The lightest "slick" off-road racing tires available, Continental's Double Fighter feature a tread pattern designed with a shallow raised friction pattern in the tread center for fast rolling performance, and soil-penetrating outer blocks for cornering grip. DoubleFighter Dual with ASC® center tread (yellow or anthracite) is the industry's first off-road "slick" to feature the high-end performance of a multi compound tire design, and grip on hard surfaces without compromising rolling resistance or wet grip. Models include wire bead, Kevlar bead and Tubeless versions.
Submitted by
Russell Rutledge
a Cross Country Rider
from Norman,Ok Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Womble
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
LBS- Buchanan Bicycles
Strengths:
Everything!
Weaknesses:
Everything!
Similar Products Used:
This is the only semi-slick I've tried.
Bike Setup:
85 Bianchi Volpe - Cyclocross setup. Mine are 35's x 700c (all black).
Bottom Line:
I use these tire for everything. I've raced cross on them, ridden trails, commute to work, etc. and they've never failed. I've got no complaints. They still look like new and I've had them for nearly two years. Highly recommended!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ivan Pecigos
a Weekend Warrior
from Zagreb Croatia Date Reviewed: March 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sljeme
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Rog joma
Strengths:
Very good on tarmac no matter wet or dry,grip is really good
Weaknesses:
no good on dusty roads
Similar Products Used:
ufff....many
Bike Setup:
ktm-manitou-magura-shimano
Bottom Line:
For 15$...can not ask for more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fast, light, just wide enough. (1.9)
Weaknesses:
Not a lot of flat protection. Really hard to find in kevlar nowadays.
Similar Products Used:
No one cares
Bike Setup:
No one cares
Bottom Line:
For hard pack like what I ride, these things rock. I would never ride the mountians with them, or if the trail had a lot of gravel, but for hard pack they are super. Just enough side wall grip for flowy corners. They are really hard to find in kevlar which sucks cause these are one of the best tires I have ever used.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eds
a Weekend Warrior
from Karlsruhe, Germany Date Reviewed: October 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Very fast tire, really good grip in the wet, feels very smooth with little rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
None seen yet
Similar Products Used:
Schwable Albert, Continental Leader,
Bike Setup:
Raleight something with a full suspension
Bottom Line:
First try at the semi-slicks and I am surprised that this tire gives really good grip for such low rolling resistance. When pumped up to close to the max recommened pressure, the tire is very quiet (just silent) and feels light, as if its not there when you are accelerating.
The tread pattern is good enough for 50/50 asphalt/dirt in my daily commute. Dropped ride times and less sweaty when I get to work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james russell
a Cross Country Rider
from banstead, surrey, England Date Reviewed: October 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
winterpark, Kent
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
www.wiggle.co.uk
Strengths:
(I own the conti double fighter II) Very low rolling resistance, smooth confident cornering, surprizingly grippy in the wet (England!!), handle pressure well and seem to cope in the rough stuff (If you like a bit of wheelspin like me)
Weaknesses:
No issues with the tyre, I did have three punctures in the space of a week, but that was before I realised that I was using tubes rated for 2.2" upwards at high pressure.
Similar Products Used:
standard tyres fitted to the bike (Scott manx 2.0"), Panaracer fire XC, impac getaway, schwarble fast freds
Bike Setup:
XC hardtail, set up for road/light trails, Hydraulic disks.
Bottom Line:
These tyres are, without a doubt, the best I've ever used for versatility. I bought them for roads and hard packed trails, but was pleasantly surprized by their performance in the wet and in gloopy british winter mud. They do spin, but the bike never stops - the tyres find grip and give it to you. great fun when you corner deliberately too fast or accelerate/brake too sharp - they slide slightly (allowing the rider to enjoy some adrenaline moments) but have never let go. Buy them for all conditions except for when you need the cushioning provided by bigger volume tyres. I will never buy any other tyre.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jerry
a Cross Country Rider
from akron,oh Date Reviewed: September 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
cliff trail (reminiscing since its gone now)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
LOCAL BIKE SHOP
Strengths:
FAST FAST FAST and light. They will take 90 psi on the road if you want real speed. awesome traction. I have ridden them on every kind of terrain and been pleasantly surprised more than disapointed
Weaknesses:
corner a little squirrely. require solid mechanics on your bike.
Similar Products Used:
tons
Bike Setup:
Klein attitude frame chris king hubs ti spokes 517 rim XT brake shift XTR der's drivetrain
Bottom Line:
if you DOWNHILLING.. get a DOWHNILL bike with a DOWNHILL tire. don't expect 1 tire (or bike for that matter) to do everything no matter how much you paid for it. These have treated me better than any tire I have ever used. they are squirrelly going downhill and get bogged down in sand traps. You can't Buy bike skillz.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Weekend Warrior
from syarcuse, ny Date Reviewed: July 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
note: this review is an older model (not the 2-tone)
Weaknesses:
none for a semi-slick
Similar Products Used:
michelin, specialized
Bike Setup:
giant nrs3
Bottom Line:
i liked the michelin wildgrippers that came with the bike, but wore out the back tire. i went to the lbs to get a quick replacement and the only decent tire they had was the doublefighter. i was skeptical at first, but the difference was noticed immediately.
on the road, just swapping the rear tire made the bike feel much faster and smoother(no knobs in the center tread). that was good for short commutes to work, but i thought i would have to find a better tire on the trails. i was actaully surprised by how well they did for a semi-slick. they don't pack mud like knobbies and i've been able to slice thru mud with no problems. i don't even feel them spin. i think that they dig thru the mud and grab traction on the hard pack under the muck. knobbies seem to pack mud and then you have mud on mud and spin. maybe in really deep mud, some sort of self cleaning knobbie is better, but when its that muddy here the riding really sucks and everybody waits for the trails to dry.
the michelin up front and the double fighter in back have been great. yeah, the double fighter seems loose in the loam, but i haven't ridden a mtb tire that wasn't. i don't think there really is a true all-around tire. ideally, you should have several different tires for different conditions. for now, i really like this combo since i do an occasional street ride. i found this tire by accident, and i'm glad i did. i hope the new version is just as good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Satan's Sphincter
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight, No pinch flats at 30PSI.
Weaknesses:
Limited traction on rocky or sandy trails found in So Cal.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Weirwolf
Bottom Line:
Fast, excellent tire for the right terrain. Poor performance in sandy rocky trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chubby bob
a
from bend, OR, untied states Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
phils
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
sunny side sports
Strengths:
barely any rolling resistance good on in the saddle climbs surprisingly good traction fastest tire ive ever used
Weaknesses:
cornering, stand up climbing snake bites
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
cannondale caad 4
Bottom Line:
a great hard pack tire very fastbest tire ive used weak sidewalls good on in the saddle climbs radical looking double colors great tires overall bad on packed corners and loose corners
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Downhiller
from Nottingham Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
sssh, it's my little special trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with my XC bike
Strengths:
These thing roll real fast!
Weaknesses:
Thin side walls
Bike Setup:
Revell 450R, Z1 CR's, Hope disc etc etc etc
Bottom Line:
I have used this tyre for about a year on the rear of my slalom bike on the BMX tracks around my area and these things have knocked about 2-3 seconds of my lap times. I have mated these with an IRC Kujo up front and even though it is a sei slick I have found that there is plenty of grip and a very low rolling resistance. The only bad point about the tyres are the thin side walls but what was i expecting from an XC tyre
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pierre L'Archevêque
a
from Laval, Québec, Canada Date Reviewed: December 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Pierre Primeau velo
Strengths:
Light weight, multi color, smooth, Very high road performance, stable handling, predictable cornering.
Weaknesses:
It is definately a slick not a semi-slick, uses up quick, after 1800 miles of only road use, I can see black spots under the grey. Threads start poping out from the side. PEOPLE ALWAYS TELL YOU THAT YOUr TIRES ARE FINISHED EVEN WHEN YOU JUST BUY THEM. Consider getting anti flat armor for these tires. They are very hard to put on certain rims. (SUN Ringle rhyno lite) Do not go offroading with these tires. Mudd is horrible and snow is deadly.
Similar Products Used:
WTB PRIMAL RAPTOR (CRAP)!!!! made in china
Bottom Line:
Even though this tire has alot of weaknesses, it still remains in my opinion, a very good road performance mtb tire. The weaknesses are forgivin when you ride on the road. THESE TIRES DO NOT MAKE YOU WAST ENERY. They are perfect for the tipical weight freak.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deebs
a
from Denton Date Reviewed: October 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
blue bonnet
Strengths:
1. They're conti's. 2. Germany
Weaknesses:
1. Front tire in the soft stuff. 2. They dont come in pink. 3. Orange
Similar Products Used:
Those other black ones.
Bike Setup:
Rigid Cannondale Attack Bike
Bottom Line:
They roll,....fast. Traction on pavement when commuting is outstanding. On the trail,..the front has a bit of trouble in the soft stuff when cornering. I'm thinkin about puttin a 2.+ tire in the front and keepin the fighter in the back for my spin. (The moto in front will be my suspension. I'll let ya know how it all worked out.) But none-the-less, the fighters have superb rubber durometers. Harder in the center,..a little softer on the edges. Excellent idea. Buy it if you use your bike for dual purpose, commuting/gettin hurt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Olathe, Kansas, USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Bike Source - LBS
Strengths:
Fast, suprisingly good traction for a semi-slick, tough
Weaknesses:
Pretty expensive, $55 was per tire!
Similar Products Used:
Kendras that came on the bike
Bike Setup:
K2 Arcadia - Slowly upgrading components
Bottom Line:
I got these tires because I could not find any Bontrager Revolt SS's local and needed some tread for some hard pack riding I was doing over July 4th. I put these one and tried them out. I really liked them! Rode over hardpack, loose dirt, dry creek beds and dry roots. Not a single slip. They are also excellent on pavement and grip like crazy with that center strip. Could be faster if you could pump them above 65 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oliver Rush
a Cross Country Rider
from Shelter Island New York Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything single track, especially technical
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Amazing Traction, Hold like nothing else, look badass on my 2000 Fisher Paragon
Weaknesses:
Only problem I have ever had was once in New Hampshire when it was really, really muddy, I had trouble climbing with them, but they still proformed great. Also in lose gravle and sand they lose traction when cornering, but so will any tire
Badass tires. Mine are the original orange and black version (Orange in the center) and they still are in great shape. I have noticed in this fourth year with them that the traction is getting a little less, but they are four years old and I have beaten the sh!t out of them, and they still look and ride good. The orange in the center is still orange, I thought when I bought them that they would wear off quickly, but these tires keep kicking and I would recomend them to any EXPIERENCED rider (Unless you live in a swamp or something), as I have used them in all the extream conditions, and they have passed the test.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louie Midnight
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fast, surprisingly tough
Weaknesses:
I have used these tires for purposes other than what they were designed for. Trust me, use them for what they are designed for!
Bottom Line:
These tires are a semi slick obviously, use them as such. They are terrible in sand, technical stuff, and deep mud. I purchased them for Moab (slickrock) and they performed great. I also used them for Poison Spider, Portal and Amasa, which they didnt work well on. In gravel, sand and anything other than hard pack they let go like crazy. Steering and stopping was a nightrmare but remember, they were totally out of thier element. Even after thrashing these tires through sharp rocks, gravel etc they are still in great shape. They are fast of course, and not prone to flats. I didnt get any in Moab with these, which is surprising cause Im the "flat king".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Fast, improves my spin, work for what they're intended for, clear mud like nothing else (no knobs to pack up... )
Weaknesses:
Sketchy cornering
Similar Products Used:
Performance semi slicks that look like a Wildgripper ripoff
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F1000, stock
Bottom Line:
I really do like these tires. I have found that running them in the back is a blast. I run a Specialized Team Control Team in the front for steering duties. As it is quite sandy and loose here in San Diego, I thought I'd have problems. There have been some, but I really do think that they make me a smoother spinner, which is something I am working on anyway. They do slip out in really loose stuff, but that's alright, I figure its mostly my weight distribution. Maybe not a terrific all conditions tire, but definitely keeps riding fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terrence Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bergen Peak
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Light, sweet on the road, fast on hardpack
Weaknesses:
crappy in rocks and loose, wears quickly, expensive
Similar Products Used:
You name it... I've tried it
Bike Setup:
Trek 9900 OCLV w full SRAM 9.0 SL and Mavic Crossrode wheels
Bottom Line:
If you race and want a light tire go for it! But beware that this tire has NO grip for technical stuff... so swap it out when you are out trying to have fun not grinding on the hardpack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from North Brunswick NJ USA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Scheinberg, Bad Kissingen Germany
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Various Bike Shops in NJ
Strengths:
I love this tire. It's a great all purpose tire for commuting and then hitting the trails at the end of the day. I use it to go touring and went through a pair crossing the Alps this summer on my IF Delux (Unsupported). Roling resistance is very minimal on the road but gives good grip for all but the worst trail conditions. Like some others have pointed out, this tire is not really for beginers when used on the trail but the experience rider will fly with these.
For me however, I think this is the ULTIMATE DUAL PURPOSE TIRE (on and offroad) and thats how I use it.
Weaknesses:
Sounds like Conti is making more than tubes in Tiawan. My tires are all German made. If the new ones are now made in the Far East, I would be much more suspect of their quality.
Oh Yeah. Not for beginers!
Bike Setup:
IF Deluxe with ridgid Ritchie steel fork (no soft hands here!) FIR Rims, Thumbies! and Campy Racing Triple Derailures
Bottom Line:
Perfect On/Off Road tire. Good for commuting and hittin' the trails as well as on/off road touring.
Quality might be suspect if Tires are now made in Tiawan.
5/5 Chilis is only for German made tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a
from nj Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
USED TO BE THE BEST
Weaknesses:
NOW CRAP LIKE ALL THE REST
Similar Products Used:
JUST ABOUT EVERY THING
Bike Setup:
1 trek road bike, handmade,cromo, braised lug, GT LTS, GT RTS, ROCK HOPPER
Bottom Line:
I had a long time love affair with conti tires but its all over now. I gladly pay more for tires that last my abusive ways. I used contis on my road bike for at least 15 years and have switched to contis on my 3 mountain bikes in the past 5 years. I had nothing but praise for the quality and perfomance of these fine tires. Most of the local hardcores switched over at my advice as well. However I have gone through more tires in the last month than in my past year. What come in that familiar yellow box that claims to have contis inside is Thailand made crap, not contis. I got away from that CRAP by spending more on contis years ago. But why should I pay a premium price for crap. If this is the case I'll just buy asian made CRAP at asian made CRAP prices.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from pottstown Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
nice colors-kinda match my bike superior grip for my trails dont wear very fast work great at high speeds
Weaknesses:
i dont know if its a weekness, but the side of the tires are getting little lines on them, and little threads are falling off the tire, im gettin new ones soon though
Similar Products Used:
velociraptors, huffy extremes
Bike Setup:
sweet arse cannondale fully customized to my liking
Bottom Line:
great tires, i would reccomend them to anyone willing to spend a little loot on a great tire. great grip, in all conditions, mud, rain, roads, dirt, and lava. sweet tires, stop readin, start ridin.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jkc
a
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$17.00
Strengths:
Fast, light and were cheap (on sale)
Similar Products Used:
never used semi slick before
Bike Setup:
Titus Locomoto, XT, Hayes hydraulic, Psylo XC, Fox Float R
Bottom Line:
I thought these wouldn't be that good off road but I have used them on wet grass going downhill and they gripped very well. I haven't noticed too much difference from full knobbly tires, although I think they would be less reliable on wet road markings. Overall very good and have reduced the weight of my wheels nicely.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Bennett
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln UK Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kinderscout Edale
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance Fair grip off road Quite light Good wear No naff colours
Weaknesses:
Can only pump them up to 65psi
Similar Products Used:
Cheap halfords slick
Bike Setup:
Specialised FSR
Bottom Line:
I wondered what I'd done at first paying 20 quid for what is effectively a worn out XC tyre but I like it now because it has no rolling resistance for commuting to work every day and yet can still cut it at the weekend off road. I dont know how it grips off road, it just does, loads more than a full slick or a worn out off roader. Get it pumped up and its still comfy off road with suspension, and it handles well on road round corners - doesnt roll on the knobbles much. Full marks because its like two tyres for the price of one, and you dont have to piss about changing it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Minneapolis Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Valley Bike & Ski
Strengths:
Speed Price (I got Mine $20 a pop) Durability Aint dual colored like Pythons
Weaknesses:
Its a Semi Not red to match my bike Like Hot S
Similar Products Used:
Michelin WildGripper Hot S Cheap Schwinn Tires
Bike Setup:
98 Schwinn Alu HT
Bottom Line:
These Tires are super fast over my Michelin Hot S's and they look like they will last a long time (for a semi) i do everything on one bike so i thought the Hot S was good. It was except for speed. DH/Freeride tires are fast by no one's standards. But i have had no problems so far. And that guy below talking about his broken clavicle, thats not the tires fault thats crappy riding. I'm 17 and i never biff even doin doubles and kickers at the BMX track. get these tires and you'll be happy. 4 Burning roadies for value cause they aren't gonna last like a trad tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkshire, England Date Reviewed: May 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Thames Path
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Mountain High
Strengths:
Lightness, speed, grip.
Weaknesses:
Occasional weakness for punctures, especially in the wet.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Enduro Raptors, Tioga Factory XC
Bike Setup:
2001 Kona Caldera, full XT drivetrain, Flite Ti, Raceface XC post
Bottom Line:
These tires are perfect for all-round work. I bought them as semi-slicks mainly for commuting to work and then found they love being offroad too. They have awsome grip on wet roads (even belting round corners), good stopping power, and I've never had them wash out on me. They work great on single-track, no problem in changing from hard-packed mud to grass to gravel. Not too sure about thick mud, but these are semi's!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
McMartin
a Cross Country Rider
from Indy IN Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bring It!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Summit City Cylces
Strengths:
Great rolling speed, hooks up corners in the mud or hard pack. Durable
The best semi, and therefore the best tire on the market. Traction is a matter of surface area. Why wouldn't a semi be best? Buy them if you want a great tire you can race on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robin Daurge
a Cross Country Rider
from Exeter Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
woodbury
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very fast, suprizin traction for a slick, semi slick
Weaknesses:
? None found yet
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey speedmax
Bike Setup:
db alu hartail full xt, Judy sl, hope bulb hubs/f519's
Bottom Line:
So far I can't fault these tyres, they ride faster than the speedmax's, better traction due to a high natural rubber content, large volume for a 2inch, they fly on hardpack, and tarmac, I don't see why people have a problem with these, so far I've put in about 300 miles on them with no signs of durability probs but I will post another review after doing 1000 on them, great to say I got them trade price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dude
a Cross Country Rider
from st louis Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
i don't know how my buddy does it, but he has this thing on the rear and has had it there for years, so it is basically a slick now, and he can climb rockier, slicker, nuttier, hairier sections than i can and not spin out. i don't know how he does it, seeing as how there is a noticable lack or any kind of knobs on the thing. the thing is perfectly smooth in the middle, yet he climbs with ease. what gives? maybe since he is an expert racer that has something to do with it. i just thought i would share that with you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
royce
a Cross Country Rider
from s.d. Date Reviewed: December 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
elk crk to alkali crk centenial
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
pedal&paddle pierre,s.d
Strengths:
wicked fast,light,don't look gay like hutchinson mosquitos do. lol
Weaknesses:
short tread life
Similar Products Used:
wild grippers(they rule!)
Bike Setup:
giant 980 carbon full susp.EA C2 carbon bar&post,fizik saddle,xt-(pods/lever combos,frt der,rr der,hubs,bb,crnk.rings,brakes) wild grippers,judy sl 100,RS coupe delux,coda lollipops,core lite stem
Bottom Line:
i rode these tires all summer,the rear one is totally wore out and the front could make it another season,maybe.The work well in hardpack,and do nothing on sand,you walk.my son took my bike out on streets and did a lot of damage to the rear,but i decided to run it till she dropped.It made the rest of the season but is shelled out now.in comparison to the wild grippers they don't hold up as well. I think they would make great race tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethel VT Date Reviewed: September 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Race Loop,Three Stallion Inn
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
True Wheels,Killington,VT
Strengths:
Light,Fast,Suprisingly good traction! Does what it's designed to do, very well.
Weaknesses:
Poor traction in severe mud.Short tread life,(but of course there's not much to start with).
These tires are wicked awsome for fast cross-country riding/racing! Suprisingly good traction both climbing and braking.I havn't had the pucture problems others have mentioned in their reveiws but I run the PSI at @50-55lbs. I use a Conti Navigator or Leader Pro(yeah,it may be old school but it's still a great front tire),up front which helps a great deal with the braking duties. I did find that I had to adjust my riding some to maintain good grip,but the trade off was worth it.Not a real forgiving tire so there not suited for novice riders, at least not off the pavement.I've owned 3 of these tires,used on the rear only.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ollie Wigg
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: September 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Flat Rock Road (Training ground of Cadel Evans)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Walker's Wheels
Strengths:
Light weight Cool orange stripe down the middle
Weaknesses:
Side walls made from paper.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Dirty Baldy.
Bike Setup:
Avanti Hammer (Awesom bike, made in New Zealand) Hard Tail
Bottom Line:
I selected weekend warrior but I also ride in the city a lot. I've had two sets of Contis and both of them have split there side walls long before tghe tread started to wear out. They were great while I was riding them, but the week side walls were very disapointing. In both cases there was not just one hole in an otherwise perfect side wall. There were several places where it was wearing thin. I'll be going back to the Specialised Dirt Baldies or trying Hutchinson Python Golds next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric justice
a Racer
from royal oak mi Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
planet krypton
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
bikesport
Strengths:
strong,light,good climber,predictable in cornering due to increased tread on side of tire, fast-low rolling resistance on straightaways, wide range of use.
You have to practice with these tires to get the feel of them. These tires have suprised the hell out of me in some insane wet nasty races on the east coast. Definately a sweet low rolling resistance tire with a lot of potential in all conditions, but you have to pay very close attention to your terrain and make the right pedaling/position adjustments.I weigh 160 and run them at 45 for slick terrain and 50-55 for hardpack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Croker
a Cross Country Rider
from Steyning, West Sussex, England Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
South Downs Way - Devil's Dyke to Chanctonbury Ring
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Light, cool colour, folds
Weaknesses:
Used on the rear wheel, it picked up flints and other debris very easily, so punctured a lot. Maybe it's the 'stickyness' of the tread - their certainly good on-road (for an off-raod tyre).
Similar Products Used:
Mythos XC Slick
Bike Setup:
Marin East Peak with Bomber Z$ Air forks
Bottom Line:
I got bored with mending punctures and went back to the vastly superior Mythos XC Slick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL USA Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light, fast on hardpack and pavement - they roll very easily.
Weaknesses:
Traction on loose gravel, leaves, and thin, slimy mud.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
I'm glad these came on the (used) bike, because I'd never have bought them on my own. But I liked them enough to buy a second set. I've used them in Florida, and in the mountains of N. Carolina and Pennsylvania and been pretty pleased. They sure make hardpack and pavement easier. I find that they grip surprisingly well, even when they're worn ("Tread? Who needs tread?") Maybe that's because of the high ratio of natural rubber, instead of synthetic.
I do have to soften them up a bit for loose surfaces, to keep the edge knobs in contact with the ground for better braking and cornering. Therefore probably not a great choice for heavier riders, due to pinch flats.
To be honest, they don't inspire a lot of confidence in cornering, but I'm not a racer or speed demon, so I've lived with that compromise. Next time I'm going to try something else, to see how this bike really corners.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Weston
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vejle, Denmark Date Reviewed: December 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Silkeborg, Denmark
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, good grip in the right conditons, looks
Weaknesses:
Cornering, Muddy tracks, Weak against snake bites
Similar Products Used:
IRC Slick
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Hardtail
Bottom Line:
The tires are very good in the right conditions, but not consistant enough for an all round tire. I used these tires for several mounths and had quite a lot of punktures, and after sakrifizing a national championship, after two punktures I,ve never ridden them since. Bourght a set of Hutchinson Python Gold tires, which gave me a more secure and consistant feeling when riding(never punktured in a whole season, with these tires).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross-Country Rider
from W. Bloomfield, MI Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Maybury
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very fast, low rolling resistance. Premium quality, gives your ride a nice touch.
Weaknesses:
Wet, slick terrain
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Supercaliber, all XTR, with CrossMax Wheels
Bottom Line:
I'm glad I listened to a trused bike shop mechanic and not too many of these reviewers. Although the tires are very fast on the hard stuff, there's very little you'll sacrifice on climbs or descents. You'll slide a tad in mud; but in Michigan, we don't get too much of that. They corner surprisingly well - not quite as well as the Bontrager Jones, but I'd rate them higher overall. Premium tire = 5 Chilis.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Styron
a Racer
from Branson, Mo Date Reviewed: July 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
104, chadwick motocross park, mo
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
fast, light
Weaknesses:
they'll kill you if you don't know what you are doing
These tires don't climb out of the saddle well at all, and on wet loose rocks and bad or no soil may spin out on seated climbs. I won't use one on the front because of where I live there is no soil and the rocks are sharp and malicious. If you know your bike and are a decent rider, you can climb just about anything with one, and you won't really have any troube anywhere this side of RockyasHellville. Downhill skidding is not a problem once you learn how to brake properly. For those of you that it it is a problem and think you know how to brake properly, learn the ancient Anasazi atr of Modulation...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FishMan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Batavia, IL Date Reviewed: June 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Palos, Chicagoland, IL
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
cornering, loose traction, mud traction
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Mach SS
Bike Setup:
Zaskar, Judy SL
Bottom Line:
Not a good tire. If you're into pavement, then there are faster tires out there. If you're into racing, well, these tires will cause you to crash eventually. They have very minimal side lugs, which means weak cornering. Climb poorly. But admittedly, they roll pretty fast. Not worth the money. At first I thought that's just the way semi-slicks are, but then I got the Panaracer Mach SS for up front, and immediatly noticed a huge improvement in cornering.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flying Frenchman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Montreal Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Anything that goes up or down...
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Dual purpose tire.
Weaknesses:
Dual purpose tire!!!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper M2 Judy XC (long travel kit).
Bottom Line:
Well I'll try to give a good review eventhough I haven't tried similar products, I think if you stick with what it was intended for, it's a pretty good tire, just have to know its limits. If I would compare it to a regular MTB tire, I would give only two piment rouge, but for what it was made for I give it Four.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trickydik
a Cross-Country Rider
from raleigh, nc Date Reviewed: May 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
fast, light
Weaknesses:
loose in fast turns
Similar Products Used:
haven't tried any other semi slicks
Bike Setup:
m2 stumpjumper, judy xc mavic 517, xtr hubs
Bottom Line:
in hard dry conditions these tires are great. This is one of the lightest tires you can buy. I zip around the trails like a rabbit on crack. Put on something knobbier when it gets muddy, or you will fall and break something.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ilan
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston Date Reviewed: May 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
pretty fast. good for hardpack, slickrock, or anything similar.
Weaknesses:
downhill, sand, mud. (it IS a semislick).
Bike Setup:
Cannondale CAAD3, Weinmann Red/Blue series rims.
Bottom Line:
A good semislick, i use it for the rear. dont expect it to climb or perfrom well in sand or mud. it gets me through, but its a bit freaky. It came on the bike and im glad, because i gotta ride to class anyway. Edge knobs are good.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh A.
a Racer
from Mass. Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fast, Light, Smooth, Good overall performer...
Weaknesses:
Squirrely on descents, Not the best mud or sand tire...
This tire is good for racing, singletrack, doubletrack, road(!!), you name it. It even sticks pretty well (but then, that might just be my superior technical skills...) On downhills is where you have to be careful, especially when there are loose rocks, etc. Four stars for a great overall tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross-Country Rider
from Mountain Lakes NJ Date Reviewed: April 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
The Tourne
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
low rolling resistance, great on roads, good cushioning
Weaknesses:
standing climbs, low hook up on any loose dirt
Similar Products Used:
IRC mythos XC,various others
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab, Manitou X-Vert
Bottom Line:
So what if they can't corner well on gravel or loose dirt? If you bought them for that reason then you are a moron. I bought them because They were on sale for $19 ea. and I ride a lot on the road. I crash quite a bit but not due to this fine rubber.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MikeD
a Cross-Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
not many, they are light and fast on the flats. THAT IS ALL...
Weaknesses:
Everything, climbing traction is a bomb, braking is next to nothing. Cornering with them is something I prefer to do not very often.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Mach ss, specialized mount baldy's
Bike Setup:
98 Rocky Mountain Hammer Race, with a 98 Z-2 Bam
Bottom Line:
they have roll good, corner like crap, brake even worse, I wouldn't recomend these to anyone who has any kind of techical descents that thye ride frequently. The Panaracer mach ss kills these tires, they perform much better. I'd only give them one star because they are light.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Psycho
a Racer
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: April 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
FAST, LIGHT, Smoooth
Weaknesses:
+Flat potential
Bike Setup:
Hard Tail, HARD packed trails
Bottom Line:
AWESOME for Fast hard pack trail racing. Not recommended for sandy downhills. These things sliiiide...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter T.
a cross-country rider
from Laramie, WY Date Reviewed: December 9, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought into the semi-slick revolution a couple of years ago. I started with Ritchey Speedmax and now have a set of these Conti Double Fighters. For the true benefits of a semi-slick, go with the Ritchey Speedmax. The tread is laid on the casing of the Speedmax such that the tire has a rounder profile than most mtb tires -- less contact with the ground, but a significantly decreased rolling resistance. The Conti Doublefighters have a very square profile -- hence a bigger contact patch on the ground and so a greater rolling resistance. I don't find the Double Fighters any faster than regular knobby Conti tires (which I like). The Double Fighters lack for traction under some conditions, as do the Ritchey Speedmax. But if the conditions warrant -- the Speedmax is a great tire and much faster than a Double Fighter (and cheaper!). The only thing the Double Fighter does well is float on sand due to its square profile. The Speedmax sucks in the sand because it bites in due to its round profile/small contact patch.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from TRaverse City MI Date Reviewed: December 7, 1998
Bottom Line:
Here in traverse city, especially along the vasa trail are hundreds of miles of singletrack, so of coarse My friends and I ride alot of the them. The DF was my first slick and on the singlerack it flat out rules. From the first day I noticed this tire was much faster than my Conti X-Country in the back. As for traction I never had a problem, I'm only a 150lbs but ride pretty hard, and these tires have yet to let me down. Dont get me wrong when the rain comes or we hit some pretty agressive trails the X-Country goes back on, but as for singletrackin in dry wheather these tires are absoulutly faboulus
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wjf
a weekend warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: December 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
Bought two. One was out-of-round. Brought it back, the replacement was out-of-round. Brought it back. My wheel was OK. Mounted the one good one on the front with a worn MTB tire (poor man's slick) on the back. Worked fine on the road, fireroads, and dry conditions, fast, low rolling resistance. I'm 220 and had numerous washouts in loose (pea gravel, sandy, mud) conditions. Side knobs need VIAGRA, they are small, soft, and just about useless. In self defense I put DF on the rear with a Maxxis Incisor on the front and got much better results. Its a good tire for the conditions that it is designed for, better on the rear than the front (4 chilis), but those conditions are limited (-1 chili), quality control is the worst I have ever experienced (-1 chili), its expensive (-1 chili).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James M.
a cross-country rider
from Eugene, OR Date Reviewed: October 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
These tires are worth the money if you weigh UNDER 150 lbs!!! I weigh 205, and have had two different sidewalls go out. The last one cost me a shattered clavical. Since it was the second to go out on me (the first one I thought was might be a defect. Now, my attorney has both of them in his office, and hopefully I can get a warning put on the box. All I can say is buyer beware!! They did have low rolling resistance, and were really light, but what a price to pay!! I finally had the screw taken out of my shoulder last week, and am going to ride michilens, so I will post a review for them next.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a weekend warrior
from Taiwan Date Reviewed: October 14, 1998
Bottom Line:
Conti DF's (non-silica) rolling resistance very good. Grip in mud, wet or dust nonexistent. Actually plain scary. A couple major slideout falls. I've had no flats in a year but my friend has had 6 flats on the same tire and one major fall. Good tires for those who never need to turn.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
firesign
a cross-country rider
from Brampton, ON Canada Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
I forgot to mention that I am running my DFs front and back. And, come to think of it, I have had a couple problems on slimy logs where the tire failed to grip. But, much as someone else said, you learn to live with those kind of things. Hmmm... a couple more words and I can go home...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
firesign
a cross-country rider
from Brampton, ON Canada Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998
Bottom Line:
It's no secret that I'm not the greatest rider, but here is my 2 cents: I ride alot of hardpack, alot of gravel, some pavement, some sand, and plenty of roots. Just went out last night, and since it is fall up here, the trails were covered in leaves and pine needles. Most slippery. Trails were shredded; no tire would've held you to some of the slopes I went down. I plowed through everything on my DFs... up sandy slopes, down gravelly slopes, up roots covered in leaves, back down them. Even rode across a 60m beach section. You know what? I got across everything. I used to ride Montanas, which are great tires, but I love the DFs. Sure, they can wash out turning corners in gravel, but what tire doesn't suck doing that? And the speed I get out of these things is amazing. I swear I haul up hills a gear higher with these things. Don't worry about roots: In my opinion, I prefer slicker tires going over roots (maybe I'm sick: but I swear it's easier for me). If you know these tires well, and you know yourself well, then you will love them. I think the problem comes from people being too used to their old tires, and they expect these ones to be comparable in handling characteristics. 5 chilies.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chunky
a weekend warrior
from los angeles Date Reviewed: September 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
i've had this tire (actually a leader pro and double fighter) for a while and just put it on my bike the other night. i went for a ride today and they worked great. i had a pair of wtb velociraptor's on my bike but am trying to shave off weight where i can. not only did i shave weight but these tires bite real well and make overall riding a blast!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Porter
a racer
from Toronto Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
I use a DF on the rear wheel and a couple of weeks ago raced in a pouring ran storm. I was suprised to find the DF stuck while climbing the hills if I aimed directly up the centre of the rivers. Yes the trails had disappeared and were now rivers. I passed several other racers whose rear tires had become entirely packed with mud.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sprint
a weekend warrior
from S.F. Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
This tire is great. It does what it was designed for excellently. Endo's R Us is totally stupid for trying to use these tires in loose, sandy conditions, as they are not tires made for those conditions, and then posting up a bad review about them. What was he supposed to expect from semi-slicks? If he wanted traction, he should have gone with knobbies. If he wanted to speed, these are the way to go.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fritz
a racer
from Woodland Park, CO Date Reviewed: August 13, 1998
Bottom Line:
This tire is good for a hardpack race. If its got a few sections of muddy climbs and stuff, it's still fine. Some mud is slippery and some isn't; if it's not slippery this tire is good because it will also shed. Ride for a 1/2 hour or so to get used to it before you really go for it. By the way it goes downhill just fine in any terrain as long as your a decent downhiller. 5 stars since it does exactly what it was intended for awesome.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Demolition
a cross-country rider
from miami Date Reviewed: August 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I've had this tire on the back of my klein for two months with a panaracer magic dh on the front. It is a combination that works well on the street and on the trails.The rolling resistance is sweet but the expense is that I've had my tenth flat yesterday.I can't take it anymore. Anything and everything goes throght this tire like it is made of paper. Glass,thorns and even a freakin staple. It has gashes all over it. Even tried the thorn proof heavy duty tube,15 miles punctured, airlock tube 8 miles punctured.I can hardly wait for my $12 panaracer dh rear tire to arrive to put an end to this nonsense. By the way magic on front 400 miles no problem, well worth the weight.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EndosRUs
a weekend warrior
from Tucson, Arizona Date Reviewed: August 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
I ran a DF on the front with a Ritchey Zmax on ther rear for a few weeks. Hardpack? Great! Low rolling resistance was obvious. Climbing?? Also pretty good. Where I ride however, there is a lot of very rocky and sandy wash-like terrain. The DF was so POOR in these area's, it's benefits didn't come close to equalizing it's bad handling qualities in the washes. I've never worked so hard at steering and cornering in all my time riding off-road! It really was pathetic. Alas - I have been told this tire is best suited for hard pack. But I was in the quest for lightweight and fast. BAD call! I therefore wholeheartedly advise strongly against using this tire if you're going to ride in loose, sandy, gravely, wash-like area's. I replaced the DF with an IRC Mythos on the front and voila! Problem solved! HUGE and Dramatic improvement! For this reason - I must give only one star. FWIW - I've had Conti Cross-Country's in the past and they were excellent perfoming tires.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K Hornibrook
a cross-country rider
from Logan ,Utah Date Reviewed: June 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
I got the D.F.s stock on the Crossmax equiped Fisher Supercaliber I,m riding this year.Liked them until the front tire poped off the Crossmax at about 35M.P.H. The conditions were dry on a gravel fireroad and the tires had about 50lbs. pressure they had been used about 10 hours since new and showed little wear. The tire was powdered and beaded properly when I built the bike as I,m the head mechanic at a local shop. The tube shows a 14 inch cut at the bead of the tire which does not follow any seam on the tube. I think the kevlar bead failed and would be interested in any info. you might have on similar problems with these tires. Thanks, Kevin call me at the shop;(435)753-3294
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Williams
a cross-country rider
from California (Bay Area) Date Reviewed: May 30, 1998
Bottom Line:
These tires work well in anything but on corners at high speeds and they loose traction on most uphills. For a front tire the work great low rolling resistance, they get ya outta rutts but at light speed cornering is scary, I don't recommend for downhill but for everything else they kick, and they don't clog with mud, that sucks!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Retroman
a cross-country rider
from Buffalo Date Reviewed: May 22, 1998
Bottom Line:
These are the best tires I've ever owned, (most expensive too), but they're worth every penny. I lost a pound over my knobbies, and they roll 10x smoother! These things have lasted me over 1000 miles, (rotate halfway through) but it's about time for a new pair. I hate when people flame SS tires for their lack of downhill capability - what the hell do you expect!!? Don't buy these if you have no technical ability what so ever, as they will require a different ride style. If it matters, I have them on a fully rigid bike, and run about 50psi F., 55psi R.I wonder why more pros don't use these? five flamming peppers:
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a cross-country rider
from Philadelphia Pa Date Reviewed: May 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
I run Conti's on both of my mtn bikes with Bajas on my XC bike and a Leader Pro/ Comp 1 on my DH bike. I saw some Df's on sale at a LBS for $40 ea and decided to give them a try on my XC bike.When I installed the DF's, I also put in a pair of light weight tubes - going for the double-whammy in the wieght reduction dept. Worked too; the bike did lose a bit of weight over the Baja/normal tube combo.How did I like them? Well, I actually thought they performed well. I'm used to Bajas, which are fast rolling tires also, but the DF's were noticably faster on hardpack. The bike seemed to accelerate a little better too and hopping was easier - 12 to 18 with no effort.The DF's did give up traction in loose conidtions. I spun out on stuff that the Bajas would grab easily and the Comp 1 would laugh at.My conclusion is that Double Fighters are condition specific racing tires. For all around use, I haven't ridden anything that beats a Baja - it's a shame they're so hard to get; most shops have never heard of them. DF's are good for the hardpack, XC race-type conditions they were designed for. Using them for all around riding will leave you disappointed.I give them 4 chilis (I'd give the Bajas 5, but there's no spot for them)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
E. Kimble
a weekend warrior
from Taiwan Date Reviewed: May 4, 1998
Bottom Line:
I sell this product, and thus must give it the obligatory five stars. But in truth, what Conitnental tires lack in price and marketing; they make up for in quality and performance. I use Double Fighter Dual Foldables on my bike, and I find them quite satisfying for city and light off road riding, which is all I do. They are all the above mentioned reviewers have said.Thanks,E. Kimble
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Redman
a cross-country rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought the Double Fighter about a 3 weeks ago.. I ride a wide variety of terrain here in Austin, ranging from technichal, rocky singletrack with lots of hills to normal cross country, fireroads, streets, etc.. I used to have the Continental Comp Pro on the rear which is an aggressive tire for XC and climbing but high rolling resistance when you didn't want it. I was hoping to compromise with the Double Fighter. I really liked the low rolling resistance and hardpack speed and quickness and cornering traction was pretty good. I found quickly that climbing was much more difficult in the loose rocky stuff we have in Austin, so much so that I opted to buy a second wheel to swap out with an aggressive tire when I was going for the more hardcore rides, leaving the Double Fighter for the less hilly and rocky rides. Anyway, this strategy backfired as I just noticed a big slice in the Double Fighter sidewall from my last ride in a rocky area.... $50 and 3 weeks... I was not pleased..Overall, nice tire for fast, twisty hardpack, lacking in climbing ability,.. slice in sidewall,... freak thing???
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pantse
a cross-country rider
from Finland, the land of SEXY Bikes... Date Reviewed: April 15, 1998
Bottom Line:
At last I got to buy a pair of these high rated tires, as most of my buddies drive with these. They really are light to ride, you can feel the difference at once. What surprises me most, is that they seem to grip even better than my old (half worn) Welociraptors, except on the edges, of course. I even managed to rip the rear tire on a brick that fliped around under the tire, and I was really pissed of, as I hadn't rode the tire more than app. 100 km :(A bit stronger edges would be better, but then again, that's a bit more weight.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve H
a weekend warrior
from Taichung, Taiwan Date Reviewed: April 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
Conti Double Fighters - These tires are very fast on the roads however, when pumped up to their 65 PSI capacity, they are very slippery if you hit some mud or loose dust/gravel on the road. I find these tires sliding out if I try to make any fast movements under the foremention conditions. If you are doing a wet technical ride with any angled trail, change your tires! That is what I do. Or at least let out half of your tire's air pressure.In summary, on dry pavement and asphalt roads these tires are excellent but watch out! on the loose stuff.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a cross-country rider
from USA Date Reviewed: March 7, 1998
Bottom Line:
I am running DF's front and rear. The rolling resistance (lack of) is a nice feature, they do roll like the wind. However, they are indeed hardpack loving only. Loose stuff that I used to rip with WTB Raptors cannot be done or only with a great deal of finess. I just don't like having to THINK about my tires and if I can make it up a climb-I just want to do it. ROOTS-FORGET IT! Knobs have the best chance on roots, these slip and will have you cursing in no time. SUMMARY: as reviews below will attest: Frequent fliers on hardpack, switch em out for the really technical stuff.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harry
a racer
from Los Altos, CA Date Reviewed: February 1, 1998
Bottom Line:
I raced XC last summer with a Conti DF on the rear (IRC Mythos on the front) of my '96 Klein Pulse Comp. As compared to the Tiogo Psycho's I used the previous year, this tire was amazing. With about 45-50 pounds of pressure, the rolling resistance is low (could be even lower with more pressure, but that sacrificed a little too much traction and made the ride unpleasantly harsh) and the traction on any surface is like super-glue. Whether its hardpack, loose dirt, or sand, as long as you stay in the saddle the tire will not slip...period. For people that tend to climb in the saddle, it is perfect. If you try to stand and pedal it slips easier than knobbies, however.As far as cornering goes, the DF doesn't have a lot of grip but it steps-out so predictably that you can use every bit of grip that it does have. Additionally, it's side knobs do a great job in holding on in off-camber situations.Braking-wise, the DF on the rear works well as long as make sure you keep your weight to the back of the bike and don't lock the tire (although if you want the rear to step-out, locking the rear will do the trick and the sliding is very predictable and controllable).I haven't run a DF on the front yet, but given it's excellent performance on the rear I am inclined to give it a try. The look of slicks is somewhat disconcerting as they really look as though they will completely wash-out on loose dirt. However, that was never a problem with the rear.5 stars for these tires' amazing combination of low rolling resistance with unbeatable traction.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glendyn
a weekend warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: December 15, 1997
Bottom Line:
I use my bike everyday. it is my transport and my recreation. I'd been looking for the a tire like the DOUBLE FIGHTER for ages. I'm glad I found it, or perhaps it found me. I am currently running the DF on the back, (with a IRC MYTHOS on the front) On the road it's great, I'm travelling faster and smoother, and I dont feel bad about wearing the Kevlar Knobbies down on the asphalt. Off Road I am very impressed. It only started slipping in situations where I myself were starting to give as well, like really steep dusty climbs. The Double FIGHTER is a DAMN FINE TIREYEAH YEAH YEAH!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Nashville moving to Austin, TX Date Reviewed: November 6, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have a question for all of you old Conti. XC riders. Is this tire worth it? My riding conditions are XC and technical on hardpack. The DF on the back and Ritchie Zmax WCS on the front of my hardtail. The DF replaced my cross Country on the back. I weigh 170 lbs. Consider this.The tire is fast - but it is recommended to run at higher pressures which means lower rolling resistance anyway. Try 55psi in a XC tire.Traction - I love the way it corners - it has no side lugs so it corners like a street motorcycle tire - and no tread to speak of. I wonder if it has a larger contact patch in comparison to a tire with an tread pattern? Breaking - Well, using a ZMAX and Cross Country I was never at a shortage for braking traction. I came in fast and hit the brakes hard, usually. The first time I attempted that with the DF I slid into a tree. Overall - I will keep it but never run it in the front. I love the way it corners and feels well enough to let it show me that my brakes are lousy, my weight distribution needs help and I need to use my front brakes more.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie Bissonnette
a cross-country rider
from Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: October 21, 1997
Bottom Line:
The Double Fighter has performed very well in most conditions. The worst being loose gravel conditions. However, if your looking for a tire to add speed to your ride look no further. The tread is ultra quick and I'd recommend anyone to try it especially if the majority of your ride is hardpack.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HuffyLover
a cross-country rider
from Cedar Springs, MI Date Reviewed: October 19, 1997
Bottom Line:
OK. I have come back to revise my earlier review. The last review I gave was five chilies. Before that review I rode pavement/hardpack railtrails/flat single track. I recently had the pleasure(?) of riding the insanely techinical 13 mile single track at Yankee Springs Recreational Area. This tire had me carring my bike on technical uphills and crying for my mommy on the downhills. I got back to my car slapped a Specialized Ground Control IIS Kevlar on my front and a Specialized CANNIBAL (BIGASS 2.2 tire with a tread pattern that frightens small children) on the rear. Granted I went alot slower overall, those beefy tires slow you down. But I only had to walk my 40lb Huffy up one section 7 miles into the trail (mostly because I had been beaten into submission by the babyhead rocks and man eating roots--remember I'm on a 40lb rigid fork Huffy).These tires are great for rocketing down hardpack and pavement, life threatening when ridden on technical single track with long steep uphill and downhill sections. Overall I'm going to give them a 0 for technical, 5 for hardpack. This is a VERY condition specific tire. -->2.5 Average
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Submitted by
Florian Breitenbach
a racer
from Friedrichsdorf Germany Date Reviewed: October 5, 1997
Bottom Line:
These Tyres arent bad, they're actually good. On the back that is, on the front they're shit And only in the dry or moist
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Submitted by
cg
a weekend warrior
from sf,ca Date Reviewed: September 28, 1997
Bottom Line:
I've put my double fighter rear, leader pro front combo back on the trusty steed after trying out a ritchey speedmax/alphabite comb. I definitely feel more confident on the loose downhills and turns with these babies...and they are a heck of a lot lighter than the ritcheys...5 chills ...
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Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from Melbourne FL Date Reviewed: September 25, 1997
Bottom Line:
These tires rock! I was kind of sketchy at first, but I ride about 50% road/50% trail.. These tires work great around town, then on the trails to my suprise, they grip and climb through the roots amazingly! They tend to wash out in the front so I have a Conti Leader Pro mounted that I can switch to for the front.. 5 SMOKIN' Chili's here!
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Submitted by
simon
a
from Taiwan Date Reviewed: September 23, 1997
Bottom Line:
Just raced the Grand Raid Cristalp in Switzerland, they are fast, confortable, washes out on loose gravel/tight corners,wear reasonably well for a semi slick, brakes better and last longer than a Ritchey Speedmax, rolling and grip being quite similar to the Ritchey. Good choice for racing long distance marathon mountain bike race on mixed terain.
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Submitted by
Huffy Lover
a weekend warrior
from Cedar Springs, MI Date Reviewed: September 10, 1997
Bottom Line:
This tire is absolutely amazing! I am currently running both front and rears. I ride about 50% pavement and 50% trails. I orginally bought the tire for the low rolling resistance for my commutes to work. I can do 5Mph faster on these than on knobbies when pumped up to 65PSI. Suprisingly these tires shine best on the trail! I run the front tire at 35PSI and the rear at 45PSI and can still maintain 20+MPH speeds on hardpack trails (It's soooo much fun to blow by a Cannondale while riding railtrails on my titanium Huffy MTB!). The most suprising thing about these tires is that they can hook up on rocks, gravel, roots and even do as good as my old knobbies in the sand. I have ridden perpendicular across 45+ degree grades on purpose to try to make the tires break free AND THEY JUST WONT! Once properly deflated these things stick like glue to nasty terrain. I now have 200 miles on them and they are wearing really well (just dont lock up the brakes on pavement, it tends to tear the knobs to shreds pretty quick)Get 'em and smoke your friends off the trails! Five Flaming Chillies for these tires.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Roberts
a cross-country rider
from CA Date Reviewed: September 10, 1997
Bottom Line:
This tire ROCKS but I get a lot of pinch flats But its worth it, It climbs like nothing else. Buy It you will Oh so happy.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bboy
a cross-country rider
from Saskatchewan Date Reviewed: September 7, 1997
Bottom Line:
I don't have thes but a friend does/did. They are as fast as they claim and being Conti's are about the best of their genre. However, if you ride in an area with sharp rock or possibly broken glass you may be better off with a proper knobbie. He ran over something and put a nasty slice in both tires. One was bad enough that I think it may be junk. The lack of knobs means that the casing is in direct contact with whatever is on the ground. Buyer beware. But since they do what they say.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a cross-country rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: September 6, 1997
Bottom Line:
This tire does what it is intended to do very well. For racing or training on dry, hard packed trails the low rolling resistence lets you kick some A. For wet, sandy or loose conditions do yourself a favour and use a tire designed for those conditions. The Double Fighter may not be the greatest all-around tire (although it's ability to hook up in the crap still suprises me) but in the right conditions they are the fastest thing around. Five Spice Girls.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a cross-country rider
from Silverthorne, Colorado Date Reviewed: August 29, 1997
Bottom Line:
I've been running the Dbl Ftr Dual Kevlar as a rear tire for the past 2 weeks. I love it. I can definitely push 1 or 2 gears bigger b/c of the decreased rolling resistance. I ride all types of terrain, but predominantly hardpack with some rocks and roots. Even with all of the monsoonal rains we've had, this tire still holds great. The only downfall is wet rocks and roots. I wouldn't recommend this tire as a front tire unless you were riding dry hardpack exclusively. I give it 5 chilis.
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Submitted by
florian breitenbach
a racer
from friedrichsdorf,germany Date Reviewed: August 23, 1997
Bottom Line:
These bits of rubber kick ass in the dry. Ive fitted one on my rear and it grips 90 percent of the time. Its only shit when its wet or sandy, but theyre not designed for that
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Submitted by
Jeremy Crane
a cross-country rider
from east lansing, MI Date Reviewed: August 17, 1997
Bottom Line:
the double fighter is great for hard packed dirt!!! but i used it in a muddy race today and it was swervinig all over.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Wright
a cross-country rider
from Louisville, KY Date Reviewed: August 13, 1997
Bottom Line:
I've now ridden with the Double Fighter Dual Kevlar as my rear tire for a few months. For reference, I ride entirely off-road on primarily Eastern-Style singletrack. First the good: 1) This tire is very, very fast compared with my previous traditional style tires. I can push one or two gears higher with the semi-slick tire. 2) The tire also has very good traction on climbs, although is requires slightly better technique than my old tire, a conti cross country. In fact, my technical climbing skills have improved out of neccesity, as I've relearned how to best distibute my weight and use my arms to pull the handlebars in time with the pedal stroke. With some practice I can climb everything that I could witj the old tire.3) The tire handles best on hardpack, but also deals well in the loose mud as it cuts right down to the harder trail underneath.Now the Bad:1) The tire washes out extremely easily on sharp turns, especially when the trail is sloping to one side. I attribute several crashes directly to the tire, including one which resulted in a broken rear derailleur, rear derailleur hanger, and a broken spoke. I had previously ridden the same section of trail in similar conditions with absolutely no difficulty on the old tire.2) The conti double fighter is quite expensive.I'm still riding with the double fighter, namely because of the dramatically reduced rolling resistance and consequent increased speed. I've learned to ride much more carefully and to scrub off speed earlier on downhills. However, I do think often about switching back to the Cross Country. I could ride with more confidence on the old-style tire. One note, a friend of mine who works in a shop seems to feel that the conti is the worst of the semi-slicks. He likes the Michelin best. I've also heard good things about the Panaracer.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EDDIE MORGAN
a weekend warrior
from ESSEX , UK Date Reviewed: August 13, 1997
Bottom Line:
As I commute 6 miles each way every day 60% on road I wanted a tyre that had a low rolling resitance but capable of handling a hardpacked seawall ride and a quick cut across a golf course. I hit paydirt as you yanks would say! They are faster than a fast thing on fast pills and can hack the stick of 2 flights of steps bit sketchy on the loose stuff but you learn to live with that. Exellent summer tyre.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin Tan
a cross-country rider
from Madison Date Reviewed: August 10, 1997
Bottom Line:
This tire is great for speed. Beware however, of the fact that it doesn't grip very well in loose stuff like gravel, especially in tight turns. I took them out to a state park nearby here and washed out in a downhill bend on gravel. Lots of cuts and stuff, so I'm speaking from experience. But for city riding, hardpack, I like this tire. I wanna give it a 4.5 but I'll round it up to 5 chillies.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marky MArk
a cross-country rider
from Date Reviewed: August 7, 1997
Bottom Line:
This tire is fast, very very fast. I use it on the rear on single tracks and it hardly never loses grip. even in a summer where you swim down the trails in mud and water, it speeds up any time you give power on the wheel...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Hadden
a cross-country rider
from Manchester, NH Date Reviewed: August 1, 1997
Bottom Line:
Being an engineering-type weenie, I am always intrigued by new products that push the envelope of convention thinking. I ride 3 to 4 times per week, and race the local EFTA series here in New England in the Sport class.These tires caught my eye, and I dismissed them as nothing more than marketing hype when I first saw them advertised. However, after slashing my rear Conti Traction Pro, and noticing that the front Conti Leader Pro was wearing down, I decided to give the Double Fighters a chance. These tires are not yet all that popular in my riding area, although I have seen a few mounted on the rear-only, combined with more agressive treads up front.I mounted both tires on my C-Dale F2000, and went out for a ride with one of my regular riding buddies. I instantly noticed a drastic improvement in the reduced rolling resistance on flat, smooth trails. It seemed that the bike just wanted to keep on going even when I wasn't pedalling, and with a lot less effort when I was.The only drawback I've noticed with these tires is trying to negotiaite high-speed turns in loose surfaces. I've had the front end wash out twice, in places where the treaded Conti's would never slip. On hard-pack surfaces these tires are the balls, but be careful when pushing them on the loose stuff! I also haven't had a chance to try them in wet conditions, as we've had a pretty dry summer.Overall, I give these a 4-star rating. I have a tough 30-mile race to do this weekend, and will see how they perform in race conditions.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
al padilla
a cross-country rider
from danvers, ma Date Reviewed: July 26, 1997
Bottom Line:
You have to consider conditions. Great on the boulders, but lousy on the loose stuff and for cornering in loose stuff. Great on hard, straight, fast trails
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
riley
a cross-country rider
from Date Reviewed: July 23, 1997
Bottom Line:
Finally purchased this tire and took it out for an afternoon test. Mounted it on the rear with a Leader Pro up front. Amazing. Stay seated, or climb standing with smooth power, and the grip is unbelievable. Sand performance is as good as many full knobbies, even moderately loose climb. I'm not sure from the looks of it if I would have the courage to put it on the front, but as a rear it is great. With this combo I am much faster than with other tires, and my post ride average speed showed it. If it is sketchy in turns or climbs, you more than make up for it in straight line speed and lower effort to move things along.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marvin
a weekend warrior
from Lake Oswego Date Reviewed: July 18, 1997
Bottom Line:
I recently switched to the Double Fighter from a pair of Navigator Pros, as it was finally starting to dry out here in NW Oregon. Since I ride everything from road to downhill, it appears to be an excellent all-around tire for both traction and rolling resistance. One caveat -- steep climbs in the mud are difficult for an old fart like myself without the grip of a knobby.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Carroll
a cross-country rider
from Austin TX Date Reviewed: July 11, 1997
Bottom Line:
I ran this tire for about a month. It worked well at first, cornered well and seemed to grip well. However once things dried up and the traction got a little looser it was all over the place. I had forgotten how nice my old Traction Pro was and noticed a huge improvement when I put it back on. Surprisingly the biggest problem I had with the Double Fighter was it's cornering, not climbing traction. Keep in mind that the conditions on some of the trails here in Austin will put any tire to the test, and I still think it's a nice tire. The decrease in rolling resisistance is very nice, but in dry stuff the cornering got a little scarry. I think it would be a very nice tire in wet or semi-wet areas and probably rocks in the Eastern US, but in the dryer Southwest it couldn't hold the turn well. Don't know about the durability because I hit some glass and slashed the tire pretty well so I wasn't able to run it for long, but if my experience with Conti holds it would probably outlast any of the other racing tires.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris B
a cross-country rider
from Chapel Hill , NC. Date Reviewed: July 11, 1997
Bottom Line:
I love this tire for damp to dry single track. Plenty of grip, I have used it to climb some fairly steep, techinical hills with no problems (at least not with the tire). It is also fast, 1-2 gears faster than my previous tire (Specialised More Extreme). I can highly recommend this tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a racer
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 9, 1997
Bottom Line:
I had limited expectation on this tire - I'd assume it'll work well on hardpack only and to my surprise this tire performs well in almost any condition - mud, soft loamy terrain, sand, loose dirt etc. And on technical climbs it performs as well as Velociraptor ( rear ) despite lacking any substantial treads. I wouldn't use it for fast downhill but for technical descent, rough terrain ( rocks, exposed roots ) it perform rather well. It's light, surprisingly more puncture proof than my old Tioga Psychos. I like this tire, a lot.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a cross-country rider
from austin, tx Date Reviewed: July 9, 1997
Bottom Line:
Since I have always been a big fan of Conti rear tires (nothing holds up as good in the rocks) I have been intrigued by the new Double Fighter, initially, I was very, very skeptical, I throw away tires with more tread on them.... I couldn't take it anymore, curiousity got the best of me. I got one. I tried it on the rear at City Park here in Austim, hardpack, loose rock, big rocks, sharp edged rocks, a bit of mud, you name it.I was amazed at how well it hooked up, I got to where I was trying to make it slip, intentionally picking bad lines, going up climbs in the gnarliest sections, up and over jagged rocks, pushing it in loose dirt corners, etc..This tire rocks. I need to do some wet weather testing, it rained last night so I will get a chance, but with what little mud/water there was yesterday I was going through it and then immediately trying to do a rock ledge, off-camber climb, it never once spun out.only time will tell, but initial impressions are very good. I always ride Kevlar beaded tires, but I decided to get the steel bead, natural rubber version, it weighs in at 550g, and is 20 bucks cheaper than the Kelvar beaded version.A buddy of mine is a race promoter and came by last night, he was at a local race on Sunday (that I didn't make) and said it was a very popular tire there, he talked with several people (who won) that were running them front and back and loved them (he too is a Conti fan)more testing to come: next, mud, slimey limestone. then as a front tire.So.. until further testing... I only give it a 4. Charles Coker Austin, TX
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Bielenberg
a racer
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: March 7, 1997
Bottom Line:
These are the best racing Tires ever made. They corner like on rails, they climb like riding on velcro, they are some of the lightest on the market, and the best part is they are faster than shit. The only thing these tires arn't made for is downhilling and maybe mud but, for fairly dry terrain there is nothing better. I would recomend these tires to any one who wants win.
Overall Rating:
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