Designed with World Champion Marga Fullana to deliver a lightweight, low rolling resistance semi-knobby tire with the advantages of tubeless technology. Provides hardpack speed with corner bite.
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Fast on pavement with low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
These tires suck. I ride in rooty, rocky areas in New England and there is no traction. The cornering on these tires is almost scary, they will slide out of control.
Similar Products Used:
Bontanger
Bike Setup:
Specialzed Rockhopper Comp.
Bottom Line:
In my opinion when your trail riding, Traction first, rolling resistance second. I know specialed was trying to achieve this on this particular model, but they failed miserably. These tires would make a fine road tire, but then just get a road bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil MacPherson
a Racer
from Inverness UK Date Reviewed: August 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Scottish borders
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bikes of Inverness(came on bike)
Strengths:
weight but just running rims alone is lighter and has as much traction
Weaknesses:
going straight, going round corners, dry, wet, up, down, flat.Bein used on a bike.
Similar Products Used:
wild grippers, xcpros, spec team control /master
Bike Setup:
fsr xc pro suspension/ sworks Hardtail
Bottom Line:
The only tyre that has ever had me sliding sidways on dry hardpack while the trail was going straight. There is no cornering or braking ability from these either. Possibly a candidate for the worst traction MTB tyre ever made? I had to take them off the bike after one race due to losing more time from uncontrollable riding/sliding than you would ever gain from reduced rolling resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Nelson, WA, USA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Crazy 8s
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with stock FSR
Strengths:
It might make a decent road tire.
Weaknesses:
No traction whatsoever in any off-road setting. A very scary tire that may lead to injuries. If you have these tires, replace them with ones with actual tread immediately!
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z-Max, Ritchey Climb-Max, IRC Missile
Bike Setup:
2002 Stumjumper FSR
Bottom Line:
After a single very scary ride with these stock tires I replaced them immediately. Cornering and climbing tracion was non-existent. The tires would let go on any steep downhill section. I can't see how such a tire could be put on a bike intended for off-road use. What were they thinking? What a great thing to need a tire replacement after purchasing a new bike. I suppose they would work well on a comfort bike used on paved bike paths. Can I say no - zero - flaming chilis?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JRM
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Solutions
Strengths:
Fast Rolling, Good cornering grip, traction on hardpack and loose dirt good.
Weaknesses:
high TPI sometimes clogs the tire with mud and clay where i ride
Similar Products Used:
Michelin, Hutchinson
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar Comp 2002, XT everything
Bottom Line:
I read all of the reviews on this tire and was surprised because I found them very fast, with excellent grip in both hardpack and loose dirt patches.
CLimbing is pretty good with these too, they eat up steep hills in my local trails, but kinda suck on the roots.
The trails I ride are off camber and your either going up steep or down long sweeps.
I have lot's of confidence riding the tire within it's limits, very rarely does it break loose and it's predictable when it happens.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Detroit, Michigan Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Ummm...not many. They are alright for street riding but that is about it.
Weaknesses:
Terrible traction on just about any surface other than pavement. Asending and desending are terrible with the rocksters. I wasn't able to get any traction while climbing and there were a few times I tought I was going to lose it while trying to make my way down a pretty steep hill...They washout way to easily.
Similar Products Used:
older specialized
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper M4
Bottom Line:
I will probably keep these tires around for street riding but I definetly wouldn't suggest them for any type of trail riding. I am looking to replace them with possibly a Panaracer Fire or some other type of knobby tire. Any suggestions??
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great commuter tires, wonderful rollers on the pavement.
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING ELSE.
Similar Products Used:
none.
Bike Setup:
Stock 2002 Specialized HardRock A1FS
Bottom Line:
These tires SUCK. I was recently out at my favorite dirt riding area for about 4 hours, after the rain, and I could barely get enough traction to turn. The tires ride fine, to school that is, but if you want to do anything fun, invest $40 and get a set of Panaracer Fire XC PRO rubbers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great commuter tires, wonderful rollers on the pavement.
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING ELSE.
Similar Products Used:
none.
Bike Setup:
Stock 2002 Specialized HardRock A1FS
Bottom Line:
These tires SUCK. I was recently out at my favorite dirt riding area for about 4 hours, after the rain, and I could barely get enough traction to turn. The tires ride fine, to school that is, but if you want to do anything fun, invest $40 and get a set of Panaracer Fire XC PRO rubbers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island NY Date Reviewed: March 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any Single Track Tighter The Trees The Better
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came With Bike
Strengths:
I Guess If you buy a Mountain Bike to ride on pavement that would be a strenghth but that is about it.
Weaknesses:
NO TRACTION ON ANY THING BUT PAVEMENT AND VERY VERY HARD PACKES DIRT!!! This tire will sketch on any this but hard pack and when you live on long island and do some serious milage you get a mix of every type of terrian. This tire dosen't grip S*#t. Trust my I have the brusies to prove it
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Control And Team Master (Nice Tire Combo),WTB Primal Raptor (OK) and Velicorapter (Sucks)
Bike Setup:
Specilized Stumpjumper FSR XC Disc W/ Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tires, Time ATAC Alumni Pedels. Bike Is fairly New And Stock
Bottom Line:
These tires are horriable on any thig loose or muddy they will sketch even going straight if you hit sand I hope you like how it tastes because thats whats gonna happen. If you ride on pavement they are fine. These tires now reside on my girlfrinds comfort bike she rides around on the street. I would have expected better from a company with such a good rep as Specialized if they are smart they pull this tire off the market before some beginner who gets a new specialized bike gets killed. Sorry but I hate to rate specialized so low>
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
All Pro Mack
a Racer
from winnipeg Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
laRiviere
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came w bike
Strengths:
good on pavement can work with it on the front
Weaknesses:
sucks ass cause cant climb anything with it on the rear
Similar Products Used:
conti xc, panaracer fire pro, irc mythos
Bike Setup:
stock spec fsr xc
Bottom Line:
i have a road bike with road tires i need traction on a mtb tire besides, they're not even that fast
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from winnipeg, manitoba Date Reviewed: February 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
light, looks cool, fast
Weaknesses:
very weak (ie no traction) on anything but cement and dry hardpack
Bike Setup:
2002 specialized m4
Bottom Line:
These tires are fast, and are great for hardpack, and pavement. However, i tend to like to ride single track and XC, which can get muddy. I have bit it several times while cornering; now, this may be because i suck, but i think it has something more to do with the zero traction that these tires provide. I put up with these tires for one season, and have just purchased some new Panaracer fire XC pros. Unfortunately, it's minus 25 degrees and snowy in winnipeg, so you will have to wait a couple months for the review of the new rubber! 4 flamin turds for value cause they came with the bike, 2 for overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from Melrose, MA Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fells
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
stock
Strengths:
Light and quick
Weaknesses:
weak traction, slides out
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR XC Comp
Bottom Line:
These feel nice and quick until... things get wet, or you have to turn, or it's muddy, or there are roots, or it gets steep. Only use for dry hardpack and pavement. I raced with it in the mud and the front wheel could not track at all. It slipped out numerous times.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Smales
a Weekend Warrior
from Harrogate Yorkshire England Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Reeth
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
original equipment
Strengths:
Roll fast on the road. Look nice
Weaknesses:
Have been plagued by pinch flats (probably due to running them at 30psi in an attempt to get them to grip....) Also they are terrible in mud - so much so it feels like I'm drunk when it's muddy.
Similar Products Used:
Conti Explorers / Escape, WTB Raptors
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper Pro / Duke forx
Bottom Line:
I cannot wait to wear them out... They are probably fine for jumping but on the rough / gloopy stuff - they are terrible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa Date Reviewed: November 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
Great on the sidewalk. No flats in 3 months of riding.
Weaknesses:
Same as other reviewers. Not good for anything other than hardpack.
Bike Setup:
Stock Specialized FSRxc Disk
Bottom Line:
This tire just doesn't cut it for off-road use, other than the yellow (easy) trails. It will let you down when you need it the most; and is likely to get you run over by your buddies behind you when you try to go up a hill and the rear just won't hook up. I can't even give it a good value rating, how can some thing of little use be a value?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordon
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississauga, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
kelso conservation area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
Fast on the road and hardpack
Weaknesses:
anything else.
Similar Products Used:
no name knobbies
Bike Setup:
Rockhopper A1FS with M515 pedals
Bottom Line:
I don't know why a good bike came with crappy tires. I raced twice with them and have three new scars to prove how bad they are. They ride really well (and fast!) on dry hardpack and on the road. If you ride anything else, don't use these tires... they hurt... a lot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Croker
a Cross Country Rider
from Steyning, West Sussex, UK Date Reviewed: October 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
South Downs Way
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Used as a rear tyre. Light, roll fast on hardpack / road, real 2.1" size!
Weaknesses:
Overlarge bead - practically fall on / off the rim - which can make correct alignment with the rim really difficult. Not as resistant to flints as I was expecting......
Similar Products Used:
Kenda(?) OEM rear tire, Specialized Mount Baldy Pro, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Continental Double Fighter, Mythos XC Semi-Slick
Bike Setup:
Trek 830 with Manitou Spyder R fork + various other upgrades
Bottom Line:
Fast for its size, potentially a bit of a pig when punctured, not yet tried it in mud (but not expecting much as bought for hardpack and occaisional road use).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis, IN Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Town Run
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
round wheel. light, almost like a slick street tire.
Weaknesses:
uhhh. I am trying not to be negative but just the entire tire is weak. The front tire drifts incredibly bad causing sketch outs. The rear tire has almost no traction. It just flat won't hook up on hard pack.
These tires came factory on my bike. It was great riding on pavement. After taking a few rough climbs they just wouldn't hook up on hard pack. The front just seemed very confidence shattering, I was actually scared to take a turn too quick or climb anything over a bunny hill. I would recommend anything by WTB instead. Value Rating of 4 chili's just because they came with my bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nicholas Swarthout
a Cross Country Rider
from Linn,MO,USA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
binderlake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Absolutely no strengths.
Weaknesses:
Everything you can think of, they suck on cornering,climbing,landing coming off of jumps.
Similar Products Used:
None, well road bike tires, but they may give you more traction.
Bike Setup:
2002 Specialized HardRock Pro (stock)
Bottom Line:
These are the absolute worst tires I have ever used, I wouldn't suggest these to my worst enemy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jackol alot
a Cross Country Rider
from walnut,ca,usa Date Reviewed: September 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
northridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
everything
Similar Products Used:
panaracers,mythos,bontrager
Bike Setup:
02 specialized pro etc.
Bottom Line:
wiped out on these tires twice within two months, cornering feels really loose, do not reccomend these tires, unless you want battle scars!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Cross Country Rider
from Groton, CT, USA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Packed down trails.
Weaknesses:
Pretty much everything. Turning, climbing, low tread, need to be replaced quikly, loose trails, sand.
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire XC pro
Bike Setup:
2002 Specialized Stumpjumper M4 (all stock)
Bottom Line:
They suck. You get no traction where you need it. I wouldn't buy another set of these tires ever. I've used them for about a month and the tread is all ready real low.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Johnston
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Roll easy over hard packed ground
Weaknesses:
These tires suck! Worthless over any loose dirt. On my first ride with these tires, I almost ate the dirt several times because these things do not have any descent traction. Climbing small to medium hills the tires loose traction and slip constantly. Warning: Do not try to turn any tight corners with these tires...you will become part of the trail if you do.
Mongoose full suspension with all Shimano XT components except: Specialized hubs, Mavik rims, RST fork, Avid single digit 5 brakes.
Bottom Line:
I have learned (with pain) never to trust factory tires. These are another prime example. Specialized makes great bikes, but needs to lay off the tire market. If you value going fast, take corners at descent speeds, like to climb here and there, and hate having to almost stop when ever you near a corner...do not buy these tires. I can't say it enough; these tires do not grip the trail, have terrible traction, and you will slip & slide your entire ride (hey it rhimes) if you buy these. They work great until you hit rocks, gravel, loose dirt, grass...come to think of it, they only perform well on hard packed dirt and pavement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Alaska Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
schultz creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Flag and Burley
Strengths:
Excellent, fast tire. I've ridden these all over Moab, Arizona, Alaska, Idaho, and New Zealand and my only problem is that I can't find them in New Zealand. Fast climbing and swift in rolling terrain.
Weaknesses:
Sketchy in sand and mud (what isn't?) and need to be tossed in the trash as soon as they get worn down as traction is non-existant.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchy Speedmax
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F-500 with salsa bell lap drops, sti, and a 39-53.
Bottom Line:
Super fast tire, everything else feels slow. If you are looking for a cheap, light tire that is fast and handles well (takes a bit getting used to) then this is your tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gilz
a Cross Country Rider
from Mississauga, Canada Date Reviewed: July 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ANYWHERE
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Look cool, repsonded well before ...
Weaknesses:
They sliced open on a little piece of glass that I ran over.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper (Tires came stock.)
Bottom Line:
Everything was smooth-sailing, before the tire sliced open and I had to walk home... The tires themselves felt great and never slipped during my first two rides but slicing open on then third... sucks. Replaced the tube and riding the tire for now... but looking into replacing them... If i where to buy a tire it wouldn't be these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark M.
a Racer
from St. Augustine,FL Date Reviewed: July 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
American Bicycle
Strengths:
Roll very fast on hardpack and pavement. They look great and match the bike.
Weaknesses:
Poor traction in most off road conditions, they slid out without any warning, even on hardpack.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized ground controls (not very good), WTB velociraptors, IRC Notos, Bontranger SST's, etc.
Bike Setup:
Stock Specialized FSR Comp, with IRC Noto's, bontranger FS+10 saddle and Time pedals.
Bottom Line:
These tires are made for racing, but I don't know where, because Florida trails are mostly dry hardpack, some sand, and these tires do not do well in these conditions. I swithced to IRC Notos and now have predictable steering input and slid control. Don't go out of your way to buy these tires unless you plan to use them on the road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Annapolis Date Reviewed: May 8, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Paramora Farm
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Extreme Sports
Strengths:
Great for dry or hard pack
Weaknesses:
Anything moist
Bike Setup:
Spec, Stump FSRxc Comp, Fox front/rear
Bottom Line:
Don't but this tire to ride anywhere that ever gets rain or has creek crossings they turn into slicks and won't come clean till you get a hose out and clean them. Still they are awesome and sick fast dry racing tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott russell
a Weekend Warrior
from pelham, alabama Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
oak mt.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Look cool, pretty strong.
Weaknesses:
Terrible in wet conditions! Washes out in corners!
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python Gold, IRC Piranah Pro.
Bike Setup:
02' Specialized Stumpjumper, XTR drive, brakes & shifters,Thomson stem & seatpost,Selle Italia saddle, Hutchinson Python Gold Tires. the rest stock for now.
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on my bike & I wish I could say something positive other than they look good and they roll.. but thats about it. I'm still nursing the wounds from my LAST ride on these puppies. Do yourself a favor don't buy these tires, unless you like seeing the ground really close up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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