Designed to be the top choice for hardpacked to dry loose conditions. The broad low profiled knobs are engineered to stick. Featuring Stick-E slow rebound rubber that allows the tread to conform to the trail surface rather than bouncing off of it. 780g
Submitted by
bradherder
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsfield, MA USA Date Reviewed: December 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Turner Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Berkshire Bike & Boa
Strengths:
GREAT TRACTION ON ROCKS AND ROOTS! VERY SECURE FEEL. Good at not caking up with mud.
Weaknesses:
FLIMSY SIDEWALLS
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Caffeine
Bottom Line:
I bought these at the end of August 2008 and rode quite a bit on them and really liked them. Great grip on roots, rocks, i.e. your typical New England mountain bike trails.
I seriously thought these were going to be my favorite tires of all time maybe and I've been around for a long time. But this past weekend, I got a tear in the sidewall. I was riding up a hill and over a rock and the rear wheel just slipped off the edge and the rock put a slice in the sidewall. Not huge, but this isn't good.
I didn't really notice how thin the sidewalls were when I bought the tires because of the way they are packaged (folder over in a cardboard hanger). Well, the sidewalls are thin, not paper thin like the Small Block 8's which are even worse, but pretty thin and flimsy and easily ripped.
So for value - gotta rate 'em low - $50/tire and only 3 months use out of them, not good.
Overall, I'm going to rate them high because I was pretty damn happy with the traction, but I wouldn't recommend anybody buy them really.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rhyko
a Weekend Warrior
from wales Date Reviewed: November 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Brechfra
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
were on bike as new
Strengths:
ive got the 2.0's
roll very fast
Weaknesses:
No grip on rock, roots or anything wet
Similar Products Used:
Tioga DH 2.35
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance-jump bars, short stem
Bottom Line:
i have only used them once-never using them in the wet again! i think they would be ok in dry or on smoother surfaces, they run extremely fast, i am not going to use them where i ride because i simply had no grip at the front, i normally run Tioga Dh 2.3's (which eceryone i know says are rubbish)but i have a lot more cornering confidence in them than the 2.0 Kenda's. i guess im comparing oranges with apples though.
they run very fast though so i flew up all the hills, however i tend to push harder on the decents and need more grip!
Horses for courses,straight speed or grip is the comprimise
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brazilianbreeze
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas NV USA Date Reviewed: October 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
West Leg
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Light weight, good tred patern.
Weaknesses:
Durability
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal
Bike Setup:
Scott Ransom 10/Lryic U-Turn
Bottom Line:
My LBS let me know that they had some problems with the Blue Groove and at the time I hadn't seen any problems with my tire. Now, a month later I can see the problems. The side nobs on my back tire are falling off. Once a nob falls off, it almost completely exposes the tube which then explodes on any sharp object it comes into contact with. I would stick with the Nevegal or Maxxis Highroller. I had the DTC (dual tred compound)and don't know if the other Blue Grooves have the same problem. The only possitive thing that came of it all ws that JensonUSA was quick to cover the cost and send me my tire of choice which was very helpful, but the inconvenience of changing two tubes in a 100 meter strech put a bad taste in my mouth for the Blue Groove.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
xcracer76
a Racer
from Bailey, CO, USA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Keystone
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Won at a MSC race
Strengths:
Great cornering. It will hold any line you throw at it in the right conditions. Works really well on the local trails which are loose over hardpack. If you lean it, it will hold it. Haven't gotten a flat yet.
Weaknesses:
Get squirly in gentle, long corners. Wears extremely fast on pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Maxxis, Hutchinson
Bike Setup:
07 SJ FSR Comp. BG up front at 50 PSI. Maxxis Monorail in back at 50 PSI
Bottom Line:
Stay off of pavement or you will be buying a new tire very shortly. Great deal since it works well in almost every terrain. If you want a tire that will hold any line you want but not slow you down on the uphills, this is the one for you. Rolls great and is a blast. When my freebie wears out, I'll get another.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bherder
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsfield, MA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hidden Valley
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Berkshire Bike and B
Strengths:
I used these in the Vermont 50 this year (and for several weeks before and after). It was wet, muddy and slick. The fresh/wet roots were slippery for sure, but I never slipped much. Climbing on rocks, which were slimed with a bit of mud, was a piece of cake - the tires never slipped. The center didn't pack up with mud, but the sides did a little bit, although that wasn't much of a problem at all. No pinch flats or sidewall problems (can't say the same for the Kenda Small Block 8's).
Weaknesses:
The rear tire is showing some signs of wear already, but for the great grip, I'd be willing to buy new ones on a more regular basis.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Caffeine 3.
Bottom Line:
I'm quite happy with 'em and would buy them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brown_Teeth
a Cross Country Rider
from Mooro Bay CA,USA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
Sticky 2.35 review as a front tire:
Light
Excellent grip on all dry conditions best loose over hardpack
Good volume
Rails turns better than Maxxis Minnion DHF
Perfict for socal conditions
Weaknesses:
Thin casing so if you rock loose sharp trails its no go
Casing is also so thin its prone to getting flatted by cactii/goatsheads, have to run stans/slimein the tubes
Similar Products Used:
Many, best fronts were maxxis minnion DHF, Neve also OK but like to wash out so its best in the back.
Bike Setup:
Heavy trailbike about 40# plus I'm about 210 so YMMV
Bottom Line:
By far the best front tire I've used. No effort hook ups, grips like no other tire. Lasts way longer than the maxxis sticky minnions. Light but its very pressure sensitive. Do not run over 30 PSI. I think its a better tread pattern than the nevegals and Its going to be my next rear tire in the DTC model so it should last longer than the nevegals since the knobbies are larger. Bit expensive but it worth it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
russ
a Racer
from Gainesville, FL USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
PL and TRT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
kena tent, park city
Strengths:
this tires kick butt in all conditions. excellent in rainy conditions
Weaknesses:
need to stans 'em at least 2x to seal
Similar Products Used:
u name it
Bottom Line:
this tire rocks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lokiboy8
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: June 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Various E-tailers
Strengths:
BIG volume, tenacious grip in corners, rolls fast, climbs like a laser beam
Weaknesses:
Doesn't last forever -- sigh......
Needs a cooler namer more befitting it's burly nature
Similar Products Used:
You name it -- various tires from Maxxis, Conti, Specialized, Panaracer, Bontrager, IRC -- I'm a tire junkie, okay?
Boy, the posts on this tire are all over the place, huh?
I will be nitpickingly specific, so you know EXactly from where I am coming from....
This is for the 2.35 DTC version.
This is a FRONT SPECIFIC tire -- while some may like it just fine on the rear, if YOU don't like it there, DON'T slam it for not working for you back there! Jeepersgeewillikers!
I ride in Colorado -- dry conditions 99% of the time -- lots of hard packed dirt, rocks, rocks and more rocks - esp. in Buff Creek where the surface is lots of decomposed granite -- aka loose over firm.
The Stick-e version runs COMPLETELY different, peoples!
I know - I tried one. It was slow, slow and SLOWER! Threw EVERYTHING off -- timing on turn entry, especially.
I am sure there is an application for this tire, but it ain't here, y'all.
Okay, now that I have all the caveats and ranting out of the way, here's the scoop:
My first experience with Kenda was the vaunted Nevegal.
I wanted a burlier front tire and after extensive research, I got a 2.1 DTC version.
Ahh, yes -- I used a rear specific tire for a front, you are thinking, no? This makes me a hypocrite, yes?
Au contraire, mon fraire!
LOTS of folks use Nevs as fronts, as rears(Me!) and for both.
Just as lots of folks use other manf. rears as fronts - -Maxxis comes to mind. We just don't slam them in a review for not working out in the wrong place on the bike, though.
The 2.1 Nev is a BIG volume tire and it was an epiphany, a revelation. It was THE best tire I had every used -- fr or rr! When it wore out, I got a 2.1 DTC Blue Groove to replace it.
Uh-Oh! WTF? They are different volumes! Noooooo! So, I bumped up to the 2.35 BG.
Weight penalty? Who cares. This tire is pure badness.
It's like having a big pulling guard in front clearing the way. Just amazing on the descent. No more getting deflected by the baby heads. This bad boy dictates to the trail instead of the other way around.
On the climb, this thing is astounding in that it goes EXactly where you point it -- no wandering at all. Quite delightful.
Pressure! I can't help but wonder if some of the previous reviewers are running this tire cranked WAYyyy up on the PSI.
I run a lunarlight tube and put 28-30 pounds in it. I check and re-talc the tube every 4 weeks or so. I go for YEARS w/o a pinch flat.
Cornering! Maybe I have an advantage in that the "X" puts me dead center in the cockpit -- I don't have to move around very much during cornering ops. Maybe others are putting too much weight on the front end? Just a postulate -- no judgements intended.
Durability: I get about 5-600 miles on the front. The trails are so abrasive here and this is about average. I have never torn a sidewall, but I gravitate towards, rolling swoopy singletrack. If you are riding the nasty stuff, you probably want a more robust sidewall, as per previous posts.
As an ex-ski racer, I love to carve. This tire, along with it's wonderful mate, the 2.1 Nevagal DTC(@40lbs psi) on the rear, allow me to arc like there is no tomorrow.
Awright, then. Good luck, God bless and Godspeed.
Happy Trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hardtailVSsoftail
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: April 10, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Coastals
Strengths:
Looks nice when clean, usually during patch jobs
Weaknesses:
a patch per two or three hours of riding
Similar Products Used:
they came with the bike, shopping for new skins
Bike Setup:
giant xtc2 2008 model
Bottom Line:
I thought I was just beating my Giant too hard since I have to patch my front BG tube everytime I go out, but then I started reading the rest of the reviews out there, and they just plane suck. The Nevegals I got on the back seem to be holding up with only one flat in the past 5 rides, but the front BG tube now has 5 patches in it from the past 4 runs. I do have to admit though, I've bever once bailed so far and had to blame it on the skins. South Vancouver island is a pretty wet place and they seem to do the trick so long as there aren't to many roots. They are easy to mount and make switchbacks pretty fun. As for grinding them on concrete, couldnt tell you the tires are always off the bike getting repaired when not in the woods.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G-Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Too Many To List
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Cycles
Strengths:
This is a decent climbing tire, has a cool look, and has good cornering ability on hard pack trails. Contrary to other reviews, I have found the BG to have strong sidewalls. I burped a tire on a super steep rocky decent recently and thought the tire was a gonner for sure, but when I got to the bottom it was still intact.
Weaknesses:
This is not a good tire for loose over hard trails. Super unpredictable in any turn, feels like it is going to wash out at any second. Throws you all over the trail. Also not a good tire for tight, technical decents because you don't feel like you can come off a drop into a turn without washing out.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer, Conti's, Specialized
Bike Setup:
2008 Stumpjumper FSR, Fox F Series up front, Triad in the rear, Mavic Crossmax ST, Avid Juicy 5 SL disc brakes
Bottom Line:
Most of our trails here in NM are singletrack with lots of rocks, roots, and loose dirt over hard pack. Very few trails are simply hard pack. This tire will do OK overall on a hardpack trail, but it is a jittery, sketchy tire on anything else. Not good for the type of riding we have here, and definitely not a good tire for the price. Luckily the owner of Fat Tire said he would take the BG's back if I didn't like them, and I am that's exactly what I am going to do. This is the first time I have tried Kenda's and it would be hard to give them a second chance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Saratoga, CA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Strong cornering traction, reasonable weight for 2.35 and decent rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Tire appears out of round, weak wet traction and thin sidewalls - better with above your "normal" air pressure. also wears fast if run on pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Nevegal 2.35, Panaracer Rampage and Nokian NBX 2.3
The Blue Groove is my rear tire on a DT 4.2d rim which has worked well. I run it w/ Stan's tubeless and have had no issues other than its not round. The cornering traction is great with predictable progression in dry conditions of all kinds in Nor Cal. However, not as stable when riding in wet conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
uncaring_owl
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: January 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Straight line or in a hard lean these stick.
Weaknesses:
Super sketchy on long gentle curves, you'll just go straight.
Bottom Line:
If you can just find tight twisty singletrack and lean the bike well over you'll be fine, on fast swoopy stuff you'll be all over the place.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pyrobob
a Weekend Warrior
from Florida Date Reviewed: January 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Moab Cyclery
Strengths:
Traction is fairly good.
Weaknesses:
Price!
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Big Earl
Bike Setup:
King Fisher 1
Bottom Line:
The tire is ok. I need one on the fly so I really didn't reasearch other tires or prices.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin
a Weekend Warrior
from Marin, CA, US Date Reviewed: December 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Loma alta
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
my brother
Strengths:
Awsome tires, really grippy, and despite from what some people say, these work great on the street.
Weaknesses:
if your tire pressure is low, then you can fall really bad. i was just kinda pumping on like a foot high tabletop-and my front whell just got off the ground an inch, and my tire was low. when i landed, i bent up my rim(on the back) and broke my brake lever
Similar Products Used:
Wtb velociraptor, kenda kharma, kenda kharisma, and kenda Nevegal
Bike Setup:
crappy
Bottom Line:
i absolutely love this tire. its perfect for any type of riding. get the 2.35's. the only reason i rated the value low is because theyre ussaully 80 bucks...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Hertfordshire UK Date Reviewed: November 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
NONE
Weaknesses:
This tyre could kill in UK conditions
Similar Products Used:
Scott Cougar, Schwalbe Mountaineer II, Tioga
Bike Setup:
'07 trance 3, 32 TALAS X, Juicy 7's
Bottom Line:
Totally unsuitable tyre for UK conditions. I was scared to ride my Giant when it came with these as stock fitment. Front would suddenly slip away without warning and back would do same (Kenda Nevegal). Should be illegal in UK - they are that bad. AVOID this rubbish at all costs - unless you want to headbutt a tree at 30pmh+
I regret giving 'em even 1 chili - it's an insult to chili's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roy
a Downhiller
from Nashua Date Reviewed: August 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OEM on bike.
Strengths:
Good traction, very lite, Easy to install onto wheel.
Weaknesses:
Paper thin sidewalls.
Bike Setup:
Giant faith custom
Bottom Line:
Its not a bad tire, but I wouldn't trust Kenda's quality for any of rocky DH courses. My rear Kenda sidewalls are so thin that EVERYTIME I run any new england DH course, I'd pinch a tube. My Blue groove has been lucky cause its mounted to my front wheel. If it where on the rear, I'm sure it would pinch also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse
a
from East Bay Date Reviewed: July 5, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Predictable, grippy front and rear, reasonably fast, easy to lean and transition in corners
Weaknesses:
Easy to pinch flat.
Similar Products Used:
Nevegals (blah), new Resolutions
Bike Setup:
Heckler...tires are mounted on XM719 (19mm inside width) disc rims.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the DTC 2.35 version, which I've been using front and rear for a little less than a month. I think these tires get a bad rap...when used for dry hardpack/loose conditions, they're awesome. Last week I took a 6-day road trip down to Socal, where I rode these tires in just about every condition that California has in this season. Hardpack, gravel and pebbles, big rocks, alpine dust and pine needles...the Blue Groove worked good if not great on everything.
The only kind of terrain where the Nevegal has an edge over the Blue Groove IMO is on really loose and dusty trails, like late summer Tahoe or Santa Cruz Mountains. Even there, it's a pretty slight difference, and for everything else I definitely prefer the Blue Groove. The BG is rounder in profile and therefore easier to lean, and is less squirmy over rocks at low speeds. The heavy shoulder knobs give it great cornering traction in all dry conditions, though where it really shines is on hardpack and rock. As a rear tire it rolls fast enough for me and is almost impossible to break loose in an off-camber turn. I'm not real picky about rear tires though...I put the BG on my back wheel mainly because they were 30 bucks at REI, and some may find it too slow for trail use. In terms of handling, it's very predictable and acts like a beefed-up version of the Specialized Resolution.
As to weaknesses...the BG unfortunately has a few. It's remarkably easy to pinch flat, so even though the tread pattern and rubber compound are great on rocks, you have to be careful and run higher pressures than should be necessary sometimes. Bummer. The low, flat knobs are lousy on anything wet or slippery, so this is definitely a summer-only tire. Also, both my Blue Grooves have a noticeable wobble when mounted up, making it look like my wheels are way out of true. This doesn't hurt performance any, but it's irritating...if I'd paid the $50 MSRP, I'd be pretty miffed about the wobble, but for $30 I'll let it slide.
All in all, I really like the Blue Grooves, although if I was going to pay full sticker I'd probably look at something else first.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Rothesay Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bike Works
Strengths:
The tire has a crap load of traction on roots, rocks, etc. Easy to take on/off.
Weaknesses:
Rough concrete (like sidewalks) or pavement is just like taking a belt sander to the tread.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegals, Kenda Kinetics
Bike Setup:
06 Bigfoot, only brakes and frame are stock.
Bottom Line:
If you're hardcore on downhill or trails it's a great tire because they rarely lose grip on rocks, roots, etc. Al though, if you plan on doing a lot of street riding then don't plan on having these tires for much longer than a month.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bud
a Weekend Warrior
from the woods Date Reviewed: February 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
they look really cool sitting still. easy to take on and off to change flats.
Weaknesses:
they wash super easy. folding bead can be an issue for certian riders.
Bottom Line:
this review is for the 2.35 stickys. liked them on my hardtail at first, then these tires sent me to the er to have my face put back together. they washed out a few times on hardpacked trails before i was able to accept that i wasted my hard earned money. sticky compaired to what??? avoid them if you don't want to spend your $$$ on stitches instead of better tires. also avoid pavement because the tred wipes clean from this tire in a handfull of rides. (yeah i know what they're meant for and they suck at that too) STAY AWAY or suffer the wrath of the blue groove.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Juanzelli
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: December 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great tire for the front wheel.
Weaknesses:
Lites are purely racing tires and don't work well in loose sand. Not such a great tire for the rear. Myself and several friends have found the Blue Groove/Nevegal combination to work best.
Similar Products Used:
I was a die-hard Panaracer FireXC fan for a couple of years until trying the BG/Nev combination.
Bike Setup:
Tomac 98 Special
Bottom Line:
First, I tried the "lite" version which is a low-profile knobby and very lightweight (~450g) on front and rear. Now, I ride the Stick-E version on the front only to get a little more traction on loose dirt but with a little more weight. Put a Nevegal Stick-E on the back and you'll have an excellent combination for all-around riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cookie Low C
a Downhiller
from Pemberton, B.C. Date Reviewed: December 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tenquil
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
The Bike Co., Pemberton & Whistler B.C., www.bikecowhistler.com
Strengths:
Looks Good. Really, the only thing I like about this tire is that it looks like it should be a good tire. I think with the right corrections the tread shape is good. May be awesome in some parts of Ontario, Ohio and maybe Orlando.
Weaknesses:
The main weakness is it's terrible sidewall. Absolute garbage.
Similar Products Used:
Over my near 20yrs mtb'ing that list got very long.
Bike Setup:
I've ridden these on our shop's rental fleets which consist of Giants and Norcos. I ride Maxxis High Roller OS DH 2.5 rear and Minion OS DH 2.7 front. Sometimes full Minion combo in the super tacky. It's the beer out here.
Bottom Line:
Listen...I'm writing this to try to warn all consumers to BEWARE OF THIS DANGEROUSLY POOR TIRE. They come spec'd on bikes like the Giant Faith, Glory, Norco A-line, Atomic... great bikes that you would ride in extreme terrain, the problem is the tires aren't up to the task. To take advantage of it's tread it needs to be run too soft. Conversely to avoid flatting it has to be run too hard to get traction. I've flatted EVERY time I've ridden this and the Nevegal. (you'd think I'd learn eh? in my defense I was riding these bikes "out of the box" to truly test them) Once on the North Shore I got a double-double pinch. 4 holes at once. I had an accident where my front wheel washed out and my foot went in the spokes and broke 2 toes...at the top of C.B.C. yet! I had a gnarsty crash on the sickest spot on Rock City in Whistler that I'd like to blame on these tires. Our last heli-drop was brought to a halt after the first 100 feet to fix a flatted Blue Groove with a shredded sidewall. I feel bad for every customer I sold a bike too sporting these imposters. I truly appologize.
If you got stuck with these bear scats dump 'em now! You'll save yourself a world of inconvenience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
henry stafferton
a Downhiller
from toronto ontario canada Date Reviewed: November 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
auto bomb
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
cycle path
Strengths:
good on corners havent hade one flat fast on the trackes great tire
Weaknesses:
wears quick slow on flat
Similar Products Used:
highn roller nevagel
Bike Setup:
two blue grooves
Bottom Line:
get the tire for no higher than 50$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendt
a Downhiller
from Phoenix AZ Date Reviewed: August 8, 2006
This is for the 2.5 Blue Groove DH casing.... Absolutely the WORST tire I have ever ridden. I tried to give it a resonable chance for 3 months. I rode it in dry dirt, it washed out. I rode it in dry rocky desert conditions, it washed out. I rode it in wet muddy conditions, it was nearly suicidal.
I finally had enough this past weekend on day 1 of a 2 day weekend at Sunrise Ski Resort here in AZ. The trails started out dry in the morning, the tire still was not really hooking up. Not very confidence inspiring while riding some super steep, rocky terrain at break neck speeds. By the afternoon, it was pouring rain and this tire turned the trails into one big suicidal slip and slide. Absolutely ZERO traction. I gave up, pulled the Blue Groove off the front and the Nevegal (The second worst tire ever) off the back and threw them in the trash. Put my backup Panaracer 2.4 FR's (Single Ply sidewalls) on for the day and was wondering all day long why I ever switched. It was like my bike had magically been put on velcro. My confidence came back over the course of the day and the speeds increased with it.
Kenda will NEVER get another dime of my money, absolutely the worst tires...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Irvine, California, USA Date Reviewed: July 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Jax Bicycles
Strengths:
It carves turns like a dream
Weaknesses:
none that i have noticed
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z.E.D race
Bottom Line:
It is an overall great tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gman
a Weekend Warrior
from Boise Date Reviewed: February 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Climbs OK
Weaknesses:
Cornering in anything loose, picks up sand and throws it up A LOT, cakes w/ mud very quickly and doesn't clear well
I hate this tire. It climbs OK, but that's it. On the downhill in anything loose it lacks any kind of predictability. The cornering ability of this tire is horrible. It will wash on you without warning. At least my Mutano Raptors (not the best in the loose stuff either) have a very predictable feel to them and you can tell when you are on the edge.
I also HATE how this thing picks up little pebbles of sand and peppers you with them on the downhill. I thought this would go away after a break-in period, but it doesn't.
They cake with mud very quickly and don't clear very well either.
Easily the worst tire I've ever ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Too Many to Name
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
Bike Co.
Strengths:
Corner well, predictable, don't wash out.
Weaknesses:
Wear faster than a lot of other tires you'll find. Slow rollers. Flings rocks at you and your frame.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Spiders (Horrible), Panaracer Fire XC Pros, Kenda Nevgal (rear only), Continental Explorers, I can't remember teh rest.
Bike Setup:
Loaded
Bottom Line:
These are some of the better tires I've ever owned when it comes to hard-pack, loose descents. They are very predictable and they rarely wash out on me. On the rare occasion that they have washed out on fast fire-road descents (for you OC guys, think Harding, Maple Springs, etc) they've almost always hooked back up before I went yard sale all over the trail.
The only problem I have with these is the same problem I have with the Nevgals: they wear EXTREMELY fast. I do a lot of long (40+ mile) rides over varying terrain so I expect tires to wear however, the Stick-E compound probably wears 25% to 30% faster than most other tires out there. It also likely contributes to the many rocks I've had hurled at my shins, knees, chest, face and frame.
Bottom line: they're expensive and they have their issues but they work well as a front specific tire only (I would NEVER run these things on the rear).
Two torched terds for value because they are expensive and they do wear out quickly and four terds for overall rating because - simply put - they work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Bartlett
a Cross Country Rider
from North Yorkshire, UK Date Reviewed: December 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very sticky on rock,hard pack.
Weaknesses:
Expensive. Hard to find. Washes out in mud - with no warning
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire xc, Panaracer Mud Pro,Kenda Nevegal.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur,Gary Fisher Sugar 1.
Bottom Line:
As with all tyre reviews this is terrain specfic and this review is for the DTC 2.1. I ride the North York Moors which are a mixture of rocks, moorland,sandy, hardpack and this time of year mud. I have used panaracer fire xc as an all round tyre for 4 years with no complaints.I read good reviews of BG (front) and the Nevegal (rear) and decided to try them. They are fantastic in dry conditions and have improved my climbing on rocks both dry and wet. In wet muddy conditions the BG has suddenly washed out with no warning (and for no reason!)on 3 occasions. I have the scars to prove it and have lost confidence in this tyre. After todays scare the Panaracer is going back on the front and I will try that with the Nevegal as a rear. I read a review on the singletrack site by a rider from New Zeland where these are known as "Kenda (Kinder) surprises" and now I know what he means. Only use in the dry - in wet muddy conditions they will wash out when you least expect it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
El Dragon
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa Date Reviewed: November 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Calistoga bike shop
Strengths:
Light and stable. Turning through switch-backs, flying around off camber turns, high speed fire road or single track was a sinch.
Weaknesses:
The name "Blue Groove"
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson's, IRC's, Pannaracers.
Bike Setup:
Seven/single speed, w/ stans no tube's on mavic tubeless, Chris King hubs, (28)13 guage spoke's.
Bottom Line:
This tire corners great and is stable at speed and the big air volume feels great. Stoping was predictable in any condition even when two tire sliding at time's during a race (Sea Otter classic).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cool Breeze
a Weekend Warrior
from RSM CA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Weight
Weaknesses:
Washout
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Kenda, Geax, etc.
Bike Setup:
Intense
Bottom Line:
Watch out on trails with loose terra over hard pack. Just not as stable then Nevegals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie
a Downhiller
from Coto De Caza Date Reviewed: September 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bullit
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Bike Company
Strengths:
Price I would say
Weaknesses:
Washes out bad, I would not recommend this tire to anyone!!
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Minion
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz VP Free, 888RC
Bottom Line:
This is the worst tire I have ever used, I road it on San Juan Trail and in Mammoth, once the changed the tire it felt like a whole now bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Modesto Date Reviewed: September 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Similar Products Used:
WTB Nanoraptor 2.1
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit: trail bike set-up for a Clydesdale
Bottom Line:
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 2.0 DUAL TREAD COMPOUND VERSION...I've been looking for a lite-weight XC tire for the flat, dry, smooth hard pack I ride. I've already put a couple hundred miles on them via a few all-day epic rides and an 8 hour solo race (running them front and rear...not sure if they recommend it as a rear tire). Here's what I think so far: 1) They are lite (claimed 480 grams). 2) They pedal well with low rolling resistance. 3) They have enough traction for hard pack, but will float quickly if it gets slightly loose at speed. 4) They seem to be wearing "kinda fast" around the center where the "harder" rubber is supposed to be. 5) They provide plenty of traction on climbs. 6) I don't push them too hard on tighter turns at speed. They have a good edge with "softer" rubber, but you gotta remember this is a 2.0 XC tire. Overall, I like them for their intended purpose (dry hard pack). I'm gonna stick with them and maybe experiment with a Kenda Short Tracker 1.95 on the rear. Minus 1 flamin' chili on "value" and "overall" rating for the high retail price and what seems to be semi-quick wear on the "harder" rubber center tread.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray Dolor
a
from 'Dago, CA, USA., Planet Earth Date Reviewed: September 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
$30
Strengths:
an excellent FRONT tire....the best front tire I've tried,and I've tried way more tires than your average rider.
Weaknesses:
stick-e rubber does wear fast. i tend to avoid rides that have pavement sections because of the feeling that any tiny movement of the bars is grinding that x-pensive tread away onto the street. As a rear tire.. I would'nt even try this tire on the back wheel
Similar Products Used:
most other tires. it's embarrasing how many. My garage reeks of kevlar beading.
I like a front tire with some float, but not so much that it feels like i really have to push it in front of me. The BG in 2.5 feels like that, but the 2.35 is just right. The Stick-e compound grips well enuf that my rear wheel consistently breaks free a bit before the front, which is how i like to ride. As a FRONT tire, this is the best one I have yet to ride. The knob pattern has that directional tread that makes it great up front too. I dont like this tread pattern on a rear tire. And yes, it wears fast, but not so fast that i can't cough up the dough for another. Besides, they do go on sale.......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ramon
a Weekend Warrior
from laguna beach Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Sticky rubber. Awesome traction on rocks and hardpack.
Weaknesses:
low knobs = bad traction on loose, loose over hard pack trails. Absolutely no braking traction on steep loose terrain.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis High Roller 2.5 & 2.7 Super Tacky, Kenda Nevegal, Conti Vert Pro, Maxxis Minions, Maxxis Larsen TT, and a lot moore
I would recommend these tires on hard pack and rocky terrain. Grips awesome and rolls very well. Just don't use it in loose conditions. I highly recommend the high rollers for loose applications.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kirk
a Weekend Warrior
from thousand oaks, CA USA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
cornering grip
Weaknesses:
prone to pinch flat, wash out
Bike Setup:
haro escape
Bottom Line:
a good tire if your bike comes with them, but don't buy this on your own. Put the nevegal on front as well as the back. more rolling resistance, but also more traction!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Frykman
a Weekend Warrior
from Bozeman Date Reviewed: May 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
yeah right
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
on line
Strengths:
This is for the 2.5. Cant recomend these tires very much. put it on the back and it died within 2 months. see below
Weaknesses:
compared to other tires ive used, these were disapointing, especially compared to the nevegal. they loose traction easily, wear extremely fast, and i just recently ripped a nobby off the tire. its less than 2 months old.
Similar Products Used:
Nevegal!!! weirwolf, motoraptor, mutanoraptor, Fire xc, pythons
Bike Setup:
5spot, single trac rims, air suspension
Bottom Line:
Not very impressive compared to sister tire Nevegal. admitidly i am hard on stuff but wasn't very nasty to this tire before it failed. Im getting another nevgal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Laura
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX, USA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Flat Rock Ranch, Comfort, TX
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Action Bikes
Strengths:
Subperb cornering.
Weaknesses:
Wears easily.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Exploerer, Hutchison Scorpion
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Pisgah, Specialized M4 FS, both with Mavic cross max wheels with Stans's sealant
Bottom Line:
I put these tires on for rocky and dry conditions. I immediately noticed an improvement with cornering and control over rocks. I have used these in 3 races and love them. I will not purchase another brand of tire in the future.
I use the 2.1's non-tubeless and run them on Mavic Crossmax SL wheels with Stan's sealant. They do not leak.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The one I can ride to
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Traded friend
Strengths:
Good traction in hardpack and on rocks when tread is new.
Weaknesses:
Wears out super fast, quickly losing ability to gain good traction. Heavier tire but still easy to punture.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Nokian, Geax, Panaracer
Bike Setup:
2005 Kona Explosif SS, Avid Discs, Manitou X-Vert Super
Bottom Line:
I am not one to lock up my rear wheel and this tire has already seen considerable wear in the 4 months I have been riding it, mostly on paved streets getting me to and from school. Now that the snow is gone I am back on the trails and the tire is not performing like it did on earlier trail rides. The traction is great when it is new but it won't stay new for long. Get it if you can afford to replace it every couple months otherwise go with a harder compound tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bubba
a Cross Country Rider
from Over Here, USA Date Reviewed: April 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Sticks like a mother around corners. Have not found the wash out point yet. Clears mud very well. Reasonable weight.
Weaknesses:
Rolls slow in loose dirt and sand.
Similar Products Used:
Dart. Velociraptor. Fire XC.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail with 80mm front fork.
Bottom Line:
I had a Velociraptor up front and it was ok. Then went to a Fire XC. It works well as a rear tire but sucks in the front. Very sketchy around fast corners and not all that great on roots and rocks. Found a tear in the sidewall of my rear Fire XC and decided to put the front Fire XC on the rear and replace the front tire with the Blue Groove 2.1. WOW this thing glues the bike around corners. It sticks to everything. I did find myself loosing speed in looser dirt and sand but it was so worth it for the technical riding and cornering. I want the matching Nevegral or however it is spelled, but everywhere is backordered so I will keep the Fire XC on the rear until it also dies. I am VERY pleased with the Blue Groove
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dbohnsai
a
from Chilli, Oh Date Reviewed: March 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
I absolutely hated these tires. They came stock with my bike and were one of the first things to go. Dialing in the right PSI was very tricky. Too much PSI and you slipped and skidded around. Too little and rolling resistance was horrible, not to mention the risk of pinch flats. I couldn't climb to same my life with the tires either. I switched to some Tioga Yellow Kirins and it made a world of difference. Seeing the high rating for these tires and the low rating for the Tioga's makes me think that it's all due to the rocky, rooty, clay terrarin I ride in. So if riding in above conditions, don't buy these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Palm City Date Reviewed: January 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
it's all good
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This is for the 2.5 kevlar version, the stickiest tire I've ever run on the front. It's also the heaviest and slowest rolling (by far). This thing absolutely sticks to anything hard, wet or dry. It's extremely stable at speeds, tracks perfectly straight at speed, with 0 deflection. Although this is supposed to be a dry condition tire, going through rocky creek crossings you can feel this tire conform and stick to the slippery rocks. Confidence inspiring.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, rolls extremely slow, if that concerns you with a tire this size. Deep sand is a no-no.
Similar Products Used:
2.1 nevegals, Intense CC 2.25 and mutanoraptor 2.4 are the only ones even comparable to this tire that I've tried.
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Chamuco w/5th coil rear, Sherman Firefly plus, Juicy 8", yadda yadda. Great ride.
Bottom Line:
You be the judge. If you're looking for a do-it-all tire and pedaling speed is not your biggest concern give it a shot. If you're shuttling or DH is your biggest thrill and you're looking for a confidence inspiring tire, give it a shot. 5/5 for intended application.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Munch
a Cross Country Rider
from Jimtown, CA Date Reviewed: December 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lawndale
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Hammerhead
Strengths:
This review is on the 2.1 Blue Groove Stick-E's: my new favorite tire. The traction & toughness you need when you step up to 4" of travel from an old-school XC 2-3"
Weaknesses:
They're not free. Heavier than the IRC Mythos I've been riding, but they're meant to be. I'll take their durability and weight
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Megabites to Velociraptors, Michelins & Mythos, Tom Slicks, Nanoraptors & Motoraptors, Umma Gumma & Roll-X's...
Bike Setup:
Hammerhead 100X, Fox F100 & Float ProPedal, XT with Magura Martas & XC Pro wheelset, Race Face cranks & bar, PC-99
Bottom Line:
I had been running IRC Mythos Kevlars for 8 years on my hardtail & K2 razorback, occaisionally trying others but always going back. Then I got my Hammerhead, and with 4" of front & rear travel and disc brakes, I found myself flying at speeds beyond the capability of the 'Thos. These Blue Grooves would have been considered "Freeride" gear a few years ago- they're bigger, tougher and knobbier than the standard XC fare of the 90's. But they're exactly what I need in my hardpack & rocky terrain. Great traction, sticky rubber for the rocks, tough sidewalls, more air volume. I haven't had a pinch flat or torn sidewall on these tires yet, and I have a 1/2 season and 400 miles on them. I've been riding 100% dirt and its looks like I have 2/3 life left in the tread (I remove at about 1/2 knobs). And even with the extra weight (never bothered to weigh them before installation) I'm going faster on my rides. Kenda's arrived and is making great tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aculla
a Downhiller
from Slovakia Date Reviewed: October 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
extreme grip on dry terain, bulitproof,
Similar Products Used:
michelin dh tires
Bike Setup:
big hit, super t, saint, luisa fr
Bottom Line:
This tire (2,5 stick-e) is faster than Nevegal and on dry teraind hold much better. I love it because glued like hell and easy controled in corners. You can´t loose with this tire!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lars
a Weekend Warrior
from AZ Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$33.00
Strengths:
7 month followup review: 2.35" folding bead BG up front, Neve on rear.
Still impressed with this tire as a front for dry conditions!
I went TUBLESS with them using Stans and a Mavic EX823 UST rims. When we mounted (both the BG and the Neve) in the bike shop, everyone was shocked at how incredibly loud the bead snap was when it seated! This is an incredibly good seal on a UST rim w/ Stans!
I've been running the front at between 20 and 25 psi, w/ no issues at all. I weigh 170 on the bike and everthing here is harsh, rocky, agressive xc to FR to short but steep DH. Rock rock rock.
Also, it's held up much much better than I'd expected for such a soft compound. The Neve on the back, however, has worn quite quickly.
Weaknesses:
Used in a pine-needle littered forest over the summer - whoaa baby, no traction there!
I do NOT have the wire bead DH version, so I do wonder about the reletively thin sidewalls. No problems yet, though.
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Geax, Panracer
Bike Setup:
Used on hardtail and 6x6 agressive ride.
Bottom Line:
A really great tire for dry deserty conditions. It allows me to float through cobbly sandy washes (I LOVE riding washes), keeps me stuck on steep slick rock, rolls well, and is wearing better than I'd expected.
For the first time in my life I have no urge to try a different front tire.
Wish they made a UST version!
Again, this is TERRAIN SPECIFIC!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from Nor Cal. Date Reviewed: October 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$33.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
2.35 used as a front tire only. Grip,tracking and ablility to run low psi.
Weaknesses:
A bit of a slow roller
Similar Products Used:
Front tires: schwable 2.35 fat albert, conti 2.3 vert protection, WTB 2.4 Mutanoraptor & 2.5 weirwolf,
Bike Setup:
5 spot using a 2.1 nevegal in da back.
Bottom Line:
Great front tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DC
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern BC, Canada Date Reviewed: August 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
$69 CAN At All Seasons
Strengths:
Grippy. No flats, large volume, seem to last well.
I have really enjoyed having this tire on the front of my bike. I have had zero problems with it and have not noticed any weight penalty. I use it for just about everything and have not noticed a lot of wear. I have had zero flats, maybe because I went to a larger volume Nokian Tube to fill the void left by regular tubes.
I will purchase another one of these tires when the time comes, it has been worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricardo
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Good traction, you can feel them grip on that crucial power stroke when other tires might let you down.
Weaknesses:
Flats, flats and flatulance. Wear very quickly. Weak side wall.
Similar Products Used:
Kujos (heavy but great traction and bomb proof) WTB Weirwold (wouldn't buy a 2nd one)
Bike Setup:
Bullet with great components once I get those Blue Grooves off and into curbside recycling.
Bottom Line:
I bought them through a friend who ordered a set for himself after we heard they were the new "hot" tire for free riding on the Shore. Wrong! What they are is a cross country tire masquerading in a free ride size. They spec 30 - 50psi. At 45psi they are hard and nervous and bounce off any uneven surface. At 40psi, you better be doing a paper route with them because you can't roll steep faces or huck a 3 footer without pinch flating. This tire is not meant for free riding, aggressive or otherwise for this part of the country.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Douglas
a
from Palmdale, CA Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Bottom Line:
Here's the scoop on how they did at Snow Summit.
I expected hardpack trails at Snow Summit, so I swapped out my Mammoth Mountain tires and installed Blue Groove's up front, and Nevagals in back.
Well, I was surprised twice this weekend. The runs down the face of the mountain were very loose, steep, and technical. In other words - way too fun!!! The Blue Grooves were great! They excelled in the hardpack for cornering traction and braking, but they did a fine job in the loose stuff as well. I never felt wanting for more traction or cornering grip.
And they have proven to be tough in the rough stuff. No sidewall cuts or pinch flats so far.
I will review again when I get more "normal" local trail miles on them. So far I am very satisfied with them. They have proven excellent.
And here are the numbers:
TIRE SIDEWALL WIDTH WEIGHT
Blue Groove 2.35 2.180 inches 766 gms
Fat Albert 2.35 2.19 750 gms
Fire FR 2.4 2.175 960 gms
Nevegal 2.5 2.250 914 gms
WTB Timberwolf 2.5 2.206 988 gms
As you can see, the Blue Grooves and Nevegals are very large volume tires (they are both wider than the Panaracer 2.4 FR at the sidewall). The Blue Grooves look similar to the very large volume Fat Alberts in numbers, but in reality the Blue Grooves have a much more aggressive tread. I really liked the Fat Alberts before for local trails, but the Blue Grooves are proving to be a better tire, and they don't have sidewall cuts like my Fat Alberts!
(Did you notice the 2.5 Nevegals are so much wider than the Timberwolf's!!!???)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Douglas
a
from Palmdale Date Reviewed: July 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
These tires offer great traction, light weight, and large volume. They are about the same weight as my Schwalbe Fat Alberts, with a similar large volume, but they are far more aggressive.
The guy below is right about loose trails - the Nevegals are better. But they are better because they are designed for the loose stuff. He should try the Blue Groove's up front for hardpack trails. Or maybe a Nevegal in back for climbing traction, and a wide (2.5) Blue Groove up front for cornering traction.
Anyway, the price is killer on these, and they are well worth it. Only time will tell how tough they are in the rough stuff. I currently have 3 sidewall cuts in my Fat Alberts. I'll note how the BG's hold up in a later review.
Will review again when I have more miles on them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LArs
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ Date Reviewed: June 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$33.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Tire performance is TERRAIN SPECIFIC - so see below.
VERY sticky, low rolling resistance, "suarish" profile. As front tire, excellent traction on slickrock and hardpack, good on gravel.
Weaknesses:
Spendy @ $45 msrp - but you get what you pay for! So "sticky" I can't imagine it will last long.
Similar Products Used:
Various IRC and GEax treads
Bike Setup:
Used on both C'dale F700 hardtail and 6x6 full sus.
Bottom Line:
I'm using as front tire only (Nevegal rear), and in this capacity it's the BEST tire I've ever used for the terrain I ride - dry desert hardpack soil(25%), hardpack gravel(25%), loose gravel to 2"(25%), slickrock(25%). Floats through fine gravel washes while still allowing directional control. I LOVE it!
Would not be enough tread for forest litte/pin needles though, nor enough for wet/mud conditions.
Using Kenda Nevegal in rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KEVIN
a Cross Country Rider
from SAN RAFAEL CA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
SLIDE
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
NORBA RACE
Strengths:
ROLLED WELL , RELATIVELY LIGHT
Weaknesses:
NOT ENOUGH TRAACTION
Similar Products Used:
NEVAGAL
Bike Setup:
YETI 5.75
Bottom Line:
NOT ENOUGH TRACTION FOR VERY LOOSE STEEP TRAILS . THE NEVEGAL DID MUCH BETTER , TOOK OFF THE BLUE GROOVE AFTER 1ST RIDE .
$
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