Designed for superior traction in the most demanding conditions. The Survival Pro features the "Endless Edge" tread design in an aggressive open pattern that bites through every surface, with the exception of extreme hard pack or pavement. Also available as Survival Pro Tection.
57-559 (26 x 2,3) 700 grams 630 grams
57-559 (26 x 2,3)
Survival Pro Tection 710 grams 640 grams
Outstanding, and I run it az a front tire cannot imagine how will work as rear :)
I tested it like rear tire as well but it is 2.3 and for rear it is difficult to ride fast in mud with is it just grips too much in the mud for rear tire.
Well mine is Survival 2.3 Protection and punctures never happen i keep it on max pressure and still grips great.
Why this tire is no longer in production ?? Conty might be going mad not to make it.
It is light enough and in mud like front tire it slows just a little bit but grips great and on corners with high speed also.
Go for it is great and price is good even for every day ride all the year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gorilla Nips
a Cross Country Rider
from Lehi, UT Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
A.F. Ridgeline 157
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
Binghams Cyclery
Strengths:
Grip, sticks to everything! Love it!
Weaknesses:
Seemed to slip a little in the hardpack uphill, but nothing to really to make me hate it.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Roll-X
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpy FSR
Bottom Line:
These tires rock! I've got the 2.1's on the front and back, and it did a world of difference for me. I just swapped them out with the Roll-X because those felt really scary on the downhill. Felt like they were always going to slip out from under me and when going really fast the back tire felt like it was fishtailing. Not with these babies, I felt like I could give 'em hell and they'd stick with me the whole way. Love this tire, one of the better rides i've had because of them! And I've only done one ride, I bought them yesterday:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Dudley
a Weekend Warrior
from Oldham, Lancs, U.K Date Reviewed: April 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Glentress, Scotland
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Cyclehub
Strengths:
This is for the Kevlar bead 2.1" .. Light and very good grip. Very acceptable tread resistance for a tyre with big lugs. Last very well. Great on the back and quite good on the front.
Weaknesses:
I can't really complain other than the carcass is a bit thin. And also the width is slightly more akin to a 1.95" rather than a 2.1".
Similar Products Used:
Endless.
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision.
Bottom Line:
I have used this kevlar bead 2.1" for several years. It is better on the front than you would think but its main strength is on the back. Superb on mud, gravel and loose/soft conditions. But I think it is also very good on dry and hardpack. I note that some reviewers have shortcomings about the tyre's performance on hardpack but I have found no problems there. For me this is a good alround tyre, durable and reliable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dr. Wood
a Racer
from Tucson Date Reviewed: January 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
AZ Trail-Rincon Mountains
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Traction, durability, and continued performance as the tread wears. Good for front or rear.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, V-Brakes, Psylo.
Bottom Line:
Probably the best tire I have used. Great cornering in front and super rear traction. The tread starts really deep, which is great for traction, and as it wears, it keeps its grip, but improves its rolling resistance. When the tread lugs get pretty low in back, you can put it up front and it will still corner great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shawn malloy
a Downhiller
from Lynn, MA USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
BOW RIDGE (gone now:(
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Excellent grip in all conditions from rock faces to mud bogs, loose gravel to hard pack. Almost no knob deflection. Good sidewalls with the pro tection version.
Weaknesses:
none. maybe not the best tire for a front but still better than most. Best as a rear.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis- hans venture, minion, high roller, mobster. Nokian- gazzaloddi, nbx. Panaracer- fire series. Hutchinson- spider UST. Michelin- wild gripper, Hot s. Continental- vertical, vertical UST, gravity, gravity UST.
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi SLX, Fox 36, mavic 823's to hadley's and 721's to king. Standard shimano / race face mix. Thomson post and stem and easton monkeylite's.
Bottom Line:
I have tried just about every tire that is worth trying and NO company offers better tires than continental. The only catch is that I am light (135lbs) and have never needed a super beefy tire under me. If you are a big'un try the gazzaloddi's. Nokian's rank second in my book. Most european tire companies use REAL rubber not synthetic (maxxis). This provides the best grip to durability ratio available. I get better grip with any of my continentals than any of the maxxis Super tacky's. I run two sets of rims and thus two sets of tires. For freeriding I run my 721's with a survival on the rear and a vertical on the front. For DH I run 823's with gravity UST for rear and vertical UST for front. The continental's are predictable, stable and grip any surface you are going to ride. Continental has been making tires for nearly 100 years and it shows. If you are a serious rider you owe it to yourself to at least try these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO USA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Transfer Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Wheatridge Cycles (sale bin)
Strengths:
This tire has unbelievable traction on a variety of surfaces, but is at its best in loose, mud and snow. Even my stoker is amazed by the traction this tire has and it takes a lot to get comments like that from her. I have had problems with the sidewalls on Continental in the past. This tire has very strong, durable sidewall thanks to Pro Tection. It’s good to see a big company address a problem this well.
Weaknesses:
None found so far.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Traction Pro Tire and Nokian Boazobeana R
Bike Setup:
IBIS Cousin It (tandem), XT shifters, XTR derailleurs, LX cranks, 11-34 cassette, White Brothers TM 1.0, Hope Mono6ti (205mm rotors) front and rear and Phil Wood Disk/Mavic EX 729 wheels with a Continental Vertical Pro Tection2.3 on the front and a Continental Survival Pro Tection 2.3 on the rear
Bottom Line:
The best rubber we’ve had on the tandem so far is hands down the Vertical Pro Tection 2.3 on the front and the Survival Pro Tection 2.3 on the rear. They hook up solidly and track very well on every surface I have used them on. I would recommend them to any team for use on their two-seater mountain bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Conor
a Weekend Warrior
from salt lake city,ut,usa Date Reviewed: November 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
pipeline or slickrock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Spin cycle
Strengths:
Great grip in loose of wet dirt
Weaknesses:
havn't found any yet other than the loud noises from the nobby tread on pavement
Similar Products Used:
Specialized rockster
Bottom Line:
Great for climbing in dirt or other offroad terrain i love the way it grips into almost anything. Ive used this in so many different types of terrain, even snow, and the grip has never failed me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hora Horacek
a
from Surrey, UK Date Reviewed: October 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, light, it does grip and do what it should
Weaknesses:
Excess vibration when running high volume on roads............but its not designed for road riding, its designed for mountain bikes
Similar Products Used:
The Imelda Marcos of the tyre world
Bike Setup:
Ti sprung Heckler, Chris King ISO, King headset, 03 Z1 FR bolt through's etc etc
Bottom Line:
Its designed for mud and unlike some mud tyres its not unstable over hardpack/wet rock and back to mud. So many times I've walked into a bikeshop and spotted some new tyres, thrown off the Survival Pro's only to ease them back on again.
Now if only Conti could make their summer tyres puncher-proof from thorns......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a
from Scotland Date Reviewed: May 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great on dirt, in the mud. Looks.
Weaknesses:
Can slide out on wet hard surfaces
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Roll-X, Ritchey
Bike Setup:
'95 Cannondale CAD1, mainly deore stuff
Bottom Line:
Used 2.3 front and rear. Great traction offroad on dirt tracks or mud. Can slide out if braking on grass. High rolling resistance (and accompanying 'tractor tyre sound')on tarmac - great for building up the leg muscles! Wet pavements are a definite problem when the tires are new, slid out on me a couple times when using the front brake too vigorously - be careful! Also watch frame clearance, the large knobs can literally eat into your aluminium chainstays if there is any buckle or flex in the rear wheel. Tires held up well when hard-cornering, where other tires often distort ('squish' as I call it, if you know what I mean). Look great, lasted me a couple of years on and offroad. Lots of choice though at this size/price range.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenn
a Cross Country Rider
from Henderson Date Reviewed: February 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt on it
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop in Henderson
Strengths:
Great grip and soft pliable sidewall. Outstanding when used with Stans No Tubes. 2.3 rolls very well front and rear. Conti makes a very good quality product.
Weaknesses:
None yet. I can't even say price because you do get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis,Tioga
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 30,XT throughout, Chris King headset, Fox Vanilla 125, Thompson stem and post, Easton bar, Deore Disc etc.
Bottom Line:
For the trails in southern NV I have found these to be a great buy. I have been pushing Maxxis Minions 2.35 front and rear for a while now and they were nice. The Survival Pros are very easy to push even though I am running 2.3 front and back. On very steep climbs the Maxxis would break a tad bit and these bite very well with no release. They sound pretty sweet on pavement as well.
I would definately recommend to use Stan's No-Tubes as well. No more pinch flats and no more thorn flats! Southern NV has these stupid weeds that shed thorns all over the place.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcus75
a Weekend Warrior
from LA, CALI Date Reviewed: November 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Local Mountains
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Helen's
Strengths:
Wide and Long Knobs/Trends, good controls in wet and dry dirt trails.
Weaknesses:
Wide Trend make pavement rides very slippery, weight and not good for XC overall tires.
Similar Products Used:
Enduro S Works
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro Pro w/ Answer Carbon Protaper and Time Z Pedals.
Bottom Line:
Just had these installed on the rear after my enduro S Works started going balled. Looking for a tire that really digs into the dry dirt trails, these are excellent climbers because the long knows digs well. Also the wide trend design makes good traction. No Slips like with my enduro S Works Tires. Excellent fit with my specialized enduro pro because I do alot of rough terrain rides.
Had these on for only few rides, so don't know about the long term durability but much better climber than S Work. I would recommend these for climbing and if you are seeking tractions over wet and dry dirt trails. This is a very specific tire made for tractions over rough terrains, not a good XC or all round tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtbdirteater
a Cross Country Rider
from The Colorado Front Range Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the last one I ended on...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Westside
Strengths:
Consistant Continental quality, very grippy on rocks and decent rear braking when still new, good climbing tire on rear with 30-35psi. Kicks butt on damp dirt hardpack singletrack like after a rain where other more tightly spaced tread patterns pick up stuff and slide, good excelleration unless in four inches of dust, makes me think it would excell in mud if we ever had any... Fairly easy to mount on most rims like other Conti tires.
Weaknesses:
No Tubeless UST version, what's up with this void??? Wears fast on rocky trails, can pinch flat at optimum tire pressure for best traction 30-35psi, Not so great on dusty hardpack, but this tire is not designed for that. Bounces and tears up trails on a hardtail with higher air pressure, probably due to the same widely spaced tire tread that makes it such a great traction tire at lower pressure. My white "ProTection" logo on one side of the tire is peeling off, and it's a top layer of rubber, not a decal.
After three months of trail riding on it nearly every afternoon and weekend, I have more like round bumps than any sharp knobs left. A little expensive for how soft the rubber is, but you get great traction with it before it wears and dulls down.
Similar Products Used:
Many Conti, WTB, IRC, Panaracer, Hutchinson, Intense, etc.
Bike Setup:
Used as rear (2.3) tire with a 2.5-3.0 tube on DeeMax rims, disc, hardtail, 175lb rider wearing overloaded CamelBak...
Bottom Line:
Good specific purpose tire in loose rock and on rocky technical trails, a fast hard pack tire this ain't. I like this tire as a rear for climbing loose stuff better than a rear Velociraptor, which is great too. Some noticeable rolling resistance on hard pack, but you'll have that the more aggressive and widely spaced the tread pattern.
If you ride asphalt to your trails, pavement eats this tire for lunch. ProTection sidewall is worth it, only pinch flatted this tire once, but at about 40mph blasting down rocky Rollins Pass. I'm sure a downhill tube would have held up better in it that day with what I was riding down after looking at the snakebite, but if getting that heavy, might as well look at a 2 ply light downhill/freeride tire like an Intense EX 909 2.35 if it will fit between your chainstays.
A Survival Pro may make a good downhill tread if they actually made it as a thicker (heavier) downhill tire in a harder rubber compound, but it is cool that you can use this aggressive tread where you need it in an XC weight tire, gives you a little edge in some places.
Mud performance? I can't tell you about mud, because I live in Colorado and rarely have mud, will have to try this tire in the snow, and I'm trying a 2.1 ProTection on the rear next.
I've never tried this tire on front, a Vertical ProTection or Vertical UST (2.3, because that's all they make) makes a great front for this tire on Colorado trails.
Tread about half worn down with nearly every day riding for three months, but sharp edges wore off after about a month, turning this tire into something different, looks like the edges of all my knobs are chipped off and rounded now.
It worked so good though when it did, that I will keep using a Survival Pro on the rear on trails that it eats, so I call this a good specific purpose tire, that like many good things, doesn't last forever. If you have a specific need for a traction solution on loose and rocky technical stuff, this may be your rear tire, and hooks up great climbing just about anything with a surface if you don't ride hanging out over your stem, there is not enough surface contact on the knob tips back there to keep you in line if you like riding on your front wheel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from MA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Great traction in loose conditions, great mud evacuation
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance, but I don't think these are "general purpose" tires. They work in mud or loose conditions, and in other applications may suffer.
I bought these tires on closeout from Colorado Cyclist for $22 each. I have the 2.1 Survivals, which are fairly narrow tires. However, in loose conditions, they are superb. There really isn't much hardpack where I live, so I'd imagine that they might be a bit squirmy because of their high knob profile. However, the large widely spaced knobs tear up loose terrain.
The sidewalls are fairly stiff and thick, so they aren't the lightest tires out there, but they are pretty durable. I say in the conditions that they are meant for, they get 5 stars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric W
a Cross Country Rider
from Henderson NV. Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bootleg Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great in dry loose, sandy, gravely and rocky conditions. Average to better than average on hardpack with loose coating. Does good on mudd ( what little we get here. ) Very good shock absorbing characteristics, on rough trails. Mountable by hand, onto Sun Rhyno Lite rims!
Weaknesses:
Price is a little high, but I wouldn't want Continental to reduce the price, if it means reducing the performance and reliability. There is no 2.5 size. I would like to try a 2.5 on the front with a 2.3 on the rear someday. (lifes not perfect, LOLs.)
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Hot S. (After many hours experamenting with pressures, I think the Hot S, is one of the worst tires ever made.) Specialized Roll X Pro, Team control and Team Master.
Bike Setup:
FSR XC with Sun Rhyno Lites.
Bottom Line:
Excellent tire for the east side of the Las Vegas Valley. It will propell you through sand and gravel with no problems what-so-ever. The Survival Pro is slightly weaker on Hard pack, but more than makes up for that by letting a person "fly" over the extreme terrain (there is lots of that around here.) In the sand and gravel, the tall knobs "paddle" you through and let the casing float on the top, so the tall knob height doesn't cause an increase in rolling resistance when the tire is used in its intended applications. I'm using a 2.3 on the front, and a 2.1 on the rear. I weigh 215 lb and run 37 psi in the front, and 45 psi in the rear. This gives me, very good to excellent, floatation and traction everywhere. The bottom line is this. I brought several tire sets with me when I moved here from California, and none of them, comes even close to these, in very extreme dry, gravely, sandy and rocky conditions. I'm giving 5 chilis overall, for extreme desert riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimm
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal Date Reviewed: September 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$26.00
Purchased At:
InCycle
Strengths:
Traction; durability; work well in all conditions except VERRRRY hard pack and/or pavement; good resistance to punctures.
Weaknesses:
Weight; cost (I purchased mine at a "2Fer" sale...2 for the price of one); wear fast when used on pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga, Panaracer, WTB, Jones, etc. etc.
Bike Setup:
'03 Ellsworth ID; full XTR with Avid mechanicals and Velocity rims
Bottom Line:
Excellent traction! I find them very predictable and functional. The whirrrring sound on the pavement should not be considered a "weakness"; hey, they were designed for dirt, rocks, ruts and roots -- not asphalt/concrete. That would be like saying "no traction at all in the mud" as a weakness for a road tire. Overall, they are one of my all time fav tires....moved past Tioga.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Weekend Warrior
from Lisbon, Portugal Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Econauta (Lisbon)
Strengths:
Good traction and good grip on loose and sandy terrains. VERY GOOD grip on mud.
Weaknesses:
Medium/high rolling resistenc on hardpacked terrain, tarmac, etc
Bike Setup:
Marin with Bomber Z1 Wedge 130mm MAgura Julie FR; HS-33 Tr; Rims Mavic D321 ; D521; Onoff Morph Riser bar and other Onoff comp; XT Hubs, Grip shifts ,..
Bottom Line:
I own the Conti Survival Pro 2.3 (on front wheel). Not much heavy for a 2.3 tire.Good thread design. Residual mud removed quite easy.Stable cornering oin loose and soft terrains, like sand, gravel, rocks, mud. A good tire for Freeride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
UpdateFrom GlowBoy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR USA Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anywhere in Oregon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
River City Bikes
Strengths:
Great grip in soft mud. Fantastic cornering in deep loose dry conditions. Reasonably light.
Weaknesses:
Terrible in hard clay mud. Wash-out/spin-out is unpredictable. Terrible grip on hard surfaces. VERY high rolling resistance. Buzzing of knobs sounds like it's hitting the chainstays. Painfully expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Alligator Gold 1.85 and 2.0, Alligator black 2.0, Tioga 2.3 DH, various older Specialized, Ritchey and Conti products
Bike Setup:
Rigid V-brake singlespeed.
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my earlier review. Sorry, but I'm voting the Survivor (er, Survival) off the island and putting it up for sale. After more rides, here's what I've found.
First the good: this tire is (1) great in soft thick mud, and (2) fantastic in loose dry sand or gravel. In the former it ties with the Alligator for overall grip, and in the latter it is by far the best tire I have ever used. Also, (3) it rarely packs up with mud.
The bad: (1) it absolutely blows on firm clay-based mud. The side knobs just won't dig in, and you will go down. (2) it doesn't break loose predictably, front (slides out without warning) or rear (spins out without warning). (3) its grip on wet or dry hardpack or pavement is horrible. With those tall knobs, the contact patch is too small. (4) Rolling reistance is a nightmare - I'm not usually sensitive to this, but this tire is a lot of work to push along any kind of firm surface. My Tioga DH rolls MUCH faster! (5) On the trail, the tread makes a loud, almost metallic buzz that absolutely sounds like it's rubbing the chainstays - except it isn't! It really is just the sound this tire makes on dirt. I know others who have experienced the same problem. (6) I paid $45 for the ProTection version!
Bottom bottom line: Some people swear by this tire, but it just didn't work out for me. When it was good, it was very good ... but the range of conditions where that was true was VERY narrow. I strongly recommend the Hutchinson Alligator (any version) instead. I'm downgrading my rating to 1 chili for value, 2 overall.
The Gator performs as well or better than the Survival in all conditions except loose/dry, and is FAR, FAR more versatile and predictable. Rare to find a mudder that's also a good all-rounder, but the Hutchinson is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kjr39
a Cross Country Rider
from Near Ann Arbor Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
Awesome in mud/snow. Okay weight for what you are getting.
Weaknesses:
Hard pack...
Bike Setup:
Stock '02 Trek 8500
Bottom Line:
This is my winter tire set and it is a great tire for mud or winter riding. I'm running a 2.3 in the front and a 2.1 in the back. Hardly any slippage and good float over snow.
Hard pack on the otherhand is try at your own risk. Now that it is getting dryer out, I'm swapping these for a faster rolling, more predictable tire for summer. This is own though... Read the box that they come in and it pretty much tells you not to use them on hardpack...
Would I buy them again? Yep.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Bemel
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Big air vollume, high quality casing, outstanding traction on most types of soil, decent price
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance, wear quickly on pavement
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Wild Gripper XL and Front S, Panaracer (I forget type but they were big and had widely space knobs)
Bike Setup:
A hardtail built with a focus on durability rather than light weight.
Bottom Line:
These tires are unbeatable in loamy soil. The traction is wonderful, especially cornering traction, but going and stopping traction are great as well. They work really well in mud with great traction again, and they clear the mud better than any other tire I've used. The high air vollume is nice on my hardtail as I can run them relatively soft (30-35 lbs/sq. in.) and just float over roots and rocks. I would not recomend them if any of your rides include pavement as the rolling resistence is pretty high and they will wear quickly. I've ridden them on pavement for maybe 10 miles, and I could tell I was wearing the knobs down. I examined them after the ride and there was more wear than would have happened in dirt. I haven't tried them on any hardpack, but I imagine the rolling resitance and wear factors would come into play there as well. Overall, great tires, outstanding for what they're designed for. I'm taking one point off the overall rating for the wear factor on hard surfaces. You might want to consider how many of your rides include any hard surfaces and keep that in mind when considering this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
darth vader
a Weekend Warrior
from Dvo. Phil. Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
excellent traction in wet condition, mud. it sheds mud in no time. great front tire. surprisingly, it has a longer tread life than i expected.
Weaknesses:
as a rear tire, it vibrates on pave road. (yeah its not intended for road, but I need to ride the road to get to the trail)
Bottom Line:
bottom line if you ride in wet offroad terrain/mud/wet loose surface/wet gravel/roots/wet soil/wet grass, you have two choices MAXXIS SWAMPTHING 5.0 or CONTI SURVIVAL 3.0. their both excellent for the purpose.
I've tried the following setup, IMHO:
1. conti survival front & rear tire - excellent setup but something is missing on rear side.
2. maxxis swampthing front & rear tire - excellent setup but something is missing up front.
3. maxxis swampthing rear & conti survival front - excellent setup that suits my riding style. minimal wash out up front and excellent rear traction. it brings me to new limits in cornering on wet condition.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G Man
a Downhiller
from West Linn Date Reviewed: February 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hospital Hill near Hood River
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Phat Tire
Strengths:
Widely spaced angled knobs make for good traction in loose and wet/muddy conditions. Sheds mud well.
Weaknesses:
SLOOOOOOOOOW! This is the slowest tire I've ever ridden and I thought the Conti Pro series was bad!
Similar Products Used:
Way too many tires to list.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Tazmon set up for freeriding (now switched to a Blur).
Bottom Line:
I have the 2.3 version with sidewall protection. Good tire for a larger (above 180 lbs) rider in the Pacific NW where wet conditions are the norm (which probably explains the high rating since nearly all the reviews I read are from Portland riders!). Smaller riders like me would do better with a narrower tire. I understand Conti came out with a 2.0 or 2.1 version? If anyone would like to trade for the narrower ones, I'd be happy to! Or a 2.4 Motoraptor (my favorite tire to date).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chriss grant
a Racer
from moolooabah sunshine coast queensland australia Date Reviewed: February 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
australian bush
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$168.00
Purchased At:
brisbane australia
Strengths:
Grip,traction,tracks like its on rails,it is very stable in deep ruts,and when it is messy it comes into its own
Weaknesses:
none, however they were correct when conti gave it a one star, for rolling resistance,takes just a little bit of extra effort to get it rolling( maybe i"m to critical)
Similar Products Used:
continental,alanta,traction pro. only use conti tyres
Bike Setup:
a Super E(super endurance) specific build,garry fisher frame (old one)azonic ptw,specialised,shimano,stuff.blah,blah,blah
Bottom Line:
This tyre blew me away with the way it tracks, in the rough stuff at speed,I race super E MTB,it is the same format as the world ralley championship for cars,staged races at naximum speed,the stability and traction of this tyre is amazing specially in rough dence wooded areas and loose surface stages,when you turn it goes exactly where you want it to go,i did not any slipping or loss of traction at all and when i got to the muddy stuff well it was unbeatable my stage times hane improved and it is due to this tyre its great gear
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nathan
a
from asheville nc Date Reviewed: February 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
laurel mtn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
colorado cyclist
Strengths:
great traction on roots. when the going gets slippy these tires hook up. they also perform well in the dry with as the sticky rubber keeps you locked to the trail. i took them out in snow for the first time last week and once again they did not let me down. contenetial's endless edge keeps the bike locked down in the turns. these tires are also bomb proof on rocky descents.i have been on them for six months and no flats. they also work well with stans no tube system. if you make these tires tubeless they only get better
Weaknesses:
the wide blocks do not bite through the leaves but thats the only weakness
Similar Products Used:
maxxis mobsters
Bike Setup:
santa cruz superlight, xtr drive train, avid disc, ust wheels, black 100/120 fork
Bottom Line:
if you live where their are roots and rocks and need maximum traction these tires are for you. contenential makes a great tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce Brown
a Cross Country Rider
from Vienna, Austria Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hameau Strecke
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
MountainBiker
Strengths:
This review is for the set of Survival Pros I own and have used since the start of Autumn 2002. I waited until now to post a review to evaluate how they do throughout the mud, leaves, rain and snow of the Vienna Woods.
Here is my set:
2.3 Pro up front 2.1 Pro Tection on the rear
-Secure grip to take me through conditions I had no idea a bike could ever venture.
-Plowing through gooey, clay type of mud with ease.
-Climbing and descending in wet leaves covering several inches of thick mud.
-Climbing and descending in various snow conditions.
-I like the cosmetic looks of the tires as well.
-And after reading all the reviews, I was surprised how well they do on pavement which I have to travel on going to and from the trailheads. Many reviews said "forget about it on pavement", but I haven't lost any traction on the pavement I have encountered.
Weaknesses:
None that I know of for their intended purpose. If I have to choose a weakness that seems obvious, it would be handling on:
-wet roots
I quickly learned that you have to almost anticipate a possible slip on steep ascents or fast turns to adjust your pedal force and speed to prevent the slip by adjusting before it happens. Once that adjustment is made and you anticipate rather than wait for loss of traction, they work like a champ.
Similar Products Used:
No extreme condition tire previously used before these. Familiar only with the tires I own and use: Panaracer XC Fire Pro, Bontrager Jones AC, Schwalbe Big Apple and IRC Metro.
Bike Setup:
Trail: 2002 Trek 8000 with Avid CPS 185mmm disc brakes and Mavic 317's. Commute and Road: 1989 Trek 820 updated with XT, Avid SD 5's & Mavic 517's.
Bottom Line:
Originally recommended to me by the "Oregon Boys" here on the MTBReview site who know what mud is all about, I took the plunge to invest in a pair because the mud does not dry between October and April here in Austria. I was, pardon the pun, 'hooked' on the first ride with them when I thought my season was over in late September when the Panaracers were spinning out and slipping all over the place so badly that I was going to have to wait until April or May to ride the trails again. The Survival Pros changed all of that and I have not missed a week of riding throughout the entire fall and winter to date. The Survival Pros have been working as an excellent snow tire set the past 7 weeks and with my PSI adjusted in the rear for snow, I have been climbing all of my usual steep grade trails in the snow that I hit during the dry months.
I'm a believer in this product based on the past 6 months of use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jesper w
a Weekend Warrior
from Denmark Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
web shop
Strengths:
light, in the folding version, mud shedding, glued to the trail
Weaknesses:
could be a little more self cleaning, but this is no big deal since it rolls so fast
Similar Products Used:
a lot.
Bike Setup:
ets-70 rocky
Bottom Line:
Best tire i have ridden for vinter trail biking, my riding buddies cried about how the conti was tracking, shedding mud, while they were getting whipped. it just rides like a tractor, and the 2.3 with is nice. a german mag measured its rolling rest. and it was lower than most other wtb, panaracer. for summer in the rear i would go for an xls 2.1
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan GlowBoy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland OR Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anywhere in SE Oregon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
River City Bicycles
Strengths:
Good mud tire - good grip, doesn't pack up much, though the Alligator is better. The BEST tire I have ever ridden in loose, dry conditions. And an amazingly cushy ride.
Weaknesses:
As a rear tire, breaks loose abruptly on muddy climbs. High rolling resistance. Poor grip on firm surfaces due to the tall knobs. So loud that even on hardpack dirt it sounds like it's buzzing the chainstays when it's not. Expensive, and deals are hard to come by.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Alligator 2.0
Bike Setup:
10 year old rigid Fuji Sundance, now converted to singlespeed.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2.3 Survival ProTection. Although this is designed as a mud tire, I strongly prefer the Hutchinson Alligator (the standard by which all others are judged) for that purpose, especially in back. The Survival has a lot of climbing traction, but when it breaks loose it does it abruptly and spins out completely, whereas the Alligator gives you a lot of warning and allows you to module power near the limit and keep climbing. As a front tire, I just don't have the confidence to push it hard in slippery situations
It is a really amazing tire tire in loose, dry conditions (deep sand, gravel, loose rocks, etc.), especially in front. It really hangs on and I'm amazed how hard you can push it with total confidence that it won't wash out on you. Unfortunately its performance really drops on firmer surfaces so it's hard to recommend it as an all-rounder for dry conditions.
It's not really a 2.3, but it IS about the biggest tire that will fit a lot of bikes. It is about the same size as the 2.0 Alligator, which I'd thought of as a smooth-riding tire, but this thing is really cushy. On my full rigid that's a nice thing.
It sounds like the Vertical 2.3 ProTection might actually be the ideal tire for drier conditions - in other words, nearly as good as the Survival when things are loose, but much better on the hardpack, and still decent in the occasional mud. I will test this tire and post a review this summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: January 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek, Emma Long, Greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
phattire.com
Strengths:
looks agressive, hooks up really well in mud and loose rocks, had no flats for the short time I rode them.
Weaknesses:
gives out on corners, really heavy, my friends with lower profile tires waste me even in the worst conditions
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, WTB Motoraptor, WTB Mutanoraptor
Bike Setup:
'03 Access XCL, Disc Brakes, XT everything else minus some titec stuff
Bottom Line:
This tire sucks...for my type of riding. I got the 26x2.3 ProTection version hoping for a lot of traction and better riding in general. Well, I got just that but at a price: these things are just incredibly slow and heavy.
My riding buddies flew right past me on anything flat or uphill despite trail conditions. Downhill these things rocked and I was able to catch up, but once the trail flattened out again they were gone while I tried to pedal my hardest to keep up.
I'll never forget my first muddy corner with these tires, though. I was going on a downhill slope and hit a small curve where the mud turned into softpack and my tires just gave way, tossing me over to the other side and almost into a tree. Most tires will slide out a little but catch and then either take hold or will completely give way allowing some time for you to react. The conti's just slid straight out with no warning or attempt to grip.
I switched back to my Fire XC tires after 3 rides with the conti's and the difference was just amazing. Great traction, no spontaneous slides, and I can keep up with my friends again.
The conti's are good in their own way. I only ride XC so I wasn't using them for what they were meant to be used. These would probably be great downhilling or freeriding tires, or best used in a place like Oregon or Florida that gets a lot of rain.
Get these if you want great traction in mud and other loose stuff at the cost of speed, weight, and stability on hard pack. Don't get these if you do anything that resembles XC riding/racing.
Value: 3, they're freakin' expensive. Overall: 3, they're good if used right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Juice
a
from Seattle Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Sheds mud like mad, climbs like crazy when its soft
Weaknesses:
Loses traction instantly in corners, horrible on wet wood or rocks
Similar Products Used:
velociraptor, vertical, mythos, geax blade
Bike Setup:
Rocky Element
Bottom Line:
I've gotta disagree with everyone else. This tire sucks for my kind of winter riding. The problem is that when there's mud, there's also wet logs, roots or rocks. This tire is scary anytime you have an off-camber rock, built up stuff with a turn, and on most fast downhill corners. It lets go instantly and doesn't give you a chance to stay up like most tires. The side nobs are just too tall and flexy and you can hear them let go with a "pop" when they give out. The conti vertical pro or geax blade are much better tires for fast riders in the winter, plus they rock in dry variable stuff too.
However, if you ONLY ride soft & loose stuff with NO rocks or roots, this tire can't be beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jon
a Cross Country Rider
from tulsa, OK Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Turkey mtn area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
grip in soft, leafy, or sticky situations. Weight. Knob toughness. Mud clearing.
Weaknesses:
SOme say wall is too thin but I havent ripped one yet.
Similar Products Used:
Conti Vertical, Explorer, Montana. Fire XC pro. Kenda Gnarly (very similar). Various Bonty crap. WTB Mutano raptor. Tioga DH. Tons more.
Bike Setup:
Giant AC Air. Lots of custom crap.
Bottom Line:
These are the BEST trail riding tires for the fall and winter season. They punch through the leaves and grip in the mud yet leaves dont stick to them and mud doesnt stick to them. Unlike other tires that claim to shed mud these actually do it. I originally only used them in the rear but I have found that, since Conti added the new knobs, they grip quite well in the front.
They are a little sketchy over rock faces due to the sharp knobs and little surface contact, but this is acceptable when its wet because NO tire grips wet rock anyway.
The bottom line is that there is simply nothing better in harsh conditions. I have tried to find a better tire, and got pretty close with the Kenda Gnarly, but it didnt shed mud or leaves like the Survival does.
Im giving it 4 and 5 because its a little pricy yet it does the job better than anything else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jon
a Cross Country Rider
from tulsa, OK Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Turkey mtn area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
grip in soft, leafy, or sticky situations. Weight. Knob toughness. Mud clearing.
Weaknesses:
SOme say wall is too thin but I havent ripped one yet.
Similar Products Used:
Conti Vertical, Explorer, Montana. Fire XC pro. Kenda Gnarly (very similar). Various Bonty crap. WTB Mutano raptor. Tioga DH. Tons more.
Bike Setup:
Giant AC Air. Lots of custom crap.
Bottom Line:
These are the BEST trail riding tires for the fall and winter season. They punch through the leaves and grip in the mud yet leaves dont stick to them and mud doesnt stick to them. Unlike other tires that claim to shed mud these actually do it. I originally only used them in the rear but I have found that, since Conti added the new knobs, they grip quite well in the front.
They are a little sketchy over rock faces due to the sharp knobs and little surface contact, but this is acceptable when its wet because NO tire grips wet rock anyway.
The bottom line is that there is simply nothing better in harsh conditions. I have tried to find a better tire, and got pretty close with the Kenda Gnarly, but it didnt shed mud or leaves like the Survival does.
Im giving it 4 and 5 because its a little pricy yet it does the job better than anything else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mtn.Russ
a Cross Country Rider
from Mt. Hood, Or. Date Reviewed: October 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
pioneer briddle trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
River City Bicycles
Strengths:
Strong tire, great grip on rocks, and dirt
Weaknesses:
weight, but can a 520 gm tire last on 40 mile rides on lava rocks?
Similar Products Used:
tioga factory xc pro Extreme, Big-S team master-team control, Conti Vertical-Pro (great front tire), Panaracer
Bike Setup:
tracer 4" travel, Pylo SL '02,Monkey lite bars, Race Face stem & post & cranks & BB & head set, Shim- XT Drive train
Bottom Line:
Use 2.3 Vertical pro ( or pro tection ), and 2.1 Survival pro ( or pro tection ) in back for snow,mud,dirt,rocks,duff. GO Verticals front and rear in hard pack or sand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Portland, Or Date Reviewed: October 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bike Setup:
Scalpel, King hubs, WTB Laser Discs, 2.1's, and a hundred kilos of dead weight on the saddle......
Bottom Line:
They hook up nicely in loose and wet conditions. They seem to want to wander a bit at speed in a straight line, but when you lay them over it's like being on rails. I've been on tires that are sort of predictably loose (Mosquitos) all summer, so I'm sort of curious about how these behave when they let go. I'm still fiddling around with the tire pressures but feel pretty certain I'll settle on something close to 35f and 40r. I've yet to ride them extensively in the incredibly foul conditions I got them for here in Puddletown, USA (not that I'm complaining, mind you) but I've seen enough to know I'm not going to be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip
a Cross Country Rider
from Kodiak, Alaska Date Reviewed: October 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Incredible mud shedding ability. Superior traction in soft, wet conditions. Amazingly durable for how thin the side walls are (I have the older, non-Protection versions), incredibly durable tread for how far the knobs are spaced apart (I have about 18 months on them, and although the center knobs are only half their original height, they are still there). I ride over lots of extremely sharp rocks (slate) and the rubber is hardly cut or gouged. Incredibly supple casing (needs some pretty high pressure) The 2.3" likes wider rims (26mm+). Performs perfeclty for their intended conditions.
Weaknesses:
Louder than my King rear hub on pavement (ok, not really a bad thing to drown that out)! Not great in hardpack, smooth rock, the street, etc, but that's not what they were designed for.
Similar Products Used:
Hmmm... this is the first really great mud-tire I have found, so no comparison possible.
Bike Setup:
Turner XCE, discs, etc
Bottom Line:
I have the non-Protection style, in a 2.3", kevlar bead, from 2 years ago. They are about done, but I would not hesitate to get them again for wet, soft, muddy stuff. They aren't bad in loose gravel either. Some people complain that the tread wears out fast, but I have put a lot of miles on them and cannot agree. The tread is very durable considering how tall and far apart the knobs are. This is in soft, wet, generally non-abrasive conditions, though. They do well in snow too, and the air volume is certainly nice against pinch flats and for a big contact area. The casing is incredible supple. This means they conform to the trail contours and deliver phenomenal traction, but also need to be run at a pretty firm pressure and need wide rims so they don't squirm/fold/mush over. If you live around mud and have Rhyno Lites or Mavic 219's, get em. I ran them with Laserbeams for a while and that was ok, but as the ad goes, "wider is better."
They have come down in price a little (used to be like $60! for the Pro at first!), and are durable so 5 for value. They dig in like a butterfly anchor in mud, so 5 for overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul c.
a Weekend Warrior
from randolph, ma Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
border land and vietnam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
good traction, doesn't get flats
Weaknesses:
wore out in no time
Similar Products Used:
all types
Bike Setup:
01 bullit, jr t, hayes hyd., c.k. hubs, thomson post + stem, race face, ryno lites.
Bottom Line:
wore out too fast, in about 3 months, not even in prime riding season, out about once a week for 10 miles. replaced with nokian rear (this tire was used in the rear) tire, same size, 2.3, a light gazzaloddi, wearing like iron for 8 months now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty Kasteler
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the one in front of me
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Guthries
Strengths:
Amazing traction in mud, snow, and everything else besides hardpack. Great air volume for the weight.
Weaknesses:
Not so great on hardpack. When it lets go, it really lets go. Not an ideal front tire.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, IRC, Panaracer, and crappy bontrager.
Bike Setup:
Surly 1X1 (nothing but love) and a Specialized Enduro Pro.
Bottom Line:
I really love these tires. When they shine, they shine. They seem to grab into everything except hardpack. If you ride hard and dry conditions I'd recommend the vertical pro, another great tire. Right now I am riding a 2.3 vertical pro on the front and a 2.1 survival pro in the rear and it feels really balanced. I like the rear to let go before the front and the survival doesn't really drift when it lets go, it just lets go. Again, however, it's only in hardpack that it becomes an issue. These tires have a lot of air volume which I appreciate on the old single speed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa, OK Date Reviewed: July 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Amazing traction on everything except rock faces and extreme hardpack
Weaknesses:
wet rock faces give this tire real problems
Similar Products Used:
WTB Mutano, Fire XC, Conti Explorer, S-Enduro, Tioga DH, Bonty AC, on and on and on...
Bike Setup:
Giant AC Air. Set up for super technical XC/FR
Bottom Line:
This is the best soft conditions tire I have ever used. Does not pack with mud ever. It is acceptable on hardpack and is useless when climbing or braking on rock faces. Its pretty wide at 2.3, perfect for my rig. Corners well except for the rock face thing.
Unless its super dry this is your tire :) Kinda pricy though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Carvins Cove, Douthat
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
universal
Strengths:
Amazing traction and stability. Far beyond anything else I've used, front or rear. Not too heavy for it's size and traction it provides.
Weaknesses:
Pretty high rolling resistance.
Similar Products Used:
Front: Specialized Team Control Team Ed 2.0, Conti Vert Protection, Fire XC 2.1, Velociraptor
Rear: Fire XC 2.1 & 1.8, Velociraptor,
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight X-vert Super
Bottom Line:
This tire has amazed me. I ran it on the rear over this past winter, and it's ability to hook up in almost ANYTHING never ceases to amaze me. Sections where my Fire XC's or velociraptors would barely hook up in the best of conditions were easily cleared in some of the worst conditions with this tire in the rear. Loose, leaf-covered, soft, muddy, whatever, this thing was incredible! It does have a high rolling resistance, which you really notice in better conditions. On pavement (who cares?) or smooth hardpack it feels like you are sitting on a vibrator. I've switched back to a Fire XC in the rear now that it is drier out, because it rolls alot better, and on the rear it makes a difference. I think I will use this tire mostly when it is leafy, and/or wet out, such as fall, winter, and wet springs (In other words, when things get too sloppy for the Fire XC).
Last week, I decided to try it out on the front. I had been using a Vertical Protection, and while it rules on clean surfaces (including rocky) it kept washing out on me in turns that were even slightly loose. I was getting into more wrecks due to loosing my front end than ever before. I stuck the Survival Pro on the front and I am once again amazed by this tire. I can corner HARD on almost anything. The braking it very stable. The rolling resistance in not nearly as big an issue on the front as on the rear. I don't notice it slowing me down, because most of my weight is in the rear except braking and turning, and then the traction is incredible. I think the only time I would not use this tire would be if I knew I was going to be riding mostly clean harpack. But for everywhere I usually ride, which has a variety of conditions, (northern NJ and the Blue Ridge Mountains in VA) this tire will remain on the front year-round. If a ride was going to include alot of road miles, or was going to be all clean hardpack/rock (which does not exist around here) I would go with the Vert pro.
An excelent tire, worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bo
a Weekend Warrior
from philippines Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
excellent in mud. shedding mud capability is very good, traction in muddy condition is very good. i found it very reliable and has more traction in pave/road than my WTB tyranasauros 52/54. ive got the 2.3 version. The WTB Tsauros is very bad idea in mud.
Weaknesses:
some what pricey in our place and hard to find. but you get what you pay for nuff said.
buy this product if you ride in muddy, rocky, rooty, wet trail. i had a WTB tsauros 52/54 on my front and Conti Survival on my back. I suggest you use Survival on your front and back. I made a wrong decision buying tsauros it is very worse in mud! it eats mud and never sheds mud! on good side tsauros is one tuff tire, takes the tuff beating of sharp lime stones and doesn't pinch flat even under flated (20-26psi), i even had a 4 footer on flat landing on a nasty stones on it.
my Survival experience - not much yet but i had a 4 footer on flat landing with this one as a rear tire inflated at 30+-psi, downhilling on a nasty rocky and muddy like clay terrain. some short wet pave/road trip. all i can say is this is an excellent mud tire!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTBER
a
from Southern New Jersey Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah's Laurel MTN, Dupont's SlickRock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
PHAT TIRE.com
Strengths:
TUFF TIRE! Thick casing, Strong knobs, Great Traction, & Not to heavy. Great Wet/ mud tire,
Weaknesses:
None for whats it's made for! It's not a XC tire so who cares about rolling Resistance.
Similar Products Used:
WTB MYtuna raptor. Too thin.
Bike Setup:
Giant AC Air Lite Conti Survival PRO protection rear and Verticle Protection Pro front.
Bottom Line:
I took off my thin WTBs for these Conti's because I knew the WTBs wouldn't last on my trip to Pisgah & DuPont. The Survival Pro's gripped everything I threw at it. Except the "Wet' slickRock. I would recommend these to whom ever is interested, preferable a rear tire the verticle pro's are good for the front. I will run the Verts in the rear back in NJ in the Flat lands. In adverse wet and tough area's I will SURVIVE IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Kent, WA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Wide, knarly tread. Builds confidence in the nasty conditions, very light considering the tread available.
Weaknesses:
Not great on wet roots (but what tire is?)
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Panaracer
Bike Setup:
Custom Cannondale jekyll
Bottom Line:
These tires have saved my butt more that once. They almost never wash out. I'm using the 2.3 in the front and the 2.1 in the back. They reciently kept me from flying off a steep bank when I got a little wide in a fast turn. I just leaned into them and held on. The sidewall tread got a grip and carved the turn, left a big smiley face in the trail and me a little week in the knees.
Thanks Continental for saving my ass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sunshine
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area, Ca Date Reviewed: January 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Annadel State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
GREAT traction on all the knarly stuff. Sheds and grips mud like crazy. Good in the rocks, roots, loose stuff, ruts, etc...won't let ya down. Not too heavy, for the aggressiveness.
Weaknesses:
Barely fits my bike. However, thanks to it's great mus shedding capabilites I never get gummed up.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos-YUCK! Panaracer Fire XC, WTB MOTORaptor
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Toro Single Speed
Bottom Line:
This tire rocks! Use it on the back wheel and she shouldn't let you down. I plan on throwing one on my Titus if it will fit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Trenton, NJ Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
off line
Strengths:
The tire has really good traction. And it takes big hits. It doesn't hold mud.
Weaknesses:
After about 4 months i would usually get a rip in the sidewall. The rubber wears fast. I would suggest using a dh tub in it.
Similar Products Used:
wtb
Bike Setup:
Brooklyn machine works
Bottom Line:
The tire works great. Even though i rip the sidewalls i still buy the tire because i never blown it out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WES
a Weekend Warrior
from KANSAS CITY, MO, USA Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Landal
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$41.00
Purchased At:
midwest cycle
Strengths:
bullet proof siding, superb grip, sheds everything! 2.3 width that can take hit. so damn aggressive lookin'
Weaknesses:
none if you keep them on the nasty trails and off the hard-pack and pavement!
the tires i bought are the new "protec" version which cost a couple bucks more. i never rode the original s-pro's so i can't say if the protec version are worth the extra $$.
these tires are great!! they grab a hold of everything whether it is wet, muddy, or rocky..... even if you began to spin, the tires recover quickly. i only lost traction 3-4 times on my last ride through loose, steep, leaf covered trails and ever time the tires eventually grabed after a one or two cranks. never fully lost traction durning the entire ride!
these tires are very slow on flat, hard-packed trails. but they kick a$$ on rough, rocky, wet-n-muddy type trails. these tires do everything they are supposed to and then some. so if you are in need for a great winter weather tire and don't mind dropping some extra bones, these are what you need!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
papa puppet
a Cross Country Rider
from Saratoga, NY Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Spier Falls Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Phattire.com
Strengths:
Wide spaced blocks for excellent clearing. GREAT traction in rough conditions. This tire really holds on and if it breaks loose keep pedaling and it will recover and get you moving again.
Weaknesses:
None for my type of riding - but probably not ideal for all riding conditions ie. Slickrock. Expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Enduroraptors, Pythons, etc. etc.
Bike Setup:
2001 Large Titus Loco Moto w/ 4" up front XT/XTR/SRAM
Bottom Line:
My rides feature steep climbs in very loose rocky, rooty, rough terrain. These are the best tires I've tried so far in these conditions. I love being able to crank and crank and keep moving. Just got back from a steep ride and was totally impressed with this tire - if you're riding similar terrain you won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a
from Sparwood, BC Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Deadman's Pass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Olympia Cycle
Strengths:
Grips in all conditions in all terrain
Weaknesses:
A little slow rolling on hardpack with inflation pressure below 45psi
Similar Products Used:
IRC Backcountry, Fear Master, Fear Control, various other brands
Bike Setup:
98 Rocky Mountain DH Race, freeride
Bottom Line:
This is the best gripping tire I have ever used. It is excellent in mixed conditions where you'll find rocks, hardpack, loose dirt, etc. It grips and clears really well in mud, better than any mud tire I've ever used. The tire's volume is a little larger than 2.25 so it provide lots cushioning. The only place the tire seems to slip is on hardpack with a bit of loose sand on top but it recovers quickly. Climbs well. Just let go on the downhills you don't have to worry about sippage because the tires steer well. Overall a great tire for all around riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Pheonix Date Reviewed: March 18, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Trail 100
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Landis Cyclery
Strengths:
unparalelled traction,Protection sidewall-maybe it wont dry rot like the old conti's.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
conti comp pro 1
Bike Setup:
93 Bridgestone MB-4,Indy fork
Bottom Line:
Absolutely the best tire on the market for loose and extremely rocky terrain, probably even better than the comp pro series due to increased size. This tire climbs like crazy, corners like it's on rails and floats over sand like a dunebuggy. Also, if it's anything like the other conti's I've had it will last twice as long as other tire in the rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: January 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Surveyors Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
universalcycles.com
Strengths:
Traction in extremely loose conditions including mud, sand and snow.
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance. They seem to wear quickly if ridden too much on dry pavement (limit your test riding).
Similar Products Used:
Ride Panaracer XC Pro in dry months. They clog more easily in mud and don't offer the wet traction that the Survival Pros do in the loose stuff.
Bike Setup:
n/a
Bottom Line:
These tires are extremely good at what they are designed for, which is loose surfaces. They provide a ton of traction in pedaling, braking and cornering. They shed mud well in all but the stickiest of muds (Hagg Lake in the fall). These are also very good in the snow. Their width and large tread allow for very good snow performance as well.
They do have a high rolling resistance and do not offer great traction on the hardpack or pavement, but that's not what they are designed for.
Overall they are very good tires when used in the wet or loose conditions they are designed for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tedman
a Cross Country Rider
from east windsor, ct Date Reviewed: December 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
benidorm
Strengths:
great grip in loose, muddy, rocky and rooty conditions
Weaknesses:
heavy, high rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
hutchinson alligators
Bike Setup:
sugar 1 w/mods
Bottom Line:
these are great tires for less than ideal conditions, especially during fall and spring when trails stay wet. Better grip, higher rolling resistance than alligators. Weight makes for slower acceleration, but these aren't racing tires, so that's not important.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: December 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
City Park, anything MORE technical
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
tons of traction, front and rear
Weaknesses:
lots of rolling resistance (of course, it's a huge tire with big knobs!)
Similar Products Used:
name it
Bike Setup:
at the moment, 01 Truth, 01 Xfly, XTR, King
Bottom Line:
I needed some agressive tires for the unusually wet riding we have had in Austin lately, lots and lots of slimy rocks and mud... long time Conti fan here... they work great and provide a lot of traction and confidence, just slow, (used to riding 500g Explorer Pros) but for when it's nasty and you are doing technical, off camber, loose, muddy, rocky stuff, where you will go faster if you feel confident that your tires aren't going to slip out from underneath you, these are great
I ran 35 front and rear when it's not quite so nasty I put on a Hutchinson Alligator 1.85 (more like a 2.1) on the rear this is a great, great combo the Alligator _hooks_ up but has a lot less RR than the Survival Pro, (same weight though)
very cool
Charles Coker
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sycoholic
a Cross Country Rider
from Jackson, NJ Date Reviewed: November 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Hartshorne
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Halters Cyclery
Strengths:
Large widely spaced tread pattern.
Weaknesses:
Large widely spaced tread pattern.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga's, IRC's
Bike Setup:
GT XCR with Avid mechanical disc.
Bottom Line:
Great for loose, or muddy terrain. I raced on them once. Great traction all around, but horrible to ride on the road. I'm riding on leaves this time of year... Have had not traction problems. I'm running this tire on the rear with a Vertical Pro up front. Excellent combo, anthough I'll probably wind up putting another Vertical Pro in the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Yokota, Japan Date Reviewed: November 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
- Incredible bite in loose, soft, or muddy soil - light for a 2.3" - perfect for my weekend warrior trips
Weaknesses:
pavement, but who cares?
Similar Products Used:
Hutch Alligator Conti Pro 1 WTB Tyranoraptor Pana Fire XC
Bike Setup:
Raven 700 SX set up for clydesdale trail- & free-riding
Bottom Line:
I've got the wire version and only used it up front, but...very stable and have not slid out any at all. Not for XC, not for pavement/hardpack. The bomb for loose, muddy conditions. Great on rocks & roots--wet or dry! Possibly the ultimate extreme conditions/free-ride tire. Easily sheds mud!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: August 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Peaks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
REI Denver Flagship
Strengths:
huge knobbies, killer grip, corners tight
Weaknesses:
none so far...
Bike Setup:
Kona, STX, XT, Z2 zokes
Bottom Line:
These tires rock! They stick and tear into any type of trail you might be on! From what I understand they clear mud well. These guys grab and hold on. There is no question in my mind that these are the best tires that I have ever used. Get them if you are serious about riding. The rolling resistance isn't nearly as increased as I expected.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zeb
a
from Alanasa, Indiana Date Reviewed: August 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
This great run I made up through ISU's campus
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Huge tire! Haven't got to ride but more than an hour yet.
Weaknesses:
ummm... same as above
Bottom Line:
WEll I am an urban assault/dirt jumping style rider, I wanted a funking huge tire to take a beating. Maybe the knobs are a lil to big for road riding, but all I do is jump off big sets of stairs so they surve my purpose well. They are very slow on pavement, but that was expected.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jyri Laitinen
a Cross Country Rider
from Kauniainen, Finland, Europe Date Reviewed: July 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Espoo Central Park Singletracks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent grip on the rocks and roots. Those slippery when wet roots were earlier bit of a problem, but not anymore.
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance on pavement, but hey they are ment for serious MTBing not for cruising on the streets.
Similar Products Used:
My first 2.3", Onza's Racing Porks
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyl 2000SL (Europe model) with Lefty and riser bar.
Bottom Line:
They are bit pricy (at least in Finland), but 4 rocky&roots they R excellent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, Utah Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
desolation lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Unreal traction unless you waste your mountainbike on pavement. Just as good as any other great tire, just with more traction in worse conditions.
Weaknesses:
Turning versus some other tires for the front. Only comes in 2.3 inch.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Specialized, Geax, Continental
Bottom Line:
If you just love to ride anytime anywhere this may be the best rear tire available. I have it mated to an explorer-pro up front which is perfect for my riding preferences. Strict freeriders will undoubtedly love it either way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis Murphy
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, CO Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Wyomong
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Wide foot print, loads of traction, corners as if on rails. Did a ride outside Laramie yesterday and it was a mix of rocks, sand, pine needles and 1" deep mud. These tires were the best ever in all these conditions. I am partial to Continental tires. I had to take off the Vertical Pro's this winter since they packed with mud and jambed in the seat and chain stays. But the Survival Pro's have a more open pattern and shed mud much better. In fact the tread pattern looks a little funky-I did not think they would be as good as the Explorer Pro or Vertical Pro's, but they are even better. I bought these with Conti's version of "anti-snakebite" and it really works. Continental tires always seem to work best right on the edge of not enough pressure, which can lead to flats. But not these. You can run them "soft" and not worry about them going flat. Remember-what is soft to one person is too hard for someone else. So you just have to figure out the best pressure for you own weight, bike and style. Enough-if your in the market for some new tires, these should be a good bet. I'm sold. The only other thing I may try is putting on of my Vertical Pro's up front.
Weaknesses:
None yet other than cost, but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Panracer, Onza, Tioga, Specialized. Way too many. No more though since Conti's are the way to go.
Bike Setup:
Turner XCE, Z-2 Atom 80, Syncros and XTR.
Bottom Line:
Great, great tires for all types of conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, CO, USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
what ever I'm on at the moment
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Intelligent design, work well in all conditions -even OK in hardpack; no problems on the slickrock. Float through talcum-powder sand (keep psi as low as possible)and corner as if on rails. Will get you up as steep and rugged terrain as your legs can power you on and will get you down as steep and rugged terrrain as you dare. Added braking power. I've coupled the Survival Pro in the rear with a Vertical Pro in the front and its the BEST. Light in weight and outperforms every single tire that I've used in my 14 years of riding. NO complaints, but if I wanted to get nitpickey:
Weaknesses:
I could say that they're a bit pricey, but for this kind of performance I'd say that it's money well spent. Go the extra mile for the Kevlar beaded/reinforced sidewall.
Similar Products Used:
You name it, save for the ultra light slick-style tires. Smokes, 'raptors, Ritcheys, Fire Pros, Geaxes, Specialized Team Masters/Controls, etc,etc,etc
Bike Setup:
Lightspeed Obed frame with Z2 Bomber, XT-v's Mavic/Bontrager ceramic rims, Salsa flat bar w/ 9 Degree sweep, Control-Tech suspension post, 8-speed rapidfire
Bottom Line:
Unless you ride EXCLUSIVELY in hardpack or on pavement, get thee to a Conti Dealer pronto!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Large casing, widely spaced tread and very light weight for a widwe tyre
Weaknesses:
Not too good on hardpack but then it's not supposed to be!!!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Fear Control Michelin Wildgripper DH
Bike Setup:
Zaskar set up for fun/freeride
Bottom Line:
German engineering where you need it most
Overall Rating:
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