The AKA was designed to dominate in situations where the knob must penetrate the ground without digging, and offer exceptional grip without slowing the wheel down. Even adverse terrains like gravel, sand, and grass aren’t a match for ...
Strengths: Lightweight, low rolling resistance, predictable breaking point, excellent traction regardless of the angle. Surprising climbing traction when mounted in the opposite direction.
Weaknesses: Aside from being an absolute nightmare to mount on Stans Arch EX wheels, the only negative aspect of these tires is how they handle wet rock. No exaggeration, the sensation is like riding on ice. Although I'm in Austin, I was born/raised in New Hampshire. Absolutely the same experience as riding on ice. Fortunately, it almost never rains here so not a deal-breaker.
Bottom Line:
Running the front in the standard direction and the rear reversed, this is an excellent combo for the loose over hardpack and rocky conditions in Austin, TX. These are stellar tires for anything except wet rock. If you're on these tires and see wet rock...prepare for potential disaster.