Submitted by
biga6462
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: June 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Madrone Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Nice Grip On Climbs
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones and Connection Trail, Hutchinson Python, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 70 Stock
Bottom Line:
I was able to get these free because my stock Bontrager Jones had a defect in them. I have put about 1200 miles on these and have only had 3 flats. Others complain about sidewall blow out but I have no problems and the tread could probably last me a few hundred more miles. They are great on climbs and are a very fast tire overall. The only complaint is that I wish they had these in a 2.2 model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Filtersweep
a Racer
from Stavanger, Norway Date Reviewed: January 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$23.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Good grip, nice compound- definitely an improvement in climbing. Excellent price (on sale)- wish I would have purchased more.
Weaknesses:
Higher rolling resistance than other tires, softer compound will wear faster, feels slower on pavement.
Bottom Line:
These tires give a confident ride. They are probably better suited for roots and rocks-- if you want something fast on gravel, there are better options out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from rhinebeck, ny, usa Date Reviewed: June 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
montpelier, vt
Strengths:
strong climbing, great hook up in all conditions, especially on wet rocks and roots where you need it the most. I don't think I sacrificed too much speed for the traction. I also loved the small ground contact with high volume in the tire.
Weaknesses:
stupid things are fragile, as mentioned in other reviews. sidewalls ripped after one year, but I loved them so I just taped the tear, then two days ago the bead that hooks up with the rim just tore. ARgh! I was climbing a road at the end of a ride so no problems, but that also means I know it was the tire and not an obstacle on the trail. I ride in the low 30's psi (whatever feels right)
Similar Products Used:
wtb specialized irc
Bike Setup:
1997 specialized stumpjumper recently rebuilt with xtr and fsa carbon cranks, soo sweet.
Bottom Line:
if you don't mind replacing them or dealing with torn tires on the trail then buy it, they climbed so well it was silly
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Surrey, England Date Reviewed: May 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any!!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Chainreaction
Strengths:
Fantastic grip. Best tyres I've used to date uphill, downhill and in mud.
Weaknesses:
FRAGILE....WAY TOOOOO FRAGILE!!!
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velocirator, IRC Mythos XC and PANARACER MACH SS
Bike Setup:
99 Marin Muirwoods various upgrades over the years.
Bottom Line:
These tyres were brilliant while they lasted. Sadly they didn't last!!!
Two splits in the rear tyre in last 4 rides. Today riding on road the tube exploded through the rear sidewall(running 40psi) Split so wide it could not be patched with duck tape as the previous one had and leaving me to hike home:-(( First time I've had this sort of problem with tyres and now have no confidence in this product. Have to replace the rear anyway but will be replacing the front as a blowout like the rear today would be very dangerous on the front. I have subsequently found at http://www.mtbreview.com that these tyres have a long history of splitting for no good reason. In a nutshell my experience is that these tyres are bloody dangerous and not fit for purpose. £30 down the drain
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CJ
a Racer
from Holland Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake Rec. Area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
universal cycles
Strengths:
Climbs awsome!!! It was amazing to me how well it worked.
Weaknesses:
When i got it, it was not completly streight, so it has a little wobble to it, like if the rim was bent.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Fast Track
Bike Setup:
I have used it both on a giant yukon and a specialized stumpjumper HT.
Bottom Line:
I love this product and will be buying a new one soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham UK Date Reviewed: September 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
wiggle online store
Strengths:
grips like nothing else, no flats (yet) and i still have thoes little rubber bits.
Weaknesses:
a bit heavy, come up big.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer fire XC, nokian, IRC, hutchinson, continental.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F800 with lefty TPC, hayes discs and XT hollowtech 2 cranks
Bottom Line:
they are the best all round tyre i have used for UK conditions, good in mud good on hardpac, not so good on road. One problem is that the 2.00 is actually bigger than the 2.25 irc Kujo
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris Buckles
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis Date Reviewed: August 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Nebo Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
EbAY
Strengths:
Digs into sand, loam, gravel etc., corners on rails.
Weaknesses:
Seams to be hardening up.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Enduro Raptor, IRC Back Country, Panaracer Fire, Tioga Psycho
Bike Setup:
Sugar 2+
Bottom Line:
Have not had any problems with sidewalls, and is staying a very sticky tire. A very good tubeless tire and well worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dimitri
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Old Cactus Cup
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Decent in SAND
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls fail immediatley if downhilling with less than 60lbs. of pressure.
Similar Products Used:
Larsen TT
Bike Setup:
Kona Hei Hei, Full SRAM
Bottom Line:
These tires are only usable for light trail riding. They have no purpose on any form of downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Juan
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: August 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Angel Fire
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light and Cheap, Fast yet Grabby
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke, Old Ground Controls
Bike Setup:
Tomac Eli Stock + Carbon goodies
Bottom Line:
These were the fastest, lightest (sub 19 OZ), tires that actually grabbed the dirt, loamy soil, sand, gravel AND provided traction when needed. Low rolling resistance. I ran the Rear backwards. I've raced them. BUT, after 400 miles, the sidewalls are trashed, each had a slit. I know this happens when you ride fast through lots of rock gardens, but I was hoping to wear the tread completely out before replacing....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a
from Maastricht, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Strong, light, low rolling resistance, a lot of grip!
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Escape (weak, many flats, otherwise perfect)
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper, Fox Float RLT 80, Avid SD 7, XT, Thompson.
Bottom Line:
No complaints at all. Plenty of grip, uphill and cornering, and very fast... that's all I need. I recommend it! Perfect fast allrounder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vic
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Russia Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Grip, slow wear, versatility, weight
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls SEEM to be weak, but this can be because I've read so much scary things about them. Pricey.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory XC and Extreme (absolute crap), variety of Maxxis, Nokian, Kenda, Continental
Bike Setup:
Currently unsatisfactory
Bottom Line:
Some say these tires do not last for long in terms of sidewalls? I just can make assumptions. 3 months possibly is not enough, though this stands for over 900 kms. They still look and work great, no significant signs of wear and these scary sidewalls problems mentioned. Yes, when I touch them, sidewalls feel fragile, but they last. I ride quite mixed terrains, these tires grip like hell on any kind of it, rolls pretty good and don't make much noise (unlike Continental Explorers). Let's see. No complaints for now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gary
a Cross Country Rider
from arkham, ma. Date Reviewed: March 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
very good all around traction, reasonable weight
Weaknesses:
FRAGILE, MOST FRAGILE TIRE I'VE EVER RIDDEN, cost
Similar Products Used:
mostly panaracer fire xc pro, different wtb raptors, hutchinson python
Bike Setup:
santa cruz superlight, fox 100 rlc, mostly xtr with avid mecanical disc brakes, synchros rims
Bottom Line:
well with these i thought i had found the perfect tire, they provided excellent traction in all conditions including winter riding. my first tire developed a bubble after just a few weeks of intermittent riding, treadwear was negligeable. my second tire i just found also has a sidewall bubble and will have to be discarded. $80.00 for the pair, not cheap for throw away tires! too bad cause i really liked these traction-wise actually better than anything else i had been using. would try them again if sidewall durability were improved.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
roger
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any, beats work
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
americanbike.com
Strengths:
ease of installation, tread pattern, grips like hell
Weaknesses:
used to paying Panaracer prices, so a little steep, but woth every dime
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis High Roller, WTB Weirwolf, Panaracer Fire XC, Conti DF
Bike Setup:
04 Santa Cruz Blur, xt/xtr mix, Black Elite f Fox r suspension, rhyno lite/xtr wheels, Easton carbon
Bottom Line:
There have been some complaints on the Blur about running 2.1 or bigger tires and glopping them with mud causing rubbing, etc... I decided to step down to a 2.0 b/c all I seem to get lately is mud. I have been loyal to the Fire XC for a while, but the XL-S is a superior tire. I am talking about the '04 xls. This tire mounts easily on my Rhyno lites and grips like contact cement. Gravel to rock dusty areas, red clay, mica dust, all the sh*t that slides out the bike is dealt with by this tire. Handles great. This tire will leave you feelin' satisfied.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kuma
a Racer
from Cincinnati, OH Date Reviewed: December 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Durability and handling. I CANNOT understand the complaints on these tires. I have been using the same one (on the back) for 3 years!!! I ride hundreds of miles a year and race almost every weekend April-Oct. I have only flatted one time during a race and that was because I did a terrible thing to my rim barreling over rocks.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson; Panaracer; IRC
Bike Setup:
Aluminum hardtail
Bottom Line:
I'll never use another tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spangels aregreat
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh, Scotland Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$54.00
Purchased At:
Wiggle.com
Strengths:
Good deep tread, reasonably light, good mud grip (a bit gloopy though.
Weaknesses:
Slightly difficult to inflate with Eclipse tubeless
Similar Products Used:
Conti Explorer/Escape
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS Team (4.5 rockers fitted), Hope XC on Mavic 317, Rock Shox Psylo SL, SRAM 9 shifters and mechs (1998 still going stong), Race Face cranks, Giant MPH brakes, Profile bars, Flite saddle.
Bottom Line:
Short term review but they have already proved to be better than my previous Contis. They corner better and generally have a better feel in the wet and wild conditions of Scotland.
They were a bit of bugger to inflate using the Eclipse system and I had to use a CO2 cannister to get them to go up. However, they sealed very quickly and do not lose much air (the contis took ages to seal properly and the latex knackered the sidewall after about a 3 months use).
The price is for a pair of tyres.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Elmer
a Cross Country Rider
from Lexington, KY, USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bike online
Strengths:
The tire grips well...I have one on the back, coupled with a Front S, and I'm impressed with the combination. It's not great in the mud, but it's better than what I had before. It's quite a confidence inspiring tire, and it makes me want to go faster and climb harder. The cornering is good too, and the tire's pretty light.
Weaknesses:
Possibly fragile.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Ground Control
Bike Setup:
Specialized HardRock Comp w/ Duke XC, front Avid disc, Rhyno Lite/Deore disc wheels.
Bottom Line:
I really like the tire. I've only used it on the rear in the rear direction, coupled with my Front S, so I can't comment on how it works in the front. But in the rear, it grips and pulls well. I'm interested to see how it handles the snow.
My only concern is its fragility...I've gotten one sidewall tear in my Front S, and the two tires are quite similarly constructed. So I'm keeping a close eye on it.
Overall, I think the tire was worth it, and I don't have a problem recommending it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jay laskin
a Cross Country Rider
from montclair nj, mainz germany Date Reviewed: September 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
planet bike
Strengths:
Grips well
Weaknesses:
4 inch hole in side wall. I generally dismiss the one or two bad product reviews when there is enough positive feedback. I ride a tire dead in a month, but this tire was dead in less than a week. The reviews are true! My innertube came right out the sidewall.
Bottom Line:
There are tire to buy and tires not to buy. Changing tires can often really improve or worsen a bikes performance. These tire are on my don't buy list!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a Cross Country Rider
from corvallis, or Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
universal
Bottom Line:
Update of my bad review a couple posts back. After experiencing that cut in the tire early on, I slapped a tube patch on the inside of a tire over the cut with a layer of duct tape over it. Pumped it up and there was a slight bulge. Gave it a try anyway. Now months and hundreds of miles later...the tire is working out great. I usually like to swap tires from inventory every week or two but this xls on back has worked so well on the Id that I've left it on. Wear seems fine, very good grip for the weight, and excellent low rolling resistance. May even try it when the rainy season hits and see how it handles mud. [will definitely be using a survivival pro in front though-very good mud tire but slow rolling.] So, I'm upgrading my rating on the XLS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
SICC to Bukit Timah
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Treknology
Strengths:
Grip, grip and more grip oh, it also roles well.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Hard tail set up to race
Bottom Line:
This is the most confidence-inspiring tire i have ever used. After almost killing myself on numerous occasions with the Bontrager tires i'm happy to say that this is one all round excellent tire. It does everything.
I had a blow out in the rear 2 months into using the tires. I was going through a knee-deep puddle in Indonesia and i think i went over a nail. There was a 1cm cut in the bottom of the tire. I changed the tube and rode out the rest of the ride no problems. Have had no problems since then.
Strongly recommend these tires to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a Cross Country Rider
from corvallis, or Date Reviewed: May 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
various
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
universal
Strengths:
light weight for agressive treads and good grip
Weaknesses:
durability
Similar Products Used:
about 10 other tire brands, models
Bike Setup:
Id and Trek STP
Bottom Line:
After reading the reviews here before getting the tire, I thought...not me, no tire has ever had a cut sidewall while Ive ridden thousands of miles and there are hardly any rocks on the local trails. Going up a gravel road slow....it was like a 22 bullet went off, kerping! Instant flat and a 1 inch tear in the sidewall. Got about 150 miles of wear out of it and it was wearing good too! Yes indeed, those sidewalls are real fragile! Oh well, didn't like the bad reputation they have with Stans tubeless anyway [was using them with a lightweight tube tube]. It did work well while it lasted though. Still can't figure out how it happened. Sure didn't see any rocks that would have done it. Who should use it?...risk takers Who shouldn't use it?...poor conservative folks but go ahead and roll the dice...you may beat the odds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
s r
a Cross Country Rider
from canada Date Reviewed: March 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Marble River trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Hook up well in all terrain weight looks color price
Weaknesses:
sidewalls might be a bit weak
Similar Products Used:
fire xc pros, trailblasters, enduroraptors, hot s
Bike Setup:
2003 specialized enduro pro
Bottom Line:
These are excellent all round tire, I dont know how durable they will be, but right know they are great performers. If you want a good all conditions XC trail tire, consider these. If you are doing large drops or ride in extremely rocky conditions you may want to look somewhere else. Other wise the price, performance, and the look make these a winner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
God White Horse
a Cross Country Rider
from HK Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
locate bike store
Strengths:
Reasonable weight, Roll fast on asphalt as JetS, Grip on XC like Kujo. Relatively durable (after 250km, the little hairs are still there)
Giant XTC Team-nrs, Black elite 120, CrossLink, XTR/XT components.
Bottom Line:
I use the XLS at the back where it's best partner Michelin FrontS at the front. They just do their job. the frontS give u good traction, and the XLS just go or stop whenever u want!
The sidewall are looking weak just like all Michelins.
If you want a all condition tyre, go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rhoid Buffer
a Weekend Warrior
from Brighton, UK Date Reviewed: November 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Grips well in wet and through mud.
Weaknesses:
A sidewall that has ripped after 3 weeks riding. I am light (under 140lbs), and not a hard rider, but a general cross country rider.
Similar Products Used:
Numerous
Bike Setup:
!!
Bottom Line:
This tyre would be fine if the sidewall lasted, but it doesn't so my advice is DON'T BUY THIS TYRE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterford, CT Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$38.00
Strengths:
Excellent traction and stability in all conditions (rocks, roots, sand, mud...)
Weaknesses:
Durability
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis, IRC, Continental
Bike Setup:
full suspension
Bottom Line:
I have one of those love/hate relationships with this tire. I love the way it rides and handles - one of the best performing tires I've ever ridden.
BUT
THIS TIRE IS NOT DURABLE - I went through THREE (3) of them this season - Fortunately the third one was a factory replacement.
The sidewall on each one has torn. This past tire only lasted 7 rides - I run only 50-55 psi in these tires. THIS PRODUCT DOES NOT HOLD UP - I GIVE IT 0 FLAMERS!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kuma
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, OH Date Reviewed: August 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
don't recall
Strengths:
Great Traction Tough
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Tioga Ritchey
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000 w/manitou mars
Bottom Line:
I was pretty shocked reading about the problems people have had with this tire. I run it in the rear, teamed with a Front S . I have been riding and racing for more than 10 years and this is the best set-up I've had. These tires have been on my bike for 2 seasons and I have not had one flat...I used to get 2 to 3 flats a ride (mostly from thorns). No problems with sidewalls and they are not wearing fast...have easily 1000 miles on them (all dirt, no pavement). They handle well in all conditions, but I do notice resistance in extremely dry, dusty conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
French Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Dont pack up with mud
Weaknesses:
SCARY slick on wet rocks & roots, poor side walls
Bike Setup:
Titus Quasi-Moto
Bottom Line:
This tire is not a bad tire in dry conditions. Sticky rubber (dry conditions only) but the treads are disappearing fast and the side walls are starting to split apart with 200 miles on them. I have the UST versions and with Stan Tire Sealant, I have no leaks yet. When it comes to wet conditions, this tire sucks. To a point I think Michelin could have law suits on their hands (just idding...maybe). I matched these up with the Front S and I give them the same rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Sarasota Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Razorback
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Good tread design and traction.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls made out of cheap toilet paper!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Master and Team Control
Bike Setup:
2001 Racer X with XTR components, Chris King ISO and Hope Minis.
Bottom Line:
I purchased a set from my LBS. A WG Front S and WG XLS rear. Within two rides the bead on the rear had stretched causing the bead to constantly slip off the rim with a resulting tube explosion. This would happen within 10 minutes into a ride (every time!). I replaced the rear with the same model (maybe just a bad tire). Not So! The second tire tore a sidewall on the first ride and ruined my Saturday ride. I cannot even begin to say how dissappointing this tire is. It is unfortunate, because the tread design seems to be pretty good. It works well on varying terrain and climbs well.
I have ridden various Specialized team tires over the last eight years, and have never experienced this kind of tire failure, only the standard wear over time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike welch
a Cross Country Rider
from Revelstoke, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Bike Canada online.
Strengths:
good traction in rocky, rooty, wet rerrain. Low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
Durability. 4 tears in the sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
Fire xc pro, hutchinsons,wtb, etc.
Bike Setup:
santa cruz superlight, psylo sl. Shimano xt/xtr. drive train.
Bottom Line:
A good tire for technical x-c riding, but does not stand up at all. I have four tears in the sidewalls, two of which have big bulges coming out of them. This is not just from one rocky encounter. They keep appearing. These are not cheap either, 60cdn. 20 cdn more than the fire x-cs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Huntington Beach, CA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs up in Frisco
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Good overall tire especially in mud
Weaknesses:
doesn't grip too well in loose conditions and tends to washout under hard cornering
Tires are ok overall, could use better traction in soft or loose conditions. They dont seem to handle rocks or roots too well either, sidewalls tend to pinch if ridden too hard. Tire seems to wear out quicker too. Only two flamin' chills for value...expensive for mid-performer tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nolt
a
from little rock Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Weaknesses:
itself
Bottom Line:
this tire blows goats.
second one thats blown out the side in less than a month.
im thinkin that maybe if i put one tube inside another tube that it would be stronger than this tire with a tube in it.
cheaper too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nolt
a Cross Country Rider
from little rock, AR Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
nice teats
Weaknesses:
weak sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
tioga factory XC
Bike Setup:
my bike says 'hi'
Bottom Line:
these tires are the 'ford explorer/firestone tire' of the mtn bike realm.
BEWARE if you ride them because the sidewalls will disintegrate when you least expect it.
ive used condoms thatve held up better than these tires.
(3 for value cuz of benevolent travis @ chain wheel)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T
a Cross Country Rider
from Buddaville NJ Date Reviewed: June 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
bicycletires.com
Strengths:
great through all surfaces such as mud,loose dirt, gravel, sand. corners fairly good and handles the downhill perfect. they fairly light. comes in cool green.
Weaknesses:
in the uphill it tends to lose some traction. Not very good going over large roots in the uphill.
Similar Products Used:
all sorts
Bike Setup:
raleigh M55/rock shock jett
Bottom Line:
these are really good tires for all different of surfaces.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cee Dubya
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Faulty
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
UST VERSION---- Great traction better than the Comp S. I like the 2.1 for rocks. A really good tire for all round conditions. I love this tire except...
Weaknesses:
Sidewall cuts pretty easily.
Similar Products Used:
Mich. Comp S
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500, Marz Z4
Bottom Line:
They hook up great in all conditions, especially the mud. I've been getting great wear except for the sidewalls. They seem to cut pretty easily. Kind of dissapointing. Patching inside the tire does not help.
Can't handle the sharp limestone and granite, maybe its my weight (175lbs) and the low pressure (34psi) I run. I've replaced one, now both need replacement because of the sidewalls.
Good tire if you don't have sharp rocks that cut the sidewalls! Overall 4 chiles for the traction 3 for the value of the sidewalls.
I think I'll give the IRC Seracs a try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All of 'em
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
-good traction in muddy or loose conditions -handles well -excellent mud shedding
Weaknesses:
-thin sidewalls -colour -price (ouch)
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Revolts ST2, IRC Mythos XC, a few Kendas, lots of Specialized
After writing my first review I used the michelins for another month and realized that its not such a bad tire afterall. Its grips well enough in mud/loose stuff, climbs decently (more so than any other tire in muddy conditions), when decending the front tire can get whippy unless you set the tire pressure lower than 50 psi. These tires work best with 50-40 psi (i'm 195 pounds). They are on the heavier side (about 610 grams per tire) but they still roll really well. If you ride in muddy or loose terrain I would reccomend these tires, they work great for muddy Ontario springs. If all you do is roll buffed single-track then forget em and get some semi slicks. Overall these tires are kick ass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Delhi, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Dick's Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
-good grip in flat, muddy conditions
Weaknesses:
-pack with dirt -climbing grip sucks -decending is made scarry by these tires -can't hold a good line -slip over rocks and logs -ugly colour
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, Bontrger Revlot ST2
Bike Setup:
'99 Klein Mantra Comp, LX/XTR, Bontrager stuff
Bottom Line:
These tires are a huge waste of money. They suck in all conditions except mud, but even then they suck. They slip over rocks and logs even when they aren't wet. They squirm all over and can't hold a steady line. Don't buy these tires, get some Revolts or Mythos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ramon Cervantes
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City Date Reviewed: March 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Good grip.
Weaknesses:
wear out quickly if u use them on the road, lots of pinchflats.
Similar Products Used:
mithos xc, wtb velociraptor
Bottom Line:
I like it as a front tire, excellent grip, but when I tried it on the rear it gave me LOTS of pinch flats, actually, the tire blew out while climbing and it was only 45 psi, maybe that's because I was using michelin tubes, they are terrible tubes. anyway, the previous XL-Sblew out as well after just 3 months of use.
I wouldn't reccomend this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ping
a
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: January 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Strengths:
Overall Grip and Stability, resistance to punctures, tubeless.
Weaknesses:
Minor - noisy on tarmac....
Similar Products Used:
UST Python's, Conti Traction Pro's and others...
Bike Setup:
Superlight/XTR/Crossmax
Bottom Line:
Thus far, the best all round UST tyre I have ridden on. It's stable and has great traction on just about any surface... mud ... hardpack .... rocks.. It doesn't seem to be as supple as the Python's though so you do need to run these at low pressure (I use around 30-35psi) to smooth out the ride. They do make noise on concrete, but what do you expect with knobblies. They don't roll quite as fast as pythons do on hardpack, but in any other conditions (especially when wet or loose ground) they are better. Difficult to mount and remove without tools though ... the bead is tighter than on pythons, but generally seem to hold air better. I haven't had any punctures yet, and the casing/sidewalls seems to be tougher and thicker than on Pythons so no tire slashes as yet. On the trail, technical climbs become easier, cornering is faster and I'm more confident to drops/stuff than I ever felt on the pythons. Overall rating is 5 flamin Chili's, 4 chilli's for value since UST is still too expensive!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol CT USA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
(Rear tire) Good traction in all conditions, dry, wet, steep, the kind of riding I do.
Weaknesses:
None that presented themselves :)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Hamster (LOL!!) Shredded the knobs off. Ritchey Z-Max WCS also shredded to bits in 2 rides (Wow crappy)
Bike Setup:
You know...2 wheels, pedals, handlebar, ect...
Bottom Line:
This tire isn't worn out yet. I think I destroyed the other 2 tires because of riding the edges over rocks, roots... This one has given no probs, no punctures, and I love how it hooks up in the climbs. I have a spare, so when this one goes, I won't be empty handed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Revelstoke, BC. Canada Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
bike canada online
Strengths:
works great on wet rocks and roots. Good in the mud.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire xc, irc mythos
Bike Setup:
santa cruz superlight, psylo sl, xt-xtr groupo, hayes discs.
Bottom Line:
So far so good. I have been riding alot in wet conditions since getting this tire and I am impressed with how it works on wet roots, rocks and in the mud. I run it at 35psi which helps. No problems with durability so far, keeping my fingers crossed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Nipomo, CA USA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
OE
Strengths:
Great traction in mud
Weaknesses:
Lousy in loose sand/hardpack/rocks
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire xc pros
Bike Setup:
schwinn rocket88
Bottom Line:
Agree with other reviews on performance in mud but on steep, technical climbs with dry, loose rock/shale I experienced lots of slippage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aandrew Ricciardi
a Cross Country Rider
from GA, fayettevill, USA Date Reviewed: October 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
one behind my home
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
htttp://www.rei.com
Strengths:
Great grip in mud, hard dirt, road, soft dirt, and better than average grip in sand. These tiers can take abuse I jump all kinds of stuff and they have held up.
Weaknesses:
Side walls could be stronger. Road wears away tiers faster than i would like but what do you excpect from a good off road tier.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
cheap bike nice tiers :)
Bottom Line:
Buy these tiers if you want a excelent off road tier. The only problem with the tiers is the weak side walls. Make sure your brake pads don't even get close to thinking about touching the side wall . I went on one bike ride and my rim was a little warped and it took out a 2 inch part of the side wall. That was my first ride on them so i wasn't going to take that duck tape on the inside of the side wall has kept it working just fine for 6 months past that. Excelent value and performance 5 pepers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Elvin
a Cross Country Rider
from Breckenridge, Colorado Date Reviewed: October 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Great traction, light weight, easy to mount, soft rubber compound.
Weaknesses:
They seemed like great tires, until the sidewall split on a trail I ride all the time. I will never buy another Michelin tire. They are like paper,not made to last, and un-repairable. Sure this could happen to any tire, but it happened on a trail I ride all the time, and it didn't happen to any of my riding buddies that day. They had 100 miles on them, and it was like throwing $40. out the car window. DON'T BUY THEM!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Continental, Specialized, Ritchey, etc.
Bike Setup:
Titus Titanium with full XTR parts, Mavic Rims and maybe now Conti tires.
Bottom Line:
DO NOT BUY THESE TIRES, TAKE YOUR TWO NEW CRISP $20'S AND THROW THEM OUT THE CAR WINDOW INSTEAD, IT WILL BE MORE FUN.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam rosenberg
a Cross Country Rider
from pgh, pa Date Reviewed: October 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
GREAT TRACTION
Bike Setup:
SCHWINN MOAB 2
Bottom Line:
THERE GREAT ALL OVER AND IN MUD WHICH IS GREAT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott silvers
a Cross Country Rider
from novi, michigan usa Date Reviewed: June 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
pontiac lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
24 hrs of snowshoe, WV
Strengths:
Grips slick stuff like crazy. Mud and muck shed like a wet duck - like cheating. Big volume casing for a cushy ride. Durable
Weaknesses:
if you dont like green, oh well.
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire xc and mach sk, conti comp1,2
Bike Setup:
turner burner w/ michelins allaround
Bottom Line:
I went to the 24hrs of snowshoe last year with panaracer xc's all around. Big mistake - lotsa mud. Michelin rep was there so I bought two xl-s. Glad I did. I ride a lot and am tough on wheels, but these things wear like iron on hardpack, rocks, mud, you name it. I still have them on my bike. I will change them out after the summer is over and putem on my junker - then put new ones on. This tire is really good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, AUS Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
relativly light, grips like demented bulldog, green colour looks cool
Great grip, fair improvement on Comp S in terms of traction, doesn't roll as well though. I don't care, the compromise is worth it, even in XC racing. overall mean looking, mean gripping tyre (only used in wet gravel and bit of mud). Great XC racing/riding tyre. I havn't used them for very long though, i'll post another review to comment on performance in differnt conditions and durability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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