Lightweight race conditions tire rolls fast, corners well and hooks up in all but the most extreme terrain. Small medium depth, closely spaced knobs with stiff edges and a rounded profile to shed mud easily. Unique casing diameter is slightly larger than tread width giving increased tracking, cornering, climbing and breaking performance in rough, rocky terrain. Tread designs aren't front or rear specific.
26" X 2.1" traditional size / 49mm casing diameter / 48mm maximum tread width. Also available in 47mm casing w/46mm tread width.
Submitted by
mnjason
a Racer
from MN Date Reviewed: November 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
lightweight, tubeless convertible
Weaknesses:
price, but for weight you pay with more loot
Similar Products Used:
ritchey WCS, conti, et al.
Bike Setup:
race bike
Bottom Line:
these are great tires; hooking up very well in cornering and acceleration. Their preferred for hard pack to softer ground; not so great in mud. These are excellent tires for running as tubeless with stans.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JuseLuis Gonzalez
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterrey, Mexico Date Reviewed: February 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chipinque
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
powersports.com.mx
Strengths:
Light, Comfort, low rolling resistance, fast adictive. Provides hardpack speed with smooth rolling.
Weaknesses:
Not the best in wet and muddy conditions but wash easily at high speed. Cornering
Similar Products Used:
similar: specialized rockster non similar: velociraptor
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500
Bottom Line:
Excellent all condition XC and Race tire. I've used them in dry and wet conditions, mud, roots, loose and hardpack trails. Ideal if you plan to race and would like to increase your speed capabilities. Not for beginners.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
evil geek
a Cross Country Rider
from calgary Date Reviewed: May 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
fast rolling, lightweight, reasonable grip under most conditions.
Weaknesses:
not good in more than 1/4" deep mud. outer knobs are higher, and therefor flex more than the center knobs, which can result in a bit of squirlyness when transitioning into hard cornering. once up on edge the tire does settle down and grip quite well though.
Bike Setup:
2001 klein attitude comp, rolf dolomite disk wheels
Bottom Line:
This tire isn't perfect, but I like it a lot. With faster acceleration due to less rotating mass and faster top speed due to less rolling resistance, this tire is very addictive. Who cares if it's no good in the mud when it's so fast in the dry?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jakob sorensen
a Cross Country Rider
from Copenhagen, Denmark Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Rude skov
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Stock on my trek 8500
Strengths:
Excellent grip, low rolling resisstance. It really rocks if the conditions arent too muddy
Weaknesses:
Bad traction uphill
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500
Bottom Line:
Its an excellent all round tire that also takes you decent to the trail and back. Highly recommendable as "only pair"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario Date Reviewed: November 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle Ottawa
Strengths:
- Looks good, light, great traction in most conditions, wears well, decent sidewalls and thickness overall, superb dry traction, good wet traction
Weaknesses:
- Ummmmmm
Similar Products Used:
Tioga, WTB, Panaracer, Bontrager, Michelin, Kenda, Maxxis ... you name it. I burn through tires like crazy.
Bike Setup:
'03 Yukon (some mods)
Bottom Line:
GREAT tires. Highly recommended. Definetly one of the best tires I've ever had (and I lots of tires =))
Matt
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Traverse City Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light weight for the volume. They roll fast on any surface. They roll even faster when tubless. Does not bog down when transitioning from hard to soft conditions like more agressive treads will.
Weaknesses:
With the low profile knobs, do not expect much traction in loose conditions. The small diamond pattern on the center of the tread collects and holds many grams of soil in wet or even slightly damp conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, Conti Vertical Pro, Kenda Nevegal.
Bike Setup:
2005 Trek 8500, hardtail, XT level. The Revolts were stock.
Bottom Line:
These are low knob height, low rolling resistance tires. They perform excellently in dry hard-pack conditions. And if you toss the tubes and add some Stan's you will fly. But don't ask these tires to rail in loose or loose over hard-pack conditions. They just don't have the dig for that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Collins
a Cross Country Rider
from Broomfield, CO, USA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005
Rock Lobster, WB XC-4, XTR/XT comp, Sun Sub IV/XT disc wheels, Avid Mech Disc
Bottom Line:
Great tires for hard pack surfaces, very fast, but slides out on loose cornering.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin
a Weekend Warrior
from Alpharetta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Rolls fast and grips well enough on the trail. Not a nightmare on the street either. A good XC tire.
Weaknesses:
This is not a tire for mud.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor 2.1
Bike Setup:
Stock Trek STP 300
Bottom Line:
Good choice for trail and road use (rolls fast), there are better mountain only choices though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Weekend Warrior
from madison, wi Date Reviewed: August 21, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Came on my bike, low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
Not good for loose trail conditions, not very good when wet. Tire is strictly for cross-country, nothing more
Bike Setup:
Top Fuel 98
Bottom Line:
Alright, the bottom line is that these tires will not allow you to really fly down loose downhill sections that have some sort of technical aspect to them. I like to really bomb down the downhills and am still riding this bike like it has the previous tires I had them which offer much better traction. I can't utilize my disc brakes very well because the front tire locks up too damn easily. I have wiped out twice (one which left a nice scratch on my seat stay, f**k!) on downhills cuz these damn things just wont hold and I hate to go slow down them and just ride the rear brake, thats just no fun. Bottomline, strictly cross-country, anything remotely passed that, these things will slow you down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from salt lake city, utah USA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
Sucks up thorns Way tight fitting mediocre cornering
Bike Setup:
05 Klein Attitude XV
Bottom Line:
These tires are the worst I've ever used. I've taken the bike out twice, and these tires have grabbed up thorns both times! One at the rear as I WALKED the bike out of my driveway, and one in front while riding on PAVEMENT. I know better than to leave these on and risk it on a trail! Yes, I'll be throwing these brand new tires into the trash tomorrow! Also, you'd better have a bucket of soap or some wicked bad ass tire levers for these or a lot more patience than I've got..............
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave smith
a Weekend Warrior
from olney Date Reviewed: July 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
C&O
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
nice grip
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
trek 6500
Bottom Line:
Realy good tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Traynwrekk
a Cross Country Rider
from Spartanburg, SC USA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Southside and Issaqueena
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Bike Worx
Strengths:
Great Tire for all around riding. Low rolling resistance. Hooks up when needed.
Weaknesses:
Cost a little more than most tires I compaired. Moves around a little on slippery events. Doesn't shed sand or sandy clay very easily.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones AC, Big Kahuna
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900 Hardtail.
Bottom Line:
I bought these tires after riding on the Jones AC and Big Kahunas. I wanted a tire that would hook up on the trail, but have lower rolling resistance for the late evening workouts when I cant get to a trail. Much better tire than the Jones AC for riding over and down hills with roots. Slips a little on slick hills, but nothing compaired to the Jones. Low rolling resistance makes this tire easy to ride on trails or street. I am saving my Big Kahunas for the wet seasons, but will definitely use the these tires on a daily basis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gavin
a
from Squamish Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Buddy gave them to me
Strengths:
Fast as Hell, and they grip good too
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Mobsters, Harddrives, Wildgrippers, Fire XC Pros, Kinetics, Rokkos, you name it
Bike Setup:
2004 Sugar 2+ Disk, with sugar 1 B*link
Bottom Line:
These tires are amazing, theres almost no rolling resistance and they climb better than anything, they do slide a little on steep roots on funny angles, they are fast, light and awesome for climbeing, just doont take them freeriding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Racer
from Charleston, WV Date Reviewed: July 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Polecat
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, superfast, great climber in dry conditions, work very well on road
Weaknesses:
Be prepared for a number of flats, doesn't shed mud well at all, can result in a very dangerous ride on wet technical trails
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones AC (terrible tire), IRC Mythos, Panaracer Fire XC Pros (on my other bike)
Bike Setup:
2004 Trek 8500 stock w/upgraded saddle
Bottom Line:
The tire does suprisingly well in dry conditions including climbs, will corner very well, glides right over rocks, roots, and puddles. The tire also runs very smooth for road riding making it feel like I have special road tires on my bike.
However, because of the location I am in my rides are more often wet than dry. During my climbs to the trails by fireroads + main trails I often slip and slide around because the tires are coated in mud. The tire will still climb pretty well but won't turn. I had a number of nasty crashes at because I had little traction mainly on slanted trail sections and tight turns. A proper technique of sliding and balance takes care of this *grin* (thank God for rear disc brakes.)
Conclusion: Will work great for less experienced riders in dry conditions, but can be scarey and requires some skill in wet conditions
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey
a Weekend Warrior
from Bartlett, IL USA Date Reviewed: July 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
not telling
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Spin Doctor Bartlett, IL
Strengths:
WOW what a tire. I do a mix of street and trail riding. This tire might just do almost everything. Excellent on the street, super quiet, great confidence in corners. Off road this tire does most everything well (especially fast and stable on hardpack), sand and mud will cause some sliding but my riding partner was also sliding on a tire w/ large knobs.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Ground Control Pro, Specialized Hemisphere EX
Bike Setup:
2001 Specialized Stumpy Comp... stock w/ gel saddle
Bottom Line:
Great all around tire for street and off road!!! highly recommended!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette, CA Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Very fast on nontechnical sections
Weaknesses:
Not very solid on loose rocks and dust
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 100
Bottom Line:
This is a perfect tire for the advanced, technical rider who can slide all over the trail with aplomb, and keep balance and g-forces just right to avoid spills. For the rest of us who do not have those skills, I suggest something with more knobs and trail contact. I kept these on for several months for the speed, low rolling resistance, and light weight, but finally went back to Velociraptors for more stability and fewer wipe-outs. Still looking for a tire that can do it all!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Crowley
a Racer
from North Van, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Team Pangor
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
stock on fuel 98
Strengths:
Holy &$@& fast! If you ride them at the right pressure they hook up amazingly; totally predictable and supple; wear really; (2 seasons racing on one set!). Reasonably light; A really good late spring/summer race tire. WOW. Had my best season ever on these; they rock!
Weaknesses:
None if used as intended; fast, technical XC racing; actually, they still surprise me even when used in North Shore XC slop and roots in the fall and early spring
Fuel with XTR; Norco Team Issue hardtail, XT/raceface
Bottom Line:
Run them softer then expected and they will give you everything you want; I've tried everything and these are fast, smooth, predictable. Thought I hated them on first ride pumped at 40+ lbs, then dumped some pressure; now I'm in love! I'm big (6'2"/186lbs, expert) and run them at about 36 - 39lbs and they still roll fast (and quiet). I take them off just so I don't wear them out; fear that they will stop making them so will stock up on a few pairs!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Miami, FL Date Reviewed: March 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The one I rode today...
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike?
Strengths:
Fast! Viciously fast on hard pack, low rolling resistance on most anything else. Very supple, small knobs make for a smooth ride. Seem to resist trail damage, sharp rocks, pointy stumps, etc...
Weaknesses:
They don't like sand, will slide out in corners if too soft, and at 2.1 are too narrow to float over sugar sand.
Must run at lower pressure than spec'ed for best results (in my case anyway)
Similar Products Used:
Bonti Revolt SS semi-slicks (deadly tires for rookies!) Other non-similar, non-race full knobbies (Fire XC's, Dart/Smoke, OEM Bonti Jones AC's)
Bike Setup:
HT- '02 Trek 6500, mostly stock except for saddle Fully- '03 Klein Palomino
Bottom Line:
A great, fast tire if you take time to learn them. Bontrager advertises these as "race-conditions" tires, whatever that means (wellgroomed hardpack?) but they are starting to work well for me in a variety of conditions. I run on mixed trails, some hardpack, lots of roots, South Florida's famous sugar sand, and some mud. Bontrager says to run these at 40-65psi. When I did run'em at 40-45 it was like I was on springs, bouncing and sliding everywhere. I dropped them to 30psi and they changed character entirely, became very usable tires, hooking up on nearly everything except deep sugar sand, which few tires can resist. They will occasionally spin out on a climb, but that may be more rider induced than anything else, and they do surprisingly well in mud.
They are certainly worth a try if you like a fast, smooth riding tire and are willing to learn how it likes to be ridden. If you can find them on sale, grab a pair.I gave them a five for value cause of what I paid compared to similar tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Elkader Date Reviewed: March 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Bike shop in CO
Strengths:
Supple casing provides comfortable shock absorbtion. Small tread pattern works well in variety of conditions. Lightweight. Roll well on hardpack or pavement. Grips well on rock, clay, dirt, and some sand. Fast and pretty durable.
Weaknesses:
Do puncture fairly easy by small thorns. Compared to other tires I've ridden, this is relative. Do pack with mud easily and don't shed it very well either.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC's, IRC Mythos, Panaracer Smoke/Dart, and various others that didn't work
Bike Setup:
Two wheels, frame, and fork! Oh, and about 48 psi F/R for 180 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I would recommend this tire. I initially bought them for riding in Moab because I had tires with bigger knobs, and left them on for 3000 miles. Ideal conditions for this would be dry, semi-hard/hard pack, and/or small gravel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Newark, Delaware Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The one that isn't paved or groomed to death
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light weight, comfortable.
Weaknesses:
No glaring weaknesses.
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works M5 hard tail
Bottom Line:
I rode these tires during the dry hardpacked months and found them light, comfortable and predictable.
A few weeks ago I put them on the bike for winter riding. The trails were frozen solid; no ice but a light dusting of snow. It has been very cold so the snow has remained dry. The tires worked just fine. I had been riding Hutchison Alligators so the difference in weight was noticeable.
The interesting thing to me came today. We had some wet conditions through the week but it has frozen again. Trails have developed ruts and dramatic ice formations. This morning it was very cold (about 12 degrees F) and snowing when we hit the trails. There was about an inch or two of fresh snow covering the ice and ruts. I dropped the pressure in the tires and they worked well enough to inspire me to write a review. They shed the dry snow, slid on the ice and ruts but felt controllable and comfortable the entire time. They only failed on short steep climbs which nobody was clearing due to the slick conditions.
I haven't ridden them extensively in real rocky stuff. They've got good volume and seem to do reasonably well in the rocks. They managed snow covered rocks and roots today without causing me undo distress.
Four Flamin' Chilis 'cause they don't have 4.8's and they don't quite deserve a five which would be reserved for a free tire that hooks up in every conditin and weighs 300g. *G*
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce
a Racer
from Santa Cruz Date Reviewed: January 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
too many to list
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
It's reasonably light, very low rolling resistance. Hooks up im nost conditions
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager SS, Hutchinson Python Light
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 98
Bottom Line:
My first set of these tires came with the bike. I immediately switched them out for Fire XC Pros. The Pros were great trail tires. Then I started racing.
I started racing with Hutch Python Lights. They worked reasonably well, but were absolutely horrible in the wet. Last year, I decided to try the Revolt Super Xs in a race.
The course was wet and sandy. The tires were great! They shed the sandy mud well and really flew on the dry parts. THey also hook up well in everything except loose soil / gravel.
THe tires worked so well that I just bought another set for this year. I had assumed that my old pair was worn out. They weren't. Now I have 2 sets of these tires and I couldn't recommend a better dry/damp conditions XC racing tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Racer
from Toronto Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hilly and Technical trails
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
35
Strengths:
A real 2.1 tire.
Weaknesses:
Knobs are too soft which prevents this tire from cornering very well. I was using it on the back wheel.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Revolt SS front (a good semi slick), Conti Explorer (really good all round tire), Michelin Sprint (a good semi slick), Panaracer Fire XC 1.8 (really good all round tire).
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher SuperCaliber with a Conti Explorer on the front and a Panaracer Fire XC 1.8 on the rear.
Bottom Line:
As a back tire this is really comfy in that is a large air volume 2.1, but it's main drawback is that when you are going through a tight corner or off camber sections this tire slides sideways too much. It needs larger and stiffer side knobs.
I would rate this tire 3 out of five, and wouldn't recommend it to anyone who wants to race or go on serious technical courses.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Meridian
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton ON Canada Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
- Really good on hardpack trails - Fast rolling
Weaknesses:
- Thin as hell tire - Tire cracks on the sidewalls, perhaps due to the sun
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche with shimano xtr, xt and lx components. Formula disc and Rock shock Sids.
Bottom Line:
At first i thought they were pretty damn good tires especially for hard pack surfaces. Definately not good for mud, been there done that. Value rating was average for the stores around here, but overall rating was fair. Tires a tad too thin for serious trails and seem to crack from the sun on the sidewalls
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G Naz
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003
Conti Explorer Pros, Bontrager Jones, Bontrager Revolt Semi-slicks.
Bike Setup:
'98 Trek 8000 with all sorts of special goodness.
Bottom Line:
For 90% of the trails on ride on around my area, this tire is the bomb-diggety. I ride on a lot of rolling hardpack with some minor loose, rocky sections, and several river trails that are perpetually damp and tacky. On those surfaces the Super-X's are super fast, like the bike's on rails. Also, as an added bonus, I've used the same bike on some night time urban assult type rides, and the rolling resistance and handling doing dumb stuff on concrete is surprisingly good. A really great all tire if you don't ride in slop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G Naz
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003
Conti Explorer Pros, Bontrager Jones, Bontrager Revolt Semi-slicks.
Bike Setup:
'98 Trek 8000 with all sorts of special goodness.
Bottom Line:
For 90% of the trails on ride on around my area, this tire is the bomb-diggety. I ride on a lot of rolling hardpack with some minor loose, rocky sections, and several river trails that are perpetually damp and tacky. On those surfaces the Super-X's are super fast, like the bike's on rails. Also, as an added bonus, I've used the same bike on some night time urban assult type rides, and the rolling resistance and handling doing dumb stuff on concrete is surprisingly good. A really great all tire if you don't ride in slop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ricci
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
urban assault
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
LBS - stock equipment
Strengths:
Smooth rolling, low resistances, light, FAST
Weaknesses:
it's an XC tire! don't expect to traverse through the soft stuff to well. (deep sand/deep mud)
Bike Setup:
STP200 stock
Bottom Line:
these came stock on my stp200, Fantastic tires for what i do.. Light trail riding, mostly hardpack... then out of the trails to the city streets for an urban assault sometime around 1am. tearin up everywhere, and these tires hold all the corners in all the parking garages and all the trails i go on. If you are worried about washing out, learn to predict it and lay off your rear brake and not turn the wheel so much. I also have no problems with bogs on the trails in these either, they ride through straight and shed the mud off quick.. just not good for long tracks in the mud.. 5 flamers for these badboys!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark f
a Cross Country Rider
from ashford england Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
fast flowing singletrack
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
light weight, roll very fast!
Weaknesses:
not too hot in slimy greasy conditions
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire xc
Bike Setup:
kona kula, sid xc, xt etc
Bottom Line:
if your riding dry fast trails these are amazing you can carry loads of speed and not worry about washing out.there large volume also make them comfy. my panaracers come out when its wet, fair bit over here! but when the sun shines these are the mutz nutz i'm buying another pair, say no more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gripshift
a
from Holland, Mi. Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ft. Custer
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Lite weight, fast rolling, corners great.
Weaknesses:
none yet, going on three years with this set.
Bike Setup:
1999 Trek 7000, Easton CT2 Carbon Post,2002 Selle Italia Flite Gel TI Rail Saddle, Crank Bros Egg Beaters,Bontrager Revolt Super X tires, XT drive train.
Bottom Line:
I really like these tires, noticed a big difference from the stocks tires on my Trek 7000. Much faster and corners great. A great tire for Michigan riding. Very fast on hard pack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Utah Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
all arond tire
Weaknesses:
corners
Bottom Line:
Maybe the guy that got flats everytime, needs to stop putting the tires on with his screwdriver....
Very good tire for fast rolling cross country. Stronger side knobs would make this tire perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cunning stunt
a Weekend Warrior
from shropshire, uk Date Reviewed: December 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
hopton
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
a bike shop
Strengths:
Bloody quick sooooo grippy on the dry
Weaknesses:
Pants in the wet Too many pinches
Similar Products Used:
Nokian Fat Hakka (never had a pinch since)...
Bike Setup:
Trek hardtail with suntours(not actually that bad, dmr, tioga, nokian, alivio, the usual
Bottom Line:
Cool tyre for the summer but after that (especially if you ride DH) u need a tougher grippier tyre that doesn't get snakebites all the time - kevlar protects nicely against thorns, havent had a thorn in my inner tube since i bought it OK for summer XCers though
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat O'Brien
a Cross Country Rider
from Sapporo, Japan Date Reviewed: December 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Will not hold air!
Similar Products Used:
Revolt SS, Bontrager Jones
Bike Setup:
1998 Trek 8900
Bottom Line:
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT! I get a flat with these tires every other time I ride my bike. This spring I got three flats in six days of riding on paved trails. Each time I found an object imbedded in the tire. I then put my old, worn Revolt SS's back on and went the rest of the summer without a flat. Then when the snow came, I put the Super X's back on and got a flat in the snow! These tires are defective.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KT
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: November 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Sounds crazy, but it's a 'do-all' tire
Weaknesses:
maybe wears fast, been using for 2 yrs
Similar Products Used:
Hutch Python lites - returned rather quickly for the Super-Xs
Bottom Line:
I love these things. I feel like a Super-X disciple. I brag to all the peope I ride with how awesome they've been. I should point out I run 'em at high pressure and a lightweight @ 1 buck fity. That said, I've used them in a couple of muddy 24 hour races here in the north east, muddy rock gardens, hardpack, and sand (we get a lot of that on the island). At the crazy '02 24 of Allamuchy, I fell once on an off camber (team mate below - Greg, same experience) Corner well. What can I say, this tire handles it all. If you get 'em make sure to get the Kevlar bead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. Hammer
a Cross Country Rider
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Olympia Cycle And Ski
Strengths:
Great traction - fast as snot on the hard parck and pavement. Even works very well in sand and dirt. Cornering on hard pack is pretty secure and confident...
Weaknesses:
Can be scary-ass to ride with low tire pressure - rolled the rear tire off the rim at one point, but that's not entirely the tires fault (gotta keep 'em at 40psi or so at least). Also found them to be a tad hairy on gravel - but that's partly due to having to run them at a fairly high PSI to keep them stable - the side walls are fairly flexible, which is part of the low PSI problem. Don't work especially well in sticky muck, but having said that they ARE a semi-slick tire and as such, off road riding has been surprisingly good with these tires never the less. They amaze me at times how well they do handle certian conditions.
If you tend to be on and off road a lot - these are an excellent tire to look at. Not great for the good ol' Mississippi gumbo muck that we have up here, but even at that they've amazed me a time or two for how well they have handled in it (I have yet to find a tire that is fantastic for riding in super sticky clay-like muck).
I keep a set of Mythos XC tires that I'll swap out when I know I'm going to be doing marathon trail rides, or riding in super technical conditions for long periods.
I've had a couple flats with 'em over the last while, but nothing unusual by any means. Tread wear seems to be decent, this is my 2nd season with them now - probably 3000-4000 KM on them (maybe more) and the rear wheel is about due to be replaced the front still has some meat left.
Overall, I think I would buy them again...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
Fast, light, precise.
Weaknesses:
Occasional flats.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept Comp
Bottom Line:
I do a lot of my riding on loose, rocky trails and, feeling like a tire with more tread would hook up better, I replaced my Bontragers with Fire XC Pros about 6 weeks ago. Despite their reputation as a do-it-all tire, the XCs were a significant step backwards for me; The tires were noticably heavier, and I felt like I was plowing through loose rocks rather than gliding over them. Even worse, I lost steering precision, and overall control of the bike. I started falling more, and then began loosing confidence and stopped enjoying myself.
The Bontragers went back on on Saturday, and the magic is back. These tires may not look like they'll deal with the loose stuff as well as a knobby. They actually will deal better. I'm impressed, and I'm sticking with my Revolt Super Xs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Altos Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bicycle Outfitter
Strengths:
Lightweight
Weaknesses:
Everything else, They wear quick, corner poorly at high speeds, and don't stick well
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
A 2002 Trek Elite 9.8 with a race face low riser handlebar
Bottom Line:
These are race tires. Period. I have crashed three times in the last month because these tires slip right out from under you on high speed turns. Super Xs are fine for racing but if you want a real tire you can take out and whip around the turns on get something with bigger knobs. I am afriad to ride on these tires... They scare me...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Nye
a
from Lancaster, PA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Susquehanna St. Park, MD
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
OEM tire
Strengths:
-Light Weight -Smooth Rolling -Decent Cornering
Weaknesses:
-Massive Frontal Pinch Flats -Poor performance with low air pressure
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos IRC Notos
Bike Setup:
Trek, XTR, Cross-Country Bike with SID XC
Bottom Line:
This tire is not meant to be ridden on rough, rocky terrain. The tire has provided me (and my riding companions) with many, many pinch flats. Since I have not ridden these tires on any "normal" trail conditions, I'll offer this piece of advice: Don't buy these tires if you like to ride very fast on rocky, uneven terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gregory
a Racer
from Coram, NY Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Sayville Bikeworks
Strengths:
The moment I took my first stride I already felt the diff. Fast on the straight and lots of grip in the turns. I highly recommend these tires to anyone looking for a cheap but noticeable upgrade.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors, slow and heavy.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Kia Tia, Manitou fork, XTR comp.
Bottom Line:
I spent too many hours on those big, bulky tires. It's like going from a Pinto to a Mercedes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Brummett
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Pete'e Wicket
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Scotts Valley Cyclesport
Strengths:
Light, great rolling resistance, good grip in the saddle climbing.
Weaknesses:
Little sketchy in loose terrain and high speed cornering/braking.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team, Panaracer Fire XC Pro (current fav)
Bike Setup:
1999 Santa Cruz Chameleon, Marzocchi Z1, xt/xtr, Avid brakes
Bottom Line:
I only run it on the rear and thus far noteworthy performance. I ride a lot of trails that either have short road sections or are across town, so it is nice to have a tire that travels better on the road. I wouldn't recommend this to a DH guy, but would definately suggest it to your average rider or XC guy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, MI Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Lightweight, low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
No grip!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Control
Bottom Line:
They came spec'd on my bike, but I couldn't hold a corner at speed. Worried it was my new bike, I replaced them with my worn out Team Controls, and got all my grip back.
They're fine if you're into counting grams, but I have no confidence with them while riding fast on Michigan's loose dirt/sandy trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jan Mork
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm Date Reviewed: March 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Jaerva
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Spinn
Strengths:
Lite weight, rides well...
Weaknesses:
Not really that grippy...
Similar Products Used:
A whole lotta stuff ;-)
Bike Setup:
Stock Bontrager Comp (more or less)
Bottom Line:
Nice lite tires for XC-riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Shaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Bowmanville ont.Canada Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Single track
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Sports Exchange
Strengths:
Fast rolling, low profile knobby
Weaknesses:
Load up in soft mud
Similar Products Used:
Maxis worm drive, continetial 1.5
Bike Setup:
Jamis carbon Diablo,Spinergy spox ceramic,Fox float,X-fly Z2 Syncros head set & stem.Race face next Lp, Time carbon, Monkey light riser bar, L P composite seat post SDG Ti seat Avid 2.5 single V- brake, XTR shifters & levers rear derailer
Bottom Line:
I enjoy riding these tires on all trails, they are fast & prodictable, climb extremly well
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reed Abbott
a Racer
from Provo, UT, USA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kelly Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Came on the bike
Strengths:
Smooth rolling over hardpack and pavement.
Weaknesses:
Not good in loose rocks, but the Bontrager website admits that isn't what they are for anyway.
Bike Setup:
Stock 2002 Trek Fuel 98
Bottom Line:
A good, light weight tire as long as you aren't doing anything in loose rocks. The tread is simply too shallow for the loose rocks. I rode them yesterday in some sticky mud and they became like road slicks. In their defense, however, I don't think that any tire could have shed this mud. Bottom line - buy them if you ride in hardpack or solid rocks.
The first time I ran them I busted the sidewall out
Similar Products Used:
Specialized
Bike Setup:
Trek STP 400 (DCLV Carbon) Rock Shox SID, TIME pedals, Easton Monkeylight handlebar
Bottom Line:
These are real good tires for hard pack dirt or on the road, don't try to ride them when it is wet! I think the sidewalls are kinda week but I guess that will be ok. Overall I think they are still good tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geo
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: August 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything that's open
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Trek Bicycle Store
Strengths:
They seem to grip in just about anything. Boggy singletrack, hard-pack dirt, wet grass, dry matted grass, rooty singletrack, road/asphalt, rocky conditions -- They just seem to carve into turns, and the lack of rolling resistance is beautiful (I am running the 2.0s)
Weaknesses:
I am noticing tiny little cracks on the very sides of the tire, but they haven't changed shape or number in a month, so I am not worried.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones AC
Bike Setup:
Stock Fuel 90 except for the addition of Lizardskins on the rear fork, headset and chainstay.
Bottom Line:
I went with these tires after getting recommendations from people who I race with (WORS Series htp://www.wors.org) and so far they seem perfect for Wisconsin trails. They clear out mud very quickly, I didn't feel like I was sliding on butter in a peat-bog, they carve into turns, and after putting some hundred or two miles on it, the wear is almost non-existant. This is a great semi-slick, I feel a lot better on these than on the Jones AC which would just slide out from under me if I even thought about gravel -- a problem which I don't have with these. I keep mine inflated at roughly 50-55 PSI, and I seem to get real good performance with that. I've had great success on these tires so far, in dry conditions they excel, muddy they will hold up, on ski hills I wouldn't go for anything else. I give them a 5 for value because I got a nice discount on them, and 5 overall because these tires just rock!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thota
a Cross Country Rider
from Frederick, MD Date Reviewed: July 29, 2001
Haven't ridden these on really nasty terrain yet but on dry singletrack they are super comfortable, and on hardpack and pavement they RULE. On my first long ride after installing them I was with 2 friends, both of whom are faster riders than me (they had regular knobbies). After every long downhill run I came up so fast behind them I had to brake going UPHILL--they were already pedaling like madmen and I was still coasting WAY faster than them; this should tell you something...(also these are stealth-quiet on pavement)
I don't fully trust these tires in the wet and haven't taken them to Slickrock yet; that will be the acid test later this summer. At 40 bucks they weren't cheap, but I'll probably get another front wheel with nice fat knobs for loose and/or wet stuff; that should get me thru most anything.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Date Reviewed: July 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Moosepackers
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Ridley's
Strengths:
Fast, low roll resistance, light, durable (so far).
I've read a lot of reviews about how poorly these tires perform in wet, muddy conditions. I just finished riding in the Motorola 24 Hours of Adrenaline at the Canmore Nordic Centre. It rained for about 8-10 hours of the race making the course super slick and muddy. Not to mention all of the rooty single track that was nicely lubbed up.
I've got to admit, I was a little worried about using these tires in the mud (considering the small knobs), and almost switched to my Continentals. I'm glad I didn't! The tires worked awesome. The small knobs ensured that the tires never caked up with mud. I had no trouble climbing any of the hills on the course. Sure the roots where a little sketchy, but no one else was doing any better on their set up either.
There was quite a bit of fire road on the course which helped clean off the tires between single track sections. If it was a different course set up I probably would have switched to the Continentals but considering the course layout, the Super X's worked great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a Racer
from Spartanburg SC Date Reviewed: July 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great all around tire. Reasonablr weight and good all around traction.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls slice easily, but that is expected with a lightweight tire (you can't have everything)
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors(excellent tires but sooo heavy), Bontrager Jones AC, Michelin Wildgripper Lite S and Hot S, Specialized Team Control/Master, etc.
Bottom Line:
These are the only tires that I have replaced with the exact same tires. They work really good at everything. I have used just about everything and in the conditions I ride in they are the perfect all-around tire. I try to stay out of the mud which is their downfall, but in the dry they roll fast and get the perfect amount of traction all the time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cary hunter
a Racer
from Reston or about Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
you name it
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
marketplace
Strengths:
light, roll fast, supple sticky rubber
Weaknesses:
low air vol contrary to post below.
Similar Products Used:
mosquito, python, conti XC,fire XC, WTB
Bike Setup:
one in the front and one in the back
Bottom Line:
I don't agree. These are not hight volume tires but not low like some conti tires. The 2.1 is actually a 2.0 and the 2.0 is actually a 1.95. Mouse nuts, right? I posted 6 mos ago on these. I've since pinch flatted(on the smaller version) a couple more times this year. PSI must be over 50lbs in back and 40 in front to avoid this. Always on down hills when a rock or medium limb catches me in my seat.
If you race on these then you'd better be a finese rider, they really don't corner hard very well and don't do well in technical stuff. I use them on the road mostly and riding smooth worn in non-tech trails. Muds moot with these tires. The knobs aren't high enought to collect enough mud to matter and they don't bite in mud so why go in it with them. I have a thousand miles on a front with no sign of wear, though, so they wear well and that is almost all pavement. I switched to race with hutchinson mosquitos and python airlights. Also you can start unravel these by pulling some of the strings that hang off these. I've down graded my rating this time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
klam
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON Date Reviewed: June 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
FAST! Excellent rolling resistance, these will roll fast but with surprising amounts of grip, fairly light (2.0" is 530g). A high volume tire. Ideally suited for XC riding without mud and/or racing. Excellent on hardpack, dry, pavement, rocks.
Weaknesses:
Mud does not clear from the closely spaced knobs.
Similar Products Used:
A variety.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000, Maverick rims, Specialized Super light tubes, Manitou SX.
Bottom Line:
Many people like the Hutchinson Pythons, and if you like those you'll love these too. Very similar in concept with the many low-profile knobs. This creates a very predictably grippy tire that has low rolling resistance. The only downfall is that the closely spaced knobs do not take mud well. Mud will stick and stay stuck. They are lighter than the Python Golds also.
The tires are only 66tpi, but don't be discouraged, the ride is still very "supple" for a low thread count tire. The reason is that the Super-X are a high volume tire. As a result, I have had less pinch flats than I have ever had with any other tires. The high volume means you can run lower pressure tires for a more grippy and cushioning ride.
Excellent tire in my opinion. A good all around do everything tire that is especially excellent in any non-mud conditions. A further plus for those who ride asphalt on their MTB is that the Super-X will work great on asphalt too. I'm surprised even when descending or climbing steeply that the Super-X still stick me to the ground. I haven't found a better tire for the above mentioned conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shimano Yomama
a Racer
from Park City, UT Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
dry with rocks
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
Roll fast, hook up well, light, very predictable. Outstanding!
Weaknesses:
deep loose dirt (fresh cut trail and new access roads)
Similar Products Used:
other tires
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback with too many upgraded goodies to count
Bottom Line:
If you know how to ride, this is an excellent tire. If you run them at 15 psi, weigh 220 and ride over nails, then they might flat. I ride them exclusively, and rarely have a problem with them--this is in Utah which is typically dry and sometimes rocky. When I bought them they were $20, so I got a bunch of them--I'd be happy to pay a bundle. This is my absolute favorite tire. These rock!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
S.Ganesh
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: April 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
1. FAST.... Very low rolling resistance 2. Lightweight 3. Low Presure tire 4. No pinch flats 5. Good cornering traction 6. Excellent race tire
Weaknesses:
1. Nails and other sharp objects can easily penetrate the tire and eventually the tube. Sometimes I had 2 puctures in the same day due to a sharp object pucturing the tube. 2. Not durable
Similar Products Used:
1. WTB Velociraptors 2. Bontrager Jones 3. Maxxis MOFO 4. Ritchey Slicks 5. Specialized Slicks 6. Many others...
Bike Setup:
1999 Trek 6500
Bottom Line:
Not a good tire for me.... I ride on the road and off-road and thought that this tire was perfect for me since I own only one bike..... unfortunately, I was wrong....
Compared to the other tires I've used, the SuperX is the most easily puctured tire... not by pinch flats but by nails and other sharp objects easily(almost effortlessly).
I've used the ritchey and specialzed slicks both on the road and off-road and have yet to get any punctures with any of the tires.
Not a good tire if you're training.... it's a great tire for the races if you don't get a pucture.
It's not a good tire for me :(
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Weber
a Racer
from Buckhannon WV. USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cannan Mountain Area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$33.00
Purchased At:
Supergoat
Strengths:
Versitile tire for all sorts of race day conditions. Very low rolling resistance that is noticable.
Weaknesses:
A bit on the heavy side, narrow width not the best front tire.
Similar Products Used:
Revolt ST, IRC notos, mythos slick, mythos xc, panaracer xc pro, michelin lite s, michelin slick, and probably some others that dont come to mind.
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback RS 200, xt/xtr, crosslink, noleen mega air front and back, time pedals, avid linear breaks, easton seatpoast and bar.
Bottom Line:
I used these tires all last season for racing and I did blow one sidewall in one but that was at 24 hours of snowshoue in a wreck that broke a deraulleur hangar as well. This tire held up the whole season and still has some miledge left in it. It tackled the east coast terrain of cannan valley well without packing up as a high knobby would and powered me to some great race days. I would highly recommend the tire to be run in the rear but the wider width for the front and at least 45 psi for those who like to go low pressure because I did get pinch flats when I went lower than that. This tire is not just for racers and is easy for most level of riders unlike some racing slicks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia Date Reviewed: March 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Berryman
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
various online
Strengths:
fast, versatile
Weaknesses:
wears quickly, dicey sidewalls (?)
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos Slicks, WTB Racing Raptors, Performance Topo Semi-slicks
Bike Setup:
Curtlo custom OX Gold, Raceface/XTR/XT drivetrain, Judy XC w/ AL steerer, Mavic 517s on XTR hubs.
Bottom Line:
These tires will do just about anything I ask 'em to, whether it's 70 miles of gravel roads or 25 miles on the Ozark Trail. They're fast on hardpack, but much more capable on technical terrain than other semi-slicks. I run them with pretty high pressure, unless I expect it to be wet.
Of the four Super X's I've gone through in two years, three failed because of big sidewall gashes. It's hard to say whether this was due to their low tpi, or because I ride a lot of rocky (chert, ryholite & granite) trails. While I love their versatility, I'm considering giving the new Hutchinson Python Airlights a try.
I expect I will continue to run these tires in most races.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
VOZA Jean-Stephan
a Racer
from Marigot, St-Martin, France Date Reviewed: March 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
5mn from home
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
+ Fast + Black + Technical
Weaknesses:
- Not agressive - Python's copy - Too heavy
Similar Products Used:
- Pythons, Kosmik Lite, Mosquitos, Notos, etc...
Bike Setup:
TREK CARBON PRO 9.9
Bottom Line:
These tires seems to be the best for training & racing, they have the best speed/grip combo. If there is a lot of hardpacked climbs in a race longer than 2h. I'll use the Kendas semi-slicks for weight. If I want to have a good time on the bike, I use the IRC Notos for traction. I think this is a tire for technical riders who have knowledge & experience. If you are new or wanna have fun, go with a full knobby set from IRC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kalo
a Racer
from Kamloops Date Reviewed: February 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
milstream
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
-nice fast somewhat knobby tire -good grip in straight lines, once cornered it becomes a little sketchy
Weaknesses:
-mud, these are worse than a fire xc pro in mud -the 66 casing tires split and ruin the tire -not very practival unless it's a hardpack non technical no moisutre ride
Similar Products Used:
hutchinson pythons, michelin comp s's ( great in mud ), micelin sprints
Bike Setup:
2000 kona kula with an atom 80 race face parts with xtr drivetrain and a pair of crossmax's ( not tubeless )
Bottom Line:
this tire was a good tire as long as the pressures are high. but it has a harsh ride due to the 66tpi casing. If your rides are primarily hardpack that aren't very technical then this is a good tire, but anything else I'd leave it at home. I just bought a pair of hutchinson pythons about a month ago and they are way better for a little more money the pythons are way worth it. They have added a very comfortable ride to my bike due to the lower pressures with their tube and they grip way better and roll faster. If a pair of pythons won't cost you much more I'd totalyy advise them over these they handle technical trails realy well and they roll faster than the super x'x and they transfer onto their cornering knobs a lot smoother and more predictably.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevan cranmer
a Racer
from dundas ont canada Date Reviewed: January 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
webster's
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$46.00
Purchased At:
freewheel@dundas
Strengths:
Totally,wicked,awsom in almost anything. They rock in dry to semi-wet.
Weaknesses:
They wear kinda fast
Similar Products Used:
revolt st2 XC Jones geax hook geax blade
Bike Setup:
LX with XT fisher Big sur
Bottom Line:
An all round wicked tire that no one should ever leave home without.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LeGrande Rives
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO Date Reviewed: January 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Berryman
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Solidly built yet lightweight short knobby X-Country tire that actually has good traction. What else is ther to say?
Weaknesses:
Doesn't clear thick mud well, traction in wet stuff could be better.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Cross Country - the best in my mind, but pricey
Bike Setup:
Kona Explosif w/ Atom 80
Bottom Line:
I bought these to replace a Conti Cross Country (an old favorite) in the rear and haven't noticed much difference. They seem slighty smoother/faster on road and hardpack, and likewise don't seem to have quite as much traction though the differences are subtle. They don't clear mud as well. They can be found for cheap at Supergo right now, so I might throw one on the front. Incredible value - 5 chilis. Considering what they're designed for - I'll give them a 4.5 rating overall but round up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from WI Date Reviewed: December 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything fun
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
Very fast, great climber
Weaknesses:
Not good in extreme mud conditions, but then again, it is not ment for extreme muddy conditions.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velocoraptor(rear), specialized comp
Bike Setup:
Hardtail with Bontrager Mustang Rims(great rims-see other review)
Bottom Line:
I am currently running a WTB in the front and the Super X in the rear. This is a great tire. I have put many miles on it and it is still kicking (over a year of hard riding but is cracking and worn). I use this tire to race in dry conditions and it works very well; climbes great, very fast rolling) I did race with it in very muddy conditions and it did not work very well, so if possible, I recommend riding a different tire in muddy conditions. Overall, great price, great tire, I have two more hanging on the wall for next season, CANT GO WRONG WITH THE SUPER X!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cary hunter
a Racer
from reston, va Date Reviewed: December 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
patapsco, baltimore
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
mtbr marketplace
Strengths:
light, fast
Weaknesses:
pinches at low psi
Similar Products Used:
fire xc, continental xc, hutchison pythons
Bike Setup:
'97 Mt Tam, xt hubs(soon to chris kings),mustang rims,sid xc,
Bottom Line:
Good race tire. Pinched on 40psi front(rocky descent). Upped the psi. These were my main race rubber all this year. Ran the 2.0 front and back. I'll be trying some maxis and mesquitos next year. I ride these tires on the road for training on 30 mile rides a bunch of times just to wear them down a bit. They don't seem to be wearing very much as others say. They hardly look worn after a few hundred miles. I tend to feel the knobs are a bit soft and would rather then to be stiffer and lose a bit of speed. I'd feel better in technical stuff and would rather take turns faster.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Supergo ?
Strengths:
Grip during climb/descent SPEED weight tread quality
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Kenda crap
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar frame, Mars C, Cane Creek AD-8, LX-XT-XTR
Bottom Line:
THE BEST TIRE OUT THERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CLIMBS GREAT!!! AWESOME GRIP!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Laramie, WY Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fast, light enough, round profile, just enough tread to hook-up, not too much tread to slow you down
Weaknesses:
none -- it has its intended uses, and it works well at those...
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey speedmax, Continental doublefighters
Bike Setup:
Moots, std. XTR-type kit
Bottom Line:
My favorite use for this tire is on the front-end, paired with a Ritchey SpeedMax in the rear. It's an absolutely sizzling combination - but I generally only use it for a race situation. They work great in the Rocky Mountain region -- dry, rocky, hard-packed terrain. The 1/2 second lost in a corner is more than made-up on the uphills, flats, and straight-aways. I've been doing 100K and 100 mile mtb races and the tire works great for these epics. I can't believe I'm telling anyone this -- the more people who ride the big lugged tires in these races, the more people I can beat...
I've put it on the back on occasion, when racing on courses with a lot of gravel and when I want something with more knobs up-front. I firmly believe that you can get away with minimal tread in the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Acker
a Racer
from Richmond, Kentucky Date Reviewed: December 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Land Between the Lakes, Western KY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Very Fast. Super low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Washes out unexpectedly. I have the battle scars to prove it.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek STP 300; Rolf Propel wheels.
Bottom Line:
What do you get when you put a rider with good fitness but marginal skills on these tires in rugged southeastern US tererrain? Blood! I have the scars to prove it. However, this is definitely not the tire manufacturer's fault, so no calls from lawyers please. In fact, Bontrager says to be careful until you are used to the handling. I would recommend that you choose your terrain carefully if you plan to ride these tires. If your favorite course has a lot of loose sand or gravel over hard pack, forget about these tires. But if the course is fast and clean, and you are a good bike you will enjoy the added speed. It is definitely noticeable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MikeD
a Racer
from Calgary Date Reviewed: November 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
milstream
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
-good fast tire -brakes well if your not leaned at all -grips very well when seated -wears good
Weaknesses:
I've had 3 of them and everyone falls apart, I bought the black sidewalled one and the casing simply splits apart ruining the tire. bontrager gave me a new one every time but that's bull$hit because I weigh 160lbs. they suck in mud and cornering hard
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
99 specialized m2 pro with all race face
Bottom Line:
they're a good tire to race on because they're fast. I use a specialized team dirt control on the front and the super x on the back. it's a good tire to race but everywhere else except mild technical hardpack rides this thing sucks real badly. if you lean it it will wash very easily. Don't even take it in any mud at all because it is terrible. when breaking it slips realy easy an on extreme sections it dosen't feel any better than a slick. it does climb realy good on smooth non technical trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gomez
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Altos, CA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Half Moon Bay, Whitmore Gulch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Chain Reaction
Strengths:
The tire is light corners well and has low rolling resistance, it is very fast. Climbs very well too, better than a full knobby, (in hardpack).
Weaknesses:
Isn't super knobby, but works very well anyway. Wouldn't work in really technical situations but thats about all.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Cross Country, Bontrager revolt
Bike Setup:
Hardtail, the super x is only in the rear.
Bottom Line:
Very good tire, nothing better for your average conditions, i was lucky and got it for free but its not too expensive, its a great tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
2Elk
a Cross Country Rider
from IL Date Reviewed: October 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
1)fast rolling 2)light 3)great for hardpack 4)cheap @40/pair
Weaknesses:
1)breaks traction w/o warning 2)terrible for anything but hardpack
Similar Products Used:
-Bonty Revolt SS -Bonty Revolt ST2 -Bonty Jones -Fire XC Pro -Smoke/Dart -Mythos XC -Pirhana Pro -Manitou Fang -Specialized Control/Master -many more
Bike Setup:
-97 Mantra -98 Manitou Xvert -98 LX group
Bottom Line:
Bonty hit the nail on the head with these racing slicks. They have very little rolling resistance, are light, and have good traction in hardpack conditions. Unfortunately, everything that makes these tires great for racing makes them poor for all-round use. They tend to break away with no warning and when the singletrack turns wet or rocky, you might as well be running on bare rims. Bonty, however, doesn't market them as anything but racing tires so those quirks can be forgiven.
At $20 each, they get a solid 5 for value. Performance for their intended purpose get's 'em a 5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: September 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
North Shore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, Fast rolling
Weaknesses:
Marginal traction for climbing and stopping. No good on wet. Unpredictable on cornering.
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Comp
Bottom Line:
These came stock on my new Klein. I actually washed out the front end when test riding the bike on wet pavement before buying the bike. Crashed it. Tires work well on hard pack going straight. But then when you turn or climb or slow down.... Trail I ride was real dry with a great deal of "powdered sugar" on surface. Slip and slide. Not real predictable or confidence inspiring. Also very limited traction on climbing. Spun easily. These tires may work well on certain limited trail conditions, like soft but firm soil, but for me they are sitting on the shelf.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aubrey
a Cross Country Rider
from ny, ny Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
mianus
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Fast, fairly light, solid performers in most any condition at a good price. Probably the best compromise between rolling resistance and grip I've ridden. Works well in wet or dry.
Weaknesses:
Have a hard time with thick, gooey mud- the tread packs up and things get slick. Low knob height means that they won't last as long as a big, meaty knobby. Sand.
Similar Products Used:
fire xc pro, bontrager jones, wtb racing raptor, michelin wildgripper
Bike Setup:
'00 Fisher Big Sur- stock x-cept for LX crank and Super-X tires.
Bottom Line:
I really like these tires. $20 each from Supergo. I've ridden them this whole season and find them to work well in most any condition. They have a tough time with gooey mud, but work pretty well over wet roots and rocks. Excellent performance on hardpacked trails. Surprisingly good in technical situations. Much better than most semi-slicks in loose stuff. Won't work too well in sand, though. Good braking and cornering performance. Overall, very good for all-over fast XC use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Ontario Date Reviewed: September 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Serious run @ Hardwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Waaaaaaaaaaay fast!
Weaknesses:
Wear quickly, especially if riding on pavement
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Magic Smoke/Magic Dart
Bike Setup:
2000 Klein Mantra Comp
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on my bike. I find them very fast,and quite grippy, especially on dry trails. I have not really noticed them being less effective in the wet, but that may be because the Mantra rear suspension set up hooks the back end up really well--on a bike like that, I find I can get away with semi-slicks.
I have to wonder how effective they would be in the wet on a hardtail. Bottom line--a great cross country tire if you ride FS. If you ride a hardtail, you may find yourself switching over to knobbies in the wet.
One other thing--they wear quickly on pavement (not that any self-respecting cross country rider should be spending too much time on the pavement anyway).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Racer
from Wakefield, MA USA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mount Snow-The Snakepit!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
Light Durable Not too bad on pavement Low rolling resistance Grippy for they're size Cheap
Weaknesses:
Could grip a little better, but then they wouldn't roll as fast, so it's a trade-off. Pinch flat easily if presssure is not high
Similar Products Used:
Moab xc (crap), kenda (crap but lasts)
Bike Setup:
Schwinn moab with judy c and rolf dolomite and full lx
Bottom Line:
Buy these tires! Unless you're new to the sport and cannot pedal circles, these tires will work great for you, although you can buy a tire that will grip better, I do not believe that the trade-off in rolling resistance and weight is ultimately worth it. A word of caution: run these tires at high pressure, because THEY WILL pinch flat easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from MS Date Reviewed: August 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Briar Patch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fast and supple, good on hardpack.
Weaknesses:
Not the best in sand. Tread doesn't hook up in leaves and pine straw.
Similar Products Used:
Revolt SS, ST, ST2
Bike Setup:
STP 200 w/GripShift
Bottom Line:
Maybe these work somewhere, but not where I ride. The always felt sort of squirley on leaves, straw, & loose dirt, a lot like the Revolt SS's I tried a while back. Didn't float too well in sand, but then not many tires do. Havn't had them in mud (drought this summer), so I can't comment on their performance there. On the plus side, they felt good to ride on hardpack and firm dirt. Smooth and fast, they certainly aren't junk. They came stock on my bike, and I don't regret trying something different, but I'm going back to my ST2's. These just don't work for me where I ride, so I can't give them more than 2 chilis.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Racer
from Regina Date Reviewed: August 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Greenroom
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
it was a very good fast tire. Gripped very well.
Weaknesses:
I blew a huge 2.5 inch whole in the casing. it went right through the sidewall and even into the tread.
Similar Products Used:
lots of tires that didn't brake.
Bike Setup:
99 M2-Pro with lots of Race-face
Bottom Line:
it was a very good tire. and for its ride and performance I'd give it 5 smoking roaches but because it broke I'm giving it 1 smoking roach because I have to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Racer
from Regina Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Greenroom
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
-it's super fast -grips very, very well for a small tire -braking is good
Weaknesses:
-gravel, and pebbles -MUD
Similar Products Used:
-Panaracer Fire XC Pros, Mach ss, Michelin Sprints and lite s's ( they suck @ss) and Specialized team dirt and control ( the semi knob ones )
Bike Setup:
99 Specialized M2-Pro with race face cranks/bb and low rise riser bar. Bontrager super X on the rear and the Specialized team control tire on the front which will soon be swapped for a bontrager revolt st2.
Bottom Line:
This tire gets a very high praise from me. Two days before a Canada Cup race I was pre-riding the course and it was so choppy and rooty that it wrecked the tire I was going to use so in a pinch I went out and bought one of these and I'm super glad I did. I was expecting a lot less. This thing grips super good on and grade of climb, it breakes very well, and corners very well too. It is I think a better rear tire than the fire xc pros because it grips very well and dosen't feel slow. I'd say buy this tire to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cjm
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight
Weaknesses:
Vulnerable to any and all trail hazards.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Master/Control Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Hardtail at 40 psi.
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a lightweight tire with a good review and came across the Super-X.
The Super X is basically a good tire worn down to 3mm tread and resold to people as new -- that's why they are so light. Make no mistake, this is not like buying a new tire. The claim is that the 3mm tread is "rigid" and gives you better traction -- not true in the 100 degree Arizona dessert.
The bad news is when you are the only one getting flats on every damn ride! On my last ride, I made it back with slow leaks, but there were at least 6 punctures, and right now the tires are flat, so there must be more!
If you want to buy these tires, just wear the old ones down to 3mm and put Armor-All on them -- you'll save some money. I always give generous reviews, but not here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a
from Maryland Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Smooth ride, low rolling resistance on roads, good on hard pack
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Tassajara
Bottom Line:
Great tires, use the ST up front. I ride on streets and trails, and I was looking for something that can do both. These tires fit the bill. I love the Velocirators, great tires for trails, but not so good for roads. I figure I can use those for the muddy days.
As soon as I put these tires on I was amazed at how well they worked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Green River, Wy Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The next one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great handling in the loose stuff.
Weaknesses:
None, if you can believe that.
Similar Products Used:
Lots and lots
Bike Setup:
GT XCR 4000, Rolf wheelsets, 9sp XT.
Bottom Line:
I've put these tires through hell. Most of the trails have a considerable amount of loose sharp rocks and not one problem. They are lightweight and cheap ($20 at Supergo). They don't mush out in the turns and are reasonably good in sand (nothing is really any good in sand).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Loren Clarke
a Racer
from Hershey Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
rocky ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Surprisingly fast-rolling considering they do have a lot of tread compared to most semi-slicks
Weaknesses:
squirrly in the wet stuff
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos slicks, IRC Notos
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.9
Bottom Line:
Great tires. Fast, predictable over most terrain, including rocks. Really fast on hardpack. They lose their perfect reputation a bit in wet stuff, but then, what semi-knob doesn't. I like them just a bit better than the IRC Notos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CP 1
a Racer
from SOuth CEtral, US Date Reviewed: May 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Minh
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very fast, good grip in most conditions. Not too heavy. Picked it up cheap-o-rama.
Weaknesses:
Could use some more tread on the far edges.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, Panaracer Duster.
Bike Setup:
Cdale F500, race ready.
Bottom Line:
This is a good tires for packed dirt, rocks, and general all around ass-kicking on the trails. It is also good for the street as it has a low rolling resistance.
I always run a fat knobby up front and a speed tire in back. This tires does very well, has predictable grip and accelerates very well. Slap it on and ride on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Francis Scarpacio
a Cross Country Rider
from Brooklyn, NY, USA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gallatin Natl Forest, Lulu Pass Cooke City MT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fast, very fast. Low rolling resistance. Pretty good grip.
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls. Medium clogging.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, Specialized Team Control & Team Master
Bike Setup:
litespeed tocca, xtr, sid race
Bottom Line:
Not a bad tire, but I like the specialized setup much better especially for the front. If you want the best combination of grip & least rolling resistance this is the tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Putney, Vermont Date Reviewed: April 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Primitive Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Incredibly broad range of application, great predictability, smooth & easy rolling.
Weaknesses:
Not much; they do pack with really thick mud or clay and they do wear a bit on the quick side due to lower profile knobs and light weight.
Fat Chance Yo Eddy, XT, USE post, Titec Hellbent Ti handlebar, SRAM 9.0SL brakes
Bottom Line:
My goodness, these are my favourite tyres so far. I run 2 wheelsets and last year had the Bontragers (2.1" front & rear) on one wheelset &, during the Springtime, a Conti Pro 1 rear / Leader Pro front for the muddy days. During the summer I had WTB V-raptors set up for "freeriding" days. It turned out that I rode the Bontrager Super-X's almost every day and eschewed my "specialty" tyres for the outstanding all-rounders
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate NY Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
profile, fast
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Conti's, IRC Notos, Geax
Bike Setup:
hardtail, XTR, Atom Bomb, Race Face, Sun/Ringle wheels
Bottom Line:
The tires are great. I rode them all last year and I don't think I lost traction once. But no really these tires seem to grip in just about anything. Their round profile create a lot of surface contact w/ the dirt and just grip like crazy. They also roll extremly fast. The knobs on these tires a re very short and pretty close together. The are quite quick on harpack, yet work good in all conditions. My only gripe was when I first got them there was a flaw in one that made the move to the left. I think it was just that that part of the tire had some extra rubber on it and it appeared to move. It was an obvious warranty issue but I didn't care and rode it anyway, no problems. Great tires, value wise they are right there alongside every other kevlar beaded tire. I'd recommend them to anyone that rides cross country and doesn't get into anything to extreme.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Arnold
a Weekend Warrior
from Omaha, NE Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Fast Tire (low rolling resistence), Grippy on both packed dirt and street, great combo tire for the 99.9% of us who ride on street and hard pack trail.
Weaknesses:
They were really hard as hell to find. I searched everywhere.
Similar Products Used:
VelcoRaptor, Moab Stock Tires, Good Year
Bike Setup:
Moab I (Reynolds 525), Sun Mammoth Rims, XT Equip, Bontrager Revolt Super X, Titec Post, WTB Saddle.
Bottom Line:
I think these are one of the best tires available. Nothing is great on the street, but these are pretty good. Good on hard pack and even good in loose dirt.
Smooth riding tire and corners well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George F
a Cross-Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: December 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Sunview
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very fast Exellent climber low rollig resistance
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Psycho K Specialized Team Comp
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse ARS 700 W/ Rocksox Indy S and my kick a$$ tires set up on Mavic X222 rims & DT spokes.
Bottom Line:
If you want a great low rolling resistance tire that realy bites (the road) and are looking to reduce weight and go fast.....GET THESE TIRES!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
iyas
a Cross-Country Rider
from singapore Date Reviewed: December 15, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light, low-rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
fast cornering on loose soil/gravel
Similar Products Used:
continental leader/navigator pro & x-country
Bike Setup:
C'dale hardtail, Klein Mantra & Attitude
Bottom Line:
Very good tires that perform well in most conditions. Used them for all my races - no complains! If you are looking for a fast all round tire - this is the one.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Milwaukee Date Reviewed: November 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
John Muir
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great fast rollers. great low pressure riding with the high air volume. Alot better than the original huchison pythons, great everywhere except pea gravil
Weaknesses:
Can tend to slide around in sand and in pea gravel
Bike Setup:
custom fisher hardtail, judy xc fork with englunds, and mavic crossland wheels
Bottom Line:
best all around racing tire i have ever seen, much worth the $40 bucks a pop, buy em
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from eden prairie, MN Date Reviewed: November 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
The Farm, Murphy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast rolling Hook up well on moist hardpack Roll almost as fast as a semislick
Weaknesses:
Short optimal use time(wore out fast) not the best in deepish mud
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos Specialized Ground Control/Master Spec. Team Control/Master Ritchey Zmax, speedmax Panaracer Fire XC 2.1
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula Hardtail Specialized M2 singlespeed HT
Bottom Line:
Good tire out of the box. those teeth KB puts on there wear out after 2-3 pavement rides, unfortunately. Much more confidence on the steep switchbacks at Buck Hill, I didn't have to worry about spinning out so much. Ran them at 45 psi for general riding, 30-35 for racing. Good overall tire, except mud. The 49/48 is too wide, and cakes pretty quick. better mud tires are Spec. Extreme or Ritchey mudmax/zmax or Fire 1.8's. Other wise a good race tire, and a good all around. Run on rear, get a real knobby on front.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Heilbrun
a Racer
from Santiago, Chile Date Reviewed: September 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great balance.
Weaknesses:
Great balance
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager SS Tioga Slicks WTB Velociraptor IRC Dart IRC Smoke
Bike Setup:
Softrie Powerwing MTB
Bottom Line:
No tire can do it all, but this is as good as it gets. Much better braking control than slicks, but lower rolling resistance and weight than the heavy treaders. Way to go Keith. This tire kicks the ballistics. Five flamings piles. And it's not so damn expensive.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Griff
a Racer
from Buffalo Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Holiday Valley
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Climb like crazy supple on the way back down reasonable weight less resistance than most knobbies. $33ea
Weaknesses:
Pinch flat at over 50psi once (I only weigh 140 too!) might have been a freak thing. Not really 520g...well maybe after they've been used a few months! More resistance than most slicks $33ea
S-works with 2.1 Dart up front, and 2.1 super X rear.
Bottom Line:
These are easiy the best tires I've ever used...even better than $50 contiDFs! Not the lightest unfortunately. I can climb walls now that I'd never even attempt with slicks. Like KB says...they don't do anything perfectly, but they don't completely suck anywhere either.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Brenna
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mpls, MN Date Reviewed: September 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
CAMBA
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fast
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Ritchy Speed Max
Bike Setup:
Moab II Aluminum 99 Z2 Bam
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a tire thats as fast as a semi slick, but will hook up in on the trails, this is your tire. I love um!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oliver
a Cross-Country Rider
from Los Gatos, California Date Reviewed: September 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga Gap
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light weight, low rolling resistance, good traction on dry, dusty terrain, corners well, fast
This tire is a good balance between a full-knobbied tire and a low-profile mountain tire. It's teeth grip well on dry, dusty terrain where the dust isn't too deep. It's light, fast and holds corners well. I have not yet ridden this tire in wet weather so I can't comment on its in those conditions. Just watch out on terrain with deep dust as they will slip under those conditions. These tires install easily.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
b_dot
a Racer
from boulder, colorado Date Reviewed: August 3, 1999
Favorite Trail:
magnolia
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
fast. good, consistent traction on the rear. the biggity big casing.
Weaknesses:
not a burly knobby, but it's got a good big casing.
Similar Products Used:
any specialized tire all bontrager tires conti leader/traction pro irc mythos
Bike Setup:
'99 klein attitude race. jones 49/52 front. revolt super x 49/48 rear.
Bottom Line:
some people have been complaining about sketchiness, but i've not noticed anything wierd in 6+ months of racing in colorado. i always run a knobby on the front though, because it's not worth it to me to get sketchy. i try enough sketchy stuff anyway. it's fast and climbs about as well as i could want. it's durable too. i like this tire on the rear of my bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CC Rider
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bowling Green, KY Date Reviewed: August 2, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Any I can get to!
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Speed!!!!!
Weaknesses:
Death trap in slick, wet conditions!
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors Panaracer Fire XC Pro's
Bike Setup:
Giatnt ATX990 full suspension XTR Manitou X-Vert single crown
Bottom Line:
Great tire for general stuff. I do not recommend for extremely dry hardpack, but the tires worked great in normal conditions. Yesterday I was on a rocky trail when a freak thunderstorm came up. It was cool riding n the rain till I hit the rocks and roots. THESE TIRES WERE DEATH ON TWO WHEELS!!!!!! DO NOT RIDE THESE TIRES IN WET/SLICK CONDITIONS!! Small rocks and parts of branches on the trail caused these tires to just pop away from the trail line. Needless to say I was a human pinball while I was trying to make it back to the trailhead. My original joy and happiness from riding these tires on the first two outings was mauled by the terror of trying to stay upright on the wet trail.Average rating is a 3. 5 for the normal stuff, 0 for wet conditions.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rbleck
a Racer
from Libertyville, IL Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, better traction than semi-slicks.
Weaknesses:
fair performance in loose stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Dbl Fighter Bontrager Revolt SS IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Klein Hardtail, Manitou 5sx
Bottom Line:
This is a great tire in between semi slicks and knobbies. It is fast light and gives a good bite.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BipedZed
a Racer
from Denver,CO Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast and light, really can add a gear when climbing
Weaknesses:
Less traction, pinch flats occur frequently below 50psi
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke Bontrager ST2
Bike Setup:
Klein hardtail, Manitou SX Carbon
Bottom Line:
Rolls really fast on hardpack or pavement, but traction suffers in looser conditions. When climbing obstacles, particularly waterbars, it's easy to spin the rear. Descending is sketchy. Too easy to skid the rear wheel. Overall, a great set of tires if you know conditions will be smooth hardpack. If a race has more climbing than technical descending I'll use these.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
troy r.
a Racer
from saskatoon sk. Date Reviewed: June 27, 1999
Favorite Trail:
blackstrap
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
excellent all-round tire cushy feel really sucks to the trail
Weaknesses:
not as fast rolling as semi-slick
Similar Products Used:
hutchinson chameleon bontrager revolt ss ritchey omega ss continental atlanta
Bike Setup:
rocky vertex t.o. z2 bombers race face syncros and full xtr sun 0 xc rims
Bottom Line:
excellent tires that really perform when hammered on. sliding in the corners is very predictable and the cushy feel offers a naural shock absorbers when on the trail or road. bottom line...get this tire is rocks
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Submitted by
Laurence
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
1) very fast tires 2) can tackle almost all types of condition 3) light weight
Weaknesses:
1) tires can't handle well when turn corner steeply. can't bent low to do fast cornering.
I would recommend this tires to anybody who want to ride fast and lazy to change tire to handle different type of terrain. it is both a semislick if you wear out the centre thread and a knobby if you run in lower psi.
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Submitted by
W.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Supreme all around tire. Great for running the street to the trail and works incredibly well in all conditions, Sheds mud reasonbly well, excellent on the rocks of Moab and awesome on hardpack
If you can only afford one tire this is it. Plus you can get them for around 35 bucks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross-Country Rider
from Orange, Ca Date Reviewed: May 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Up Old Camp - down Luge
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light Weight, Low Rolling Resistance, Just plain black-No trendy color coordinating.
Weaknesses:
Can't find one
Similar Products Used:
Mythos XC, Panracer Fire XC, Conti Cross Country
Bike Setup:
Seven Ti hardtail & Manitou FS, Full XTR, Manitou Carbon & Manitou Ti respectivly.
Bottom Line:
I started with this tire on my hardtail, looking for a lightwieght race tire with low rolling resistance. I was afraid to try a semi-slick as a lot of my riding combines loose singletrack climbs as well as hard pack and fire road. The Super X seemed to be the compromise. I now ride these tires on both bikes. There is no more need fore a full-Knobby. This tire is fast, light and grips on anything (except deep sand). FINALLY!!!
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Submitted by
bill wilson
a Cross-Country Rider
from milwaukee, wi Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999
Favorite Trail:
souther kettles
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
low rolling restistance very good grip
Weaknesses:
advertised weight off by 40 grams.
Similar Products Used:
maxxis worm drive
Bike Setup:
fisher mt. tam sid xc (99') race lite wheels
Bottom Line:
was very sceptical at first. i didnt think there was enough tread to hook up. Im used to wtb velociraptors, but after the first ride i fell in love. they are very fast tires. they hook up great on hard pack. do fairly well in all but soupy mud. the only thing they fail in is sand.
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Submitted by
Randy Myhre
a Racer
from Kobe, Japan Date Reviewed: April 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Snakeville, Katano
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fast, sticky, smooth
Weaknesses:
Too sticky? Available to the competition.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Dirt Controls, Bontrager SSs
Bike Setup:
M2 Hardtail for racing, old 217 rims, Arch Rival 40 brakes
Bottom Line:
I joked with my riding buddy that these were my new suspension tires. I was only partly joking -- these are pretty amazing so far. When I first put them I thought they felt slow, there was even a kind of suctiony stickiness to the way they rolled on pavement. Then when I actually got off-road they did their thing -- these tires do it all, fast. They slide predictably, they brake well, they make you feel like you're really sinking into a turn, they roll smoothly and most amazingly of all, they do all of this while maintaining an oh-so-cushiony softness to them even inflated to 50+ psi.. These tires make me feel like I'm riding a soft-tail -- rocky technical climbs were smoothed, chunky downhills were softened. My lower back usually begins to hurt halfway into my normal 4 hour rides, but not with these tires.I got the 49s -- basically a 2.0 width to soften up some of the baked race courses we have here in Japan and retain the quick feel I have with the regular SSs -- I don't think I'll be disappointed and neither will you. Try 'em -- you like 'em.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donald
a Cross-Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: March 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great all around tire. Rolls well on hardpack. Sheds mud well. Hooks up well on grunt climbs.
Weaknesses:
Front gets sketchy with mid turn adjustments. It wallows in sand but what tire doesn't.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F2000
Bottom Line:
Real nice tire. Been on it for several rides now in pretty much all conditions. (Mud, hardpack, rocky, urban assualt) It hasn't diappointed in any of these conditions. Surprisingly worked well in the rough stuff with a little under 50psi. Really hooks up well in the corners but be careful steering after you enter the corner, it will slide somewhat unpredictibly. Stayed clean and handled well in a very tacky mud ride. I recommend these tires
$ 40.00
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