Submitted by
aballz
a Weekend Warrior
from SF, CA USA Date Reviewed: December 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
good on dry/wet trails, dirt, anything offroad
Weaknesses:
wears somewhat fast, lots of drag on pavement
Bike Setup:
2006 avalanche 3.0
Bottom Line:
Great tire for the weekend warrior. Great tire for hitting your local state parks or trails over the weekend. Good traction off road and when you need to climb. Seems to wear down somewhat fast but I ride my bike on pavement on the weekdays. Lots of rolling resistance. But hey, it's a mountain bike, the tires optimizes it for what it's meant for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james beaton
a Downhiller
from barsley Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
blu bell woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
the tires have exellent grip on the mud and other places orund the woods.
Weaknesses:
they are not very good on road use as they seem to slow down alot
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
claude butler rock
Bottom Line:
the tyres are excellent on the mud and around woods. they could be better on the road but for what you pay fot them they are excellent tyres. i would definatly concider buying a pair
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Submitted by
Gerardo Chaves
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Rica Date Reviewed: February 27, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Grip
Weaknesses:
Wear
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Nimbus (road, 1.5x26)
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche 3.0
Bottom Line:
These are good tires except for wear. I have used them for 1450kms (900 mi) mostly dirt (about 80%) and now they are weared out. Thinking about changing them for some Specialized Resolution.
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Submitted by
Luke Dobson
a Cross Country Rider
from Outer London Date Reviewed: July 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
ANY!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
Very good grip on mud and sheds all the cr@p off easily. Wear and everything is OK.
Weaknesses:
front tyre seems to slip out at speeds on mud and loose surfaces. not a very high rolling tyre ether.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis ADvantage.
Bike Setup:
Claud Butler Cape Wrath Disc 06.
Bottom Line:
very good tyre to buy if you like to do weekend trails but my bottem line is caution at high speeds on mud. Front tyre goes everywhere. Wear is very good and has lasted me ages considering i use the bike everyday.
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Submitted by
Alan Davidson
a Weekend Warrior
from birmingham,west mids,england Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
St Margarets Downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Come with bike
Strengths:
Nice looking tyre, with strong walls and good all round grip. Grips well on loose stuff, especially corners.
Weaknesses:
Rolling on road, seems to slow down quite quick. Looses pedal traction going uphills quite easy.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
GT Aggressor XC3 standard factory
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is, for what these tyres seem to be sold for they are an absolute bargain. They hold their own well in most situations, i mentioned above that they don't roll too good on road surfaces..... But most of the time im ripping down trails, tracks and hills and they are superb for that! I never think twice about how they handle so i'd buy some more no problems. B++ product.
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Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Ardmore, Oklahoma, USA Date Reviewed: April 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lake Murry
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on Bike
Strengths:
Great grip in corners, Seem to wear well
Weaknesses:
Had something like 4 flats in the 3 months i used them. Mainly just thorns though, but still...
Bike Setup:
GT Avalance, Rock Shox Tora302, Avid BB7's,
Bottom Line:
I have been very pleased with these tires. They grip great in fast corners. Never have had a problem with my bike sliding out from me. Only reason these are being replaces on my bike is because i ordered a wheel set off E-Bay that are coming with WTB Velocaraptors on them. If your looking for a pretty cheap but good and dependable tire i would recommend these.
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Submitted by
G Hume
a Cross Country Rider
from uk Date Reviewed: April 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Marin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Local shop
Strengths:
Grips OK
Weaknesses:
I used these for a year and had 4 punctues, way more than i should have. Then i ripped the side wall on a easy section of trail.
Bottom Line:
I got these as standard on my GT. These are pants. They grip and ride ok but they were verry quick to wear out, roll slow and are generally weak.I have switched to Specialized resolution pros as i commute on my bike. They are a million times better, roll much quicker and dont appera to grip any less.
If you have GT, change your tyres!!
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Submitted by
Ross Allan
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Date Reviewed: November 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Gap Reserve
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with the bike
Strengths:
Long wearing, not one flat, can take punishment
Weaknesses:
Front tyre can loose traction easily with higher psi
Bike Setup:
GT avalance 2.0, no mods except rebuilt RST Gila fork
Bottom Line:
Well wearing and reliable tyres, after 2000 ks, the rear needs replacing after 60% road 40% tracks, mostly XC. Not one flat, despite riding some pretty harsh tracks with sharp stones. I would buy this tyre simply because of its reliability.
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Submitted by
TOM nyland
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney Date Reviewed: November 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
fun ones
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
everything. ive never had a problem with them. they seem to roll nice and predictably and keep decent traction on almost all surfaces i ride on
Weaknesses:
the tread on the rear tire wears fast(my fault-i skid to much)
Similar Products Used:
maxis, some expensive red ones
Bike Setup:
gt avalanche 1.0 disc
Bottom Line:
everyone seems to be complaining about these tires but i find them hard to fault. maby im just a better rider:D they edge well on concrete and on dirt. i feel safe and comfortable on them. the only time ive gotten a puncture was when i rode up 10 stairs.
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Submitted by
Ash
a Weekend Warrior
from Elgin, Scotland Date Reviewed: August 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Most of Scotland Right now
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Truro Cornwall
Strengths:
these day's going for a good price, Good wear rate, Good traction in Most conditions,pucture resistant....so far.
Weaknesses:
Dont track too well in thick mud, cornering isn't too confidence inspiring, 1.95 isn't big enough, could do with a 2.0 or 2.1. rear not grippy enough pushing on hard pack
Currently a Sintesi Hardtail, which they work well on, Previously had the tires on a GT LTS 2000 for which they just held the bike back, so had to put larger DH tires on it, to release it's potential.
Bottom Line:
For 90% of the time grip is never an issue with these ties on my current bike setup, Traction is normally pretty good, though cornering on anything slightly loose and especially off-camber I tend to be very carefull on, as the tires don't feel too positive under these conditions.
In mud there fine, perhaps the front dosen't track too well in thick mud, so hitting a patch of mud at speed can be a little interesting at times. However the rear grips well enough in the gloop, and sheds the med well enough.
On Hard pack they hold their own, but not as well as a Tire specific to those conditions, I've had the rear loose grip ascending hard pack, when mosts other's have held the terrain.
On grass their good, and I've even come away supprised how well they've held onto wet roots & rocks at times.
My biggest gripe with these tires is that they don't provide enough cushioning between you and the trial, they feel more like 1.8 or 1.7 tires at times. despite running them at around 30-35psi! (and still not flat's)
As a slightly retro alround tire and at the sort of prices you can probably still get them at these would make a good x-country tire, though not for racing. There's too much rolling resistance and there a little heavy, but their more durable, so suit a good old fashioned all round MTB.
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Submitted by
Spoon
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Wayne, Indiana Date Reviewed: July 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Franke Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good traction all around, Bites the ground very well
Weaknesses:
A little squirmish on wet roots and rocks, but wet ground in general very good
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Klaw
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche 2.0 Disc
Bottom Line:
Not as bad as some of the other reviews led on to believe, overall a very decent tire. They are mountain tires, not street or downhill tires. If you want that, get those kind of tires instead. No compaints here
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Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashua,NH Date Reviewed: July 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any in NEW ENGLAND
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LLBEAN
Strengths:
Good traction when new but not on wet objects.
Weaknesses:
no loose terrian traction.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis,Kenda,WTB
Bike Setup:
Stock GT avalanche 1.0
Bottom Line:
Tires came stock on my GT. was good for the first 5 rides.poor wet tractions for my standards no cornering at all! no loose terrains traction would even slip on dry rock and did not last more then 4 months but rode them on the street till they were bald.
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Submitted by
Aryn
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: February 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Solid traction in most conditions
Weaknesses:
Wet (larger)rock climb-ability, but what tire really can? One small loose rocks they are great.
Maybe a little slow but I agree with the others who say traction over speed. If you want speed, pedal faster!
Bike Setup:
Kona Caldera and Kona King Kikapu
Bottom Line:
Read some of the reviews below and had to help defend this tire. I have put over 2000 miles on mine and I could probably get another season out of them. I don't know what some of you are riding over or what psi you keep it at to be blowing out/ripping sidewalls on this tire. I have had one flat in the past 2000 miles.
These tires have outrun my firend's Specialized Roll-X, Panaracers and Hutchinsons. Being taller than most of the people I ride with and having to lean into the turns more the Factory XC's have never let me down. Sure those other tires perform well on the straight and narrow but they don't compete with the cornering and climbing that these do.
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Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Essex, England Date Reviewed: February 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Danbury/Galleywood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Decent looks. Rear tyre provides a lot of grip on steep climbs, even in the wet. Good test of nerves.
Weaknesses:
Puncture very easily, heavy for an XC tyre, clog with mud often, high rolling resistance on road surfaces, unpredicatable behaviour (especially front tyre).
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory DH, Nokian Fat Hakka DH, various Specialized & Panaracer.
Bike Setup:
GT hardtail frame, Marzocchi forks, mixture of components.
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't recommend this product to anybody who likes their skin still attached to their body. Never before have I ridden a tyre quite as unpredicatable as these! From feeling like you're on rails to faceplant in a fraction of a second.
As an added bonus, they puncture very easily.
Not ideal tyres for places with weather, sharp stones, wet roots or corners.
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Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario Date Reviewed: November 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle Ottawa
Strengths:
- Good off-road (if you don't get a flat), wears decently
Crap! I have gotten over 10 flats with these tires because they are extremely thin! What was Tioga thinking???? Everything will puncture this tire, be careful off-road. Doesn't shed mud well, but thats not really a big issue. I don't recommend these tires. Try WTB, panaracer, Bontrager instead.
Matt
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad Elliott
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ Date Reviewed: May 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
yours
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Great grip on steep accents and descents. Tire wear is next to nothing.
Weaknesses:
None to find...yet!
Similar Products Used:
WTB, some older tire I can't remember the name of!
Bike Setup:
GT i-drive 1.0, weyless 80mm stem other than that all stock.
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on my GT from the factory. I was a little apprehensive at first about the stock tires, but after several rides and trails I have the utmost confidence in these tires. I will more than likely purchase them again when they finally wear out.
On another note why are you people complaining about how the tire performs an the asphalt? IT'S A MOUNTAIN BIKE, NOT A ROAD BIKE!! That's like buying a tank and complaining about how it handles on the freeway! DUH!!!!
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Submitted by
Mark
a
from WI Date Reviewed: May 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Strengths:
Traction, Cheap
Weaknesses:
Soft rubber, weak sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
Kenda, IRC
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F900
Bottom Line:
I just posted a week ago and this is an update. The tire's sidewall ripped on normal trail riding and then the tube got pinched and blew. I don't mind pinch flats if they are my own fault but when the tire falls apart and causes it that is a problem.
When I took off the tire the rubber was pulling away from the casing of the tire and caused a weak spot for the tube to push through.
Tioga should investigate problems like that in the future. Eventhough the tire is cheap it shouldn't only last 3 months and one race. That is pathetic!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a
from WI Date Reviewed: May 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Traction, CHEAP
Weaknesses:
Soft Rubber
Similar Products Used:
Kenda, IRC
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F900
Bottom Line:
The tire is awesome when it comes to traction. But on the other hand the rubber is extremely soft I have used the tires for about 2 months and it is half wore out already. I got the tire for 15 dollars so I really can't complain about anything.
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Submitted by
shane
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: February 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
This tire is great and very cheap The grip is awesome!
Weaknesses:
None, possibly the wet.
Bottom Line:
This is a great allround tire. Ive had it for a year and its never let me down. I recommend this tire!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: December 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Full Cycle Ottawa
Strengths:
Good traction, lasts for quite awhile, smooth rolling
Weaknesses:
lots of rolling resistance, not a very rigid sidewall
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Terra Firma, Hutchinson Mosquito
Bike Setup:
Stock '03 Guiant Yukon
Bottom Line:
Pretty good tire. I originally got several flats on this tire, but after inspecting the rim several times and re-installing the tire, the problem has seem to have gone away. The tire grips well in dry conditions, and grips fairly well in muddy (or wet) conditions. It spins, but it digs you out of these situations. It isn't very good at shedding mud, but from the look of it's deisgn, I didn't expect it to be. The teadwear is very good. I've riden on this tire for about 8 months and there is about 20% of the rubber left. I spin the tires very often, and I ride aggressively (no skids however).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D. Sturm
a Cross Country Rider
from ATL Date Reviewed: November 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Grabs like a Bruce Lee death grip
Weaknesses:
Getting harder to find
Similar Products Used:
other tires
Bottom Line:
What the hell tires are you people riding that you posted reviews of???
These are the best tires I have ever ridden. The are exceptional in the wet. They shed the GA red clay very well, they grip on wet roots & rocks like a pissed off housecat.
The only knock on them is that they aren't the fastest rolling tire. I'll take traction any day .
You want some crappy tires try the Hutchinson Pythons or IRC Mythos.
The good thing about some of your crappy reviews is that I'll still be able to buy them after they are no longer produced for cheap.
YMMV, D.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from York, North Yorkshire Date Reviewed: October 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
NY Moors
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
cheap shop!
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
Pre injected with grease to reduce traction
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Control/Master, Tioga Factory DH, Mythos XC, Schwalbe Jimmy
Bike Setup:
Spec Enduro
Bottom Line:
Absolute rubbish. the front washes out so often i gave up and bought a Team Control, and the rear soldiered on for quite a while running at a vey low pressure in a vain attempt to gain traction which obviously resulted in punctures up the ying yang!! I then bought a Team Master for the rear and havent looked back!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jiri
a Cross Country Rider
from Prague, Czech Republic Date Reviewed: October 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Bikeranch
Strengths:
Wears not fast (front tire). Great grip and cool sound.
Weaknesses:
Weak in sand and grit.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Mobster, since than I stay faithful to Tioga.
I recommend Tioga tires to everybody riding off-road. The drag on asphalt is regretfully quite big.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Stavrakis
a Cross Country Rider
from UK, Wales Date Reviewed: September 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Cyclopedia, Uk, Wales
Strengths:
Okay in the mud
Weaknesses:
Extremaly slipery on rocky rooty trails when wet. Almost scary.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Dirt Control, Continental Verticals, ust ordered some Maxxis Hard Drives, as tthey were given a 10/10 ratng in our uk MBR magazine, also nice and cheap. £19.95 for a pair I suppose approx $30.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper Fsr XC Comp
Bottom Line:
THe Welsh trail are very often wet, I actually changed these tyres over from my old bike due to the lack of tread on my Specialized Dirt Control's. Wish I hadn't. Riding CwmCarn is quite scary anyway, but with rain on top of the rocky rooty single track, I was almost ready to get off and walk with these Tioga thingy's. Wicked Scary ride !!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alfred Henriksen
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden Date Reviewed: August 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Great mud clearing, traction. swallows all ugly terrain I throw at it. Gives me more confidence and trust. Could be better at wet roots, but difficult to get a another great tyre who likes mud, wet roots, rocky terrain! ;)
Weaknesses:
None for me. All those are OK/funny for me: Bad at asphalt. My bike become nervous at speed over 30miles. (due to steep steer-angle) (funny! ;) Vibrating in the handlebar due to the big knots. No problem for me anyway. asphalt sucks anyway! ;) Wears a bit fast, but a compromise to get the good grip/traction.
Could be more strong at the sides of tyres. :( Those has always worried me, if I should crash in rocky terrain and the wheels gets a hole by a sharp stone or something like that.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Veliciraptor (geax is better) Bontrager Jones (scared me...) Cheap'os tyres GEAX Blade200 (back tyre, still using, but I have a Tioga rear ready...)
Bottom Line:
Wow! First time I tried the front tire, I was like a manical down the rocky terrain. Never been so raw and aggresive in my handling and biking. Those tires gives me confidence, and that is why I would buy more when those wears out.
Those tyres are specialized toward mud/terrain, NOT asphalt. An uncomprosing tires demands its man/woman/shemale!
(four chilies due to the weak side-walls.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tiger Mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
-tread looks beefy -good place to store spare air -fits on my rims
Weaknesses:
-front tire slides out on anything loose or wet or um...rooty. -flats really easily -1.95 tire is way too narrow, so won't hook up on anything
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor, Geax Blade, Specialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
Salsa Caballero, XT/XTR, Marzocchi Marathon SL
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is these are the worst tires I've owned. If you come into a bermed corner with any kind of speed, the front tire will slide out on you!! There's no traction on the loose stuff, and if it's wet forget it. The rear will not grip on dry rocks at all...and I don't even want to know what it'd do on wet rock. The 1.95 inch tires seemed more like a 1.6-1.8. I'm running pressure that's within the recommended limits of the tire and the front tire flatted off a 1foot drop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vic
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow, Russia Date Reviewed: April 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Good off-road tires. Grip like hell, don't even matter what's the surface is.
Weaknesses:
Good OFF-ROAD tires ONLY. Wears momentarily on pavement. Can't even hold you on wet pavement. Noisy. Way heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Various Maxxis tires, Michelens, Continentals...
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche frame and lots of tweaks.
Bottom Line:
If you only ride off-road - these tires are right what you need. I've even managed to assault a 35 degree slope filled with pure mud all the 40 meters. The bike crawled like turtle, but the grip was like it was superglued to the surface. But things changes really fast when you take these tires on pavement. Significant signs of wear were seen just after 150 kms. Too fast. These tires don't just simply dislike wet pavement, they are absolutely incompatible with it. So the bottom line is "Off-road only".
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Tread wear, predicable grip on most surfaces
Weaknesses:
Have had a couple of flats brought about by sharp sticks piercing tyre between knobs
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Scorpion
Bike Setup:
Felt Nasty Sanchez 2003
Bottom Line:
I found these tyres to offer very good performance. They offered a very predictable grip on dry, sandy, rocky surfaces, and after having ridden on them now for around 500miles, theyre only showing about 50% wear on the rear, and approx 30% wear on the front tyres. This wear has even seen a couple of hundred miles done on the road, so i`d say theyre quite well at withstanding the occasional ride on ashphalt. I havent used these in mud so cant comment on their performance in this situation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedro LPS
a
from Lisbon, Portugal Date Reviewed: July 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
-Rear tire traction and cornering -Very good traction in sand, cement, alsphalt, mud
Weaknesses:
-Not much grip in the wet -No grip at all in front tire when we are cornering in loose terrain (gravel, etc) and in water -Wears fast
Similar Products Used:
Nokian NBX 2.3, Michelin Wildgripper Sprint S 1.95(semi-slick), Continental Survival 2.3,
Bottom Line:
-The rear tire is quite good, good traction, little rolling resistance. -The Tioga Factory XC front tire it´s a joke. I´m afraid of it! Slipped many time in the wet and on loose soil. Tioga should give up from this front tire. Its a threat. -The front tire looks like a surf board on the wet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rayray
a Cross Country Rider
from Norther NJ Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Knife Edge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
The 60 bucks is cheep- for 2 tires Wicked mud traction,
Weaknesses:
rolling resistence no dry traction at all crazy wear
Similar Products Used:
wtb velociraptor
Bike Setup:
pimped out jekyll
Bottom Line:
Buy these tires if you live in seattle
These tires suck when its dry, i didnt think a tire could suck in dry conditions, but these definately suck balls.
The knobs on the rear are falling off, and i mean clean off after 7 months riding
Go with the kenda charisma sticky tires instead
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger Wong
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with my 2003 GT Avalanche 2.0
Strengths:
Excellent grip on mud and asphalt.
Weaknesses:
No traction at all in any wet condition.
Similar Products Used:
-
Bike Setup:
2003 GT Avalanche 2.0 + Tekro linear pull V-brake
Bottom Line:
The set of tire performs very well in mud condition. It feels like you will always have the traction even when climbing a 90 degree uphill.
However, in one occasion I run into a torrential rain during a ride in a mountain trail. Then what I can tell is just like driving on ice. When I'm back on asphalt, with just a very slight touch on the front brake lever (a V-brake), the whole front wheel simply lock up and the bike slides like a boat. Along the whole return trip I only dare to "sail" slowly back to home with some touch of front brake in a very very short pulse.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TNDirt
a Cross Country Rider
from TN Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Iron Mnt.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Looks good, Haven't punctured one yet, never ripped any knobs off.
Weaknesses:
Limited traction in the wet.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Full Sussy
Bottom Line:
The tires work well when it's dry. They wear quickly but dry traction is good until they are almost worn out. I have always had trouble with them in the wet. Today even, the front washed out on a root that shouldn't have been a problem. The resulting crash has put me on a mission to find good all condition Southern Appalachian tires. Conti Vert Pro's maybe... or Survivors.
I give it 3 chilis because they are good in half the conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Ratch
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 2, 2003
I was amazed by these tires. Being stock on a cheaper bike I expected them to not fair as well as other All-Conditions offerings. I was wrong. These babies grip in almost all conditions. Where I ride there is a lot of sand and loose dirt, these tires slice through and give input with ease. Not even my michelins could match the loose terrain performance of these tires. The only shortcommings I see are that they pack up with mud and stay packed. They are not the best choice for wet climates or spring time riding, but they will not let you down in the dry loose stuff. Also, the cheap wire bead versions specced on my bike are relativly heavy, leaving a little more performance to be desired. Don't get me wrong though, with a kevlar bead version these tires would be on my bike all the time. I've even left my high $$ Michelin tires hanging in the garage in favor of these. Sweet tires, I will invest in the kevlar bead version when I've got some free $$$. Ride on!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Turtle Racer
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Horsethief Bench
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
dunno
Strengths:
Very good traction, cornering, speed in all conditions. Never a pinch flat in 4 years. Easy on/off the rim. Light and dependable.
Weaknesses:
Grips well but wears quickly on hard, rocky terrain--Moab.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Dart, Smoke, Michelin Wild gripper, Panaracer Fire XC.
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB, CrossMax, '98 XT & XTR, SID XC
Bottom Line:
Very good all around tire with Kevlar belt. Lasts longer in muddy or wet conditions of Midwest than out West on rocky terrain. Fairly light, dependable. Note: Tioga tires run WIDE. Mine are 1.95 and look/ride like most 2.1 tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Lancaster
a Racer
from Minneapolis, MN, USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Buck Hill, MN
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
sponsor paid
Strengths:
Awesome grip... Saved my ass landing sideways and still holding true many many times!
Weaknesses:
It's a bit heavier then some but strong and taller profile.
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Element SC Team
Bottom Line:
Love these Tires, never go Tubless with these...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with Bike
Strengths:
Good Grip on Dry Good Look
Weaknesses:
Loses Grip on Wet!!! I slipped from the Front. I'm serious. I brake hard on Avid Single Digit 3 V brakes and i slipped from the front on flat ground. I meant Skidding from the front
Similar Products Used:
hm... forgot
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche
Bottom Line:
This is a good tire for Dry only. Wet is fine but don't expect much in an emergency.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Diego Dominguez
a Cross Country Rider
from Madrid,Spain Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Various
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$21.00
Purchased At:
Calmera
Strengths:
Goog grip on every surface
Weaknesses:
Last 1 second if you use them on tarmac and brake hard. I did for 5 minutes on a 3 hrs ride and lost half of the studs!
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula frame, Avid disc brakes, Manitou six fork, rigida rims, deore hubs, Shimano LX derrailleur...
Bottom Line:
Good wheel, wears really fast
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
hardrock scott
a Weekend Warrior
from PA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Gallery, Lock Haven, PA
Strengths:
Hookup in mud!
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized HardrockR
Bike Setup:
2001 Specialized Hardrock A1 FS, LX crankset, XTR 8 speed cassette, Alivio controls, Mavic Crossrides ('03 black hubs), Avenir tubes, the rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
The rear tire has already paid for itself by keeping me upright during a slide in the mud. The rear wheel started to slide to the left out from under me on an easy uphill pull.
I put the torque to the pedals, and the rear tire hooked up and dug out of the mud and soaked leafs like a low-range 4X4 mudder. Awesome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gumpf
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane AUSTRALIA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
These tires work quite well on dry hard packed to bordering on mud. Haven't used them in the mud, but for what I do, they work very well.
Weaknesses:
Once you get off the beaten track and onto the pavement, these tyres begin to wear fast. Very fast if you like to brake hard without locking up that is. If you lock up your wheels on a regular basis, prepare to loose the nobs very quickly
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche Frame, Marzocchi MXCOMP forks, Truvativ Husslefelt Triple Crankset, XT Cassette, LX Shifter/Brake lever combo, LX front and rear derailler, Avid SD5 brakes, Velocity Deep V rims on XT Hubs.
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on my bike, and its about the only think other than the frame that is still there. What does that say? Well it basically means that I like them, and will seriously look at getting them again when new tires need to be purchased which will hopefully be later rather than sooner.
Buy them if you use them MORE off road than on road. If you do use your bike more on the roads and pavements, look elsewhere for tires, coz you'll wear these out faster than you you like to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gumpf
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane AUSTRALIA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
These tires work quite well on dry hard packed to bordering on mud. Haven't used them in the mud, but for what I do, they work very well.
Weaknesses:
Once you get off the beaten track and onto the pavement, these tyres begin to wear fast. Very fast if you like to brake hard without locking up that is.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche Frame, Marzocchi MXCOMP forks, Truvativ Husslefelt Triple Crankset, XT Cassette, LX Shifter/Brake lever combo, LX front and rear derailler, Avid SD5 brakes, Velocity Deep V rims on XT Hubs.
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on my bike, and its about the only think other than the frame that is still there. What does that say? Well it basically means that I like them, and will seriously look at getting them again when new tires need to be purchased which will hopefully be later rather than sooner.
Buy them if you use them MORE off road than on road. If you do use your bike more on the roads and pavements, look elsewhere for tires, coz you'll wear these out faster than you you like to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat B.
a Downhiller
from Whitecourt Date Reviewed: March 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The Roller Coaster
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Revolution Cycle
Strengths:
All around grip. Good cornering. Rear climbs above average. Price. Tioga company backs product
Weaknesses:
Traction for sand.
Similar Products Used:
Oem Specialized team race, Panaracer fire xc's
Bike Setup:
2001 Specialized Stumpjumper FSR xc pro
Bottom Line:
Buy these tires if you like an all around good tire. Performance, value, quality are in these tires. Tioga gave warranty on bad tire, no questions asked. If you like a tire for all conditions, wet-muddy, dry-hardpack. Don't buy if you ride lots of sandy conditions or a pavement pounder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spg
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Makara Peak
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good allrounder, can run rear tire in reverse for faster rolling profile and still grips ok.
Weaknesses:
Wear quite fast, Front tire requires over-weighting to work properly on clay.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer, Hutchison
Bike Setup:
XC trail ride/racer. came with the bike. priced at NZ$64! (US$32).
Bottom Line:
These work. In dry dusty conditions = brilliant traction. Wet clay (fresh) = hard work, use a lot of body english to maintain traction. Wet mud/clay = very good. I found the front requires a good weighting to dig in, especially cornering, once I did that it was like rails! They do wear fast but after a year they now roll faster with almost as much grip. Never had a pinch flat (40-50 psi) and I ride rocky tacks constantly. They are prone to skipping sideways at the rear over rocks. Good for general XC all conditions. Have worked well for racing too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian martin
a Cross Country Rider
from goudhurst, england Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any where
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good grip, except wet roots etc, fine in mud, which is a bonus in England. No puntures at all so far.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Standard Saracen N-Zyme.
Bottom Line:
These came with my bike and were the first thing I was expecting to change, but I must say I am impressed. Good grip, except over wet roots and logs, but then what tyre will give you excellent grip and not ride like glue on tarmac! Get them, I will again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flash
a Cross Country Rider
from Goleta Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ellwood Mesa Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Velo Pro/Goleta
Strengths:
These tires came with my Kona Unit. This is the Factory XL SC 1.90. The tire is now being marketed as the "Red Phoenix". The tires not only look neat, but they handle really well on climbs. These tires excel on both hardpack and loose, sandy conditions. They don't wash out in the turns, and they have a good spring to them. What's good is that these tires also climb well on paved roads. I've beaten the hell out of these tires the last month, and they still look brand new. I'm suprised these fairly narrow tires do so well on a singlespeed.
Weaknesses:
I have the wire bead version as OEM. No faults with this tire even with a wire bead.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC 1.95 and Michelin Wildgripper Comp S 2.1
Bike Setup:
Bike came with Koski Seatpost, Stem, Bars. Aheadset. Avid SD5 brakes. RaceFace Prodigy XC crank (set up 34:17). Kona rear hub looks like a Surly to me. SDG Landing Strip saddle. Switched out the Koski Stem for a RaceFace Deus stem.
Bottom Line:
If you want a good reliable tire that does well on hardpack, rocks, sand, and pavement, here it is. They're light for a wire bead and climb like a dream. Very good descender, too. More places need to carry this tire (now called "Red Phoenix"). And I was a dedicated IRC Mythos fan. I might put this tire on my Litespeed Toccoa which is now running IRC Mythos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garn
a Cross Country Rider
from College Station, TX Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good grip in all around conditions even on pavement (as i am in college and ride 3 miles to class everyday)
Weaknesses:
Don't EVEN TRY to ride on them if it has rained for like 5 minutes and just got the top of the dirt wet...... You slide around like you are on ice-skates, beleive me I have the broken hand and scarred up knee to prove it...
Similar Products Used:
specialized stuff
Bike Setup:
2001 kona caldera, marz's z5, avid mechanical disc's, etc...
Bottom Line:
Good all around tire except in new mud, but old sloppy mud is the greatest to ride in! Have fun, just don't do what i did
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shannon
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield, MO Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Too many to say.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Touring Cyclist, St. Louis- Came on a Kona Bear
Strengths:
This review is actually for the Factory XC Extreme 2.1. The only strength is that they are probably good for recreational riding, but they do not belong on any trail an experienced rider would be on.
Weaknesses:
Flats of all types and Tioga service.
Similar Products Used:
Various
Bike Setup:
Stock for now, still trying to pay for the bike.
Bottom Line:
These tires suck. I buy tubes and patches more often than I buy toilet paper. That's just not right. These tires came on a Kona Bear that I got a month ago and the rear tire is just about gone. I even took a week of riding off to move to Springfield and an extra few days due to floods in Missouri. So I only have about two weeks of actual ride time on these tires and they are falling apart. The rear one is falling apart on its own, it has cracks in it that I've never seen from riding. I emailed Tioga and the guy told me to take the tire to the shop where I purcased the bike (3hrs away in St. Louis) and they could send it in, and if he felt it was warrented then he would send out a new one. Now I know tires wear, but I'm still trying to pay for the bike and didn't know I would have to buy tires after 2 weeks of actual ride time, so I am very reluctant on having to send my tire in, which means I have to buy a replacement if I want to ride while Tioga has it, and I choose not to do that right now. So overall I can't give this tire any kind of good review. There are only two reasons I am not giving this tire one flamin' turd, one is because I haven't ridden a wide enough variety of other tires to feel like I am an expert on tires and tire development, and also because I have a degree in consumer affairs (product research/consumer advocacy) and I can't let one tire decide a reccomendation for an entire line. I would only ride this tire on recreational trails and I personally will not be buying anymore Tioga tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JohnnyGoGo
a Weekend Warrior
from Glasgow,Scotland Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Bonthrone Bikes
Strengths:
? I've yet to find any.
Weaknesses:
Prone to punctures.
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche 2.0
Bottom Line:
I am new to the whole Mountainbike scene, hence the lack of detail in the review. However, I am not impressed with these tyres. I have only ridden in one particular location which has a bit of everything-mud, rock, tree roots, the lot. The cornering, particularly on steep technical ground is very poor. My main gripe however is the lack of puncture protection on the sidewalls.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Smite The Biker
a Weekend Warrior
from Glasgow, Scotland Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Nevis Range International Downhill, Scotland
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$23.00
Purchased At:
Alpine Bikes
Strengths:
Good grip offroad. Fun tire to ride. Would buy again, its the best i can afford.
Weaknesses:
Sidewall gives very little protection to innertube. Very slippy on smooth road but these tires is built for off-road.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire DH Pro (Brilliant)
Bike Setup:
Kona NuNu with 2002 Judy Forks.
Bottom Line:
Good for he price, for better performance go for The Panaracer Fire DH Pro. This is a good tire but i would not buy if i could afford anything better. Great for off-road, its getting to the off-road trail by road thats the dangerous part!!! Come to Scotland ask for Smite and i will show you some fun trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Davis
a Cross Country Rider
from Eldersburg, MD USA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
McKeldon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Grips like nobodys business. I can go over wet rock slabs when the other guys are sliding into the creek.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls mean a rocky trail will cut holes in the tires.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Veloraptors, Bontrager Jones
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Paragon
Bottom Line:
These tires are great if you don't venture onto rocky trails. If you do, bring something to keep the tubes from poking out of the new holes you are going to tear in the sidewalls.
Bring a patch kit if you ride on trails that are anything but paved.
I wouldn't buy these tires again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabe Padilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn, CA Date Reviewed: July 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything dirt with big hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast rolling, hooks up well, light.
Weaknesses:
Umm, has a little trouble on loose leaves, but i think all tires do.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Diamond Back Topanga
Bottom Line:
I needed a new rear tire and this was what the guy at the LBS recommended. I must say it is an awesome tire. Low rolling resistence, low weight, good grip. I'm used to using knobbies, so i was a little skeptical as to how well a semi-slick would grip, but now i am a believer. On the loose hills where i used to struggle to climb with the odl tire fighting for grip, this one just hooks up like there's nothing to it.
Now, you have to realize that where I ride is always dry, so I don't know about wet weather performance, or mud. I haven't tried it in sand either, so I'm riding basically what this tire was designed for, and designed very well it is.
I would recommend this tire to anyone who rides in primarily dry conditions and is looking for a fast rolling semi-slick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tcs
a Downhiller
from Phoenix, AZ, US Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The National
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Cornering, climbing, braking, off-cambers
Weaknesses:
hmmm! I have to buy them
Similar Products Used:
Just about every tire with real knobbies (non of them semi-slick things)
Bike Setup:
full bouncin' with Bomber Z1-CR up front
Bottom Line:
Riding Conditions: Desert mountains -- very hard on tires, lots of loose and sharp rocks.
Handling: Both tires are excellent for fast agressive cornering and they stick in everything the desert has to offer. Stopping and climbing are as good as anything I've used. I actually run the rear tire for better braking and it still climbs like a goat. Awesome in off-cambers.
Tire Wear: I have had excellent wear! I managed to get about 5 months on the front before deciding to retire it to a spare. As a spare, it has ample tread left for the average rider -- just doesn't have the extra bite when blasting through corners. The rear seems to be holding up as good as any other tire I've used in the desert. Unfortunatley, I cut a side wall on the first rear after about 2 months, but have about 1.5 months on the 2nd one and it is holding pretty well. A little extra comment about wear; Seeing that the Mythos appears to to be the most popular tire, I'd like to mention that I wore a Mythos front out in less a month. Simply shredded the side knobs! One last thing about wear with these tires: I love to lay the bike through corners, and the side knobs have held up better than any tire I have used so far.
My Bottom Line: Buy these if you want awesome all around traction and a tire that loves extreme, agressive XC riding. Also,I think the wear is above average for the desert conditions here. Don't buy these if you want a whimpy, low rolling resistance, XC race tire -- in that case, I'll give you my worn out tires :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike chen wei han
a Weekend Warrior
from alor setar,kedah,malaysia Date Reviewed: May 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
too many
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great cornering. Grips well.Lightweight!! Superior tractions!!
Weaknesses:
none,maybe threads wear out fast but that the price to pay for a good set of tires!!!
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z-max,Maxxis,Michelin(SuckS!!!!!!),WTB& Tioga Psycho K
Bike Setup:
Mongoose carbon/aluminium
Bottom Line:
Best tires!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Si
a Weekend Warrior
from The UK - and proud of it Date Reviewed: May 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Forest of dEan
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
At the moment their grip in 90% of situations I get myself into. They look pretty good (which isnt really that important) and they only cost me £30 for the Fat 66's (Kevlar) for the pair at Bike 2000.
Weaknesses:
After a good few hard rides, they've only lost traction in damp or wet woodland riding. Damp tree roots are not their strong point. Climbing feels pretty good - they roll and hook up well. 'cos they're a quiet similar to the Factory DH, they seem to be quite forgiving downhill. So far i'm pretty impressed, but i'm a bit bothered because everyone else on here says they wear our really fast.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Dart (Still my favourite front tyre), Continental Cross-country 1.5, Smoke's, Psycho's (eeeek), OnZa Porc (aaaaaaarrrrrrggghhhh) & WTB on the back
Bike Setup:
Orange Clockwork '94 with Pace MX-CD's and XT running gear
Bottom Line:
These tyres (used as a pair) seem good at the moment. Watch out on Wet tree roots. I'm a bit worried about how long the tread will last.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Art Tagatac
a Cross Country Rider
from Chino Hills, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chino Hills State Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
none that I know of
Weaknesses:
cheap rubber used, wears out to quick,
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke Dart, WTB Velociraptor
Bike Setup:
99 Schwinn S-10, stock except for the seat
Bottom Line:
I want my equipments to last where it is designed for. After using my bike for about a month, the last thing I expect was a tire that was wearing and guess what, the knobs on my rear tire was falling apart literally. After about three months, the rubber was separating from the tire beads. If you are buying a bike that comes with these tires, swap them with some other tires like Panaracer or WTB. They last much longer. These tires are for wannabee mountain bikers who never venture offroad. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY BY GETTING THESE CHEAPO TIRES.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Heifner
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Holzinger in Winona, MN(where i am going to school)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
very good cornering, excellent traction both up hill and downhill, very grippy on rock surfaces and looses surfaces
Weaknesses:
they wear a little too quickly
Bike Setup:
Schwinn S20
Bottom Line:
For technical single track these tires are great. I have a short ride on the pavement to where I do my riding and these tires are very quiet. On the trail these tires have performed very well for me. The trails that I ride are mostly hard packed but there are a number of technical sections that are very rocky and there are some climbs that are really loose. I have never had a problem with and slipping while riding these sections. These tires are also excellent in the corners. These tires have more than once kept gripping when I thought I was done for. These tires perform great on the downhills as well. Both on wide open downhills where you are tearing along and on very steep technical white knuckle downhills where you need the grip from you tires to keep you from bombing down the hill. Even though they wear out a little quickly, these tires are excellent. I will be getting another pair when these tires wear out. Minus one flamin' chili cuz they wear out fast. If Tioga can make a set of these that last, they are going to have one incredible tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scotty
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: April 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Seymour
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
amazing traction on ALL trail conditions
Weaknesses:
a little narrower than i wanted
Similar Products Used:
break/enter, lumpy/gravy, Cont.comp pro(rear)
Bike Setup:
'99 lava Dome parted up for agressive xc
Bottom Line:
FRONT ONLY: I ride everything to/from work and sometimes it gets a little muddy. this tire is near perfect. sheds mud, corners & brakes very predictably. I haven't tried too many other products and my skill level is always improving, but with this tire and a comp pro on the rear i am riding at a whole new level.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mario Javier
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakville Date Reviewed: March 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kelso, Waterdown
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
ease of installation to the rim. reasonable price for a kevlar tyre.
Weaknesses:
It seems to wear out quicker than other tyres I tried.
Similar Products Used:
Mythos, Specialized Team series, Velociraptor, Z-max.
Bike Setup:
Joshua X-0 with full XT and Raceface components.
Bottom Line:
I have been in search of a multipurpose tyre for a long time and I tried almost every brand out there. These tyres were a season old when I got it from a good friend of mine.He used them to race for a season before handing them to me. The tyres looked like it went thru a cheese grater, especially along the side knobs. I installed them on my bike and rode thru the Fall season of 99. I was impressed with the traction going thru wet leaves and mud. My bike never handled better before until I got these tyres. I strongly believed that bike setup, my riding ability and these tyres contributed to that new feeling. These tyres may not suit others because of the above. I highly recommend these tyres and I can't wait to get a brand new one for this summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian Zsabo
a Weekend Warrior
from Cesspool Nj Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Aggressive & Accurate
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Grips Like a Mug, puts most others in price range to shame, made for the trail, and only the trail, sand, mud, rocks, gravel, anyhting but pavement and ice
Weaknesses:
made for the trail and only the trail, short tread life, if you do alot of running on the pavement, dont even think about em, compound is made for the terrain,, oh and they are a little pricy, lost a chili for that one,
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos(next best thing), Velociraptors (suck)
Bike Setup:
gt Rebound, clipless richie's, judy xc on the front, quickfires on a flatbar
Bottom Line:
these tyres were made with 2 things in mind, the trail, and the hardtail, ive never met terrain these rippers couldent handle, if found that they run best when thier pumped to the max, it gives a harder ride, but there is alot of flex in the tyre, so it you run them soft thier gonna pinchflat, especally with narrower rims, yes it is true that these bad boys are on the soft side, but they wouldent hook up like they do if they werent, the front sheds mud, and just about everything else, and kicks up nothing cornering is exxecellent, even on !!WET!! grass, i expected the bike to slide out on a turn i took a little too wide, and into the grass, the suprise traction i got almost highsided me, as long as they keep makin em' ill keep buyin em, i aint no wannabe roadie, i play in the mud, and that where theese puppies belong
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
What What
a Downhiller
from What Date Reviewed: February 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
What
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
very Grippy
Weaknesses:
not Zippy
Similar Products Used:
oh i'd like to say everything, then i'd be lying.
Bike Setup:
super Slippy Kona Hardass, I mean hardtail.
Bottom Line:
Take this seriously, I am being for real now. These tires have very good traction when they are fresh and for a long while after you bought them, but they wear out quickly. Please, read on. These tires only get better and evolve into spectacular XC racing tires, with the low rolling of worn out tires and the remaining cornering traction, these tires roll fast, the rubber still sticks as well as a fresh tire, and can handle 25mph turns in the yuke. Thanks for reading, if you do get these tires, I hope you enjoy them. Thanks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia Date Reviewed: February 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great traction on hard pack. Perform ok in loose sand.
Weaknesses:
Seems I have to keep these tires inflated to a little higher pressure than others I've used. No Biggy, haven't blown one yet.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda, Specialized, Mich's
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche stock, K2 5000 custom
Bottom Line:
They corner really well on just about every surface I've ridden on. Low rolling resistance has got me thinking of getting bigger rings. Climb really well, maintaining traction on steep ground even with loose dirt mixed with roots and other obstacles. Front tire's little square knobs have a tendency to "spear" leaves, hang on to them and make that annoying swish, swish sound. If that's all there is to whine about, then these tires are good to go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lindgren Carroll
a Downhiller
from Washington D.C. USA Date Reviewed: February 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Pits Psycho Moto Trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Most reliable tires ever, they don't let go, really sticky on mud or hardpack.
Weaknesses:
Wear fast, a little slow, but if you want performance, this is were it is.
Similar Products Used:
Pana.XC(suck),Specilized Dirt(suck)
Bike Setup:
Kona Hardtail, DS setup
Bottom Line:
Actually, I am not a DHer, but that is closest to what I ride. I ride DS, DH, and XC, and these are the only tires that are good in all conditions, in all types of riding. Use these tires with a set of Specialized thorn-proof tubes and you will have a tough set of rubbers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Max Stanton
a Racer
from Berkeley, Ca Date Reviewed: January 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
ZigZag
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Descend like DH tires. Corner like goddamn, well, they corner really well
Weaknesses:
wear quickly, noisy, heavy, roll very slowly
Similar Products Used:
Everything
Bike Setup:
Schwinn, SuperFLy, FULL XTR, Chris King
Bottom Line:
These tires rock. The descend really well, almost mimic my Kujo DH tires, and the climb very nicely also. When climbing, they always feel like they will break, but never do. Definatly a good tire, but its heavy, wears quickly, and rolls very slowly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Put air in them
a Weekend Warrior
from PA Date Reviewed: November 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Climbs well No noise on pavement
Bottom Line:
Hey Markito Pantera try running them with some air in them, maybe they won't pinch flat any more.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan Shaw
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oshawa Ontario Date Reviewed: June 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Durham Forest, Three Rocks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great traction, climb and decend well, like being on rails when turning
Weaknesses:
Wear quikly
Similar Products Used:
all
Bike Setup:
Jamis el diablo
Bottom Line:
hangs on to the bitter end
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tmark
a Cross-Country Rider
from Western Massachusetts Date Reviewed: May 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
too many to count
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Excellent traction from rear tire
Weaknesses:
front tire skittish; tires worn out after 1 season; knobs torn off
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dragon, '98
Bottom Line:
These things wear out too quickly.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Markito Pantera
a Weekend Warrior
from New York,NY Date Reviewed: May 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Anything thats technical
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good for Soft XC,Grip for XC climbing speeds
Weaknesses:
Can you say PInch flat if you can then you would get one at comand with these tires . I pinch flattet alot with these tires. Wit the money I have spent on tubes I could have bought a better pair of tires and would have had a pair of new XTR cranks too.
Similar Products Used:
WTB raptors, Spezialised team control
Bike Setup:
DBRX2
Bottom Line:
DOnt get these if you are a hardcore trail rider they oinch flat at the site of a hair. Don't get me wrong the climb good and have good traction in the dry .I wish that I had my team controls back they were more durable and had alot of more traction. PS they wear very fast only 2.5 moths and they show wear to the point were I have to get new tires.Good try Tioga. ONly two mojones for the Factory XCs.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from Irvine, CA Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This tire has great traction and cornering ability in all but loose sand. I cant say I have ridden them in muddy conditions, since the trails in So Cal take a real dive during the rainy season.
Weaknesses:
These tires don't roll especially well and are a bit heavy for a XC racing tire.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Master and Team Control.Bontrager Revolt SS 2.1
Bike Setup:
Dean FS with Manitou SX carbon
Bottom Line:
These tires are good trail/training tires, but their added weight and rolling resistance don't make for the greatest racing tires.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rodney Crowe
a Racer
from Norman,ok Date Reviewed: March 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Lake Draper
Duration Product Used:
more than 3 years
Strengths:
Looks and cornering
Weaknesses:
Wear life
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, bontrager ss and st, All Continentals
Bike Setup:
Dean Colonel, XTR, SID, SUN RPM Wheels
Bottom Line:
I feel that it is a great all around performing tire. Low rolling resistance and excellent traction in most conditions. The only problem I had was after a couple of months of use the shoulder knobs started to tear off.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Mitchell
a cross-country rider
from Portsnouth, UK Date Reviewed: January 25, 1999
Bottom Line:
HiI changed to the Tioga XC tyres last November and I have generally been impressed, however after a few months I started getting a flat rear tyre EVERY time I went out (so annoying!!). After spending ages investigating, I found that the 'extra thick' compound of these tyres allows small thorns to lodge in the rubber and slowly work their way into the inner tube, if I run my finger along the inside of the tyre I can feel loads of little thorns poking through!! They are impossible to remove as there is only a tiny tip showing but when you hit a root or rock, it's just enough to flat your tyre. If you live somewhere sunny and hot then these are excellent, however for our miserable thorny winter conditions in the UK, I'm not so sure.Bye!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tmark
a cross-country rider
from Western Massachusetts Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998
Bottom Line:
Excellent, all-around rear tire. It doesn't clear mud quite as well as some, below, claim. But, great climber, o.k. on pavement. This thing grabs and holds, when the rear end is kicked out by rocks, etc.! The front tire is less impressive, especially on mud, sand, and in clawing up steep side-slopes & out of ruts. It's squirrely and unpredictable! I'm going to look for a more powewrful front tire for this coming spring mud season.So, 5 for the rear and 3 for the front = 4.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Team Goon
a cross-country rider
from British Columbia, Canada Date Reviewed: October 11, 1998
Bottom Line:
This is my first day that i rode on my new Tioga factory xc's. First of all, i'd like to tell everyone what type of riding i do so people that are pro's don't get upset after buying these tires because i said they were good or bad. I mostly do cross country riding through wet and muddy conditions. There is a lot of hard packed trails that i go through along with stones, puddles and grass. To get to these trails, i also have to ride 10 kilometers on pavement.I was very delighted with these tires. On the pavement, they were extremely quiet. Some people in the reviews below said that they have a lot of drag. Believe me, these tires are very smooth and i did not hear them at all. In the trails, the tires had a lot of grip. I did not slip and slide like before when i had the tioga psycho's. These tires hooked up great in the trails. Also, you feel very confident when you're going over logs because these things grip like godzilla. Now to the nasty stuff. In WET mud, these tires were very quick to shed mud. When i stopped for a break, i noticed that all the mud on my tires were gone. My friend who had velociraptors still had shit all over his tires. Another thing i liked about the tires were it's weight and it's design. The tires weighs only like 500 grams and the words Tioga are written on it in white. It really stands out and make your bike look kick-azz. The only negative thing about this tire is the tread life. I don't know how long it will last for the average user but I go riding only like 3 times a month. These tires will probably only last me 1 or two years. The compound on it is really soft. But it is well worth it, this tire has performance written all over it
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joel S
a cross-country rider
from wa Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
These tires work great everywhere I have ridden them. On hard pack, in soft dust, loose rock, and mud. I just recently moved to bellingham(lots of mud)and they work pretty good. Would work better but knobs are worn from street riding. the black with big white letters makes them even better.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: October 5, 1998
Bottom Line:
These tires came on my new bike, at first I thought they were not bad , but then I started to dislike the front tire. It does not track well in sand and it is very easy to catch an edge with those big knobs. The rolling resistance is also high. I have recently switched to the enduroraptors and find that the rear hooks up much better than the tioga. From the start I also noticed excessive tread wear on the leading edge of the center knobs, and these tires have not been used on pavement. I am disappointed with the tioga xc's.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared Morris
a weekend warrior
from Rough and Ready Cal. Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
These tires kick! I've only been riding them for a little while, but with all this technology ( fatt 66, kevlar, and perfictly spaced nobs) they really stick to the trail. They are actualy theBEST mud tire I have ever riden due to there long, widly spaced nobs and non-sticky kevlar they can not clog up and slow you down. they have just the right combo of roling resistance, and all the grip you need. BUY THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DH Pete
a cross-country rider
from Vancouver, B.C. Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998
Bottom Line:
Damm! these tires are lighter than anything i've held before. With good rolling resistance and strong fat66 technology, you got one of the best all around tires in the market today. They work good on muddy terrain as well but excels mostly on cross-country type of riding where there's hard mud, rocks and grass, roots. I used have have tioga psycho 2's k/s on my bike and they sucked a lot. This tire is better and lighter than wtb veliciraptors. I guess it all comes down to money because these things are not cheap. About a 100 bucks for front and rear compared to 80 bucks for da velocirator ones. I think it's a worthwhile investment cuz these things are really, really, really light. I think the specs were 530 grams? It's like holding a box drink in you're hand!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Melson
a racer
from Washington Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998
Bottom Line:
I love these tires, they hook up on everything even logs and picnic tables when I'm riding trials they do just fine in mud which we have alot of out here in Western Washington but theydon't track well in fine sand. I recommend these for an all around race tire, And I use Michelin's Semi-slicks for hardpack stuff.-Phil Team Rock shox Devo/ Magura/ Old Town Bicycle, Gig Harbor, WA
Overall Rating:
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