Continental's CrossCountry model comes in two widths, 1.5" for unsurpassed speed, lightness and mud clearance; and 2.0" for extra rubber when you need it. CrossCountry's tread blocks features water-diversion sipes, reshaped chevrons for improved penetration and enhanced self-cleaning, with a more aggressive side profile.
Submitted by
illinihand
a Cross Country Rider
from Champaign, IL Date Reviewed: October 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Kickapoo
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Pro Bikes
Strengths:
Great Tread, fast, long lasting, great all around tire.
Weaknesses:
Side walls wore out but that was after 13 years!!!!!
Bike Setup:
Scott Scale 70, Shimano Deore XT compontents. Chris King Wheels
Bottom Line:
These are my favorite tires ever! I love riding thin tires, I feel like I am much faster and never have a problem on trails. I bought my first pair of these when I was in Jr. High School in the mid 90's. I quit riding for 13 years and have now come back to it. I found these in my parents garage and put them on my new bike and have been riding them for the last 2 years. The side walls are finally wearing out so I am going to get some new ones but I love these tires. My first set was a wire pair so now I am going to get the Kevlar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Roswell Bicycles
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, lightweight, great off-camber and mud traction.
There has been nothing but rain all season and wanted to get setup with a mud combination and I had heard that an extremely narrow rear is actually a good thing in the slop...it will dig down to the hard surface and grip along with maximum clearence in the chainstays for mud accumulation. This proved to be surprisingly true....they even gripped wet grass. I ran this as a rear-only with a WTB Velociraptor in the front. Pumped the contis to about 55 lbs. and the WTBs to 40. I'm a heavier rider so drop 5 lbs off both if you are under 195 lbs.
The day of the race, the sun came out and baked the course so there were only a few muddy sections that these handled well. The course had rutted out sections where I gripped the sides instead of bobmbing the middle and this combination held the off-camber wall incredibly well.
Running that narrow tire deifies logic. But they work really well.
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Submitted by
Elsa Chang
a Weekend Warrior
from Taipei, Taiwan Date Reviewed: December 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$24.00
Strengths:
1.5 inch, looks great with my small frame
Weaknesses:
Weight: 470g (foldable)
Bike Setup:
Schwinn frame, XTR, Avid Mag, SID Race Carbon
Bottom Line:
If you really care about weight, don't buy this product. It claimed 390g, but actually 466g in my digital scale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giancarlo
a Cross Country Rider
from Genoa, Italia Date Reviewed: August 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
It light and fast to hold the ground very well.
Weaknesses:
price is high and the side puncture.
Bottom Line:
The tyre is very good for holding the ground and you can rely on in the wet too, mine puncture on the side which is bad and I speak to Continental.de and they say light rotts the side and it break. So is a problem as they make it. I get a new one for nothing so I am not unhappy. So you much watch the side.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon.B
a Weekend Warrior
from TX Date Reviewed: August 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
speedgoar.com
Strengths:
This tire is fast and holds a good line. The tread last a long time and is deep for a Kevlar tire. It has a nice "feel" on the trail.
Weaknesses:
A bit thin and the sidewalls are not made well enough.
I am only writing because I have read some of the reviews here and I have had the same problems with the side of my Contis giving out. Down here riding conditions are different from the west coast but that seems to make no difference to the durability. Apart from the sides the tire is spot on and surprised me because it could hold a line even with lateral pressure which you wouldn't think looking at the tread. A shame about the sides they should be manufactured much better than that.
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Submitted by
Louis
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
The 2.0 is good and works in all conditions. Not as lite as the 1.9 but like the Man said my 1.9 blew the side wall out but the 2.0 is different.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy and colud roll better.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, Velociraptor, Onza Houch, Ritcheys
There are a few Cross-country tires and this is for the 1.9 & the 2.0. The 1.9 is better, superb tread that grips in anything with low rolling resistance and lite in the Kevlar. The side walls disintigrated on me. They are like layers of thin brown cotton that unravel..........strange. The 2.0 is sorted on the walls so Continental sussed the problem, but it dont roll as well. The 2.0 is heavier and the feel is heavier but its reliable. A good tire but for the back it washes out on the front.
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Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Northride CA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Great tread, lasts a long time and digs in good. Great back tire.
The tread on these tires is real good it hooks up in most conditions and can cut it in bad mud and loamy soil. Not so good on the front it needs a front specific. Sad about the sides mine split clean out of nowhere! Still no idea what happened. Seems there is some kind of fault but I guess after 2 years Ive got no gripe. A real shame thou there was loads of tread on this one cos I hadnt used it much, 4 flammin turds for great tread but I guess only 2 for weird sidewalls.
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Submitted by
Maz
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate New York Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything that I can learn from
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
plaines.com
Strengths:
fast and lite hooks up on anything
Weaknesses:
sides kind of fade away
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer. Bonti. WTB
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision with mavic Crossmax Discs. Xtr.Manitou Mars. 858s.
Bottom Line:
Nice and fast tire that hooks up real well in most anything.Walls are a funny kind of beige color and fade away. they not so much split or pop but mine just started to unravel......bad news. still I got told theyre out of production the 1.9 that is so I only paid $18..hey what dye expect.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002
Kone Explosive, Marzocchi Z2 BAM Lites, Full XTR, Mavic Crossride Ceramics, etc.
Bottom Line:
This is a great tyre while it lasts but like a lot of other reviewers here my sidewalls have split for no reason. It's happened to other Guys I ride with on the Conti's like the Traction. Unfortunately in thr U.K unlike the U.S.A you get the " it must be your fault C**p ". I'm going with someone else from now on like Bontrager.
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Submitted by
Spannerhead
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: May 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Fast, nippy grippy, good in mud. Xlent forwrd traction
Weaknesses:
Needs to be hard. especially on rocky stuff. Like all thin (1.5) tyres it does not like gravelly loose stuff.
Don't consider it on a kona stinky unless you are just daft..
Similar Products Used:
Wildgrippers
Bike Setup:
Kona stinky
Bottom Line:
This is a pure XC tyre. I got it because I wanted something that could hack the UK winter/spring mud. You can feel the rocks on it, but I would reccomend it to light riders who have light XC bikes.
I say put it on the back with a wildgripper on the front.
If you come to any rocky sections, pray, because you will be going fast when you dump!
Frighteningly expensive..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
karl
a Cross Country Rider
from York, England Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Weight, traction, rolling resistance
Bike Setup:
'01 Marin East Peak, Hopes, Mavic 517s
Bottom Line:
Spring weather is drying the trails enough for these to be replaced with semislicks... but what's the point when they are so light, have low rolling resistance and great traction for the ascents?
Did find I had to pump the rear one to 60psi to prevent pinch flats on my hardtail, otherwise they're surprisingly touch for such a low weight.
You know when you're coming out of a muddy rut and the rear tyre slips 'til it grips? -not with these, the side knobs really grab. Great tyres.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirk
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland Date Reviewed: September 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$31.00
Purchased At:
Velo Eccosse, Edinburgh
Strengths:
Superb forward traction and very light.
Weaknesses:
seems to lack 'on edge' grip, the knobs on the side of the tyre not amounting to much, wearing away visibly already.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized ground control.
Bottom Line:
I have the 1.5 tyre. Offers excellent forward traction, gives me forward grip when I need it. Cant rely on it in tricky on edge situations, feather the brake a bit too heavily and the tyre slides. Thought it'd be great cos its so light, but I realize I need a wider, chunkier tyre. Good in dry gritty conditions, poor in deep mud unless theres solid ground beneath to bite. A bit uncomfortable on the bum over roots/rocks due to the small size. Payed £25 for it, not worth the money when there are better, bigger, chunkier (heavier) tyres available.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Xavier Saint
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawrence, KS USA Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
7 hills
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Sunset Cyclery
Strengths:
Wow, this tire has kicked ass on every terrain that i have taken it too. Awesome on races. Great even just for fun on the trails. Tears up the road!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Continental Explorer Pro
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab
Bottom Line:
This kicks ass find one and buy all that you can because I will want a nw one of these after i am done with this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Altamonte Springs, FL Date Reviewed: October 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
light(390 grams) good mud tire wears well
Weaknesses:
bad sand tire expensive
Similar Products Used:
bonti revolt ST, Kozmik lite
Bike Setup:
Fisher frame, SX Ti, GT/X517 wheelset
Bottom Line:
I have the 1.5" version of this tire. It is very good in the mud because it has aggressive knobs. It is not good in the sand because it is so thin. Great way to loose rotating weight. If you ride in a non-sand environment these are good tires, if you dont, try another tire.
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Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomington, MN, USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Traction, treadwear, quality, low rolling resistance for the traction, predictable, low-weight
Weaknesses:
sidewalls might wearout a little faster than some other tires.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
schwinn s-20 full suspension...always changing...
Bottom Line:
Great rear tire in almost any condition. I have not tried these on the front. I have rode this tire in mud, dirt, sand, snow, you name it..always reliable. Might not be the ideal tire in sand because of the narrow 1.9, but makes up for it in other conditions. Hope they don't stop making these.
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Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, Canada Date Reviewed: August 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all types
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Grip in every local trail I have riden so far.
Weaknesses:
none that I can find
Similar Products Used:
Michellin WildGrippers
Bike Setup:
'99 Rocky Mtn. Hammer, stock apart from Ring God, IRC Mythos XC front and Conti X-Country rear tire and ShimanoDX pedals.
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike this year and it came with Michellins...this rear Conti gives the bike a whole new ride. Simple as that :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mctiny
a Cross Country Rider
from basingstok,hampshire.UK Date Reviewed: July 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
They last for ages, grip well, superb to race on.
Weaknesses:
they don`t last for ever. a bit pricie
Bike Setup:
Specailized rockhopper 97. mavic rims on hugi/middleburn hubs xt groupset, rst mozo xl forks. also raced on a collell crs-xc frame same bits as above.
Bottom Line:
they work,grip and ride well. pump them tough 65-80 psi. best tyre i have raced on as well i ran them at around 70 psi for a cross-country race.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from CO/MA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the narrow ones with dirt on em
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Grip, weight, looks, durability
Weaknesses:
i can't think of any
Similar Products Used:
ritchey, other conti's, panaracer, specialized
Bike Setup:
constantly changing
Bottom Line:
the best rear tire of all time. it doesn't like sticky mud that much, but even there it holds it's own. good mix of traction and rolling resistance. i want to ride this tire for the rest of my life.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laurence
a Weekend Warrior
from Sinagpore Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
good traction on off-road ride good corner handling
Weaknesses:
side wall tear
Similar Products Used:
Revolt ST Jones
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX890 517 with king's hub XTR drivetrain
Bottom Line:
A good tire with low rolling resistance for a knobby tire. The rumbling sound with ride fast sound good!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Pigott
a Racer
from Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA Date Reviewed: December 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
wherever
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
works in snow
Similar Products Used:
panaracers
Bike Setup:
1991 Marin Nail Trail
Bottom Line:
These tires rule! We had our first major snowfall on Nov. 29, 1999, and my Conti Cross Country 1.5 Tires cut through 8 of snow like nothing!These nimble tires work in gravel, slush, snow, dirt...but not sand (but how often do you need to ride in the sandbox <:).5 stars for such an excellent product!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikie B
a Weekend Warrior
from MA Date Reviewed: October 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Reservation
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Excellent wear, resistance to those New England rocks Great traction, wet or dry
These are the best tires for new england rock jumping. Excellent grip on anything from soft woods crusing, stump jumping and rock climbing. 5 burners.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor Martinez
a Weekend Warrior
from SJ, PR Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Predictability Traction
Weaknesses:
None so far...
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Specialized
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper XTR
Bottom Line:
I use them toghether with the Continental Traction Pro and they are the best set of tires I have ever ridden. Panaracer has a great Customer Service Dept. but their product fails in comparison to other tires. The Contis, grip the ground like a tractor. I can climb cliffs I did not know I could before. They are also attractive to look at. While other companies are trying to shave off weight by making their tires slimmer, it is good to know that we can still find tires at least 2 wide.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AV98
a Cross-Country Rider
from Bay Area, USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
High speed Fireroads and Singletracks
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light weight Uni-directional use Long wear Perfect XC tires
Weaknesses:
Not a good front tire for highly technical singletracks
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Dart/Smoke Tioga Psychos Specialized multiple different kinds
Bike Setup:
Proflex 857 NR-2 Front NR-4 Rear Full XT components
Bottom Line:
These are the longest lasting, lightest and predictable tires I've ever used. I've used these as rear tires initially on 2 different bikes then switched them to fronts. Then I tired both of the same tires on the front and rear, which rocked. Only minor complaint is for the slightly loose control you get when using these for highly technical singletracks. I'd rather use a Panaracer Dart and Smoke combo for those rides. 5 cheesy poofs eitherwise.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dude
a Weekend Warrior
from albuquerque Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
hold air,round,
Weaknesses:
unpredictable hardpack cornering
Similar Products Used:
all
Bottom Line:
lousy hardpack tire choicedok loose mud tire
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve woodward
a Cross-Country Rider
from Brsitol UK Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999
Great tire favourite alround performance. Been using them for years now, can now generally pick them up cheap. Like 1.5 if racing in mud/ winter riding, 1.9/2.0 for summer.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross-Country Rider
from Leicester, UK. Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Black Mountains, Wales
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
VERY hard wearing, Loads of grip (cornering + climbing), Can be used front or rear.
Weaknesses:
Side walls need looking after.
Similar Products Used:
Smoke.
Bike Setup:
Orage P7, RC 36 EVO I, Hope hubs, Bonty Risers, Shimano DX Thumbies.
Bottom Line:
I bought a pair of these at least two years ago and used front and rear for a while. Front wasn't great, but then they're not really designed for that! Replaced the front one with a Dart and kept for when the rear wore out. That took well over a year - exceptional wear considering I have to cycle 6/7 miles on tarmac to get to any trails. As a rear tyre, the X-country is very good - clears well, great climbing and cornering and has surprisingly low drag on the road considering the tread shape - keep at reasonably high pressure to preserve the sidewalls though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross-Country Rider
from Warwick Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
it's a secret...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Grippy Can run at low pressure for max. traction. Good mud clearance.
This tire is great. Pressure is everything, though. With just the right amount of air in it, this tire shines in all conditions, from slippery-wet mossy rocks and scary-angeled berms to gravelly descents, sloppy mud, and hardpack (It even works pretty well in the snow!!) or my favorite rocky, singletrack hills. With a fat 2.1-2.5 tube in it, I get all the suspension I need for my bianchi. It works PERFECTLY with a traction pro up front. Amazingly consistent performance in everything I've ridden through in the last three months. Comfy and confidence inspiring without weighing you down. Buy 'em. (But keep em off of the road for maximum grip and longevity)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999
Bottom Line:
This tire is great. I've been using it in the back, with a Conti Traction Pro up front. It climbs well and hooks up well in the corners. 10 chili's for the tire, 1 chili because you have to be as strong as an ape to get it on the rim (or maybe it's the rim I'm using? it's a Matrix Swami.) 5 chili's overall.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a cross-country rider
from Kent, England Date Reviewed: February 19, 1999
Bottom Line:
This is in reply to the abusive e-mail some idiot sent me dur to my comments on the Jones in my review below. Since he used a false e-mail address, I couldn't respond, so I hope he reads this. His text was:Hey about what you said about the Jones' from Bonti, maybe they wouldn't pinchflat if you inflated them to the proper p.s.i. I have had them for 7 months and thye have'nt even come close to flatting out yet. Next time you say something bad about anything, make sure that you used it right. The e-mail address was assh***@standrews.sewanee.eduIgnoring the pathetic use of the English language, the flaws here are as follows. Firstly, I state quite clearly that I used the Jones at the correct pressure, and I give a full review of them elsewhere on this site. This pressure is what Bonti themselves recommend. I have 3 sets of wheels, and have used many tyres over many years on varying terrain, and I used the Jones for some months before coming to the conclusion that they pinch flat easily. I am also not at all heavy, and I maintain my bikes well, always checking pressures. Therefore I feel that my comments were entirely objective, from someone who has used the tyres enough to review them properly. This site should be about objective reviews, and the experiences of others should not be criticised if they happen to contradict our own findings.Also, how do you come close to flatting out? You either have a puncture, or you don't, there is no in-between state!The Conti tyre is great, and IN MY HUMBLE OPINION better than a Jones on the rear at least...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a racer
from Michigan Date Reviewed: December 31, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have owned two sets of these tires. The first set was the older version 1.5 and the newer 2.0 version. The 1.5s were very fast and hooked up great in all conditions (except sand, they are only 1.5s). I raced these tires on several occations and they did very well. I finally got sick of the poor performance in the sand so I went to the newer tread in a 2.0. I can say that these tires are simply the best overall tires I've ever riden. I have found them to be great in all conditions (hard, soft, sand, mud). I originally bought them because they looked like a good mud tire, and I was not disappointed. They shead mud well and really hang on while cornering. As mentioned in other MTBR reviews, these tires are also the best made if come across. I have ridded them for a total of 3 years (both sets) and have never pinch flatted or had any other kind of manufacter's flaw. Oh, and by the way, I've put hundreds of miles on the tires with barely any ware showing. If you are looking of the ultimate all-around CC tire, look no further, nothing else compares.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a cross-country rider
from Kent, England Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have used these for 6 months or so, mainly in the wet (this is England...), and only on the rear though Conti do suggest they would work on the front too. They grip very well in mud (2.0) and shed even the stickiest stuff with ease. Cornering is good, though they tend to wash out a bit when braking into fast corners in the dry, more so than the Jones that was on the rear before. They roll easily and quietly on tarmac, surprisingly well given the tread pattern and the grip they offer. Their best feature however is that they seem strong and very well made, I've had no punctures of any kind in 6 months. The Jones seemed to pinch flat every ride, at 45-50 psi, and friends have suffered the same with Panaracers! They also seem to cushion bumps in the trail more than some tyres do, a trait I have noticed with all Conti tyres. I'd therefore recommend them as a good winter tyre that is no slouch on the hard stuff either!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrice denis
a cross-country rider
from Longueuil ,Canada Date Reviewed: November 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
The ultimate xc tire.This tire climb everything everytime.It's light, fast and durable but expensive.The 2.0 version is good only on hard stuff, in mud or tacky dirt it's a peace of crap.The 1.9 version is the best.In soft heart the conti grip so well that your leg bust before loosing traction.The conti lost traction only wet roots and rocks, but which tire grip on that stuff? Simply the best rear xc tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee Norton
a racer
from Ontario Date Reviewed: October 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought the 1.5 cross section Cross Country Continentals after listening to various riders brag about how great they were. At 390 grams they save almost 1 pound off the rotating weight of your bike. One racer claimed they were worth 1 minute per lap. I was also told they were great in mud (they do leave lots of clearance to keep the tires rotating instead of having mud pack between tire and frame). They do seem to give good bite in mud.A lot of the above is true, but I hate these tires. I have to run 70 psi in the back tire or I'll get another pinch flat, and I can't remove these tires from the rim by hand like the larger cross section ones. I found that they also tend to let go more suddenly in a corner, probably due to the higher pressure. They also don't seem that fast on a straight dirt trail, like they are rolling into the dirt instead of floating on top.They do feel light though, the bike is definitely more responsive and that's all the good I can say about them. If anyone doesn't agree with me, mine (almost new) are for sale. I'll only give them 2 stars.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a cross-country rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: October 10, 1998
Bottom Line:
I ride this tire on the rear paired up with the Conti Navigator Pro up front exclusively. This tire is perfect for our NW weather. It has a hell of a bit and sheds mud well. It is also the strongest light tire I have found- and as a 200# rider I appreciate the weight savings.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laughing Boy
a cross-country rider
from RO, Michigan Date Reviewed: October 7, 1998
Bottom Line:
Just a lovely tire. Amazing Grip and stable in quick corners. Great for medium-soft stuff. Let's you climb like a helium balloon. I thought the PirahnaPro Rear Tire was grippy, this one is awesome. It just doesn't let go. Compared to the panaracers, I'd much rather go with this one. I just haven't slid out like I did with my old smokes
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shawn curran
a cross-country rider
from Maryland Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
IT RULES!!!!!! GREAT ALL AROUND TIRE!!!!!!! XC tires need to provide great traction as well as last a long time. Most of us are not pro sponsored riders so we need a tire that has a stronge side wall, wears well (slowley), and corners well. I love my little 2.0 cross county.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wrasseman
a cross-country rider
from Boston, Ma Date Reviewed: September 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
This tire was good when it lasted. After 2 months and 600 miles, the sidewalls were torn resulting in aneurysms (bulging of the rubber). I'd expect greater durability in a tire with a $50 price. I now ride the IRC Mythos XC tire and compared to the Conti, seems to have less rolling resistance and greater durability.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glen Leis
a cross-country rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've recently switched fro velociraptor 1.9's to conti 1.5's. They're a lot thinner, and as a result they break away suddenly in corners and they're lousy in sand. However, the tradeoff is worth it. 70 psi = less rolling resistance plus a thin tire puts weight over a smaller area giving more grip for climbing and breaking under most conditions.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Micro
a cross-country rider
from Longmont, CO. Date Reviewed: June 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
Am really pleased w/ this tires performance. I previously had a Smoke and this tire has much better holding power going through corners. Seems alot stiffer in the sidewalls compared to the Smoke. I ride mostly on singletrack in sand,gravel and hardpack conditions. Tire grips on the ups about like the smoke but holds the corners much better, especially w/ speed, if you catch the corners just right you can carve right through instead of sliding through. 5 chilis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wasseman
a cross-country rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: June 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
Good traction uphills. Good traction in wet conditions as well as mud. Grips roots well, but with wet roots will slip easily (but what tire doesn't?). Could be a smoother roll on the pavement as this tire creates some degree of resistance. I've had great results in breaking and traction in a number of wet surfaces, as well as dry. Overall, I like the performance of this tire, a lot more than my last tire. The Conti is competent
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crazy DOG
a cross-country rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: June 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is an exceptionally good tire for wet or loamy weather or conditions. It hooks up very well and is not a slow tire. The rolling resistance is not too bad if you compare to a smoke for example. This tire is not as good for dry weather though because it has a hard compound and this tends to make it slip on the dry stuff and gravel a lot more. Using the smoke as a reference again, this tire is less of a paddle because it rolls much quicker. It is a good tire to invest in because of its long wear factor. It lasts quite long.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Davanzo
a cross-country rider
from Manchester - UK Date Reviewed: June 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
My Quake 5.0 (ex-demo) came fitted with 1.9 Cross Country rear and 1.9 Navi Pro front (both Kevlar) instead of the standard Velociraptors. Bike shop said they where better. Since one of my riding companions uses them I can safely say the aren't really. Off road they are good in hardpack, and rocks and okay in light mud, but useless on loose dirt, gravel or thick mud. However their saving grace is that pump them up real hard and they make good road/light trail tires. They have a far lower rolling resistance than most conventional tires (not semi-slicks though). They even work well on wet tarmac, and aren't bad on wet rocks! Oh one other point - 2000 miles over rocks, glass etc since I bought the bike and god now how many as a demo bike, and not a single puncture, or hint of wear. In fact, until a collision with a motocross bike taco'd my rear wheel last month and I needed a new rims I had never even deflated the tyres!! In comparision the Tioga Psycho KS tyres on my old bike used it collect punctures on a weekly basis, and wore out in six monthsScore wise I'll give them 4 for performance, cos they are good on hard pack and tracks and fantastic on roads and rocks. However don't try them on dust or gravel, and avoid mud. I'd also give them 4 for value, cos they are strong, hard-wearing and puncture-proof, but expensive, especially for the kevlar's. Personally speaking - I don't regret having the Conti's, but for my riding I probably would have been better off with the stock Velociraptors.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan the Bikerman
a cross-country rider
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is the best rear tire I have ever used! I hated my Ritchey Slick tire cuz the braking was HORRIBLE. This tire gives you so much control & makes you feel like you're ridin the bike instead of the bike ridin you. This tire gives you more control in mud, rocks, loose dirt, & roots. It's the greatest tire!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Williams
a cross-country rider
from California (bay area) Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
Overall the tire gets the job done but I think other tires could do better. It doesn't excel in steep hardpack climbs, mud, and has a considerable amount of rolling resistence. I have the tire for the rear so it doesn't need as much cornering ability but it does have a lot.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob
a weekend warrior
from oakland, ca Date Reviewed: May 27, 1998
Bottom Line:
Just put the 2.0 wire bead on my rear wheel, been on a few rides, first impression is it's a good tire depending on your typical riding conditions. In loose dirt/small rocks it works great, grabs really well going up hills. If most of your riding is this type of terrain, I'd recommend it. It has some serious rolling resistance though, so it's not the greatest for smoother surfaces like pavement or hardpack. If you do much of this, get something else.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a cross-country rider
from TX Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
Been using the 1.9 kev in the rear for a couple of years...great tire. It's light at 530g and performs quite well in most conditions. My only complaint would be that the sidewalls seem to deteriorate faster than the tread (which wears slowly) and the threads begin show through. All things considered, I'll stick with this tire for a while...competitors just seem too heavy.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stan Foreman
a cross-country rider
from Albuquerque Date Reviewed: May 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
Around here we have two conditions: hardpack, and loose large nasty rocks. I have ridden this tire into the second season, and still no sidewall tears or broken knobs. My only complaint is that it tends to slip out on steep sided hard packed trails. Otherwise, I really like this tire in conjunction with the Navigator front tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a weekend warrior
from Southampton Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've had a 1.9 wire bead conti on the rear wheel of my bike for the last 18 months riding about 2000 miles, including road work, and it certainly works well and bites into the trails, but the sidewall is now splitting so beware, it costs alot and it wont last forever.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Skiver
a cross-country rider
from Singapore Date Reviewed: April 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
I hate this tire! It does nothing but slip and slide.The treads don't bite well, I'm skidding all over, and when its a little flat, it gets all squirmy. What the hell is going on? I dunno. Yeah, a plus point is that it can run really fast with little resistance, but if you've got no control, waz the point?? But I was previously an IRC mythos user who wanted a change. DAMN DISAPPOINTED! Maybe IRC's still the best. I think I'll try the wildgrippers out.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex W
a
from Ontario Date Reviewed: April 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
I have been riding a 2.0 kev on the back for a year and love it, I keep it at a high pressure in all conditions.Because of the angled treads and the rounded profile it literaly feels like you can carve it. compared to a velociraptor You have to pay a bit of attention when going over roots ect. but it rolls faster, corners better, has better traction in mud, climbs faster and the treads don't roll over.It is one of the few parts i'm putting over to my new bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
freaky styley
a weekend warrior
from Pittsburgh, PA Date Reviewed: February 22, 1998
Bottom Line:
A great all-arond tire in the rear, I have not tried it up front. Great climbing in most conditions (sticky deep mud excluded) Hangs on well to a cross-slope. I am over 200 lbs and for me, this was the tire of choice for all conditions until I got a TIOGA Factory Mud 1.85 Rear. The Tioga kicks the Conti's ass in the mud, but gets sketchy over smooth hard stuff (rocks, roots) The conti is much better in the mud than the MUD MAX.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Wu
a cross-country rider
from Hsin Chu, Taiwan Date Reviewed: February 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
I used wire bead versions, but they were as light as kevlar bead tires of other brands. The bead is hard to pry off when you're trying to fix a flat. These tires offer very low rolling resistance for a full kobby. Traction is very good when used on the rear. The ride is a bit harsh, and the side walls are easy to tear. Good for XC racing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a cross-country rider
from PA Date Reviewed: December 3, 1997
Bottom Line:
Further to my review below, theres a thread on the rec.bicycles newsgroups the good the bad and the ugly, and theres been at least a half dozen contributors complain about continental tires splitting at the sidewall. Anyone had any luck with warranty claims?
I was kinda disappointed in the lack of toughness in these expensivo's. I decided to switch tire brands after 4 yrs. I heard about the Bontrager's and bough a pair. There's a new sheriff in town and his name is JONES! They are everybit as good as the conti's I loved (up til this yr) and HALF THE PRICE! Conti only gets 3 chilis: 1 off for price and 1 off for wearing too quickly.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a cross-country rider
from Pa Date Reviewed: December 2, 1997
Bottom Line:
This used to be my fave tire. Got a new 1997 one as the old one wore out, and in 4 weeks ive got not one but TWO half-inch splits in the sidewall. Ive never had a tire split before, and arent doing anything different, so i am pretty disappointed.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Crash Test
a weekend warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: November 25, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have the kevlar version on the rear. This tire is light. The traction is great on steep uphills. And good control on the power slides. Only gripe is the frickin price. I just bought a set of Jones' for slightly more than the price of 1 Conti.. I would buy again, but i've been dying to try the Bontragers.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vick
a cross-country rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: November 25, 1997
Bottom Line:
I've run a Kevlar 1.9 for 6 months on the rear. Incredible traction and wear. I run it with 50lbs in nearly all conditions. There is no need for a wider tire. I weigh 210 and this tire climbs as good as any 2.1. Plus it rolls fast.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billiam
a weekend warrior
from Salt Lake City, Utah Date Reviewed: November 4, 1997
Bottom Line:
I bought the Cross Country based on looking at all the reviews at this site. I waited a few rides to write an evaluation because someone pointed out in a review of a tire that almost any new rubber will feel better than what you had. Anyway, I love this tire. Looking at the tread design, one would think that it would not have great traction, but it does. I just rode the Porcupine Rim trail near Moab and the tire did its thing all over the place. I especially liked it over my former tire (WTB Desertraptor) in uphills with loose rock. It does shed mud too.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Omaha, NE Date Reviewed: September 21, 1997
Bottom Line:
Hey, folks! These tires are from a highly respected German tire manufacturer. What did you expect? Junk? I've had my xc for 2 seasons now, and are still rideable on the extreme trails (yes, there are some here...). I love my German car, too...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rbuckman
a cross-country rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: July 31, 1997
Bottom Line:
I run the 1.9 XC on the rear of my bike in reverse direction. This is one tough sob. I ride all types of terrain. Does great in loose rock and provides good traction in climbs.It is a bit slippery on roots if you aren't paying attention but I reckon most tires are that way if you must cross over a root diagonally while climbing. Sometimes that can't be helped. I read that the XC is now made in 2.0 rather than 1.9. Too bad. Maybe Continental faithfuls should petition for the old 1.9.I definitely want a 1.9 on the rear. My XC is 16 months old and I estimate it to have about 20% wear. My Xc is wire. Weight is not that much more than the kevlar. Besides, I run a kevlar(other brand - different product review)on the front. All I can say about the XC is BUY IT !!. One of the best.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MadMax
a cross-country rider
from VA Date Reviewed: July 5, 1997
Bottom Line:
This review is for the more aggressive, newer 2.0 X-C, (with the extra side lugs): In the rear this tire is velcro, plain and simple. It pulls and climbs about as well as any in our eastern singletrack environment. It is underrated as a front, doing about as good a job as can be expected... washing occaisionally (afterall, sand is sand) The newer version of this tire makes a better front than the old. They work well (better self-cleaning than the Navigator) in the muck and are none too heavy, even in steel. Quality and workmanship are impeccable. Despite first glance similarities, do not compare tire to a Primal Raptor! In summary: as a rear--->5chilies, as a front about 3.5 to 4. For hard pack use Double fighters, mix and match if the course has some loose climbs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George H.
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: June 29, 1997
Bottom Line:
I use this tire on the rear. For the most part I like it except it slips and slides on wet roots and rocks. No tire is perfect for all conditions. The Cross Country is 5 stars in dry conditions and 3 stars in wet conditions.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob S.
a cross-country rider
from Tallahassee Florida USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 1997
Bottom Line:
5 chili tire. Light. Climbs. Grabs. Light. Looks cool. Sheds mud. Light. I have Comp Pro I on one bike, Cross Country on other, both excellent. Cross Country is a lot lighter. When you install, pump em to 60-70 lbs. to snap the bead out to rim lip, otherwise they'll roll funny. Same for Conti Navigator and road tires, probably true for all Conti tires. Don't use sissy levers putting Conti's on, use your fingers, these tires deserve blood sacrifice. 5 ultra chilis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher
a cross-country rider
from Newberg, Oregon Date Reviewed: May 23, 1997
Bottom Line:
I've ridden many different kinds of tires but this is by far my favorite. Takes corners well in mud or sand.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dirty Dave
a weekend warrior
from Toronto Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: May 20, 1997
Bottom Line:
Now this is a tire! I can just climb and climb until my scawny little chicken legs or lungs give out. After using the Comp. Pro2 (not the Comp Pro1) this is a huge step upwards, it is the best rear tire that I have used to date, it hooks up on just about everything superbly,with the Navigator Pro up front you can really scream like a Mo. Fo.!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Scarpelli
a cross-country rider
from Mountain View, CA Date Reviewed: May 12, 1997
Bottom Line:
I hesitated rating these tires immediately after putting them on ( most brand new tires will seem better than your last ), however now that i've been using them for a few months i can definetely say these are great for climbing. Back tire seems to exceed my expectations. I am unsure about the front as it slid out on me just recently in a situation which didn't seem to merit it...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Ingold
a cross-country rider
from sWITZERLANd Date Reviewed: May 5, 1997
Bottom Line:
As a rear tire this one really sucks on gravel.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray Sachs
a cross-country rider
from West Chester, PA Date Reviewed: April 27, 1997
Bottom Line:
I gotta add to the great reviews here. I just replaced my lousy original equipment tires (I don't even know if they had names) with a Cross Country 2.0 on the back and a Maxxis Helter on the front. I used to think I was a pretty sorry climber, losing traction often. My first ride with these things, I did two steep climbs that I'd always had serious trouble with beofore. One was very short, but very steep and I'd never made it before. With these tires, I made it sitting down. I was in shock. Then I got to a much longer and similarly steep climb. I'd previously made this climb twice out of about 20-25 tries. Both times, I'd lost traction multiple times but managed to keep it together. With these tires, I realized about halfway up that the only limits on whether I'd make this were my lungs and legs, because the tires stuck like gum. I never came close to losing traction. Just went right up the damn thing. I'm still in shock.These things and clipless pedals are the two best upgrades imaginable until I have the bucks for a lighter bike with a decent suspension fork.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JohnW
a cross-country rider
from Kalamazoo Date Reviewed: April 5, 1997
Bottom Line:
These are a generraly a great tire but mine was defective! it has a big bubble in it that feels like going over a small bump every revolution. i couldnt take this piece of shit back because the knobbies were worn off already.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a cross-country rider
from FL Date Reviewed: March 21, 1997
Bottom Line:
This tire is very good nothing works better! But the Chafer strip that should stay on the rim bead will come off , and the side wall chafe then cut the fibers.This will happen in three weeks from the time the chafer strip come unglude.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Tracy
a cross-country rider
from St. Joseph, MO. Date Reviewed: March 19, 1997
Bottom Line:
I used the same conti 1.9 cross country and 2.0 leader pro for 2 race seasons and the tires still have more than 3/4 tread. I weigh 250#s and race in the expert class and these are the only tires that have held up to my clydesdales'ass. Specialize's team master and control have too many unsupported knobs that just make the tires 'squirmy' for the lack of a better description.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cato Soereboe
a cross-country rider
from Norway Date Reviewed: March 18, 1997
Bottom Line:
Oh man, these tires is awesome. They never seem to slip the ground. My advice to you; buy them and race hard. PS! Use it as a rear tire....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Crocker
a cross-country rider
from Tampa Date Reviewed: March 9, 1997
Bottom Line:
Excellent rear tire with superb multicondition traction and low rolling resistence. Don't use it on the front in loose conditions.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Wojteczko
a cross-country rider
from Mississauga, Ontario Date Reviewed: March 8, 1997
Bottom Line:
Very nice tire, great traction for climbing and descending. Just don't put it up front. I tried this and fell through every sharp corner. Not Fun. I use the 1.9.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett
a cross-country rider
from Sheboygan, WI Date Reviewed: March 6, 1997
Bottom Line:
Excellent rear rubber! terrible front tread.. but there's a different tire for that anyway.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam fernandez
a racer
from Alameda ca Date Reviewed: March 5, 1997
Bottom Line:
The most-super-excelent tire ever made. The rubber is super-sticky, the tread works well for all types of riding from downhill to under water.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andu
a cross-country rider
from des moines,ia Date Reviewed: March 3, 1997
Bottom Line:
Only rode it 50 miles before having it warrantied. Defect in the tire made one of the knobs tear and pull away from the carcass, exposing the threads. I would choose a smoke over this tire anyday, it just did not grab as well in hard pack. It does a pretty good job of shedding mud. My warranty should not scare you away, Continental makes very good tires. I am very pleased with the leader pro on the front.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nosamk
a cross-country rider
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: March 2, 1997
Bottom Line:
I've got the new 2.0 installed on the rear with a traction pro front. the cross country's have above average grip, but dont shed mud like i had hoped. [we have sticky BOG mud here...] been very happy with them other than that. Contential is definately the tire to beat--although i think i'm gonna try a competiton pro 1 when this cross country wears out.worried about price----whats 10 more bucks? just buy 'em
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Markes
a cross-country rider
from Minneapolis Date Reviewed: February 21, 1997
Bottom Line:
These tires are awesome!!!Great Mud Traction and smooth on pavement
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a weekend warrior
from California, USA Date Reviewed: February 1, 1997
Bottom Line:
Continental Cross Country, 50-559 (26*1.9), wire bead, $26 Used as rear tire in front direction. I'm pretty sure the wire bead version is more than 550 grams, but it is still lighter than many other tires.Hardpack / medium: 5 -- quite good Soft / dusty: 4 -- good climber, not as good side grip Rocks: 4 -- good, except not as good side grip Mud: 4 -- clogs but mostly clears Road: 3 -- about as good as a mountain bike tire can get
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graeme Cooke
a racer
from Barrie, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: January 9, 1997
Bottom Line:
I got a 1.9 after my previous conti's wore down. Great climber, grips well over roots but corning is not up to par. Needs to be riddin lightly- steep lean angles cause a loss in traction. Finesse riders apply here.In the fall I got a cross-country 1.5. On dry hardpack soil this tire Kicks. Rolling resistance is way down from a more conventional 1.9-2.1 inch tire. On the right course this tire could cut a lot of time off a lap.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lurch
a cross-country rider
from Fort Worth, Texas Date Reviewed: January 8, 1997
Bottom Line:
I got these for Christmas, after reading all the great reviews at this site. I wasn't sorry! First ride out, I cleaned two pitches that I'd always spun out climbing before. Man oh man, I install these suckers and my level of confidence rises 50%. Best upgrade I've installed on my bike in years.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a cross-country rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: December 30, 1996
Bottom Line:
I have used both the 2.0 (new version) and the older 1.9, I think I prefer the older version better, it's more of an open tread pattern which is something I think helps a lot in loose, rocky conditions. I have been running a Duster Pro rear for a few months now and it was starting to wear down, between laps at my favorite trail I switched to an XC 1.9, but mounted it front direction, it corners better that way. I wish they made these 1.9s still, in fact, when the new 2.0 came out I thought crap!, they ruined my tire, still I bought one, it was better than a lot of tires, but still prefer the original Xc 1.9. A buddy just got a Traction Pro rear, we are testing it now. Seems nice, but it's a steel bead and heavy.ride!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Gersib
a racer
from Lincoln, NE Date Reviewed: December 10, 1996
Bottom Line:
Not the absolute best at any one type of riding, but is good in almost everything. It's good in both wet and dry conditions. I've had a couple of sidewalls blow out on training tires that saw a lot of hard use, but I can say that about almost all rear tires I've used. I've been using a Specialized Ground Master lately and have loved it. It feels fast and smooth, but really grips when it's needed. A lot like the Conti.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jin
a cross-country rider
from Auburn, AL Date Reviewed: December 1, 1996
Bottom Line:
I currently use this tire in the rear (2.0). It get great traction. Bites on corners as well as nice digging traction. They are pretty light and very sturdy. Now the minuses. If you have rims with tall sidewalls Conti's are a bitch to put on. Very tight fit. They don't seem to shed mud as good as... say... their brethren Comp Pro's but shed pretty well. I tried them on the front for a little bit and they seem to do well in the front also. OK on the corners (but there are plent of tires out there much better as a front). If you carry a folded tire with you on long epics this would be a great tire to use front or back. Be advised that if you use it in the front be prepaired to have lots of stuff thrown in your face.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a racer
from Worcester, MA Date Reviewed: November 14, 1996
Bottom Line:
Overall, an excellent tire! I used to think that my Panaracer's Smoke were good climbing tires, but the Conti is really much better. Additionally, its cornering ability is much higher which may be attributed to the tread design or natural rubber's stiffness. I found the Smoke's tread to be too flexy which would feel unstable during cornering or riding on a slanted rocky surface. No such sensation with the Cross Country.Additonally, get a set of Kevlar Conti's and shave 200 grams of rotational weight which is noticeable. I'm usually a sketpic of being able to tell a difference due to weight savings or different brands, but the Conti's have changed my mind at the moment.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Wright
a cross-country rider
from Louisville, KY Date Reviewed: November 6, 1996
Bottom Line:
I'm running the Conti Cross Country in the rear with a Navigator Pro in the front. This tire helped improve my climbing ability with great traction and excellent hook-up on harpack and soft soil. In mud the tire performs well. My LBS recommended this setup for the Eastern singletrack prevalent in this area, and I have to say they made a good reccomendation.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KENNETH
a cross-country rider
from MALAYSIA Date Reviewed: October 29, 1996
Bottom Line:
THIS TYRES ARE THE BEST THERE IS.THE GRIP,TRACTION, CONERINGS AND BRAKING ARE VERY GOOD.I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERYONE.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. David T.
a cross-country rider
from San Francisco/Bay Area CA.USA Date Reviewed: October 29, 1996
Bottom Line:
I bought a pair of these tires upon the reccomendation of a bike store mechanic. I initially thought that they were kinda pricey. What the hell I decided to give them a try anyways. They were definitely worth the price. I have ridden these tires @ Mammoth, Tahoe, Tam, and a dozen other places and just as many different terrains and I am quite satisfied with their level of performance. They corner, climb well and you can really fly on hardpack. I have also found that their life expectency was much longer that the countless other tires that I have tried in the past. They are definitely a tire to considered when shopping around for a high end tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philippe Frenette
a racer
from Moncton, NB, Canada Date Reviewed: October 14, 1996
Bottom Line:
I raced a pair this year and was very happy with the traction I got in mud, we get a lot of it out here, and how the tires didn't get all gunked up. The front takes a little getting used to but once you've mastered it corners very well, the nobes keep the tire solid when your hammering down through a corner.
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Submitted by
Chuck Eckel
a cross-country rider
from Santa Clara, CA Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
Bottom Line:
I purchased the rear wheel version of this tire on the advice of a store salesperson. Thinking I had probably been suckered into paying extra for a tire that wasn't as good as the Smokes I had been using, I was cursing myself up until the first time I hit the dirt with it. I ride alot of hard packed trails with some loose sections and this tire performed great. I also ride alot of road miles, and the tire held up incredibly long and well. I recently tried a Tioga Pyscho, which handled just as well and was at least as good for climbing loose, steap trails, but didn't last nearly as long. My next rear tire will be another Continental Cross Country.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996
Bottom Line:
These tires are great! I took them for their first ride yesterday, in conditions that varied from slick mud to hard pack, and these things stuck like glue. The added traction was especially noticeable when climbing and descending, although they also bite well in turns.
The tires were wire-bead, replacing a set of kevlar, but the added rolling weight wasn't noticeable.
I would recommend these (and already have) to anyone.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl Matson
a racer
from Lusby, MD Date Reviewed: August 20, 1996
Bottom Line:
I have the Kevlar beaded version of this tire (550g) and it works every bit as well as my all-time-fave rear tire, the heavy Specialized More Extreme. Due to lighter weight and a more supple casing in the Conti I'm experiencing more squish in the rear now which takes a little getting used to, but climbing performance is fantastic and it doesn't pack up with mud as easily as the Spec'd. Pair it up with a latex tube and take half a pound of rotating weight off of your wheels.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grand Pooh Bear
a cross-country rider
from USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 1996
Bottom Line:
Second best t I've ever ridden. It runs a very close secon to the absulute best: Continental's Comp Pro1, which I no longer ride only because I'm a weight weenie. I could get a lighter tire still, but I'm 100% sold on Conti's. The Cross Country I can climb virtually anything, but not as much as with the Comp Pro 1. Mud is never a problem. I don't have any puncture protection stuff, but I hardly get flats. Awesome tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Bell
a racer
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent off road tire. Made from natural rubber that has the best grip in the muddiest stuff, and the kevlar protection makes this tire virtually unpoppable.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Bell
a racer
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: June 24, 1996
Bottom Line:
model: snakebite
This has the same design tread as the crosscountry, but with protection on the edge of the tire itself to protect it from snakebike punctures. This is a must for downhillers, but does add a little weight. Excellent tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Foreman
a weekend warrior
from Laramie, Wyoming Date Reviewed: June 21, 1996
Bottom Line:
model: competition pro
Great tire. It is expensive but sure worth the price. Great for mud and loose rock. I would recommend it to any offroader.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a cross-country rider
from Boston Date Reviewed: June 15, 1996
Bottom Line:
model: comp pro 1
Buy this tire. It's just amazing, and except for weight freaks (who can buy the kevlar-beaded version) you will be in tire nirvana. On the first ride with it I stopped at the base of a short, nerve-wracking climb, which I've never cleaned, and ridden backwards down (momentarily anyway) so many times, I'll probably need therapy for it. I stared at that hill, all leaves, covering scrabble, which slides into a maze of ever-wet roots. Glared at it. Then, I RODE UP THE HILL. Sitting, even! Just pedaled like any other bit of trail.
If you can't tell, I love this rear tire. Replaced a Ritchey Z Max. I bought it because I needed a tire that doesn't clog up with mud, but I have so much traction now I can go up and down anything. Very technical riding here in the Northeast, this tire's perfect for it. Buy it and enjoy more biking and less hiking.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lloyd
a cross-country rider
from Livermore, CA Date Reviewed: June 13, 1996
Bottom Line:
Used in the rear, this tire is a superb climer. I've used it in both directions and the performance is almost identical. I think however that it corners better when faced as a front tire. I don't notice any loss of traction in this direction either. Regardless, cornering isn't my main concern since I like my rear to break loose at times.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eugene Moy
a cross-country rider
from Davis Date Reviewed: June 11, 1996
Bottom Line:
It's a great tire. Much better tire than the Smoke I had before. The tire works great and climbs loads better than the Smoke. It also runs faster probably due to its rounded shape. Wears good too. It does break loose in sharp corners but its predictable. Kind fun.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
