Loose soil to deep mud tire. Cleated knob design digs deep to allow optimal cornering, braking and acceleration in extremely loose, wet and muddy conditions. Medium density MaxxPro 60a durometer rubber compound is stiff enough that knobs won't fold, yet soft enough to provide a subtle feel on roots and rocks. The Swampthing was engineered to be ridden both front and rear.
buy these if your going to do any freeride or dh.
if you are one of those complainy xc or road cyclists then find something lighter weight .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tex5491
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: September 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Walnut creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
online somewhere
Strengths:
Puncture resistance, grips great on every thing but sand
Weaknesses:
heavy
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager JonesXR
Bottom Line:
This tire is heavy but it will not go flat on you. On top of plenty of rocks here in austin all of the vegitation is spiky in some form or fasion and i have ran over it all. If you hate to change or patch tires and dont mind the weight than these are perfict.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
deserteagle99uzi
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, Missouri, USA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Berryman
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
CRC (Chain Reaction
Strengths:
Excellent front and rear tyres, Grip and Hook Up better than anything I've ever tried and inspire ridiculous amounts of confidence in all conditions. Use with Stan's tubeless or similar tubeless system and low pressure (under 35 psi) to achieve true potential
Weaknesses:
Extremely high rolling resistance. When DHing I use both, when XC riding I only use this tyre in the front. When using on both wheels the slightest patch of loose gravel will feel exactly like riding onto a velcro patch.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Ignitor, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, WTB Velociraptor, A variety of highly ranked tyres on this website.
Bike Setup:
Ibex Asta Comp X.9, Shimano SLX crank, Rhynolite Wheelset laced to Shimano XT hubs and set up tubeless with stan's notubes system and Maxxis Swampthings 26x2.35, Second wheelset Sun DSC-2 XC laced to nova hubs with Panaracer FireXC Pro 26x2.1 setup tubeless. Both wheelsets run 25-40 PSI as needed and I often run Swampthing front, Panaracer rear
Bottom Line:
First let me be clear: THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE 2.35' Width Tyres. I would also like to point out that I have never tried running these over 30-35 PSI and have ALWAYS run them tubeless with stan's tubeless system (www.notubes.com), I would not bother running them with tubes as the grip is 2/3 of the reason to run them at all. After painstakingly parsing many of the reviews on this website and testing about $500 worth of tyres over an entire XC season in southeast Missouri I can confidently say that this is the BEST front tire for almost any condition XC trail riding.
From the small amount of DH that is possible in missouri (not much elevation change but plenty of long DH stretches) I am fairly certain that I wouldn't try any other tyre besides this for DH riding.
While these tyres are rather heavy and thus have poor rolling resistance they hook up and grip in ways no other tyre has come close to being able to do. I have been able to develop my weekend warrior riding techniques into XC racing level times primarily b/c of how hard these tyres allow you to push turns and rocky loose downhill sections. The tread is simple yet effective shedding mud very quickly and giving amazing grip even when skipping over rocks and roots in loose conditions at high speed.
I primarily run these tyres in the front b/c the high rolling resistivity lends to very poor momentum transfers on trails when put in the rear. This effect is the only downside to running these tyres in both front and rear, however it is quite pronounced to the point where I actually slow down going down slight hills if I hit loose gravelly or sandy sections that other tyres like the Panaracer would just float over. This may bother some users, others may not really care particularly if weight saving/flow is not top priority. I switch my rear out every week or two depending on how I feel and how long of a trail I have. While the flow is killed by running these rear there are many climbs which would normally demand a low gear and careful line choosing which can just be powered through when running this tyre rear because of the crazy hookup it gets on almost any surface. My Panaracer feels like it's having to scrape around roots and rocks when I climb with it and I have to stay carefully aware of my weight distribution so as to keep enough traction in the back. All of this thinking and body positioning can simply be ignored when running this tyre in the rear as It grabs ANYTHING like a pair of pliers with little to no weight on it; if it slips it's not for more than a split second before it immediately hooks up never forcing me to pop out and put a foot down.
While I would never consider using anything but these for my front tyre I would recommend using it as a rear sparingly, wet/loose trails/conditions make this an invaluable rear tyre but it will slow you down significantly and kill your flow for normal trail riding purposes. Durability has been excellent as running them at the 30 PSI tubeless that I do and weighing 190lb's borders on abuse. I can say that I have never punctured one of these in 2 years of riding while my panaracer's have suffered multiple flats both with tubes and without.
The only issue I can think of with these is that they have a VERY pronounced wire bead and thus are EXTREMELY hard to get on and off a lot of rims, I would recommend setting them up tubeless with something like stan's kit (www.notubes.com) as a tube change on the trail could literally take 1/2 an hour and might require a bit of oil to slip the bead off the rim.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from underhill ctr, VT Date Reviewed: May 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
somewhere online??
Strengths:
terrific traction in all conditions, especially slippery roots, rocks and mud. will not let go.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
wtb, ritchey, specialized, bontrager, panaracer
Bike Setup:
enduro sl
Bottom Line:
great tire for slippery conditions. I run 2.5 front and back and these tires have really impressed with ability to power around over and up surfaces that in the past other tires have lost traction on. For those in dry climates this tire may be overkill. FYI these were a real b*tch to put on my rims. Tight tolerances with Maxis and my DT swiss wheels? Oh well, besides that these are awsome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Racer
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Dausset Trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
grips like tank treads for your bike.
Weaknesses:
rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
IRC Serac, Maxxis Ignitors
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Rush 600, mostly stock.
Bottom Line:
The best tire I've ever ridden in soft soil and loose conditions! I've literally ridden these tires up stairs. Waisted on anything but the slipperiest and nastiest of trails though. Overkill as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sylvain Gravel
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Qc, Canada Date Reviewed: December 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
- Grip. These stick to anything. Mud, loose, hard pack, you name it and they handle it. I couldn't ask for a better rear tire! - Superb Wear. I've been using these tires for 3 years now and they still have some pretty tall knobs. The best thing is I've ridden these on pavement and they hold up pretty good
Weaknesses:
More or less of a weakness but they don't do it in 2.1 or 2.35 anymore so I'll have to move on to something else.
Similar Products Used:
Nevagal, Mofo DH, Weirwolf
Bike Setup:
Ramped up 2003 Norco Storm
Bottom Line:
Well these tires are just amazing. Nothing less. When I purchased these tires 3 years ago I was looking for my first mud tire. I haven't been deceived and I still have them on my bike. They really grip to anything that ends up being under your wheel in any condition. If these tires slip, anything will. To be honest I've never had them slip on the downhill and very rarely on the uphill. On top of that they really hold the line well. I just wish they still had a 2.1 version for my XC bike and a 2.35 for my all mountain...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Downhiller
from Reno, Nevada Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Northstar
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
- excellent grip - super strong - don't really have to worry about pinch flats - confidence inspiring
This is a great tire for the worst conditions. It handles great in the loose dirt and holds the line you want. I haven't ridden these tires in the mud yet, but I'm sure they would excell there as well.
I use the 2.5 60d version. The wirebead in the tire makes it super strong and makes it so you basically don't need to worry about pinchflatting.
I wouldn't recommend this tire to road bikers and cross country people because of the weight and high rolling resitance haha. BUT, if you downhill and need good grip on the crappiest conditions, I would highly recommend this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan wade
a Weekend Warrior
from bolton, manchester, England Date Reviewed: June 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Llandegls, rivington
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
chain reaction
Strengths:
really grippy, not to bad on wear- ive had mine bout 4 months n the back has just started 2 wear, great on fast cornering lots of confidence
Weaknesses:
heavy!- my rear tire is a 2.5 inch and it weighs 1180g im thinking of changing to WTB wierwolf which are 400g lighter and ive heard good things about them, a bit slow on smooth stuf but its not designed 4 that!?
Similar Products Used:
specialized pro 2.3, - i ride all mountain/freeride and these r great for this
Bike Setup:
kona coiler dee-lux, fox 36 van rc2, hone cranks, avid juicy 5, xt-xtr transmision, huttefelt bars and stem hope hubs on s-type rims.
Bottom Line:
great tire in all condition, even thought it is designed for mud its equally as good on loose gravel, im goin 2 change to something with less rolling resistace for summer and keep these for the rest of the year
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Thompson
a Cross Country Rider
from Plymouth, Devon, UK Date Reviewed: April 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
cann woods nr Plymouth
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
wiggle
Strengths:
The 42a durometer compound is seriously confidence inspiring, providing unbelieveable grip on technical roots, rocks and mud. Sheds mud well too. Holds up at low pressures. Recommended trail tyre for 'exploration' in UK winter conditions.
Weaknesses:
Dead slow on hard surfaces, fast wearing. Avoid tarmac. Make sure you are fitter than your mates if they are using something else.
Bike Setup:
sworks stuntjumper 120 (septune) fast trail setup.
Bottom Line:
Ultra grippy technical trail tyre for winter use in slippery UK conditions. No good for fast riding but great if you don't want to be defeated by the elements. Recommended for solo night rides in the winter when you need a bit more confidence. look elsewhere if you have the need for speed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
port hills trail network
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Business
Strengths:
amazing traction
Weaknesses:
sketchy on loose dry surfaces (but it's a mud tire so waddya expect)
05 Kona Kula, RS Reba Races, swampthing 2.1 70a (single ply) rear, swampthing 2.35 60a (single ply) front
Bottom Line:
absolutely confidence inspiring, our local hills are notoriously greasy in winter (superfine clay), these hang in there when my riding buddies are skidding or spinning
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vincy Manjo TRillo
a Downhiller
from Butuan, Philippines Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Grips well on cornering loose stuff, it really hold on loose rokiz man! have'nt tested yet in muddy/wet condition. Pinch flat resistant
Weaknesses:
quite heavy for bunny hops. hi rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
all agressive knobby tires
Bike Setup:
hardtail freedrive
Bottom Line:
This tires is good only for downhill, too heavy for jumps/freeride & bunny hops. So if you want too ride on the muddy/wet condition, this thing is a big bet. Use the 2.5 version on the front & 2.3 on the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jez
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading, England Date Reviewed: June 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Afan Valley, Wales
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Travelling bikes sale
Strengths:
Awsome grip and puncture resistance. I've ridden these for the entire British winter (front and back wheels) and they haven't let me down at all. Not one puncture! The grip is that good, on steep ascents all you have to worry about is keeping the front wheel down! They hook up superbly on wet roots as long as you keep the pressures low, and even performed well in the snow.
Weaknesses:
Vibration on tarmac
Similar Products Used:
IRC Backcountry
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2+
Bottom Line:
I picked these up for 15 quid in a travelling bike sale because they looked the part and were cheap. Turns out they were the best winter tyre I've ever had. Not that fast on hardpack, but they're not designed for that. Buy them, stick 'em on your bike and go find some mud to play in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harry
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasanton Date Reviewed: May 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
WaterDog
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Extreme grip anywhere(literally) Loose gravel,deep mud, pavement its finds grip everywhere. its got very good street manners as well, quite and you dont get the vibration you would expect from a super knobbly tire.
Weaknesses:
when the tires heat up or on a hot day the rolling resistence is really bad. kicks rocks and dirt into your shoes.
Similar Products Used:
i dunno, never tried a product as good as this one
Bike Setup:
06' Diamondback COil Ex Manitou QRL rear shock Super swampers on both ends (swamp things) and Marzocchi Mz 3 fork.
Bottom Line:
This tire gets grip everywhere, i dont know how but when you hill climbing our fording throught a mudhole is just point and shoot, and you up the steep slippery hill or mud bog. For the first time ever i experienced a tire sucking the ground its a weird feeling. Also you have to adapt to biking with this tire, especially during slippery hill climbs because you will wheelie before this tire loooses grip, its extraordinary. Beware the tire manages to transfer the dirt rock and twigs on the ground either into your shoes or twigs into your spokes and what not. if your not used to a tire with high rolling resistence i would suggest not riding this tire on the pavement when its hot outside
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bryce bradford
a Weekend Warrior
from vista, CA USA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
dawson canyon-FLIGHTLINE
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At:
alpha bicycle company
Strengths:
lasts long, very very sticky, very grippy on dry DG-(decomposed granite, slipperiest dirt ever), has never burned out on me... even on the heaviest uphill pedaling (which i dont do very often), sheds mud quickly (trust me the mud around here is clay, so when it gets wet... it is like superglue), leaves cool looking deep treads in the mud
Weaknesses:
does start to wear off significantly after awhile, but that is expected
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire FR, IRC kujo DH
Bike Setup:
'97 cheeta prowler, white ind. cranks, vanilla RC, '03 shivers, swampthing rear, michelin DH front, magura julie front, magura tomac HD rim brakes rear, smith half waffle grips...
Bottom Line:
best out of three tires that ive had, extremely stable in rock gardens at 30mph, like suction cups in wet DG or on slippery roots by the springs, rolls well on streets. PENETRATING IN DRY DG
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Racer
from Cincinnati, OH USA Date Reviewed: December 22, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Look sick, grips anywhere...
Weaknesses:
Hard to find???
Similar Products Used:
WTB Weirwolfs, Kendas
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse, Race Face, XT, XC Hardtail
Bottom Line:
WOW!!!, i've been looking for these for a while. They are hard to come by, but i found a brand new set of the 2.35's on ebay for $20. I took them out this weekend to some trails with the melted/iced over snow covering, along with the ground up leaf mixture in the soft dirt. The slick, hard snow was a little hairy while i was walking, but once i got on the bike, all i heard was CRUNCH, CRUNCH, CRUNCH as the Swampthings cut through and stuck to every turn, climb. I was sure i would need to get off due to a washout while hitting some climbs, but while seated in the saddle, the climbs felt like i was on hardpack in july. The only hint of unstability was where grooves had melted into the actual ice that was still around, but even that felt like a slight root that will kick a tire every now and again. When on the actual dirt, i experienced the "suck" for the first time that people talk about when a tire CANNOT slip on the trail. I cannot imagine a better tire for what these are made for, period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guy
a Cross Country Rider
from Manchester, CT Date Reviewed: November 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
the one covered with leaves
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
cambria
Strengths:
stickiest tire around, period!!!
Weaknesses:
durability
Similar Products Used:
Z-Maxs, Motoraptors
Bike Setup:
san andreas set up for freeride
Bottom Line:
I used these tires in the spring, figuring the best tire for wet and slippery conditions would the "Swamp Things". I was right. However, you do pay for the stickiness in rolling resistance and durability. To be fair, I bought the slow reezay compound. They lasted 2-3 months before knobs started disappearing off the rear tire at an alarming rate. But in that time... You do not need to brake with these tires. Choose a slippery, off camber descent and fly down it without any worry. If I were going to race DH, these would be tires I would buy. I would just be sure to get the 60a compound next time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
neill
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: August 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came as OEM
Strengths:
Last forever. Finds grip everywhere, even snow.
Weaknesses:
High rolling resistance but I only run them at 35psi.
Similar Products Used:
None. These were on the bike when I bought it.
Bike Setup:
Steel-framed, old-school jump bike.
Bottom Line:
It's only recently that I gave my tyres any thought and that was because I wanted to get something more suited to the riding I'm doing at the moment, that is, mostly urban. It's because of doing online research for a new tyre that I find myself at this forum and so I thought I'd have my say:
Longevity-I've ridden offroad(20%), canal paths(30%) and tarmac(50%) for the last 4 years and there's still plenty of life in them. This is surprising as the rubber is pretty soft, which accounts for it's decent grip on the blacktop.
Grip/Confidence-on anything loose (including snow) you know your're gonna get the grip. Not as good on the road but you don't buy this tyre for that.
Puncture resistance-one puncture in 4 years and even then, I had to ride past a freshly-cut Hawthorn hedge to do it. Doh!
As stated above, I've nothing to compare these tyres to and so I don't think I'm qualified to recommend them or not (I'll leave that to others) but I've been really happy with them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
r. grenier
a Weekend Warrior
from geneva, ny, usa Date Reviewed: February 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anywhere i can ride
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
dick's sporting goods
Strengths:
very good off-road tire. can get through almost anything, durable, light weight, and not too expensive.
Weaknesses:
not very good on the hard stuff.
Similar Products Used:
none.
Bike Setup:
mountainsmith, stock.
Bottom Line:
if you're going to be riding off-road 90% of the time, these tires are for you. not recommened for road use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuang Hui Chuen
a Weekend Warrior
from Penang, Malaysia Date Reviewed: January 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
near my house
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Sim Cycle
Strengths:
very goor in the wet. can corner at fast speed
Weaknesses:
feels vibrating when riding on tarmac. wears off very quickly
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire FR pro
Bike Setup:
deore cranks, LX FD, altus RD
Bottom Line:
a very good yet very reliable tire offroad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ostap
a
from Connecticut Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
near my house
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
These tires are the best. Never had any tires that are made to do so well. They have a lot of traction, lots of cornering grip and work very well in the mud!
Weaknesses:
They probably have too much grip. On dry days they slow you down. These tires are the best in mud, hence the name swampthing. If i don't find another tire from maxxis that has less rolling ressitance i would still by these.
Similar Products Used:
lots of specialized tires. never had as much grip as these!
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper comp FSR year 2000
Bottom Line:
I love these tires. Maxxis did a very good job making these. They have so much grip that sometimes the tire doesn't want to let go. This can be bad if you are going down a really steep hill and turning. I still love these a lot even though they have weaknesses. If anyone lives in places it rains a lot get these. You will love them. Not the best for dry days but if there isn't anything better out there get these! Best mud tires in the world:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Roach
a
from Long Island Date Reviewed: March 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Dirt ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Maxxis.com
Strengths:
THE BEST DAMN MUD TIRE PERIOD!! This tire makes you completly immune to mud. Works great in all loose soil conditions and any type of mud around. The traction in wet slimy conditions is near amazing!!
Weaknesses:
NOT FOR HARDPACK or CONCREATE! If your reading this review though and looking for a full mud tire then you should know this allready. This tire is highly soil specfic and only likes wet sloppy conditions. Not sure if this is a weakness but it filled the area up didn't it?
Similar Products Used:
TOO MANY!! The Highlights and Lowlights are: Highlights: WTB Weirwolf 2.1, WTB MutanoRaptor 2.24, Maxxis Highrollor 1.9, Maxxis Mobster 2.1, Lowlights: Specialized Rockster Pro 1.9, Hutchinson Scorpion 2.0, Hutchinson Python 2.1
Bike Setup:
02 Specailized StumpJumper FSR XC With too many mods to count. It's not even close to stock!!
Bottom Line:
These tire's are truly the last word for you mud tire needs! These are truely an amazing tire, they love mud and beg for more. On a particularly muddy ride accept no subsitute!! I have even used the acclamied WTB Weirwolf tire and those are my normal everyday tire and they are amazing themselves but they do not handle mud like these do. The WTB's handle mud really well but the Swampthings are the best by far. It doden't matter if you in full on Soup or paste style mud that just robs every bit of traction. These tires just eat the mud alive and spew out what it dosen't want. I do recomend you get a good set of front and rear fenders when you use these. They eject caked on mud so well that if you breath through you mouth you will eat mud!! Try them and you will agree they are the best damn mud tire around PERIOD, Peace
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Tattam
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Australia Date Reviewed: October 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kowen Forest - Mont 24hr track
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
phantomcycles.com.au
Strengths:
Grips bloody well in mud, loose stuff and even on harder pack soils due to the softer tread. Looks great too - gives your trusty steed that dirt bike kinda look.
Weaknesses:
None - this rubber ring is probably the best xc tyre you could get your hands on. The only weakness I could think of is if they stop making the tyre at Maxxis HQ.
Similar Products Used:
VArious Hutchy's and the like...
Bike Setup:
'Diamondback Zetec Pro' hardtail with thudbuster seatpost (an awsome device from cane creek, hayes hydros and Duke 80mm race forks.
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent all round tyre (2.1 xc) for me and I swear by it. I especially dig them for solo 24hr rides.
The only prob for me here in the land of Oz is that they are bloody hard to get. Maybe it comes down to demand, I know you can still get them from Maxxis direct.
I guess a few more Aussie xc'ers need to start using these puppies in order to create some sort of demand.
As ferris once said.."If you have the means, I highly recommend it"
I also reckon the DH and freeride versions (wire bead, 2.3) would be a winner.
Get em on ya bike and go and dig some dirt!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Lewis
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great Traction, Sheds muck, nice weight.
Weaknesses:
None for what it was designed for.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Hard Drive, High Roller.
Bike Setup:
2002 GT Avalanche 1.0
Bottom Line:
This tire is fantastic in mud and loose dirt & dust. For you dudes riding in Pine Needle infested tracks it's also bloody awesome. Handles well over slimy & wet roots. A big overall "Nice One" for Maxxis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gatis Stauga
a Racer
from Riga, Latvia Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003
Real tire for DH in wet conditions, but I mostly ride on the asphalt & rear Swamthing 2,35 after one more month will be slick, anyway nice tire. For asphalt is better tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jee Young
a Weekend Warrior
from DC Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
?
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Awesome in loose soil! Barely fishtails at all, and doesn't rob as much power as other tires. Also a great climber on hardpack, although I wouldn't recommend doing that too often since the rubber is super soft.
Weaknesses:
Asphalt.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Psycho TT/Generic
Bike Setup:
96 Fisher Mt. Tam
Bottom Line:
Great freaking tire in loose soil, and it was at a decent price on eBay ($18 new). I've also been testing it out on hardpack, which is a bit safer, but still a tad squirrelly (not the tire's fault, it's for mud). Unfortunately, I was stupid enough to try to use it for a short time on pavement (one trip to the market and back), and the treads create a heavy buzzing sound, which made me nervous that the asphalt was eating my rubber up. I'm staying away from asphalt from now on with this tire. Loose soil is no problem, and I can't wait to try out its mud capabilities!
5 chilis for value (don't pay $40 retail, that's silly) 5 for overall, since it's such a great tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bo
a Weekend Warrior
from philippines Date Reviewed: July 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$7.00
Purchased At:
nations
Strengths:
very good for its intended purpose.
Weaknesses:
my 2.3 conti survival is wider than my maxxis 2.5 swapthing! wears fast!
Bottom Line:
with maxxis swampthing 2.5 on the front and conti survival 2.3 rear i feel invinsible in mud! i used to hate riding in mud but now i love downhilling in very muddy condition. the more mud the better my ride would be. my tire combo eats mud for breakfast! clay mud, very wet mud, cow sh!t no problem!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Wu
a Racer
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Taiwan
Strengths:
great traction in a variety of terrain and conditions reasonable weight
Weaknesses:
None for its intended purpose
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis, Panaracer, Tioga, Michelin, IRC, etc.
Bike Setup:
Giant ATX FS Expert w/ In-Sync Echo fork
Bottom Line:
I've ridden the 2.35 DH version and 2.1 XC version. Liked both of them a lot. I use them even when it's not muddy. They work well in almost every condition except hardpack. Another great tire from Maxxis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cole
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa CA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
updownandallaround
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
on line
Strengths:
They hookup on almost everything. I mainly rode just the old fireroads this winter to stay in shape and not rip up the singletrack. These babies are it. Totally predictable and well made. Directional ramped knobs helped with climbing being that the knobs are so tall and burly. Still relatively fast on the downhill although they are sixty durometer and wide spaced. These things corner like a mad dog and I am seriously considering going back to Maxxis for a spring/summer set of tires. I don't know how well they would do riding them on too much asphalt. My buddy has some 60 durometer tires and he rides to work everyday and they are starting to show some wear. I have tried to stay on the dirt with them. They're pretty light too!
Weaknesses:
None so far. Probably not the best hard pack tires.
Similar Products Used:
WTB velociraptor. Bontrager AC
Bottom Line:
Check out these tires especially in wetter parts of the country. You won't be dissappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: January 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent grip on wet rocks and logs. Sheds mud well.
Weaknesses:
knobs squirm around if the ground gets firm.
Bike Setup:
FSR Pro
Bottom Line:
These tire absolutly rock in the wet conditions. They grip great in loose soil, don't slip and slide on the rocks and logs, and sheds the mud well. The bottom line is they do exactly what they are intended for. The only drawback is that they are for specific conditions. The the soft compound rubber combined with the tall knob height limit their use on hard ground. I am very pleased with their performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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