In the wild, wolverines are known to attack anything, often preying on much larger animals. On the trail, Wolverine riders can confidently attack anywhere from dicey descents to steep climbs. This fast-rolling tire combines a moderately spaced tread pattern that pierce moist soil, plentiful working edges that cling to hardpack and lean-friendly outside knobs. Like its namesake, the Wolverine looks small but packs a fierce bite.
Submitted by
Shredr
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico, Ca Date Reviewed: September 13, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Downieville, Ca
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Connection
Strengths:
Light. Rolls fast. Excellent in hardpacked & rocky terrain. On solid rock, these tires grip awesome! Low height center knobs. All knobs are spaced close together=great hard conditions traction. Excellent cross-country racing tire.
Weaknesses:
Narrow. Says 2.2,really a 2.1 Wears quick. Slides a little in loose,slippery, powdery terrain. I've only tried during summer; probably not great winter/wet tires like the other reviews state, due to closely spaced, low height knobs.
Similar Products Used:
You name it...everything. BMX & then MTB riding for 21 years.
Since I converted to Stans NoTubes, I haven't had a flat in 5 years since...Stans product is incredible! Use extra scoops.
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade (custom powdercoat) bright red. Fox Talus RLC 5.5 Air. XTR, King, Easton, Thompson, DT Swiss, Crank Bros., SDG.
Bottom Line:
If I raced cross country in hard, rocky conditions, I'd use these tires period.
Great combination of light weight, fast rolling and good hard terrain traction.
Soft/medium rubber wears quick but grips well so who cares?
My local trails are mostly volcanic rock (Chico, Ca)& these tires are simply incredible! Also, the sidewalls hold up well in these tough conditions- no problems.
You will only get one season/4-7 months out of these tires.
FINAL: If you like fast rolling, low-height, close spaced knob tires, these tires are at the top of the class.
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Submitted by
Gamite
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Canada Date Reviewed: September 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kelso
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Weight, Rolling Resistance, DRY Traction
Weaknesses:
Wet weather traction, Durability
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Fast Trak LK 2 Bliss, Wolverine 1.95
Bike Setup:
Stumpy HT
Bottom Line:
Running as a rear tire: Heavier than the specialized, They weighed in a little over the advertised weight. Roll very fast, I've only been running these for about 2 months, and I already see some wear in the tire. I did run it on pavement once, and I'm wondering if that did it. Running stans for a few weeks now, no issues, no burping, did take a while for it to seal up though. The tire is great for DRY weather, hooks up on roots and rocks very well. However, like someone mentioned before, if it gets wet, get ready to hit dirt. Slides all over the place on wet roots. As long as you know that this tire is meant only for the Dry, it's a great tire. Giving it 5 because it's an excellent purpose built tire.
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Submitted by
rmillet
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Charles, LA, USA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dry Fast Ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
ActionBikes
Strengths:
Came on my new Sortie 3. Rolls FAST, very fast.
Weaknesses:
Wet Traction is TERRIBLE/DANGEROUS.
Similar Products Used:
FireXC Pros, WTB Moto Raptors, WTB All Terrainasaurus, Hutchinson Acrobats
Bike Setup:
2009 Sortie 3, with Avid BB7s and Sun SingleTrack Wheels
Bottom Line:
My Chili Ratings (I weigh 210):
4 - Dry Hardpack Sandy Soil (Minor Predictable Drift)
3 - Pine Straw (Moderate Drift)
5 - Pavement (although not what they are for)
5 - Hardpack Black Soils
4 - Dry Roots Uphill
1 - Wet Roots (at any angle)
1 - Wet Wood Bridges
1 - Loose Sand (these things go ALL OVER the place)
I generally ride when it's dry. These tires require much precaution in wet condtion on trails with roots or wet bridges.
These tires are GREAT in the one dimension they are designed for, FAST rolling hardpacked DRY cross country. I wouldn't call these and all mountain tire in the least too one dimensional.
I am not looking to change them out, but might get a nobbier set to have as alternates (Nevegals or FireXCs).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Traildawg
a Cross Country Rider
from Bradenton, FL Date Reviewed: July 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Boyette, Alafia
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Great dry traction, good loose soil traction. Very light weight tire and is very fast rolling. For someone who wants dry tire its great!!!
Weaknesses:
This tire is lethal in wet conditions. It packs mud and never sheds it. On wet roots you need to hold your breath and be ready to meet soil..
Similar Products Used:
Specialized The Captain, Kenda Nevergal, Kenda Small Block 8,
Bike Setup:
2009 Rocky Mountain Altitude 70
Bottom Line:
For places where its not muddy or water logged this tire great. This tire is fast and grabs great on the moderately loose to hard pack soil. Once the soil is slick you'll meet mother earth at the tires discretion. I really like these tires allot and plan on switching to the Nevergal's when I need to ride in muddy conditions.
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Submitted by
Goldfish
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: July 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
I'm not allowed to say
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light, fast, good corner grip, slow and predictable loss of front traction
Weaknesses:
Durability (but hey, it's a race tire), a little pricey
Similar Products Used:
Spec. Resolutions, Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
06 Stumpy FSR, XT cranks, CB Cobalts, misc lighter/better things
Bottom Line:
I run 2.2s w/ Bontrager Race X Lite tubes and dropped 1 lb off the bike from the previous Velociraptors and "regular" tubes. The recent Cobalt upgrade has rotating weight even lighter. Front and rear are usually 38-40 psi each, riding weight is 230ish.
Love these tires and am hard pressed to find a reason to try anything else, except maybe the 1.95s that are now available.
Very fast and predictable. Front is slow to let go, giving time to adjust and avoid sudden washout. Consider myself a fast XC rider that likes technical conditions. Good climbing grip, but requires technique instead of mashing.
I get ~500 miles out of a set before the knobs start to look a little rounded over and traction starts to waver.
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Submitted by
rhyko
a Weekend Warrior
from Newport S.Wales Date Reviewed: July 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cwmcarn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
n/a was given it fre
Strengths:
very fast tyre with good puncture resistance due to its tall volume, good traction for climbing
Weaknesses:
this is an XC race tyre-i dont know why i even fitted it to my rig so i wont mark it down because its designed to roll fast rather than give grip but here goes anyway: it has no resistance to locking up, the tiniest bit of rear brake and it locks, when it lock it does not bite into the ground at all, so you find yourself braking earlier than normal or skidding a lot. the cornering grip was not very good either, very skittish when i really started leaning it in at speed, i had it on the rear and it went sidways a lot
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevagal (2.1), Kenda blue groove(2.1), maxxis ignitor 2.1, Tioga DH 2.35, MAXXIS hIGH ROLLER 2.35, Maxxis Advantage 2.25
Bike Setup:
Giant trance 3 highly modified and geared towards free ride.
Bottom Line:
this tyre is designed to roll fast and it does that well, it has high snake bite resistance too, but if like me you are more concerned about thrashing the bike downhill and having cornering grip rather than straight line speed, then this is not the tyre for you either.
i have tested this tyre around cwmcarn twice-once dry and once wet, and have rode a DH course on it too, i found it to be way too skittish and to have no lock up resistance, when it locks up it barely slows you down either, doesnt seem to bite.
i am not saying this is a bad tyre, it is just not what i am looking for, i am going to put the Maxxis ADvantage 2.2 back on my bike cos it bites like an angry snake when you hit the brakes and corners much better.
it doesnt like like this tyre has a very high tread life either, after 3 rides it looks like it has done a lot more than this.
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Submitted by
archons
a Cross Country Rider
from Boyds, MD, USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2009
Favorite Trail:
MD Hoyles Mill Connector
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Light tire, good grip with nice turning even with knobs
Weaknesses:
Nothing yet.
Similar Products Used:
Kendras, Specialized Fast track
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
These tires are a very good cross between rolling fast and still giving good traction in the tough stuff. They still have good turn in traction. Some of my trails cover the gammit from single track steep up and down hills with some fast smooth cross country. I needed an upgrade from my current Specialized S-Works Fast Traks that ran very fast but didn't give much traction in the rough after the first couple of rides. The WTB Woverine's are little more expensive then some, got them at $39 each.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DavidNeiles
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga Date Reviewed: June 5, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Raccoon Mtn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, VERY GOOD traction & cornering.
Weaknesses:
Have not found one
Similar Products Used:
WTB-motoraptor, stout, vulpine, prowler mx & ss, Conti's, michelins, too many to list...
Bike Setup:
09 Diamondback Sortie Black
Bottom Line:
This is a very surprising tire. They came on my new ride and I was not sure how they would handle here in the SE. WOW was I blown away. Very good traction climbing, I was able to make it up stuff I could not always before. I push them to the limit through rock gardens and fast switchbacks that go from sand to dirt to rocks, etc. These tires can hold a line and really dig in and give me more confidence in the corners. I love them so much i got some for my SS!!!! I would tell anyone to give em a try.
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Submitted by
north20
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington state Date Reviewed: April 15, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light and fast rolling. Excellent climbing traction considering the relatively shallow tread. Even decent in wet mud (very poor in clay mud, but then most tires are).
Weaknesses:
Volume is a bit low for my preferences. Braking traction is not the equal of the climbing traction. Still an excellent tire - I just prefer a bit more volume being a Clydesdale guy.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Crossmark, Kenda SSB
Bottom Line:
This is a really a great tire that works well far beyond its appearance. Though I bill myself as a 'cross-country' rider, I'll ride just about any terrain and that's where this tire's volume and braking traction don't quite hold up for a guy my size (220lbs. with gear). That being said, I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a fast, light tire with great climbing and cornering capabilities.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KinglyRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Brighton, UK Date Reviewed: April 10, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Wiggle
Strengths:
Light, Grippy and Durable
Weaknesses:
...not a lot
Bottom Line:
I've used these as a combo front and back and also at the back paired with a 2.3 stout up front. These things fly on hardpack/soft loose ground and at 550g each they wont punish you uphill and on long treks.
As for grip, I completed a 50km cross country ride today in torrential downpour with the Stout 2.3 up front and this in the rear and I can't begin to describe how good they were. Even though riding in ludicrously thick sloppy mud wasn't in the design brief these things were brilliant, had a few slips climbing on the really steep stuff but I deny all but the best mud tyres to climb slick flint/clay singletrack in the pouring rain without the odd slip.
They were fantastic on the downs with the stout up front keeping my traction in a check and the wolverine on the back letting me fly. Id recommend these to anyone!
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Submitted by
Duleonar
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Cruces,NM,USA Date Reviewed: March 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything in the Doña Ana Mtns
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
wiggle.com.uk?
Strengths:
Very Light, Amazing traction (considering the lug size)
This tire has given me the ability to climb what ever my single speed has the torque for. Spite its lower profile lug, I've climbed several VERY loose trails that even the folks with gears were walkin' on. It's phenomenal! I truly don't understand how it does what it does with its size.
I have it set up with Stan's No Tubes, which may be contributing to the traction abilities.
I was able to get this tire and the Weirwolf 2.5 from a Great Britan company (wiggle). I got both tires for ~$60, and that includes shipping all the way to New Mexico.
I recommend this tire definately for a rear. I haven't tried it up front. It's excellent for high speed single track as well as super slow technical ascending and descending.
Great Tire!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TJRosson
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: January 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Forest Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
This tire is fast, it's got plenty of grip on the shoulders, and it corners well. It's also pretty light. That's why I bought it. I mostly ride on hardpack, and this tire does the job.
Weaknesses:
No complaints so far.
Similar Products Used:
Small block eight. Ritchey Z-Max.
Bike Setup:
SS Voodoo
Bottom Line:
Great tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
griessman
a Weekend Warrior
from San Luis Obispo, CA, US Date Reviewed: November 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Madonna
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
treefort bikes
Strengths:
The biggest strength of these tires is rolling resistance. Whether you're on asphalt or hard pack, these things fly.
They're pretty good for climbing and they usually stick to where you point them too, just have to be careful sometimes.
Weaknesses:
I just came back from my first ride with these tires and put them through everything. I understand they're not downhill tires, so I won't mark em down too much. They're a bit skittish on some surfaces, mostly loose gravel over hardpack or just loose gravel. They're great for singletrack and fire roads though.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Highrollers, Specialized Fast Trak
Bottom Line:
On their website, they put this tire exactly where it belongs: Race XC. If you do mostly cross country, this is an excellent tire. If you're between cross country an all mountain, this tire will probably hold up but i recommend getting a better gripping front tire. I'm looking into the weirwolfs or mutanoraptors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mlkovacs
a Racer
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: September 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Reimer Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Light, good tread, good climber, surprisingly good in wet conditions, good in sand.
Weaknesses:
No show stopper weaknesses. It's a 2.2, so make sure it'll fit your frame! They can throw up the occasional pebbles here and there (which didn't bother me at all).
I used these tires (front and rear) in the 2008 TransRockies race. It made it through 7 days, 600km and not one flat! The terrain varied from stage to stage - wet gravel roads, sloppy mud, sand, shale, and wet roots. I kept them at 45psi. They climb very well, good in corners, stable under high speeds, and brake very well. What surprised me was how well they handled in wet mud because the tread looks like it's more suited for dry hard pack conditions. This is an excellent all around racing tire. Even though it's a 2.2, it has noticeable low rolling resistance. I highly recommend them. I'll definitely buy them again.
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Submitted by
Singlespeed
a Cross Country Rider
from Loma Linda, CA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santa Ana
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$47.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Smooth at High Speeds. High Volume. Fast.
Weaknesses:
Slight slip in steep hard conditions.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper Singlespeed. No suspension/hardtail
Bottom Line:
Great tire for dry conditions prevalent in the southwest. Recommend for aggressive x-country.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RDP
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any single track with ups and downs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Performance Cyclery
Strengths:
A great, relatively light & fast rolling XC tire! Big difference from Kenda Nevegals.
Weaknesses:
Bites well but does slip a little at times but that is to be expected.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegals
Bike Setup:
2007 Specialized Stumpy FSR Comp
Bottom Line:
Happy with this tire. You can get a good deal like I did if you look around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Olney, MT USA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
too many to choose from
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Great Northern Cycle
Strengths:
Light weight
Corners great in all condition except mud
fast - low rollong resistance
tracks well on technical climbs
Weaknesses:
Seems a bit unstable in mud
A bit on the wide side for me, I's like to see it in a 2.0
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Fast Trac
Bontrager???
Onza Agro
Panaracer Dart
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic Marathon
Bottom Line:
Not the perfect tire for my application, but it may be the best tire on the market at the moment for an aggressive xcountry rider who uses the tire for ultra endurance rides to short xcountry style races. Having limited time on it, I will wait to see how durable it is, I wish it were a bit narrower...2.0 or 2.1, and cornered a bit better in slick clay mud. It works excellent in all other areas. I am glad I purchased this tire, and am looking forward to a great season with it on the front of my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gunchie
a Racer
from Rock Island, IL Date Reviewed: May 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bike n Hike
Strengths:
This tire has great low rolling resistantance while still giving you tons of confidence on the turns. It also slings mud great and climbs like a billy goat.
Weaknesses:
Only one size for those that rather have something other than 2.2.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Revolt Super X's & Kenda Nevegals
Bike Setup:
'08 Giant Trance X1
Bottom Line:
I wanted a tire that had low rolling resistantance yet gave me plenty of confidence in the turns and that's exactly what these tires do. These tires are also great for creek crossings followed by steep climbs because they shed mud so well and climb wonderfully. Perfect for any rider that wants a fast tire for dry to moist conditions!
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Submitted by
bikermancam
a Cross Country Rider
from vermont Date Reviewed: May 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
grippy in all conditions for those wanting a lighter weight xc tire. Rolls fast for the amount of grip
Weaknesses:
great tread but it's 2.2 size is limiting on bigger all mountain rigs like the Nomad
Similar Products Used:
Mutanoraptor, nevengal, etc
Bottom Line:
A great all around consistent tire for those looking for more grip than that of say a Nanoraptor.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
