use it up on the rear and put some other tire on the front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shawn malloy
a Downhiller
from Lynn, MA USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bow Ridge (gone now:(
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Local shop
Strengths:
Excellent grip in all conditions from rock faces to mud bogs, loose gravel to hard pack. Almost no knob deflection. Good sidewalls with the pro tection version.
Weaknesses:
none. not the best rear for DH but still better than most. Excellent as a rear for everything else.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis- hans venture, minion, high roller, mobster. Nokian- gazzaloddi, nbx. Panaracer- fire series. Hutchinson- spider UST. Michelin- wild gripper, Hot s. Continental- vertical, vertical UST, gravity, gravity UST.
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi SLX, Fox 36, mavic 823's to hadley's and 721's to king. Standard shimano / race face mix. Thomson post and stem and easton monkeylite's.
Bottom Line:
I have tried just about every tire that is worth trying and NO company offers better tires than continental. The only catch is that I am light (135lbs) and have never needed a super beefy tire under me. If you are a big'un try the gazzaloddi's. Nokian's rank second in my book. Most european tire companies use REAL rubber not synthetic (maxxis). This provides the best grip to durability ratio available. I get better grip with any of my continentals than any of the maxxis Super tacky's. I run two sets of rims and thus two sets of tires. For freeriding I run my 721's with a survival on the rear and a vertical on the front. For DH I run 823's with gravity UST for rear and vertical UST for front. The continental's are predictable, stable and grip any surface you are going to ride. Continental has been making tires for nearly 100 years and it shows. If you are a serious rider you owe it to yourself to at least try these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in the Alps
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Munich
Strengths:
My best allround tire I ever used.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey WCS
Bike Setup:
Manitou FS, DT Wheels & Damper, Votec Air Quadrat Fork
Bottom Line:
I bought these tires almost three years ago and used them for two long tours across the alps and this spring in Italy through the Abruzzen. They work very well on all sorts of dry conditions and give a very "safe" riding feedback. I haven´t used them in the wet a lot though. But I would still recommend them as one of the best allround tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark b
a Cross Country Rider
from vail, colorado USA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
son of middle creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
mountain sports outlet
Strengths:
does what it's suppose to do, pretty fast rolling tread
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
panaracer XCpro, hutchinson Python, Maxxis High roller
Bike Setup:
Kona hard tail, 03' Marz Freeride SL fork, Eggbeaters, etc.
Bottom Line:
biggest tire i have ever ran, i was looking for some extra cushion, some reviews say it is a small 2.3, not for me though i usually ride 1.9-2.2's i'm 6'4 220 and run 45-50 psi on both front and rear and get good traction and minimal roll resistance...which is what i wanted out of the tire. No pinch flats yet. have ridden super technical single track and long fire road climbs, no complaints.
4 flamin' chilis for value because it is pricey i got the tires at cost so if you're paying 45 bucks or more i think they're a bit steep. but if they last all summer it's worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric waldron
a Cross Country Rider
from nederland,co usa Date Reviewed: June 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all of em
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
bicycle village
Strengths:
Great cornering; climbing and braking. I'm very pleased. I've never been really hard on tires. pick good lines is my advice for not blowing them.you get what you give!
Weaknesses:
none yet. not a true 2.3 they are a little skinny but it's all good. they roll fast.and grip like mama cass in a candy factory!
Similar Products Used:
All the huchinson crap. (including the claimed 3.0 bulldog lites that came on my bike).when will they really make a tire that does what it's basic function needs to be? grab some traction!!!! Tioga red dragons, wtb veliciraptors, mutano raptors.( in the last five years)
Bike Setup:
Giant reign 2. stock (stoked) but new conti vertical pros
Bottom Line:
I totally love these things so far. I was a little nervous after I mounted them because they seemed pretty skinny for a 2.3. I don't notice the lack of volume at all. These things hook up! I think for general colorado conditions these rock.Rail some corners and look at how deep they bite and you will be able to tell, they like to bite! They smoke the wanna be 3.0 huchinsons that my bike came with. I can't wait to convert to tubeless with stans and really kill it!.I wanted kendas but no one in boulder had any so I tried conties. I'm really glad I bought these. Only reason I'm not giving these 5 peppers is because I bought a bike with 6 in. of travel and i wanted true 2.3 in. tires to hang with the suspensions ability. buy some. you will dig. remember: different conditions demand different tires! colorado is way dry. full of gravel, sand and all kinds of scary rock!! they work awsome here!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Rio Rancho, NM USA Date Reviewed: June 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cedro Peak
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Albuquerque Bicycle Center
Strengths:
Lightweight good grip in varied conditions.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors, Racing Raptors
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche
Bottom Line:
These tires work in a wide range of conditions and are very stable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A.P.
a Cross Country Rider
from Princeton Date Reviewed: May 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Little rolling resistance. They grip well in a wide range of terrain.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, WTB Weirwolf, Hutchinson Scorpion (worst tires ever!!), Specialized Enduro Sport (crap!)
Bottom Line:
Best tires I have used thus far. I can climb steep sections of trail that were impossible to traverse before I threw these tires on, no more slipping and losing traction over loose rocky and rooty sections. I can stand while pedaling up the peak of a climb and not worry about spinning my tire out of traction. Decent performance on wet trails, a rider's skill will fill in the rest. THESE TIRES WILL IMPROVE YOUR RIDING.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
igor
a Weekend Warrior
from swampscott, ma Date Reviewed: May 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
online trade
Strengths:
Good overall traction, really light.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls, have to run higher than I want pressure, SUCK on rocks!
Similar Products Used:
crapload of different tires
Bike Setup:
P.3 for trail riding with 4" fork
Bottom Line:
Review for NON UST versio.
They are nice and light, fast rolling tires, but absolutely suck on big flat rocks where side grip and low pressure is the key to stay on. Thin side walls do not allow low pressure. Overall grip on the trail is close to excellent, haven't tried them in the mud. They bite very good in corners on packed fireroads. 2 chillies less because of the price new and lack of grip on the rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler Gerling
a Cross Country Rider
from Cohasset, MN, USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Shinglemill
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Ski Hut in Duluth
Strengths:
Great tire, amazing traction, work in nearly all trail conditions. The tire says endless edge on them, they dont lie, I have amazing confidence in these tires when riding corners, just lean and the tires hook up for ya.
Weaknesses:
Thick mud clings to them, as with all non-mud specific tires, but they still work great in wet conditions, too wide for thick mud though.
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper FSR, XT drivetrain, XT dual control, SID carbon fork, Race Face crank, carbon bar, thomson, ODI grips (swear by them)
Bottom Line:
Go to tire, these are the tires that i keep on my bike, best tire set ive ever ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from PA Date Reviewed: April 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Versatile. Good roller. Good traction. Wears OK.
Weaknesses:
None if used for intended purpose. It does pack up in sticky mud...suprise, it's not a mud specific tire. I've yet to see a non-mud-specific tire not pack up in sticky mud. That would be like saying it's rolling resistance is not on par with a slick; 'cause it's not a slick.
Costly.
A bit small for a 2.3" tire.
Similar Products Used:
Too numerous to recall.
Bike Setup:
I've used these tires on many bikes.
Bottom Line:
My favorite all around trail tire. It's my "go to" tire when trail conditions are in doubt. I've been riding since '93 and have tried more tires than I can count. I've used this tire for every thing from light FR to xc racing to a SS tire. It's a great HT tire as it's plump enough to handle relatively low pressures without pinch flatting. With a super light tube it's even a respectable xc racer on the right course. It corners well and has good grip on all but the stickiest mud. It's probably a bit too much tire for super buffed trails. But for anything between sticky and buff it's the best "all-rounder".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Baz
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: March 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Seymour
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Quite light and eyecatching sidewalls. Light and they are quick and effective on dry hardpack.
Weaknesses:
Dreadfull in thick mud. Both font and back pack up with mud like a coating of slime and there is no way of getting any grip.
Similar Products Used:
Too many to mention.
Bike Setup:
Mountaincycle San Andreas
Bottom Line:
This is for the kevlar version. In the dry the back is great and the front is O.K The front needs to be a front specific tire for me, to give better hold on fast lean over corners. The back gives good traction and controlled hard braking. In the wet these babies are a bit edgy if the pressure is high and in the mud it is good night Vienna. Where I ride we have a lot of wet and muddy conditions and The Fire XC is like Dr Jekyl & Mr Hyde...Mr Hyde comes out in the mud. So I think that they are real good in the dry & real bad in the mud.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc Peot
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood Date Reviewed: February 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Wheatridge Cyclery
Strengths:
Looks cool -- great marketing copy! Oh, it does roll...it's round
Weaknesses:
Absolutely unusable - imho...and I am being kind.
Similar Products Used:
Various Specialized, Maxxis, Conti's, IRC, Bontrager, Panaracer, Kenda, WTB's
Bike Setup:
'03 Racer-X w/ Fox F80rlt,Avid disc's/levers, Truvative/XTR, King, Thompson, Easton, Time, Mavic, Fire/Nevegal -- she's so sweet, her name is "Honey"
Bottom Line:
I rode this tire at Buffalo Creek for two days and I could'nt decelerate, corner or even maintain direction on a climb(!). When I heard the knobs folding over on my first big descent - I sensed trouble. I was then chagrined to be wandering up climbs and going off the trail at minor direction changes -- on a trail that I have ridden dozen's of times! I tried more pressure, less pressure, getting over the tire, getting off the tire, more lean, more steer --Nothing worked. I talked to a friend who does testing for Schwalbe - he said it might be that it needs a really wide rim so the sidewall doesn't collapse... I know that alot of people really love this tire. I, myself have never had any luck with any Conti - MTB or Road. I put a Fire XC on the front that I was going to throw out, it was so worn. Voila! I could climb, brake and steer again! I am currently running a Kenda Nevegal 2.1 for a front and a Fire XC 2.1 on the back. Seems to be working well. I'm waiting on a WTB Weirwolf for the front and the Nevegal will move to the back. As you can tell, I am a tire fanatic - I am on the quest for the ultimate - fast rolling, terrific climbing traction and railing corners at impossible speeds -- Please don't take offense with my review... it is only to share my experience a bit. I am just trying to give back a little of what I have gotten from this site - maybe it will help someone evaluating which way to go. Happy Trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Becka
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mountains around Heidelberg
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Heidelbike, Heidelberg, Germany
Strengths:
The large internal volume of these tires make it almost impossible to get a snake bite. Plus they wrap around what ever you are on. I have had them in every type of trail, hard pack, mud, roots, soft dirt sand etc... They stay on top of the soft stuff and grab the mud. They shed mud for me. It takes a little bit but they do shed.
These are the best tires I have ever ran. The raptors slid out from me, the Jones never impressed me, and the michilins worked. They were fast but the tread depth wasn't enough for Germany or Colorado. I tore the tire and felt that after a year I wasn't gonna buy another $50 racing tire. I read on MTBR that these rock and they do. The locals ride them all over CO. I will buy another set this summer and put some on my wife's Rocky mountain. Weight isn't much of an issue. After two years the original set are headed to Fruita for the Fat Tire Festival in May. No worries.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Lompoc, CA Date Reviewed: February 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Siouxon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$47.00
Purchased At:
LBS, San Luis Obispo
Strengths:
Traction, durability, ride, sand performance, decently low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Price, mud shedding not so good.
Similar Products Used:
Mutano Raptor 2.4, ExiWold, Kenda Karma
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur Super-X disc.
Bottom Line:
This is, without question, the best overall trail-riding tire I've ever used in my 13 years of mountain biking. It kicks ass in sand, front and rear, even compared to such esteemed sand tires as the Mutano Raptor 2.4. Rolling resistance was suprising low given how much traction is available. Not a true 2.3, but a decently high volume tire with good ride and handling characteristics. I haven't had any sidewall problems, and the reinforced sidewall gives me confidence in my equipment off the beaten path.
The only real downside of these tires is the cost- damn! They're almost as expensive as the tires on my Honda Accord! But, they're so good they don't need to offer a discount. You get what you pay for and no single feature on a bike makes a bigger performance difference than the tires.
This tire is great front and rear, but I've found other tires can do about as well in the rear for less money (like the WTB ExiWolf). I haven't found as good a tire for the front though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fencelines
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great high volume xc tire. Light for its size and tread pattern. Grippy on everthing but mud.
Weaknesses:
This is not a true 2.3 tire. Looks more like a big 2.1 on the bike. Doesn't shed mud. On gravel or rocky soil they kicks up rocks. Can be pricey.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, Hutch mosquito, Michelin comp s, Panaracer fire xc pro, etc.
Bike Setup:
Titus rcr x, xtr, fox, bla bla blah
Bottom Line:
These tires are great. I have had nothing but good luck with these. They are grippy on the climbs and feel solid while cornering. This is a fast rolling tire on hardpack and loose dirt. For a high volume xc tire it is relatively light. This tire strikes a balance of lightweight, grippiness, and volume that is hard to beat. I have yet to find a better aggressive xc tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder Date Reviewed: January 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Sports Garage
Strengths:
Strong, predictable grip for dry, loose, rocky Colorado trails. No flats with UST version. Light weight for high volumn tire.
Weaknesses:
Small for 2.3. Thin sidewalls. Requires low pressure for traction in snowy,icy conditions which is hard on thin sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro 2.2, WTB MutanoRaptor 2.4.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro with Sherman Firefly, Mavic 823 Rims, Hope Hubs
Bottom Line:
Best light tire I've come across for Colorado trails. Inspires confidence in variety of conditions, especially UST version. Great traction in rear for going up and over log steps and rocks. Front bites well, less front drift going fast on loose soil/gravel/rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from heidelberg, germany Date Reviewed: January 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
HiBike
Strengths:
Contrary to other reviews on this site, I bought these tires for one reason. Wet traction. They rule in wet rocky and rooty conditions. Better than anything else I have ridden to date. In early winter here we get a ton of foliage on the trails and a nice saturation of rain making all those rock garders and off camber root sections treacherous. I owned a pair of conti's years ago and they were my favorite tire then and I shied away because of the high $. They simply out perform any other tire I have ridden in these conditions. The corner well, shed mud well, the high volume gives you a great stable foot print. The knobs poke through the carpet of leaves to the soil. The soft compound seems to grip on a variety of surfaces. I have tried so many other tires in these conditions and nothing has allowed me to ride with such confidence in the snot slick, wet and loamy conditions. They are also relatively light for their size and roll fairly quickly. I only weigh in at 155 so I don't ever have a problem with pinch flats. I generally run mine at 35psi.
Weaknesses:
They are soft and already show signs of wear, so it seems that replacement will come early for such and expensive tire. The only issue I have had is dropping a 3ft the rear tire pulled the bead off the rim exposing my tube causing it to explode. The bead is really soft and you don't even need levers for them. This may be to me using a 2.1 tube instead of 2.3 though.
Blur, Mini's, fox rlc, easton, RF, FSA, Hugi, Mavic, Crank Bro, Flite, king
Bottom Line:
I love this tire for wet winter conditions with leafy, loamy, rocky, rooty conditions. They seem soft and look to wear fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robbie
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: December 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anthing close by with a good burn
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sports Shop
Strengths:
This is a third follow-up from my previous two postings. As I advance along the learning curve I have found out two important things about the Contential Vertical. 1) Purchase the Vertical (not the Pro or any derivation thereof) as they are half the price with all of the grip; 2) The life of the tire is roughly one year due to the softer tire compound
Weaknesses:
Do NOT ride when it is wet - you eat it. This is because you get so spoiled with the grip of such an awesome tire that you expect the the same all of the time - WRONG!
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors and other stock pieces of dung.
Bike Setup:
Modified Raleigh M80.
Bottom Line:
Coming from an Austin area rider, who has logged many hot and cold lonely miles in some pretty scary and diverse terrain, do not waste your money on any other tire including the foldable Verticals (Pro, etc.) as you can get two regular (read wire) Verticals for the price of one. Also, change out your tires about once a year. Once those bad boys get even slightly worn, the performance drops noticably - again, when wet, don't even think about it - new or used.
So go out and get yourself two new wire Vertical Continental tires and hit the baddest hill you can find...you will be sold from minute one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO USA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Johnson Pass
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Velo Swap in Denver
Strengths:
Good ride, tracks well on many different surfaces. I have had problems with the sidewalls on Continental in the past. This tire has very strong, durable sidewall thanks to Pro Tection. It’s good to see a big company address a problem this well.
Weaknesses:
None found so far.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Leader Pro 2.0 and Nokian Gazzaloddi 2.3
Bike Setup:
IBIS Cousin It (tandem), XT shifters, XTR derailleurs, LX cranks, 11-34 cassette, White Brothers TM 1.0, Hope Mono6ti (205mm rotors) front and rear and Phil Wood Disk/Mavic EX 729 wheels with a Continental Vertical Pro Tection 2.3 on the front and a Continental Survival Pro Tection 2.3 on the rear
Bottom Line:
The best rubber we’ve had on the tandem so far is hands down the Vertical Pro Tection 2.3 on the front and the Survival Pro Tection 2.3 on the rear. They hook up solidly and track very well on every surface I have used them on. I would recommend them to any team for use on their two-seater mountain bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendan Weir
a
from Glasgow Date Reviewed: November 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tour du Mont Blanc
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rolls exceptinally well for a large tyre. Cornering grip & traction Plenty of cush
Weaknesses:
Haven't found them yet - looks like wet grip when worn could be a problem
Similar Products Used:
Recently - IRC Serac both sizes, Schwalbe King Jim & Fat Albert
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur, marzzochi marathon SLs(2005). Mix of raceface & xtr. king front, hugi rear,618 rims, Hope Minis. Virtually perfect (pun intended)
Bottom Line:
I thought I'd better add a bit of balance to the recent posts.
I live on the West coast of Scotland which is usually pretty damp, the trails are full of roots/rocks & at this time of year slippery leaves & moss.
I've only ridden these tyres a few times now & fresh out of the box they had more grip & traction than anything else I've tried. I can assure you I'm pretty sensitive to tyres which disappear under you on wet roots.
The Fat Alberts probably had the edge on traction in the mushy stuff but rolled like tractor tyres & weren't as good on the front on Roots. Plus they just felt plain clumsy in the technical sections.
The Vpros fast rolling tread and round profile are great for the fast technical singletrack which I prefer.
Bottom line is the Vpros are perfect for the Blur (plenty of clearance) and my style of riding which includes needing to trawl up to the trailhead on the road every once in a while.
Also I've finally found a tyre I can run at lower pressure - 33 front & 37 rear without washing out on high speed turns + so far absolutely no pinch issues for a 185lb rider.
Yes - I rate them highly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nigel
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance for a fairly large tire. Good grip in the dry and corners & brakes well.
Weaknesses:
very unpredictable in the wet. Will slide out from under you over wet rocks and roots. Too small to be considered as a 2.3 tire. Tends to roll a lot on corners as the baloon shape of this tire needs a lot of pressure. Expensive for the Kevlar version and the steel version has very very thin sidewalls at around 60tpi.
Bottom Line:
This is a very good tire in dry conditions of almost every kind except loose shale. But it can be really dangerous in the wet. The problem is that in order for it to work well in the wet it needs to be run at low pressure. The thing is that due to its baloon shape if you run it low and corner anywhere near hard it rolls all over the rim and... add to that the side walls are very thin so pinch flats are easy to get and you have to keep them inflated too high for wet weather grip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Basil
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: October 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
This is an update. I've got these on front and back and so far I haven't really had to ride in wet rock too much or a lot of wet wood. As these get worn they become really dangerous on the wet stuff, much more than any other tire I've had and it's come as a bit of a shock. I've been struggling with the front tire not gripping but yesterday the back went out from under me on wet rock. No warning and for no reason I could figure I was sliding on my side and got pretty beat up.Soon as the edges go on these babies be real careful.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason E
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Nor-Cal
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Lots of air great for my hardtail. Very light for the size.
Weaknesses:
Price.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized wtb
Bike Setup:
Trek Pro 9.9, XTR, etc.
Bottom Line:
Awesome tire. I am running it tubeless and it is great. I have had it for almost 2years and it is still going.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blue Shorts
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
This is a good all around tire. I ride in the Santa Cruz area and the tire is perfect for those conditions....as long as it's not too wet out. Excellent traction on hardpack and loose soil and sand. They seem to wear well, but I don't ride on pavement....all of my tires seem to wear well. Nice light weight.
Weaknesses:
The tires have weak sidewalls. I tore one open while riding at Downieville. I replaced it with a Protection version. The tires are a bit thin. THey say 2.3, but they're really 2.1
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 98, Turner 5 Spot
Bottom Line:
These are excellent all-around tires. They hook up well in most conditions and track very well. The standard version is prone to sidewall rips and pinch flats so if you ride with very low pressures around sharp rocks......beware....or get the protection version.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Chapel Hill, NC, USA Date Reviewed: September 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
CHHS
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Clean Machine (LBS)
Strengths:
Good in dry conditions; breaks free predictably; air volume; low rolling resistance for a 2.3 tire.
Weaknesses:
grip in wet conditions problematic; ride sometimes a bit harsh for a 2.3 tire.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor 2.1
Bike Setup:
softtail.
Bottom Line:
I'd been using the Velociraptor for 10 years before I tried these. I wanted to see the result of 10 years of tire evolution. These are pretty impressive as long as the conditions are dry (and once I'd broken them in for a day). They're faster than the Velociraptor, have equivalent grip in dry conditions (both hardpack and looser stuff) and handle well even in pretty sketchy conditions. However, once things get wet, I'd much rather have Velociraptors on my bike. The VertPro has a tendency towards slipping and sliding when wet - especially over rocks and roots. We've had a lot of hurricanes come through this summer, so I've had a lot more experience with this than I'd hoped. Recommended if you're in dry conditions, but only there. [The above refers to use on the rear.]
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Arvada , Colorado Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tipperary Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Front Range Bike & Ski
Strengths:
Great traction, good cornering, fairly light weight with relatively low rolling resistance. Solid front tire.
Weaknesses:
Does not work well as a rear tire. When used with Stan's, the side walls leak bad and never seem to seal all the way. I have to re-air every ride.
Similar Products Used:
Many...very many
Bike Setup:
2003 Rocky Mountain ETSX 50 with lots of goodies, running XTR wheels for races, Mavic 317 during training, both with stan's.
Bottom Line:
As a front tire I think this is a fantastic gripping tire in a variety of conditions. Does not tend to slide in dry conditions as a lot of tires do, does fine on slick rock, loves tacky conditions, and does alright in the mud. As a rear tire I experienced a lot of pinch flats, even running 45-50 psi (I weight about 167). I never had that problem up front. When I went to Stan's, obviously they don't pinch flat, but they do tend to leak a lot out the side walls (perhaps from previous damage, but in any case, they never seem to seal well).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted
a Downhiller
from SoCal Date Reviewed: August 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great tracking will stick to most surfaces. Good breaking. Steers where you point them. They last well.
Weaknesses:
Not as wide as I guess a 2.3" tire should be
Bottom Line:
These tires rock. I got them more than a year ago and I've thrashed them on both coasts. Great grip but LOW rolling resistance which means good speed. Lean them right over and they grip just great....means faster cornering. There is a big difference in tire pressures like somebody here said so just try higher or lower air. There is also a big difference between this one I'm talking about -- the Pro (Kevlar)- and the cheap steel tire. The steel tire has a harder compound and don't grip as well. It also has thinner sidewalls. Go for the Pro or the Protection and you'll not be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Fassbender
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Cycle1st.com
Strengths:
Great grip in almost all conditions. Surprisingly good wear. Very comfortable "feel" to them.
Weaknesses:
Slightly expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Almost everything
Bottom Line:
This is an update as promised to my earlier very favourable comments. I am still very pleased with these tyres, now using front and rear, and the rate of deterioration hes been markedly slow which has surprised me for a tyre which affords so much grip. They are still a pleasure to ride and still inspire confidence. I am unable to comment on the UST version as I am unwilling to use those sorts of tyres. I can say that I am surprised that some riders appear to have difficulties with sufficient traction and adherence. It is, I feel, an important idiosyncrasy that these tyrs respond with a marked difference according to the pressure levels that are set and the only way to find your best setting is to experiment, this certainly pays dividends. After over two years of hard riding these tyres in all but desert conditions I am extremely impressed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Frankfurt, Germany Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$18.00
Strengths:
-cheap -rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
-no grip on rear weel at all when braking even in dry conditions -small for 2,3
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, Tioga Factory DH
Bike Setup:
Kona Hoss
Bottom Line:
I don´t recommend these tires, especially when ride DH from time to time
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: June 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors,IRC Mythos,Conti Explorers and Specialised
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision custom trail bike
Bottom Line:
This is an awsome tire! Local conditions are harsh and varied - super hard ground with razor sharp rocks and dead wood or loose sandy and treacherous in summer and in the winter, wet slimy roots and logs, mud, stream crossings and water-logged trails. In my humble experience the Verts handle the lot better that any other tire I've tried. They are confidence inspiring, they improve braking substantially and the large volume feels like you've added another half inch to your suspension. Sure, they've got worn and damaged in the process but no tire exists that wouldn't.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Downhiller
from Edgewood NM Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything with roots and rocks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
albuquerque bicycle center
Strengths:
looks cool and aggressive. Rolls pretty fast for a 2.3. Hard compound so it lasts long
Weaknesses:
can't hook up on loose dirt or rocks.. compound too hard for an off road tire. way to expensive for what you get
Similar Products Used:
the tires that came on my bike originally. specialized 2.1's
Bike Setup:
specialized rock hopper magura disk brakes
Bottom Line:
if you plan on riding on hardpack, these would be okay. but for anything loose or rocky you are wasting your time. for the price you can buy alot better than this
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder,CO Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Sports garage
Strengths:
Only lasted half a ride so who knows? Doubt I'll spend another 55 to find out.
Weaknesses:
One ride blown out sidewall (UST).
Similar Products Used:
Maxis, Panaracer
Bike Setup:
Tracer with Maverick fork.
Bottom Line:
Expensive tire for one ride. Made it home with a tube and gatorade wrapper. Maybe Conti designs there UST's for use with tubes??
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harvo
a Cross Country Rider
from TN Date Reviewed: June 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sumac Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Aggressive tread. Cleans well. Attractive tire. Good cornering.
Weaknesses:
Flat Flat Flat Flat Flat Flat Flat
Similar Products Used:
WTB's, IRC's
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruze SL
Bottom Line:
I'm only 175 lbs. and I don't drop off cliffs. I am an aggressive trail rider. Since putting on the Vertical Pros in 2.3, I have avreaged about 1 flat for every 2 rides. That's pretty crappy. It's a shame because I like the tires when they hold air. I used to ride my Tiogas with 28lbs and no flats, but I had to because the grip was bad. I can't run less than 40lbs in the vert pros if I want to finish a ride. I think the PRO-tection sidewalls are decieving. I'll be getting new tires soon, and I have only had these for a few months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
edouble
a Cross Country Rider
from LI,ny Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
dupont nat. forest,nc
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
frenchies
Strengths:
great clydesdale xc tire, plenty of grip in all conditions except slick mud. corners and climbs with a vengence. loooong wearing.
Weaknesses:
sucks in slick mud
Similar Products Used:
spec. enduro pro 2.2,conti xcountry and explorer pro.,geax hook and warp 2.0,hutchinson python and mosquito,wtb velociraptors
Bike Setup:
voodoo bizango,z2bam,xt,valiants,salsa,koobi prs
Bottom Line:
the best all around tire i have used and ive used a few, in many combinations. being 6ft 2in and 250lbs has a way of testing a tires limits. this tires limits exceed that of any other tire ive owned. after more than 2 yrs of east coast bike trips, where roots and rocks reign supreme, 1 flat. i repeat, 250lbs, roots,rocks aggressive riding 1 FLAT!!!!. this is THE tire for us larger xc riders looking for year round performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DLH
a Cross Country Rider
from Pacific N.W. Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Good rolling tire -- endless edge side grip is superior -- wears slowly -- reasonably light. Loves technical terrain.
Weaknesses:
No true weakness -- but not a racer boy tire -- except maybe on the front in true XC conditions -- Pricey.
Similar Products Used:
Everything!!
Bike Setup:
SC Blur with wheels and components
Bottom Line:
Rubber compound and tread pattern makes this as good a "natural" great all conditions tire as you can find. Only tire(s) I have found that are superior on wet root and rocks are "sticky" compound tires. This is a wonderful all around and all conditions, year around tire that will also give you maximum wear for your $$.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan Lerner
a
from Mount Kisco, NY, USA Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ninham Rocks!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good traction in dry conditions. They really do roll much better than you would expect for a 2.3" tire. The extra air capacity just about eliminates pinch flats for non-clydesdales.
Weaknesses:
These puppies give up the ghost on wet rocks and roots. Definitely not what you'd expect them to do (given their "natural rubber" content). I've lost total confidence on them in the front and switched back to a Bonty Jones (non-AC). Also, a negative factor of all that air is that they are kind of bouncy (remember folks, tires don't have any dampening).
Similar Products Used:
V-Raptors (an oldie but goodie) Bontrager Jones 49/53 (great as long as the knobs don't peel)
Bottom Line:
Slippery when wet. Good in the dry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tanto Muchos
a Weekend Warrior
from Gt Cornard Date Reviewed: April 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Cycle1st.com
Strengths:
Brilliant grip. Low rolling resistance. Light.
Weaknesses:
Not fully a 2.3"
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision
Bottom Line:
It's the Pro I talking about with the kevlar bead. This is a top performing tire in dry or wet, in mud or on hard pack. It's the best all-round tire I've ever used, and if you can get it for a good price like I did then then go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robbie
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX USA Date Reviewed: April 10, 2004
This is a followup from an earlier posting with a few more months of use under my belt. The Vertical Pro is excellent in ALL dry conditions - be it climing over roots, rocks, loose soil, and for moderate downhill running. However, the Vertical Pro IS very prone to pinch flats if you are not running at least 50 PSI. The downhill blowouts can be unnerving but keeping the PSI's up helps. In wet conditions, DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT. The tire will stick fairly well in mud but on roots and rocks - you will eat it. Wheel resistance is a factor, too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcus Ward
a Racer
from Warrensburg, MO Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Landahl
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
online - ebay
Strengths:
Super hooked up. Amazing traction in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
A little slow on the rolling resistance.
Similar Products Used:
you name it
Bike Setup:
fast xc rig, stans
Bottom Line:
This tire is amazing. Like one reviewer said, if you run something else it just makes you feel stupid for questioning it. If you hit a rock and it kicks your tire sideways, the instant it's on the ground you have traction again. You can climb like a mountain goat and rail corners like they're bermed. It's a little heavy for xc racing but I'm a big guy so the volume is important. They state they're 2.3's but they're not. I measured them and edge knob to edge knob it is 2.12. The price is kind of high but these days that's what you pay for a quality tire, and as amazing as the traction with this tire is, it's worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a
from Cheltenham, UK Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light weight and looks great
Weaknesses:
VERY prone to pinch flats, thorns and tears
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
SC Heckler with 5th Element coil and all the bits
Bottom Line:
I love the look of these tyres - the open pattern is great in all the conditions we have here in the UK. In the summer they roll fast on the dry trails and in the winter they do OK with the thick, deep mud (although they do suffer a little in the mud). However, my real gripe with them is that they are too light weight when it comes to pinch flats or thorns. On an average week, cycling 20-30km per day off road they would pinch at least once a week. After six months my rear trye has shreaded and has a large rip in it. Hence a poor rating. I now run WTB weirwolf on the rear which is a much harder tyre...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Good in loose conditions Rolls pretty well Reasonable weight
Weaknesses:
Definitely NOT a 2.3
Similar Products Used:
Continental Explorer ProTection Panaracer Fire XC Panaracer Trail Blaster Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon Single Speed
Bottom Line:
I wanted a larger volume tire for my single speed than the Trail Blasters I was running. Weight wasn't the primary concern, but was definitely a consideration. These were recommended to me by a friend. The first thing I noticed after putting them on was their size. These tires are definitely not a 2.3. Maybe a 2.2 on a good day. This seems to be a theme with Continental. The Explorer 2.1s I have on another bike are small as well. At any rate, aside from being smaller than claimed, the tires do everything I wanted them to: give a bit more cush, great traction (both front and rear), roll pretty well, and aren't very heavy. Recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: March 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Grippy soft compound. Light weight
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats, overall softness leads to holes/tears. Not for DH!
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
Norco '03 Sasquatch upgraded with Clarks Clim8 6pot's
Bottom Line:
Good grip and cornering on the 2.3 version due to the soft rubber. The soft compound does lead to it's downfall though as I have had some knobles rip off and holes for in other places on the tire. You need to run them at a high pressure because of the weak sidewalls otherwise punctures are common. Have only used it on the rear. Not for DH!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich Lowery
a Weekend Warrior
from LaVista, NE USA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Platte River / Mt. Crescent - Local
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$53.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Traction, weight, puncture resistance
Weaknesses:
SMALL, NOT DOWNHILL SIZED EVEN IN NEBRASKA!
Similar Products Used:
IRC MYTHOS, PANARACER FIRE-SMOKE-DART, HUTCHINSON PYTHON, TIOGO PSYCHOS, MANY MORE
Bike Setup:
C-Dale Jekyll, Manitou Black Super - Clydesdale XC rig
Bottom Line:
This tire is a hi-volume 2.1. My race hutchinson python's have more air volume and are about the same diameter tread included. I was looking for something a tad bigger to serve as a Clydesdale's aggressive XC/trail tire. Something my 200+ pound adrenaline filled carcass could play on without crunching rims. After my third rim last summer I am getting tired of forking out the cash. I flattened a brand new rhyno lyte rim while pre-riding the Lewis and Clark race course. Not out of true just crushed the rim inward and I was tryin' to go fast, i.e. smooth. I can take a hint, I am looking for more rim cushion and this is not it. Hopefully the LBS can return these, but I special ordered 'em so I might be out of luck. These are pricey too. I'll give em a mid rating, they could be great Trail tires for a 160 pound guy - they are not FR or downhill unless you are 100-130 pounder. I'm sorry I don't convert to stones, I would personally avoid stones on these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: January 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Light for a 2.3, good in mud, sand, loose soil.
Weaknesses:
Flimsy sidewall. Very poor traction on wet roots. How can Continental call these downhill tires? They're good tires for many XC conditions but not downhill.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC pro 2.1, the list goes on.
Bike Setup:
RM Element dual, mixed XT, LX & raceface parts, hayes hfx9 brakes.
Bottom Line:
Don't buy these tires for downhill, they're kack. However, they are a good high volume XC tire under many conditions. They slip out easily on wet roots & ladders etc so they're a bad choice for north shore style riding. I like them for aggressive XC though and haven't had a flat or bad (tire related) experience yet in those conditions. A good tire but two flaming tea bags off for bad advertising by Continental - Downhill? Give me a break.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Palos Hills, IL Date Reviewed: January 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Indy Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$62.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Cornering, Traction, Mud slinging and cool spider web design!
Weaknesses:
Sharp metal objucts in the side wall.Really I have not found one.
Similar Products Used:
Everything from slics on XC to Tioga Factory on dirt jumper.
Bike Setup:
Current ride is Ellsworth ID, XO shifters, XTR hubs and BB, XT disc, Easton, Thompson, etc...
Bottom Line:
These Tires are my favorite so far. I end up in all conditions from pavement to snow. The soft compound does wear quickly on hard pack and pavement. And the price does not help it out. If you like these tires and not the price buy the lower priced (non UST)and go with Stan's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robbie
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: January 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Barton Creek/Travis Country, Walnut, Belton, Smithville, Emma Long (fun, scary and expensive!)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sport Shop?
Strengths:
Traction, traction, traction
Weaknesses:
Cost? Yes, they might be a little more expensive but the skin/blood/spinning out and falling downhill/humiliation/bicycle replacement part savings is so far worth it in my humble opinion.
Similar Products Used:
Stock Velociraptors 2.1
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M80 with a few upgrades
Bottom Line:
Finally switched out my old Velociraptor 2.1 rear tire for the 2.3 Continental Vertical Pro and hit Barton Creek/Travis Country (backside of Barton-cross the last bridge and go up Cedar Hill) to pop its cherry. The tire stuck like glue on roots, rocks, ledges, hardpack, etc. I could barely even get it to break loose on uphill runs (read Hill of Life/river rock bed crossings) pulling full-out negatives/positives. WHAT A DIFFERENCE! Even after running through water/mud on the third bridge crossing over into Travis Country/Cedar Hill area there was no slippage. Even the climb up Cedar Hill (made it 4/5's of the way this time)worked well and that mulch is very loose and deep right now.
Downhill and rocky descents felt a little smoother and the absence of squirrelly fishtailing flying down the Hill of Life was a welcomed relief.
The confidence level has definitely gone up and I will be curious to see how well the tire handles on rocks in slightly wet conditions.
Three chilis on price - probably just sticker shock right now - but so far worth every penny. Five for performance!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Leibert
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, PA, USA Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
South Mtn Lehigh
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Bike King -Clinton NJ
Strengths:
Name, grip,speed, handling, moderate rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
ain't no 2.3 like its marketed. Its a 2.1 like any other xc 2.1. Don't waste your money if you want to upgrade to a bigger, fast tire.
Similar Products Used:
Survival Pro, AC Jones (suck), Fire XC, Mutanoraptor 2.4, Intense 2.35,Kenda Karma lite
Bike Setup:
'01 Fuel
Bottom Line:
Really good tire but they are lying about the size. I'll be generous and call it a 2.15.I was very dissapointed when I mounted these up to see how ordinary the size was. I was replacing Mutanoraptor 2.4's for Winter . Here on the East Coast we've got fast level stuff but lots of rocks on the hills.Depending where you ride you going to have more of one than the other. I like the climbs and descents so I see lots of rocks. The longer you stay in the sport the more tire you want, IMHO. AS long as you are not an "XC weight weenie jock racer geek".Bigger tires even handle the slalom type fast turns better, not just rocks, roots, logs, and drops. This tire would be the best if it really was a 2.3. Now I'm going to find something else. I'll use them but I'm not happy about blowing $100. How about truth in marketing? I know you can't have grip, size, and 590 grams but why not make it the size you say it is and I'll buy what I want. great product/creepy marketing gets you 3 chillis.
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Submitted by
Long Dong
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose Date Reviewed: January 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
braille
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
good grip, light for 2.3, low rolling resistance, good tread life
Weaknesses:
tires do not like low pressure, wimpy sidewall, pricy
Similar Products Used:
way too many to list
Bike Setup:
2003 bullit with lots of nice, shiny stuff
Bottom Line:
make sure you keep at least 30 psi in these or you will pinch flat the second you bounce off a rock. I like these tires very much for my cross country riding, they seem to do everything pretty well, but when it comes time to bomb technical stuff, they are a little sketchy.
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Submitted by
Rudy Quinones
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, Texas USA Date Reviewed: November 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great cornering ability! Was capable of laying bike down lower on turns whether it was hard packed or loose. Like the aggressive tread design. Works well in all types of terrain. I am a larger rider, 6'2" & 195lbs, ran pressure at 38lbs without any problems.
Weaknesses:
Pricey.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python, MTB Veloceraptor, Richey Z-Max, Specialized Ground Control
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-Works FSR. Full XTR, Fox TALAS RLC shock.
Bottom Line:
Great tire so far, will review again after riding in some mud.
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Submitted by
Kevin
a
from TN Date Reviewed: November 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The hilly ones that are tricky
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Sidewall (Pinch) Protection, Volume (2.3) size
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory XC, WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Double boinger
Bottom Line:
I just started using this tire in the rear. The LBS is getting me one for the front too. I think it's doing great so far. The size / volume is nice. It grips on sidehills very well. The pinch flat protection seems to be doing it's job. I dinged a rim, but no flat. The 2.3 doesn't look that big. To me, it looks like how a 2.1 should look. Of course most 2.1's are smaller looking. Anyway... the tire has lost of climbing traction. It seems to work well on roots in the wet. I'll repost when I get the front on and get some miles in.
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Submitted by
Sherwood Dabone
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento CA Date Reviewed: November 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
one I've never ridden before
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
American Riv Bikes
Strengths:
Good Grip, Volume, Weight, rounded profile, low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
expensive
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC pro (nice tires), Specialized Enduro 2.2 tires (nice tires-for me to poop on!)
Bike Setup:
02 Enduro expert, stock with some upgrades like a vibrating seat.
Bottom Line:
These are the best "do it all" XC tires that I've tried. They grip good, are light and slide very predictably when and if they do slide. They do not corner quite as well as my more square fire XC's but in rocks the extra volume and rounder profile seems to bounce me through better. Can't comment on the durability but they seem to be lasting ok and no pinch flats yet.
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Submitted by
Tyoda
a
from SF Bay area Date Reviewed: October 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
123
Strengths:
Traction, rolls well at lower air pressure.
Weaknesses:
Puncture resistance.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, WTB, Hutchinson
Bike Setup:
Truth/F100x/XTR
Bottom Line:
Having put some trail miles on the tires in a variety of terrain, I have to say these are some of the best tires I used so far.
The tread really lends itself to a variety of conditions once it's been riden a bit. The knobs are kind of tall so once worn down a tad, you'll find it's hardpack performance increases.
It really rolls well, even down to 35psi. The 2.3" casing is perfect for technical riding, roots and rocks. The rear tire bites loose dirt and even hardpack on climbs. Fast sweeping turns it really shines, you'll find you can lean your bike into the turns far more than you'll have the guts to do so.
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Submitted by
Mike Fassbender
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln Date Reviewed: October 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
cycle1st.com
Strengths:
Great grip in most conditions, even mud if it isn't too deep. Good all round tire.
Weaknesses:
Not cheap.
Bottom Line:
This is an update from my previous review when I was just using it as a front tire. Still a great front tire..more than that....a really great front tire! I've just bought one for the back. It is quite excellent. Great grip, superb braking without too much of that jacking up and stepping out that you get with a lot of rear tires. Traction is remarkable and the comfort is so marked, even though I ride a full susser I can still feel the benefit of this lovely tire. You can lean it right over in fast turns with absolute confidence. And for a 2.3 it's light..but it aint a big 2.3 but it is one serious tire!
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Submitted by
Skippy
a Cross Country Rider
from The First State Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003
Singlespeed Steel Hardtail, White Industries fork, rigid fork
Bottom Line:
I first bought the wire bead for a rigid singlespeed I built up and sold. I was really impressed with how well it hooked up to most everything, especially wet roots. As a front tire it corners very well. I have since purchased a Vertical Pro Protection for my current steed. Being a larger individual, I like the greater volume and have yet to ding a rim on the trail. I will be trying another Vertical as a rear tire soon. And to think that I thought I'd be running my old school Velociraptors forever. Additionally, I don't understand why some think this is a DH or Freeride tire. To me the casing is just not thick enough. It's great for XC, but being an individual of above average stature (fat) I wouldn't run these on a full blown DH run.
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Submitted by
Tyoda
a
from SF Bay area Date Reviewed: September 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
Great traction in medium conditions, tracks well over rocks and roots, nice air volume.
Weaknesses:
Rolls ok, cornering on hardpack can be a little skidish, a little heavy (ProTection version)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, IRC, Hutchinson
Bottom Line:
So far a good trail tire, definitely a bit big for XC racing. If you're doing a mix of XC and multi-condition trail riding (single tracks, rocks, roots, etc), this is a nice tire with lots of knobbies. However the height of the knobs will slow you down a bit, but for a 2.3" tire rolls pretty fast.
Still experimenting with air pressure, but at 165lbs, about 35-40psi seems to be right. Maybe go 50-55psi if conditions are hard and smooth.
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Submitted by
Johan Valkpaa
a Weekend Warrior
from Kiruna, Sweden Date Reviewed: August 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
www.cyclecomponents.com
Strengths:
Big air chamber, great traction on almost all surfaces, durable, foldable, no pinch flats despite me being heavy set. Looks agressive. Not front or rear specific.
Weaknesses:
None, so far
Similar Products Used:
Hutshinson Mosqito
Bike Setup:
Kona Pahoehoe 2001, Conti Vertcal ProTection at front at rear.
Bottom Line:
Great tyre!!!
Don't worry about flats no more! Ride faster, harder and bigger without having to fear pinch flats or that the tyre will loose its traction in that sharp curve.
The traction is great on both front and rear wheels.
Great if your'e heavy and want a tire that's almost bomb proof. With this tyre there is nothing holding me back from the trails.
Hey, i dont even carry a spare tube anymore
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Submitted by
Darius Mark
a Racer
from Chambersburg, PA 17201 Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003
last about two rides. I usually duct tape the sidewalls to try to get at least five rides. I'm not kidding, three rears lasted less than two rides. I ride rocky stuff, am a clydesdale racer, and put 50 psi into front and rear to no avail. That clydesdale who puts 20-25 in and never flats must be riding on grass, or at least smoking some.
Similar Products Used:
specialized, ritchey world cup, conti explorer pros, etc.
Bike Setup:
litespeed obed, xtr, some carbon stuff, sid team w/remote.
Bottom Line:
great if youre light and don't ride rocky, nasty singletrack or if money is no object. otherwise, look somewhere else.
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Submitted by
Dave W
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: August 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Royal National Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
on-line
Strengths:
Excellent soft terrain float Confidence inspiring excellent side grip with linear roll axis grip transition
Weaknesses:
none for me
Similar Products Used:
All mainstream tires
Bike Setup:
KHS ultralite, AMP F4 forks, discs etc etc
Bottom Line:
These are the best tires I have used in 12 years of mountain biking for weekend fun in all conditions. They call them a downhill tire but I use them for everything. They climb very well, and over anything. They descend with absolute confidence. You can feel the drift so easily and control it like a pro. My buddy tried them and instantly went from nervous descender to 'Nutcase in the loose turns'.
I run 20 to 25lbs in the rear of my hardtail (and I'm a clydesdale) for total comfort in all conditions and have never flatted even once. Even landing hard over rocky terrain where I was sure I'd kill myself.
Now that I've found my ultimate tire, I bought three sets 'cause I'm sure they'll discontinue it as soon as they find out it's the perfect tire. Why do they always do that?
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Submitted by
Arturo Espinoza
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden Date Reviewed: August 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
långalugnet
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Sticks like spider man to all....babe heads and monster heads..roots,wet roots wet rocks...improve your ride ,right away.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
IRC back country
Bike Setup:
sugar 3 disc/ Gary fisher. 2003
Bottom Line:
cornering with trust,you can go over everything no problema,best for roots and babe heads,no deep mud (that's way this tire grips everything). flotation is superb,continental is a good company. buy it...you will save money !!not going to the hospital for a sheap tire.. (think).
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Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA, US Date Reviewed: July 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
my lbs
Strengths:
Grippy on most surfaces, reinforced sidewalls for extra durability, fast rolling.
Weaknesses:
The 2.3 size is more like a 2.1. If you don't like skinny tires go with the 2.3 size.
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Hutch, Bonti, etc
Bike Setup:
titus rx w/ bontrager, easton, thomson, king, xt/xtr.
Bottom Line:
These tires are a great choice for most trail conditions. They are fast rolling on hardpack and paved roads dedspite their agressive tread pattern. The reinforced sidewalls are a nice feature on the pro tection model for riders who tend to tear thin-walled tires. These tires hook up very well on loose dirt, hardpack, and rocky/rooty terrain and provide ample climbing traction while seated or standing. The tire's weight is competitve for how beefy it is. I switched from hutch's mosquito air light and am stoked with the increased climbing and cornering traction. Overall a great choice for all conditions except deep mud.
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Submitted by
Jean Thibaudeau
a Racer
from Quebec Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Incredible traction Confidence inspiring No pinch flat Excellent in turns
Weaknesses:
yet to find
Similar Products Used:
Minotaur Mythos
Bottom Line:
Best tire tried yet. A bit larger than a 2.1' Irc Mythos. The tire large volume let you float over ruts and bumps so you gain speed over a narrow tire. You will use your brakes less. It seems slower than a narrow tire just because your brain is used to associate speed with higher vibration.
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Submitted by
davide valentini
a
from italy Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
excellent rear tire, great confort incredible traction; good as a front tire too, but not as confidence inspiring as a ritchey moto raptor 2.4 for example
Weaknesses:
very light case, i tried to seal with Stan' sealant and it leaks air, about all air overnight
Similar Products Used:
specialized team control (very good), Moto raptor ecc.
Bottom Line:
try this tire, it is a very good enduro tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly
a
from Upstate NY Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
urban to trails to plattekill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
traction, durability, easy to change (especially compared to intense dh tires)
Weaknesses:
a bit soft in the sidewalls, so tend to pinch going over sharp curbs & such, but if I'm careful no problem
Similar Products Used:
old velociraptors, nokian core, big heavy dh tires
Bike Setup:
Mountain Cycles San Andreas, '02 z1, xt drivetrain, xt disc hubs w/rhyno lite rims & avid mechanical disc brakes
Bottom Line:
The pair I bought from my lbs was wire bead, which I understand have a slightly thinner sidewall, but I've been riding tech trails to urban (just bent the seatmast on my mc on a 4 foot to flat three days ago). They've held up way better than the nokian cores, which broke side knobs pretty quickly, and which weigh in at over 800g, but the core has better traction, particularly in wet. The verticals are a little slick in wet rooty/rocky trail stuff. If I don't pump 'em up over about 40psi I tend to get pinch flats when riding over sharp curbs at speed (but I weigh almost two and a quarter). Pretty cushy on drops to flat, but not a full-on freerider (that's for the nokian jr's at a big (and heavy) 2.6). They're much smaller than the nokian core 2.3.
Overall, a nice tire for a good price. I'm stingy with reviews, but still 5 flamers for value (at $20), but only 3 for performance. Hope they wear a bit faster, 'cause I wanna try the survivals
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Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium Date Reviewed: June 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
www.bike2build.nl
Strengths:
Good all rounder, low rolling resistance
Bike Setup:
Sunn Neuro full sus
Bottom Line:
I bought these after trying a number of tires that put me in the doctors waiting room. No trouble at all with these, they seem good on all surfaces, including sand, snow and mud. On hard surfaces I pump them up quite hard, 45 psi, and there is little rolling resistance and still plenty of grip.
I have done 2000 miles now and the front looks about half worn and the back 2/3 worn.
It is important to get the kevlar/Durapro version if you ride on the rough stuff and have a few bucks to spare. The cheaper wire bead version is not so well made, but would look good on your kids bike.
There is also a 'Supersonic' version for competitions, which is lighter and softer, but wears much faster. Dont buy the Supersonic by mistake for everyday riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PiroChu
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo & Felton
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Similar Products Used:
Continental Explorer Pro (front) & Escape Pro (rear), IRC Mythos XC (front & rear), WTB Mutano Raptor Race 2.4
Bike Setup:
'99 FSRxc w/ '00 Marzocchi Atom 80mm & Avid mech disc 185mm on XT/X317 (front) & Avid SD on XT/X517 (rear) & MRP X-Rated Link
Bottom Line:
(This review is for a Vertical "Pro Tection" model.)
Got it from Universal Cycles for $45/shipped.
Having used to the similar tread pattern of Explorer Pro (which I already liked to begin with), there were no surprises from the get-go, but Vertical's added meaty knobs & its wider high-volume profile is even more confidence-aspiring in many conditions found here (except for wet or sand - no such here).
=== AS FRONT ON DESCENT === Simply excellent & superb gripping on anything that's thrown at: stable cornering, traction on roots, rocks, powder/dust, hard pack, logs, etc.
=== AS FRONT ON CLIMB === (same as above)
=== AS REAR ON DESCENT === (same as above)
=== AS REAR ON CLIMB === Those meaty knobbies gave me a bit of soft/flexy, over-traction 'feel', especially while pedaling up a fireroad or road to the trail-head. (Maybe I'm just not used to having so much - too much!? - traction/knob in rear on climb?) But climbing up with it on a soft powdery/dusty section was nice & grippy.
It's a superb tire especially as front (both descent & climb), and also excellent as rear (especially on descent). But I just can't seem to justify fastly wearing out those nice tall/soft/grippy knobs of a $40 tire mounted on the rear on the hard-surface climbs/rides. (I'm being cheap.) So, I'm going to use it on front, where those nice knobbies are needed at all times (& find something cheaper for rear).
$ 44.95
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