Developed as a cross-country racing tire specifically to provide rear-tire drive in loose terrain, Continental's TractionPro provides superior grip on everything but the driest hard-pack. Large, sturdy tread blocks are placed to provide the traction needed for acceleration, still allowing soil and water to be evacuated to prevent mud build-up. Models include wire and Kevlar bead ASC® tread center and Tubeless versions.
Submitted by
NA1NSXR
a Cross Country Rider
from Tustin, CA Date Reviewed: August 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Predictability, climbing traction
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
WTB tires
Bottom Line:
I have had this same tire back when I livedin the northeast and I still have it on my bike now that I am in Southern California, so I have seen most possible riding conditions with this tire on, except for wet rock. The tire performs very well in all situations, but you pay for this performance as it is a very slow roller. Tread wear in the northeast was acceptable, but riding on rockfaces in the southwest has accelerated the wear greatly. I'm pretty sure this thing is long discontinued by now, but for people out there riding for fun and adventure this is a solid choice if you can find one. If you care about speed at all, this one is pretty hard to reccommend. I had it mounted backwards in the rear. I will probably look to try something else when this needs to be replaced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter St-Amour
a Cross Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: February 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$38.00
Strengths:
Grip, quality
Weaknesses:
Drag on harder surfaces, not the most advanced design, do rumble strangely on tarmac.
An older design I picked up dusty and unloved from the corner of a bike shop. My benchmark for winter tyres are Trailrakers and IRC Mudmads, which are fantastic, although for the sake of experience I thought I'd try something different this year. They grip really well in the deep mud, and keep a line. No problems with wheelspin (I use on the rear only) and it's unreasonable to expect anything to grip over wet or exposed routes or rocks. That said, the hard compound Continental use doesn't help their cause. On balance not as free rolling, light or supple as a Trailraker, but if you need something different for the winter (and if Continental still make them, which I doubt) then give them a spoodle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT, USA Date Reviewed: November 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Minnewanka
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
Climbing and cornering traction in wet or soft conditions.
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance. Truly staggering amounts of rolling resistance.
Hardpack cornering is poor.
Sidewalls rot quickly.
Heavy (well over 600g for a narrow, foldable 2.0)
Similar Products Used:
I currently have 20 tires in my garage and all of them are still in service. There are plenty more that have come and gone.
Bike Setup:
Titus QuasiMoto set up for long-travel cross-country (under 30 lbs., narrow rims).
Bottom Line:
There is no situation in which these tires are superior to their competition.
The soft side-lugs fold and squirm on hardpack, so you'll get better handling and much lower rolling resistance with something meant for hardpack.
Traction on soft ground is outstanding and mud-shedding is above average, but even in such conditions, the rolling resistance is so high that I can't justify using this tire. You could find similar traction in a faster tire or you could run a mud/soft-specific downhill tire with a light casing and get more traction with similar rolling resistance.
You can find tires that are equally good in soft conditions, better on firm ground, and roll dramatically faster. If you do, for some reason, choose to use this tire, I think it's better on the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ashwin Amanna
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg, VA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Douthat
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
icycles
Strengths:
fairlt light, easy to mount, good in corners
Weaknesses:
Slips out on wet roots, knobs too hard
Bottom Line:
I was hoping that the scoop profile of the knobs would make it a good overall tire. And it does do well in dry conditions and holds corners well. However I found it slipping out on any wet root. Even the slightest pedaling on a wet root and it would spin. I think the knobs are too hard and don't grip enough. I'm running it with Stans No tubes with pressures between 30 and 35. With all the rain we've been having these are a bust for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keck Baker
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
??
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Pedal power
Strengths:
not many. corners nice in wet terrain
Weaknesses:
After having this tire for less than a month it is completly destroyed. I ride a alot of different terrain. I went up to the mountains last week to ride up and then down about 20 miles on really narly rock. The tire is dead, knobs are poping off and exposing the brown-tan layer underneith. I have been riding since 1993 and have never had such junk.
Similar Products Used:
maxxis,panaracer,irc
Bike Setup:
giant mcmse1 all xt mavic 517 black
Bottom Line:
buy this tire if you never blaze down rocky terrain
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from WI Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Strengths:
Traction/grip in any condition except asphalt. Great Life on tread. Made in Germany.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
tires
Bike Setup:
traction pro rear. explorer pro front
Bottom Line:
I have not used this tire on the front, but it is the best rear tire I used. It may not be the best on the road but as the description says it is a cc tire. I bought two of the older Duro tires used. I have put over 200 miles on the one tire and it still looks the way it did when I bought it. Great Tire!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything Techincal or Fast
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Traction. Reasonable wear. Traction. Very good self-cleaning tread. Traction.
Weaknesses:
Vibrations on the road. Not the fastest tire out there. Continental has stopped making this tire as far as I can tell.
Bike Setup:
Airborne Lancaster, SID SL, XT Drivetrain w/SRAM PC-99 Hollowlink chain, Avid Single Digit Seven brakes and levers, Chris King headset, Chris King hubs w/DT Revolution Spokes and nipples w/Mavic x517 rims, Titec Ti seatpost, Titec Phat Head Ti stem, Titec PG Ti handle bars, WTB dual compound grips, Continental Traction(when wet and muddy) or Kenda Kharisma Crystal.
Bottom Line:
Traction. This tire out climbs and out corners any other tire I have tried. The last two WORS Cups have experienced near torrential down pours either the day of or day before the race. In both races I was able to climb every section of trail, often when other riders had to dismount and climb. Slipped some on wet roots and rocks, but anything is going to slip then. I usually save these tires for a rainy day, so they don't get many miles on them, since they aren't the fastest tire around. On brief road rides to the trails, you can certainly feel the knobs flex, but thats not a big deal since I am using them for the off road traction they provide in wet conditions. This tire got me up a climb that I had failed to be able to accomplish in even the driest conditions with other tires, and it was wet when I tried it with this tire. I use the Traction on both front and back. Not the best all around tire out there, but certainly one of the best when it comes to wet and muddy conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Guildford, UK Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Surrey Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Dave Hinde
Strengths:
Traction - it does what it says on the tin. This tyre - paired with an Explorer pro on the front - gets me up wet and dry climbs better than anything before it. It's great in gloop as well and we get a lot of that round here and it has great mud-shedding too. Also, it avoids punctures better than the Trailblaster it replaced. Fantastic combination. And light too in the kevlar version.
Weaknesses:
Not had it long enough to see it it shows the same problems others have experienced. For the time being, I'm in love with it.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Panaracer Trailblaster (overrated - puncture prone and slippy as hell)
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Mavic X618 rims on Hope ti XC hubs, Fox Float RL fork
Bottom Line:
No plans to change this combo - I love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Weekend Warrior
from Savannah, GA USA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All the trails around Augusta Ga
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
So far has good griping power on all types of terrain. Mud, loose rock, leaf covered trails, dry dirt, and over roots. Is directional for using it either on the front or rear rim.
Weaknesses:
On the road has a weird vibration, I would guess from the heavy knobbies.
Similar Products Used:
Cheng Sheng knobbies which were great for the last year and a half till they just plain wore out.
Bike Setup:
Giant Rainer SE with upgraded rims, tires, rear derailer, and a new crank set.
Bottom Line:
Savannah this time of year is nothing but mud. I am talking 4 to 5 inches deep. Standing water so deep your feet are in it when you pedal and it is loaded with roots.
These tires grip great. Going thru the mud and water, I was spending most of my time with my rear tire spinning, I have had little to no slippage. Spots where my old rear tire was spinning out on roots as you climbed, or on turns where the rear tire would slip out from under me in the mud are over.
So far they have gripped great, what small climbs we do have I have been able to climb over, I am not getting the spin out in the mud that I was getting, and when climbing over roots that are wet I am not spinning out either.
The only draw back has been on the road. They have a really heavy weird vibration.
Having saved 10 to 15$ buying on ebay as compaired to the bike shop I give it a 5, as for overall rating a 4 since I have not had a chance to ride any really good trails with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Giuliano
a Weekend Warrior
from Italy Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Good grip, does not bounce too much.
Weaknesses:
Poor grip on wet surfaces. Wears fast.
Bottom Line:
I used it only on the rear wheel. It's a good tire in all conditions BUT when the ground is wet stay away from roots and rocks. I had 3 of these and I never had problems like rips and so.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chainey
a Weekend Warrior
from Saratoga.NY Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
This tire is lite for its size and will grip most anything in most conditions.
Weaknesses:
Side walls collapses, tread wears fast and grip goes fast.
Bottom Line:
This tire gets off to a flying start with good grip hooking up in all conditions. Not so good on the front as it will squirm like crazy under hard braking. On the back it can do the job well until the edges go and then it performs badly.I got these as my previous cross country tire split on the sides and the tractions are replacements, but one of them has blown its side and I'm kind of worried about the other one. In short, a good tire with good grip and lite but watch out on the sidewall scene.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Smalley
a Cross Country Rider
from Coral Gables, FL Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
still looking
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$10000000.00
Purchased At:
LBS in New Zealand
Strengths:
Great dry climbing. Rolls easily. Good rear tire.
Weaknesses:
Wears a bit fast. Would not consider it for a front. Could not find one to replace the one I wore out.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche / Rock Shox Psylo XC. WTB Velociraptor on front.
Bottom Line:
Bought this in New Zealand (Wet conditions). It was pretty good in the wet. Slippery on roots ( is there a tire that isn't?). Moved to Pasadena, CA (Very dry, lots of climbing). Awsome dry climbing, even when pretty worn out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas Date Reviewed: August 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The lomg and windy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
Surefooted. rolls fast and holds the line. good F & B
Weaknesses:
Kind of expensive and the sidewalls split
Similar Products Used:
All kinds
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone
Bottom Line:
These tires were great at first but then PoP from no place the sides on both of them splits. Could not believe. Goes to my bike shack and the Guy replaces them both no problem and tells me ........Yeah it happens all the time. So I guess 3 chillis for real good service but its gotta be 1 for a real bad manufacture.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Superboy
a Cross Country Rider
from Massachusetts Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Pittsfield State Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
LOcal Shop
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Heavy and slow, holds mud and gravels, sidewalls prone to catastrophic failure, slips on any hard wet surface (roots and rocks in early spring are terrifying on this turkey of a tire!).
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors, Hutchinson Alligators, Michelin Hot S
Bottom Line:
AS winter slowly faded into early spring I decided to give these tires a try in the early Massachusetts wet trail conditions. Worst tires I've ever used, First, the oversized lugs failed to shed mud, they slipped on every rock and root encountered,-everytime I rode on them this spring, I could barely control my bike. And finally my front and rear tires both splits from the sidewall through the tread area within the first month of use. Honestly, over the years I've found that straight-foward medium tread xc tires (Panaracer Fie xc pro, hutch python, michelin wild grippers) out perform the supposed bad-condition mud and muck ires (Velociraptors/ Traction Pros) in all conditions. The xc tires shed mud much more effectively, they roll fast, hook up better on hard (wet!!!) surfaces, and have proven more durable. The continentals blow big chunks..boo hiss!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LARBIKE
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio, TX USA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
O.P Schnabel
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Unicycles.com
Strengths:
The rear tire hooks up very well in dry conditions. Climbing and rear traction is excellent on dry dirt, gravel, and broken-up limestone. This tire is fairly skittish when used as a front tire, although I found I could reduce this tendency somewhat by reversing the front tire direction.
Weaknesses:
The major weakness of this tire is on wet/muddy surfaces. They slip on wet rocks and roots, and I have had a couple of unexpected hard falls due to this. These tires also give a noticeably harsher ride than my old velociraptors.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Rocket 88
Bottom Line:
I got these on clearance for $15/each. I think that, for the money, these were a good deal. I believe that the Conti's are superior in dry conditons to Velociraptors but fall short in wet/muddy conditions. Has anyone had similar experiences with silicium compound tires?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Germany Date Reviewed: December 30, 2001
Just finished a 30 km ride in Snow around some quite technical trails in the nord westfallia area.The tyre which I only fitted two days ago performed outstandingly, Yesterday I did a similiar route and had my first ever pinch flat. Decided to up the pressure and hey presto no pinch flat today and great performance for only 35DM APPROX £12.00 This tyre took me thru terrain that I would never have previously managed,now my mates are also getting a set. Matched with an Explorer Pro on the front, Bought this tyre after reading this review page.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH USA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2001
My Michalin Wildgrippers blew their belts before the end of thier first season and started rubbing into my Maguras. I asked a rider freind of mines who also rides 5 days a week what he reccommends, he said "Spend the extra cash get Conti's and never look back". He was dead on. I put an explorer pro on the front and a traction pro on the back and had the best traction season ever. When I thought the bike was going to wash out it wouldn't. Ohio can be real muddy and has nice hardpack, they performed great on both. Buy them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian Long
a Cross Country Rider
from Montréal, now living in Denver, CO Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Westside cyclery
Strengths:
- Light - Excellent grip when new
Weaknesses:
- Wears very fast - Price (I got it on sale though)
The best traction I've ever experienced for Colorado/Utah conditions (dry, rocky, sandy). I only had optimal traction for about 2 weeks, then I rode about 20 miles on slickrock, that totally destroyed the tire. I would assume that pavement would do the same. Knobs started coming off after about 5 weeks of riding. I kept it for about 2 months, traction was completely gone by then (about 500 miles/860km). Low rating because of the unacceptable tread wear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph Stanczak
a Cross Country Rider
from NE Ohio Date Reviewed: May 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Vultures Knob
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Grip like no one's business. I can't believe how well I can climb and do pipes with these on the rear! Haven't had a pinched tube since putting these on.
Weaknesses:
Wear is less than ideal, but not too bad. Moderately heavy.
I'm a heavier rider (220#) and had problems with the rear tires either slipping on uphills, or wearing out too fast. These Conty's solved that problem for me. They corner as if on rails, never slide out on me, and were cheap! Have not had any issues with mounting on my Matrix rims.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil Cain
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK Date Reviewed: February 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The secret one in Thetford...
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Buckley-Saxon Cycles
Strengths:
Sticks to the ground like sh*t on a stick, corners like it's on rails, reasonably light (in the kevlar version), works on both front and rear.
Weaknesses:
Expensive (these babies cost as much as my car tyres!), bugger to get on my rims (Mavic 221's).
Similar Products Used:
WTB Veloc, Panaracer Smoke / Dart, various Speshy stuff, Bonties.
Bike Setup:
'97 Paragon, ESP 9.0sl, XT, SX ti, Conti, Time Carbons.
Bottom Line:
These cuties grip to the trail like a doberman with a serious grudge! I'm on my second set now, and got kevlar beads this time round to cut some of the weight. They still aren't the lightest tyres in the world, but for when the trails aren't sun baked, these rule (when the trails are sun baked I'm on semis). They clear and grip in all but the nastiest clay (which there is a lot of around here) and you can lay them through corners with total confidence. I've been cornering on these when the guy behind me on Wildgrippers has felt his bike begin to go. The Continental sidewall also gives a lovely plush ride (you'll notice it when you stick a new set of Contis on...). My only real gripe is they are a pig to get on and off my M221 rims (esp. the kevlar beaded versions) and cost a packet to replace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pm2
a
from Dallas Date Reviewed: January 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
This tire provides more than enough grip for most situations and is very predictable. I run it on the rear w/an Explorer Pro on the front.
Weaknesses:
In truly muddy conditions when only a mud tire will do, these will let go. They have a fairly high rolling resistance compared to Conti's Explorer Pro.
Similar Products Used:
Psycho K's, Velociraptors
Bottom Line:
This tire is hard to beat. If the rolling resistance were lower it would be better, but then it probably not grip as well. It just hooks up everywhere on a wide variety of surfaces.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ron
a Cross Country Rider
from bakersfield,ca Date Reviewed: January 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
sand canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
snider's cyclery
Strengths:
awsome traction in all conditions,low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
wieght, but for the price you can't complain
Similar Products Used:
conti x-country,conti explorer pro,tioga factory xc
Bottom Line:
THIS TIRE HOOKS UP IN ALL KINDS OF SITUATIONS!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brady
a Cross Country Rider
from Tuscaloosa Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mountain 17m loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Great handling, very good sidebite, brakes well too.
Weaknesses:
One annoying weakness, likes to pick up leaves a lot and put them in your brakes
Similar Products Used:
Conti Atlanta
Bike Setup:
Cannondale SuperV 500
Bottom Line:
This tire really does awesome in corners. I really appreciated the tire when I went off a jump and landed sideways, the tire did not slip out from under me, dug in and allowed me to stay on the bike without visiting the ground below me.
This tire came originaly on the rear, the front was a Conti Atlanta that had to go. I moved this tire to the front and placed a Conti Comp Pro on the back. This has turned out to be one hell of a setup!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Newfoundland, Canada Date Reviewed: September 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
South Side?
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
used from a friend
Strengths:
Good traction, light weight, good handling
Weaknesses:
A little narrow, expensive
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Hardcore Smoke/Dart, Michelin Wildgripper Lite S
I got this tire when I bought a rear wheel off a friend of mine. It was worn through the orange, and had a rip in the sidewall but I rode it for a year, and its a really good tire. A little pricey though, so I went for some Wildgrippers when I finally got new tires. I rode the tire in technical, rooty, muddy, and generally wet conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron Clemins
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenixville, Pa, USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Valley Forge Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$26.00
Purchased At:
Bike Line - Exton, Pa
Strengths:
They stick to everything, especially when wet. Very durable. Resistance to punctures and pinch flats. Easy to put on and take off.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
ATB all terrainasaurus, Specialized dirt master? (stock on Stumpy comp)
Bike Setup:
2000 StumpJumper M2 Comp, Old Specialized gel saddle
Bottom Line:
This review is for the non-Pro version of the tire, which is heavier than the Pro Kevlar version. I am a newbie MTB'er. I started on a hybrid Marin Madrone Trail with the semi-slick ATB's with horrible results on climbs. I put the Conti Traction on the rear of my hybrid and got surprisingly better at climbs even on my hybrid. After breaking every component on the Marin weekly (the bike was not meant for off-road riding whatsoever), I upgraded to the StumpJumper comp. Stumpy came with a Specialized Dirt Master (I think) tire in the rear and a Dirt Control on the front. The Dirt Master did not perform well in the rear at all except for on hardpack (and I am a 220 lb Clydesdale). They just would not hook up in semi-loose to very loose conditions on climbs and would hang and spin out on the smallest of roots. And if they got wet at all and I had to traverse roots or rocks, it was like someone greased my rear tire! Well, I pulled the heavy Conti Traction off of my broken down Marin and installed it on the rear of my new Stumpy. Ahhh! Nirvana! The Stumpy climbs like it was meant to climb, sometimes it beats me up the hill. The best part about the tire is it's AWESOME wet traction ability. It's like the thing is glued down. Nothing stops this tire. In fact I had to change my riding style to keep the nose on the ground during climbs. The tire gets me out of the saddle and leaning way up the nose of the bike. I have not had any flats with the tire yet, but in switching it from bike to bike, found it incredibly easy to remove and put back on. I wish I could say the same for my Specialized Dirt Control on the front! When the Traction finally wears out, I will try the lighter weight Traction Pro.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason K
a Cross Country Rider
from Essex Jct., Vermont Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000
Rode tires 7 times prior to review. foloow up is coming in a month.
These tires look like they won't work as well as they do. I thought these would be limited to terrain till I rode them.
Roots and wet rocks are a charm. traction is great. they also roll very well on semi-hardpacked trails and braking is up to par. The best part about these tires is you can predict washout WAY before they happen. This tire is great for giving feedback and also cleans itself well. This on the rear with an Explorer on the front makes a sweet ride for VT's rocks and roots mixed with wet mud and hard pack. in other words- THESE TIRES WILL DO ANYTHING YOU WOULD WANT TO DO ON YOUR XC BIKE AND A LITTLE MORE. 4 for value and a flaming chili for the sick orange strip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Philly Date Reviewed: May 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks Sweet. High Quality. Good Grip.
Weaknesses:
Heavy and Squirelly
Similar Products Used:
Other Contis
Bike Setup:
Merlin Mountain
Bottom Line:
These tires look great and they grip well (dual compound grey & wire bead model). However, I just changed from the continental cross country on the rear, and I can say for sure the cross coutry is a better tire. It is nearly 200g lighter, and it grips just as well. More importantly, the cross country model handles predictably--it never seems to slide out when cornering. I'm switching back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Downhiller
from Berkeley Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Big Trees
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great traction, hardly ever slips, even when standing on loose terrain.
Weaknesses:
Hard to put back in after a flat
Similar Products Used:
IRC Kujo DH
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Super 8
Bottom Line:
Great traction, good flat protection, sheds mud. Not a good Cross country tire because of rolling resistance. Best in cornering. Not for you if you get frequent flats. It sucks to get it back in place. Not very expensive, either. Does not last too long, but I like it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mykor
a Cross Country Rider
from Clarion PA (NW PA) Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
power lines/ single track
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Grips anything. Looks awesome. Chicks dig it. Light (for a knoby 2.1 inch tire). Sheds mud like a cat sheds hair.
Weaknesses:
kinda pricey (in Kevlar form) at almost $60
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke, Specialized Traction Control.
Bike Setup:
GT, Manitou, XT/LX, Avid
Bottom Line:
I got this tire when I had a new wheel built for me, (I killed the other one). After getting everything installed,(the bead was a tight fit), I took it to a local trail and almost cried for joy at what I had found. I'm a college track runner and I had trouble getting the tire to break loose! It stops great, especially for a rear tire. i even put all my weight foward on a steep up hill to see what it could do, it performed magnificently. I've even ridden up hill on a solid sheet of ice. This tire knows no bounds. It reminds me of the Smoke... on steroids. I live in a hilly area in western Pennsylvania. The trails here are mostly loose dirt, light gravel, and some heavily rock-and-root strewn stuff. This tire is ideal for these types of situations. Upon pondering the situation, I've concluded that hard pack trails probably aren't the ideal environment for Conti's beast. I tend to run relatively high pressure (50-55 PSI) so your personal results my be different. The Orange stripe is kickin'. Everybody asks about it. I've had no problems whatsoever with the tire. Thank you Continental.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton, New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000
Noisy on pavement (yeah, yeah, but got to get to the track somehow).
Similar Products Used:
Dart and Smoke, Bontrager Jones and most recently Vredestein K-Nobs
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500, Magura Tomacs, USE Shokpost (cos I get a sore back - diddums)
Bottom Line:
Noticed how noisy they were first off. Also, someone else mentioned them being squirrelly (is that a fetish thing?) on fast, hard corners - well, they are a bit, but more on off-camber stuff. Can't comment about wear, other than that I had my Vredestein's for just over a month before the back tyre was about rooted (check with a Kiwi for that one). SO rather than spend another packet on them, decided for a change. High speed braking on the Vreds could chew out the lateral tread right away thru friction, so far not the same with these. Although the Vreds didn't roll at all (double density) but they weighed lots and lots and lots and lots.....(oh, and the Bontragers suffered from lateral roll). Thus far - 5 chillies (4 for the tyre, and a bonus for the orange stripey bit - nobody comments enough about that).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adriaan Van Huissteden
a Cross Country Rider
from Hobart, Tasmaina, Australia Date Reviewed: February 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great Looks, Holds well and is easy to change
Weaknesses:
Rocks can cut the nobs right off
Bike Setup:
Spcialized FSR Extreme with Manitou XvertT and Mugura Race Line rim brakes..
Bottom Line:
Graet tire. They hold very well in all conditions and they have given me a lot of my configemce back. They look good to with the nice Orange strip down the midle. I can not comment on the life span as this is my first set, but as they are a soft comp, they may ware out faster than other tires. This may be worth is as they DO hang on well.... Worth a look at.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross-Country Rider
from Tallahassee Date Reviewed: December 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Fern Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good bite, cool looks with the colored stripe.
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors.
Bike Setup:
2000 Santa Cruz Superlight, Sid XC,Race Face crank, Full XTR.
Bottom Line:
Good tire, definately better than the WTB's I had. Together with a Conti Cross Country on the rear(read in others reviews), it is a gret ride. No slipping on roots, or boggin down in mud. Had the colored ones on my '98 GF Mt. Tam, and liked them so much I ordered black ones for my new Superlight.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bikeyboy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Auckland NZ Date Reviewed: December 22, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Mt Tarrengower Vic. Australia
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
massive grabbing power off road, fairly light for size of knobs, snake bite protection, easy to mount onto rims.
Weaknesses:
can be scarey as hell with hard cornering on really hardpacked stuff.
Similar Products Used:
WTB velociraptors, IRC Mythos xc.
Bike Setup:
Marin Quake 9.0, Spox, Magura Tomac's, Full XTR and Plasma shifters, etc...
Bottom Line:
Best tire that I've had. Not as fast as the IRC's but way more grip which I like. WTB's were also good but I wanted to try something else and I would say that these are better in most ways then the WTB's except perhaps in the wear department. On the hard stuff they can be good and then just let go really suddenly as the knobs grip and then just let go. They can be quite squirrely at first anyway as the knobs seem to be fairly high but this lessens as the tires wear in. Very happy and suit a wide range of terrain. 5 really hot thingies.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Fast and technical
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very predictable Orange bit looks cool Kind to the wallet
Weaknesses:
wear a little fast when neighbourhood bashing, what can i expect
Similar Products Used:
Where to begin
Bike Setup:
Almost exactly where i want it
Bottom Line:
This is a great tyre. Had it on the back now for 6 months and it is holding up well. heaps of grip in all conditions. Love how easy this tyre is to predict. You can powerslide it or make it stick through corners, whatever takes your fancy. im putting one on the front when my front wears out. If you like sharp edged tyres get a set of these. Five flaming turds, the ride and feel makes up for the wear
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Burns
a Cross-Country Rider
from Southwest Date Reviewed: September 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Durable, predictable
Weaknesses:
price
Similar Products Used:
Pretty much every brand
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000, WB SC70 UL, and other good things
Bottom Line:
I assume when other say this is the cheapest tire they bought, they aren't refering to the Kevlar tire. I have to say that 50 for each tire is not cheap. You do, however, get what you pay for. The tire is very durable and you can count on it to hold in pretty much any condition. I am on my third tire this year, not bad considering I ride all year long a few times a week. They hold up.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Victor Martinez
a Weekend Warrior
from SJ, PR Date Reviewed: August 31, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Quik cornering Predictable Great traction
Weaknesses:
None yet...
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Comp All kinds of Specialized
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper XTR
Bottom Line:
These have been the cheapest tires that I have ever bought and I am impressed with their performance. It is amazing how predictable they are, and how well they grip the ground. My previous tires were a set of Panaracers. Do yourself a favor and do not buy them. Their Service Support is A+, but the product is no good. They felt great at first, but only lasted a few months. Not only did these Continental tires performed beyond my expectations, but they also look amazingly good. Try them out, you will no regret it.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from State College, PA Date Reviewed: July 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Historic Hiking Trail, OR
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Just traction on most anything.
Weaknesses:
Dual: fast wareout Side wall can blow out
Similar Products Used:
Farmer John, Nephew, Cousin, Timbuk2, Smoke/Dart HC So moke/Dart, Porcupine, More Extreame, Nav Pro, and other Lesser tires.
Bike Setup:
'92 Giant Cadex CMF3 still unsuspended
Bottom Line:
I had Hard Core Smoke/Dart before I got these tires. Hands down these are better than the HC smoke/dart . Tread similar to the Classic Smoke. It does work well as a front or rear. I have had no problems with wash out or anything traction wise. But my recent experience with Traction Ptro has been poor. One side wall blow out and the suprise of the fast ware Dual. Im assuming the blow out was due to continued use al low pressure, 35-40 psi. As for Dual, it was to replace my blow out. Ive had it maybe 2 months and im thought the orangey rubber with my normal mix of street and trail. It even has the fast ware look like Ive seen befor on the white Pocupine. so much for none black rubber.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake Goodman
a Downhiller
from Kamloops, B.C., Canada Date Reviewed: June 18, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Greenstone Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great holding power Excellent rubber compound
Weaknesses:
Veal Vubber Vears Vast...As the germans will tell you..
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC IRC ElGato
Bike Setup:
The trick-est 1991 Schwinn High Sierra MOS with Rock Shox Indy XC-LT going...
Bottom Line:
A great performer, with tonnes of knobby grip to hold on to the sketchiest of drops. Great for our soft packed powder also. 5 chilli's from the Loop's.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Apex
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
I have owned 3 traction tires over the last year. About 3 weeks ago my sidewall blew-out. I had the tire for close to a year and have put quite a fiew miles on it so I didnt give it a second thought. I liked the way it handled and so i got another traction. Ten miles later I had another side wall blow-out. I took it to the bike store and they gave me a new one and checked my rims and brakes for any possible cause and didnot find any. The new tire lasted 20 miles before the side wall blew-out again. I would never recomend this tire to anyone it has ruined 3 rides.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: June 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Holds anything Handles well slowly or at speed Looks sooooo cool with the orange stripe
Weaknesses:
Wears fast on pavement and slickrock
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Control Panaracer Smoke/Dart WTB Velociraptor Bontrager ST2
Bike Setup:
Brodie Spark (Al) Judy SL XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
As you can see from above, I've tried my share of tyres and these are the best. I ride with a Traction Pro rear and a Specialized Team Control front. This is possibly the best setup I've ever ridden on. In any conditions, and weather, any surface, the Conti performs flawlessly. It tears up the Canadian trails (hardpack, loose rock, sketch, or skree). I also took it to Moab this spring. Again, perfect performance. My only issue is that the slickrock and pavement tend to wear the tyre very quickly--but not much quicker than any other tyres, I suppose.Do yourself and your bike a favour and try one of these tyres. They scream sweetness. 5 big fat flamin' chilis!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kristian
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 1, 1999
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
It's great on climbs.
Weaknesses:
Wear to fast on the pavement
Similar Products Used:
bontranger
Bike Setup:
Klein Mantra, traction pro on the back , dual fighter on the front
Bottom Line:
This tire is great for wet conditions and climbs. You only spin out on immpossible climbs. As long as you stay off the pavement they are great. I've only ever had one flat from a huge thorn and it was only a slow leak. I'm going to buy another one for the front.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Champ
a racer
from VERNON, CANADA Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999
Bottom Line:
I have had this tyre for almost a year. It climbs well, barely ever had a problem with traction, up or downhill. But, they pinch flat like you wouldn't believe, every time I rode, it seems that I'd get a flat. Even at 50 psi I was getting freakin pich flats. They also wear pretty fast, but i should expect that, as i ride on the road lots. Save your freakin money and buy some IRC Kujo's, they are what all tyres should be like, you'll never get a pinch flat. Two flaming pieces of freakin dog shit. DON'T BUY THESE TIRES, YOU WILL PAY DEARLY IF YOU DO.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Scottsdale,AZ Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999
Bottom Line:
This is the second Traction that I have bought, which means that I am happy with the performance of the tire. I use it on the front and have to admit that using it as a front tire is certainly an aquired taste. Like all things you have to adjust the tire pressure and learn to ride this tire, but once you do it really has some benefits over other tires. Does tend to spin on dry rocky conditions.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a racer
from Canada Date Reviewed: December 24, 1998
Bottom Line:
Great tire just don't take it on a hardpack course it dosen't work very well, awesome for other conditons. I loved it on everything but hardpack and its realy hard to get on and off. Get it it's works awesome.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrice Denis
a cross-country rider
from Longueuil , Quebec Date Reviewed: November 26, 1998
Bottom Line:
I'm a fan of continental tires but the traction pro are not perfect for cross country riding.It's fell slow and wear fast but DAM! this tire stick like glue in wet condition.Yes, it's true it pack a bit with mud but but the treads have the profile of a porcupin and stick everywhere when it's wet.On dry condition, change the tires,take some leader pro and xc 1.9, they roll a lot faster.I Hate to change tire and i don't use the traction pro a lot because of it's slow fell but for a free ride bike it's the perfect wet tire condition.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Leichliter
a cross-country rider
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: September 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
After riding my the Traction Pro with the dual density rubber on my rear wheel for about a month and a half, I'm not impressed. The ugly orange rubber has worn off about one-third of the center knobs. I was warned that it might wear faster on pavement, but I rode very little on pavement and it still wore faster than a tire should. Also the uphill traction is not as good as the Continental Cross Country.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Buell
a cross-country rider
from Ft. Worth, Texas Date Reviewed: September 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
I bought the Yellow dual versian of this tire about a month or so ago, there awesome tires, I thought my michelins were good, these are MUCH better, EXCEPT for one little thing, The Silica is wearing down WAAAAAY too fast, I barely put on 120 miles on these tires and the rear tire has lost about more than half of teh tread! I do ride alot on roads when I go to the offroad rides, but that shouldn't matter that much. Everyone I spoke to about Silica said it'd be great, it lasts much longer than the black compound. but... unless I got a faulty tire, there full of crap. I love teh way teh tires handle, unbeatable handeling, well, until I found a better tire. The tires are good,m but they wear down WAY to quickly
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a cross-country rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: August 19, 1998
Bottom Line:
After using two types of Specialized tires (Team Master and Cactus Master) and the rear specific IRC Mythos, I can say the Traction Pro is the best rear tire I have used. Under desert conditions - sand, rock (both loose and fixed), hardpack, slickrock, and gravel - this tire is excellent. Its traction never breaks until the tread is extremely worn; this took about 750 miles in my case. I only wish I had it on now. Currently I am running an IRC Mythos in the rear. It is a solid performer, but its traction pales in comparison to the Traction Pro. Steep climbs that used to be a breeze now require precise concentration and shifts of body weight in order to scale the ascent. So to sum up the positives: GREAT traction, long tread life, relatively low rolling resistance, and lightweight. The only downside is that the bead is harder to seat than other kevlar beaded tires that I have used. Puncture resistance is about on par with the other tires that I have tried.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a racer
from Date Reviewed: July 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
This tire is well worth the money. I'm 6'3 and 230 and I don't have any of the problems that Dale had. Besides, with my tire experience, Contis outlast specialized 3:1. A lot of places I ride are just miles of off camber, rooty, twisty, steep, singletrack and so far these tires have maintained a tenacious grip. If you can't get these tires to stick, its a personal problem (aka you need to learn how to shift your weight better).
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alistair
a cross-country rider
from Perth Australia Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is a seriously good tyre. It holds great in wet or dry conditions and is the best tyre for loose rocky climbing. I usually couple it with the Navigator Pro but I blew one out leading up to a race so I borrowed a WTB Velociraptor 2.1 ,this is a fat tyre and works even better than the Navigator.P.S. The Velociraptor 45 is narrower but slightly different tread pattern, which ever you prefer.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
big AL
a weekend warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 17, 1998
Bottom Line:
My LBS recommended these to me and they're awesome (thanks Steve!)! I had the original Kona Scratch and Sniffs on my '96 Cinder Cone and the Traction Pros really kick their @$$!!! I had so many flats with the Kona Sniffs but right now with my Traction Pros, nadda (knock on a root). Incredible feel on hardpack and although may not clear mud right away here in the Pacific Northwest, they did hold their ground. Not bad on small wet roots. Don't know about larger wet root though. I might try what Neal suggested below about the Navigator in the front when I get more $$$ or when the front one dies (yeah right!). I wonder if the Navigators being 1.9 wide matters? Hey, what the hell, it's a Conti! You can't go wrong with a Conti!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neal Ashby
a cross-country rider
from Pretoria Date Reviewed: May 20, 1998
Bottom Line:
What an excellent tire !!!! I recently bought myself this beautiful tire for both my front and rear wheel sets. I find the rear tire sticks like glue to any surface. Unfortunately, the front tire does the opposte. I am going to, and would advise you to combine the Traction Pro rear tire with a Continental Navigator front.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Donnelly
a racer
from Farm Country Date Reviewed: May 18, 1998
Bottom Line:
I'm ready to smoke one. Take me now. I am defensless. Warm places are nice. Resistance is futile. Do you want to touch my monkey? Touch him!! Touch mine hapschmickey!! Touch him! Touch him! Un Hammel per tutti!I'm ready to smoke one. Take me now. I am defensless. Warm places are nice. Resistance is futile. Do you want to touch my monkey? Touch him!! Touch mine hapschmickey!! Touch him! Touch him! Un Hammel per tutti!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rhys Lodwick
a racer
from England Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998
Bottom Line:
As someone who normaly blames his lack of skill on his tires these have stopped the excuses. They roll OK, grip well and for the first time in 8 years offroad I am not reading the new tire reviews. Very good puncture resistance and hook up well in the UK where we get most things. Like all continentals not the best on wet roots and rocks great elsewhere.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mert
a cross-country rider
from binghamton, ny Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
I just spent a week riding the dual traction pro (front/rear) in the Saguaro Arizona desert. They were awesome there. They dug in the desert floor like mad. But here at home in upstate NY the rear tire sucks. I have so much troubles riding up the other side of the bank after a creek crossing. The rear tire apparently doesn't like roots either. The front however, seems to be ok with most all conditions. Both these tires can shed mud well enough. I liked my WTB Velociraptors much better for our terrain in NY. I can only justify three chilis for the dual pros.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rafael
a cross-country rider
from Houston, Tx Date Reviewed: February 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
Tried my first set (only rear tire) climbing the hills of Costa Rica. Any radical rider should go coast-2-coast in this beautiful (and very challenging) ride. Anyway, we climb mostly on loose gravel, and while my friends were spinning out, I kept riding!!!! We had a go through serious mud, and it held the track very well, and clean itself fairly quickly. I was most impressed with the durability. Out of 280 miles of mud,rock,sticks,traintrack, etc, I only suffered one flat, and 1 wipe out (operator malfunction!).All in all, a very good experience. The front tire was a Conti Cross Country (great for the downhills)
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Iain King
a weekend warrior
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: February 12, 1998
Bottom Line:
Scotland - wet wet wet and very very muddy - as my mates slide all over the place these tyres dig in, grip well and most importantly shed some of the stickiest mud out there. Found them easy to pull off and put on. Also an appalling run of punctures seems to have ended since putting these tyres on.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos
a cross-country rider
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: November 6, 1997
Bottom Line:
First off I have to say that compared to the Kahunas that came on my Trek, these are the ultimate XC and DH tires. The dual compound sheds well and looks cool('cause sometimes looks count). The front tire digs well on tight turns and gives me the confidence I need to haul ass down those killer drop offs. I should note thought that most of the riding I did was on hard packed and loose dirt. The lugs are big enough to really bite where it counts and when it comes to speed they eat it up. If you ride on asphalt, you better find another tire 'cause these puppies don't dig it. The rear tire is is excellent on climbs and doesn't wash out at all. Pump 'em both to 50 psi and you're ready to rock. There was only one problem, and this is the reason that they recived 4 chilies and not 5, they went on without a hitch but they didn't seat correctly and the rim was munching on a big peice of the tire. I hade to take my wheels to the LBS to get them seated right. After that little ordeal was over I was set to go. If you do get a set have the guys at the LBS seat 'em for you 'cause the first times a drag. By the way, they don't weight a thing. Cool huh?
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Psyco Joe
a cross-country rider
from Toronto Canada Date Reviewed: November 1, 1997
Bottom Line:
WOW.....I have the duel compound (orange black)The best tires I have ever riden. The hold to about anything, I race a lot of fast hard pack with lots of roots and logs. They are quite nimble on the clinb and on the decend. I even had a chance to use them on a snowy downhill and they held to that too. The corner beads hold amazingly and the tires are competively weighed too. They also have anti-pinchflat side walls. If you are looking for an amazing set of tires for the front or rear, check these out.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a cross-country rider
from New England Date Reviewed: August 27, 1997
Bottom Line:
I am on my second Traction Pro. I run it in the rear in conjuction with a Navigator Pro front. Generally this tire works well. It is a bit squirrley on hard pack, but if the ground is soft enough for it to dig in it really bites well. It also provides good traction on exposed rock faces despite the squirrleyness. It is light compared to a lot of tires and seems to have very low rolling resistance. One area where this tire really blows however is in the wet. If the rocks and roots are wet, or if you are going to try that technical climb after splashing through the mud puddle watch out, because you are most likey going to slide. Running a bit lower air pressure will help to a degree. For that reason I wouldn't recommend this tire for riding during the wet weather months, i.e. winter early spring etc.Overall a very good dry condition tire. Light, fast with good traction. Come winter/late fall I'll be switching to the WTBs though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry Smith
a weekend warrior
from Huntsville,Alabama Date Reviewed: July 31, 1997
Bottom Line:
I hate to say this,But this tire really sucks bad. I ran this Traction Pro on the rear it loads up bad and when it is wet it does'nt stick to rocks at all. I though it may just be me, but five other bikers I ride with had the same problems. Continental does have some great tires. I am running a Cross country 2 in the rear and a Navigator Pro in the front. this is the set you will run if you see alot of rocky trails.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tommy goggia
a cross-country rider
from maui, hawaii Date Reviewed: July 3, 1997
Bottom Line:
This review is for the dual compound version. This tire felt light and skiddish on the front of my C'dale. I put it on an AMP bike and it seemed to handle well. It hooks up well on the loose stuff but does not shed mud very well. One of the Traction Pros was slightly out of round with a flat spot that could be felt on smooth roads. I remounted the tires, tried other rims but still the same. After a month and a half of rides the tire's sidewall blew apart in the out of round area. Shoddy quality control and the fact that for the price of these tires, there is no front specific type, makes for a bogus buy.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Alker
a cross-country rider
from England Date Reviewed: June 14, 1997
Bottom Line:
The new coloured version with the 'Smashing orangey bit'(British readers will understand that bit) down the middle is the tyre I rode. It handled well in all terrain but especially in medium conditions. At high speed on hard corners the aggressive tread did sometimes fold over which lead to a noticable sideways drift. The lateral tread is chunky enough to provide excellent traction in soft conditions. On the downside...not much really. A great rear tyre, but there are better front tyres.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sherman
a
from weekend warrior Date Reviewed: June 13, 1997
Bottom Line:
Great tires. I got the orange dual compoud ones. They are real good for rolling on pavement. I beat my friend who has hugi hubs and I have only XT. I went faster then him on a downhill because of the tires. These are not really specific for anything so they are great for all around use. I got the wire bead model and they tend to be a little heavy. Go with the kevlar.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kerry Norman
a cross-country rider
from UK Date Reviewed: June 12, 1997
Bottom Line:
Pretty good all round tyre for firm/soft conditions. Can't hack it in sandy terrain, but great for firm dirt down hill.Pretty light as well.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan vanMeter
a racer
from Huntington, WV Date Reviewed: May 29, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have the kevlar bead version with the dual compound black/grey treads. The Traction Pro is an excellent tire for almost any condition. However on hard packed dirt, the front tire tends to understeer alot. Other than that weakness, these are great tires.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Peter
a racer
from Iowa Date Reviewed: May 7, 1997
Bottom Line:
WOW- this tire kick ace. It rolls very easy and has excellent traction on the climbs. Mud likes to stick to it though.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david renton
a
from weekend warrior Date Reviewed: April 24, 1997
Bottom Line:
Put one of these on the rear. What with the huge knobs sticking so far out I only got marginal clearance with the frame. Mud Sticks to them like crazy so what with the poor frame clearance, and the kevlar version of this tire at over forty dollars, I wasnt going to give up on it. I cut all the outside knobs down to size with a sharp knife, so now I get reasonable clearance, and I must say this is a pretty good tyre in anything but the wettest conditions, grips particularly well in dry rought dusty singletrack where it bounces nicely off rocks with a very musical ping. Rolling resistance on roads is dreadfull so this is not a compromise tyre.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale
a cross-country rider
from Minnesota Date Reviewed: April 21, 1997
Bottom Line:
I installed these tires front and rear on a new $1600 bike. Then I raced in the Cactus Cup after riding about 40 miles on these tires. Big mistake. These tires have big knobs and for me, that's bad. At 6'2 and 215 lbs, these tires squirm around enough to make the bike somewhere between scary an unridable. Ay rut within a mile and these tires will seek it out and fall into it. Off camber turns are deadly; the tires wander up and down the camber at random and scare the living crap out of you. Thanks to the amazing rut seeking ability of these tires I went over the bars twice in the race, and into the rocks. I hate these tires. I changed to Specialized tires, and the bike handles like a dream. I've got two slightly used Kevlar Traction Pros for sale, cheap. E-mail me at daleg@dakelec.com. If you're a light rider, you might like these.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle Bielenberg
a racer
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: March 10, 1997
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best front tires I have ever ridden! I works in ever condition that I have tried it in, I don't about mud yet thought I'll have to wait untill monsoon season to try that. This tires excells in loose rock,dirt,and sand. It does have a high rolling resistance but who cares when it will keep you upright on your bike. Continental tires kick ass I swear by them, I have 5 different kinds of their mountain tires and a set of their new 26 grand prix road tires and I am satisafied with them all.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nosamk
a cross-country rider
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: March 2, 1997
Bottom Line:
I have my traction pros installed on the front---they work great. excellent cornering traction and control. Dont shed the mud like i had hoped [we have horrible thick BOG mud here]. Other than that a great tire---i WILL get another one when this one dies.Continential is definately THE tire to beat.four stars cause of the mud clearing....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Pound
a cross-country rider
from Portsmouth,UK Date Reviewed: July 15, 1996
Bottom Line:
I've been using these tires for quite a while and I must say they're pretty good.
The rolling resistance is quite high, but boy to these tires grip. I rode a really
sandy race course on Sunday and pumped them upto about 50psi. They cut though the
sand with no trouble and held well round the twisty singletrack. With the tires
at 50psi I took abit of punishment over the small amounts of rocky trail, but it
was worth it for the excellent climbing performance on the sandy climbs.
Much better than my previous Continental Cross-Country tires, although they
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