Submitted by
Dgremlin@cox.net
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV Date Reviewed: September 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cottonwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Nice and Fat. Can run lower pressures. Rides good and has great traction.
Weaknesses:
Rear Lugs tearing off.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer, Specialized, numerous models.
Bike Setup:
1997 Specialized Ground Control
Bottom Line:
I bought these tires about 6 years ago. I only rode a few times then the bike got hung on my bedroom wall for a few years. I just got back into biking and after about 12 or 14 rides, I noticed about a dozen lugs have ripped off the back tire. They shouldn't have dry rotted hanging in my bedroom so I don't know what happened.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
aa1pr
a Weekend Warrior
from Brandon VT Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
BackWoods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Local
Strengths:
Good construction, tread design and depth.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls but I love thick sidewalls anyhow
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, Kenda
Bike Setup:
Who cares
Bottom Line:
Wanted the Velociraptor but it is not available wider than 2.1 so I thought what the hell if I use the moto raptor on the back and the mutano raptor on the front as it is similar to the velociraptor front tire V tread design and it works amazing. Nice knobs for cornering.The moto does the digging and the mutano takes the steering.
This tire handles mud great so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dollabills
a Cross Country Rider
from maryland Date Reviewed: July 16, 2009
Favorite Trail:
patapsco
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
I run this tire up front in the Summer and Fall. It's fast and beefy and gives me a lot of confidence when I look down on it.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Nevegal, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain ETSX
Bottom Line:
Great tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bobby Turner
a Cross Country Rider
from New Orleans,La. Date Reviewed: June 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
levees around the lakefront
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle
Strengths:
A very fast and agile tire. Rolling resistance is outstanding. I have experienced only (1) flat tire. I also
do some commuting and the streets are covered with broken glass and debris. Also I enjoy the stability of these tires
when I encounter sand, soft mud and tree roots. Great commuter tires when riding through the busy French Quarter
area!
Weaknesses:
No weakeness to report at this time. This tire performs well for the intended activities.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda tires.
Bike Setup:
06 KHS Solo One single speed size medium. Bike is stock except a carbon fiber handlebar and Surly chain tensioner
Bottom Line:
Purchase these tires and hit the road,and trails. Enjoy
your rides these tires area solid dependable investment!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
welcha13
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL Date Reviewed: June 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
San Felasco
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Grabs quite well off road, rolls VERY well on pavement
Weaknesses:
not too great in soft sand
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
K2 proflex 5000, XT-XTR everything
Bottom Line:
The first thing I do when I get off road tires is test them on a dirt road to see what their limit is. I do slalom type curves down the road hard and sharper until it gives.
This one was doing ok and just when I started to think "Not too ba.." I wiped out. It was in a pretty loose sandy spot so I didn't count against it too bad.
On the trails it has held up better than I suspected it would. I can't plow through soft sand like the velociraptors though. The one thing that amazed me about this is how smooth it was on the pavement. I was not expecting that. :)
5 chilis for value... it is quite a great tire for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T_woot
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn CA Date Reviewed: January 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Randoms in Annadel S.P.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Auburn Bike Works
Strengths:
I used this tire for all mountain-everything riding on my Full Susp. I rode it from dry loose conditions, to dry hard packs, to soaked outside in all types of environments. This tire performed great as a rear tire, if you like to slide your bike around corners and really push your speed its awesome, its very predictable and once you get the feel you can really get going and hook up in all conditions listed. Climbing it was decent, but the Kenda Nevegal I used last beat it in the conditions listed. Downhill in was great, uphill it wasn't terrible but not comparable to some deep digging wider knobs. It was pretty decent on wet rocks but not too decent in mud. Hitting drops and jumps it was great, super soft rubber and it actually feels like it (safely) give your bike an extra half inch inch of travel providing for pretty damn good control overall including braking. Not great as a front, I paired it with a WTB Prowler 2.5 which was flippin great on the down and worth climbing with cause for me weight doesn't top fun, weightweiners.
Weaknesses:
I've been rocking this tire for around 3 maybe almost four months and the knobs have started going south. Small chips in the knobs and all around wear. I can feel the speed and control in the conditions (winter, mud, climbing, rocks)still not too bad on the corners though but climbing its getting tedious, and wet rocks are impossible to hook up on. It will still be usable for a few more rides this spring when its fully dry but for now I've gone to a Continental Gravity 2.3, This tire coming right off of the WTB makes me want to just go drop another 45-50 on this WTB or another.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal 2.3 front/rear, got better with age. WTB moto raptor front velociraptor rear wore out quick but hauled ass. This tire as both front/rear then used as rear with Prowler 2.5.
Bike Setup:
2007 Stumpjumper FSR, DeeMax, XTR front der. Sram X-9 rear. Thompson post. Avid Juciy 5
Bottom Line:
Great rear tire for all conditions except for the super muddy after it has been used but isn't quite dead. Didn't enjoy as a front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
el matador
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal/Santa Monica Date Reviewed: January 15, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Strawberry Peak to JPL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$23.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
rolls quick, very light for a 2.4 (even though its more like a 2.25), good cornering as long as you keep pressures reasonable, I'm 165 and I run them at 30 psi
Weaknesses:
not as stiff a sidewall as I'd like, but that keeps the weight down I guess
A good price point for what seems to be a great "All-Mountain" tire...rolls smooth, pretty light, grips well in all but the dustiest of conditions. I'll see how long they last. Just make sure to keep them at a low enough pressure to do their jobs- they're not road bike tires!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
m85476585
a Weekend Warrior
from NV Date Reviewed: October 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Lots of traction. Not too heavy.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones ACX (stock)
Bottom Line:
The trails around here are really sandy and/or dusty, and my old tires had basically no grip on them. I could barely stay upright on my bike, and going up hills was impossible. With the Mutano Raptors (front and back), I can ride just fine on most sand/loose dirt as long as it is not too deep. I also rode on a packed trail, and I didn't notice any issues except for nearly wiping out on a pile of loose rocks (but that's not a problem with the tires). Installation was not too bad (it was my first time replacing tires)--The front one went on easy, but for some reason I had a lot of trouble getting the back one on, even though the wheels are identical.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vic_brodie
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Date Reviewed: August 18, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Low weight, low rolling reistance, good price, longevity, great climbing / cornering traction, runs well as tubeless with Stan's sealant
Weaknesses:
Difficult to set tire in in tubeless, but once set has gven no problems
Bike Setup:
Chumba XCL, XT all around, Stans rims
Bottom Line:
Fantastic all purpose tire! The centre line ridges make for very low rolling resistance and the side grip design offer great handling. I just used them in the 2008 TransRockies and they performed flawlessly in all conditions. Best all around tire I've ever used, especially when running in tubeless mode between 30-40 psi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
myheadhurtsbecuaseofrstshocks
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose, CA, san jose? Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
anything i can go to:D
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
sun bike shop
Strengths:
really affortable, fits my tempoary fork, grippy
Weaknesses:
dosent come with a self enclosed air pump.
Similar Products Used:
specialized tires
Bottom Line:
these tires are really good for what i do,( commute, commute in wet weather, commute in sandy roads, ride to school(wait... thats commuting:D), rides on trails.) these tires might not be 2.4 but they grip like them....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale
a Cross Country Rider
from DouthatStatePark, VA Date Reviewed: May 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
StonyRun-Middle Mountain north
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Cushy, grippy, strong sidewalls, durable, handle low pressure well, low weight for a 2.4 (get the "RACE" model, NOT Performance's current "SE", a heavier version and don't know about thread count, etc.) I use FRONT AND REAR just fine. I weigh 150+ and often run below 30 w/o problems, 32psi is my target range. Low rolling resistance, excellent center tread gives great wear in spite of moderate amount of paved & gravel road use. (900 miles on 1st set, still PLENTY left, have to study to tell new ones from old, side by side.) I've had no problems whether dry, wet, or whatever conditions. I was a die-hard 2.1 folding Panarace FireXC Pro user for years. Now have 3 brand new ones just waiting for some use, but the Mutanoraptors have taken over. Oh, and for the guy who said he had trouble w/a "defective" wave in one tire: I thought I had 2 of them like that UNTIL I inflated them much higher and they FINALLY popped fully into place on new Tubeless Ready Mavic CrossTrail rims. I had major waves, didn't see that they weren't fully hooked up yet until I switched to old rim w/same tire and the "wave" was gone. Set it back on the CrossTrails and inflated to 60psi and LOUD pop as they seated correctly. Then I dropped 'em back to about 32psi and they're fine! The good news was that I could install them by hand on the CrossTrail rim but had to fight some using tire levers to get them onto a Mavic 717 rim.
Weaknesses:
I find none, really. Biggest complaints I've read here are solved by running lower pressure. And you do NOT have to use Stan's to achieve that.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer FireXC Pro 2.1 was my standard for years. Only tried these because they are light enough to be comparable. I'm not pushing a 700+ gram tire up the mountains, especially since these are so good, and under 600 grams.
Bike Setup:
'98 Klein Mantra, in Blastberry Chameleon, the coolest paint job ever, :-) XT drive system, old-style Hayes hydraulics (I have a '99 rear triangle, allowing for discs), '08 Untested RockShox Revelation/(but if it fails to satisfy, I will return to '04 Fox TALAS R, after sending it to be PUSH-ed), CaneCreek CloudNine rear shock (TOO SWEET; it completely upgraded the bike in mind-boggling fashion), Mavic CrossTrails (still too early to pass judgment on these, but seem pretty nice; definitely very cool looking, but I'm wired to function first, so we'll see.)
Bottom Line:
Excellent all-round tire, IMO. No complaints, only smiles. Sorry they haven't satisfied everyone, but I'll whine if they ever leave the market!! Price might be high at full retail, but you should be able to find at sale price somewhere. Then stock up!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dale
a Cross Country Rider
from DouthatStatePark, VA Date Reviewed: May 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
StonyRun-Middle Mountain north
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Cushy, grippy, strong sidewalls, durable, handle low pressure well, low weight for a 2.4 (get the "RACE" model, NOT Performance's current "SE", a heavier version and don't know about thread count, etc.) I use FRONT AND REAR just fine. I weigh 150+ and often run below 30 w/o problems, 32psi is my target range. Low rolling resistance, excellent center tread gives great wear in spite of moderate amount of paved & gravel road use. (900 miles on 1st set, still PLENTY left, have to study to tell new ones from old, side by side.) I've had no problems whether dry, wet, or whatever conditions. I was a die-hard 2.1 folding Panarace FireXC Pro user for years. Now have 3 brand new ones just waiting for some use, but the Mutanoraptors have taken over. Oh, and for the guy who said he had trouble w/a "defective" wave in one tire: I thought I had 2 of them like that UNTIL I inflated them much higher and they FINALLY popped fully into place on new Tubeless Ready Mavic CrossTrail rims. I had major waves, didn't see that they weren't fully hooked up yet until I switched to old rim w/same tire and the "wave" was gone. Set it back on the CrossTrails and inflated to 60psi and LOUD pop as they seated correctly. Then I dropped 'em back to about 32psi and they're fine! The good news was that I could install them by hand on the CrossTrail rim but had to fight some using tire levers to get them onto a Mavic 717 rim.
Weaknesses:
I find none, really. Biggest complaints I've read here are solved by running lower pressure. And you do NOT have to use Stan's to achieve that.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer FireXC Pro 2.1 was my standard for years. Only tried these because they are light enough to be comparable. I'm not pushing a 700+ gram tire up the mountains, especially since these are so good, and under 600 grams.
Bike Setup:
'98 Klein Mantra, in Blastberry Chameleon, the coolest paint job ever, :-) XT drive system, old-style Hayes hydraulics (I have a '99 rear triangle, allowing for discs), '08 Untested RockShox Revelation/(but if it fails to satisfy, I will return to '04 Fox TALAS R, after sending it to be PUSH-ed), CaneCreek CloudNine rear shock (TOO SWEET; it completely upgraded the bike in mind-boggling fashion), Mavic CrossTrails (still too early to pass judgment on these, but seem pretty nice; definitely very cool looking, but I'm wired to function first, so we'll see.)
Bottom Line:
Excellent all-round tire, IMO. No complaints, only smiles. Sorry they haven't satisfied everyone, but I'll whine if they ever leave the market!! Price might be high at full retail, but you should be able to find at sale price somewhere. Then stock up!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Voelkel
a Cross Country Rider
from Mpls,MN Date Reviewed: May 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Rock Lake-Wisconsin
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
e-bay
Strengths:
High Volume, Fast rolling, predictable tire. Actually work OK in spotty mud conditions but full blown rain, not great. Using on front and rear with awesome results. Roll over anything with no problems.
Weaknesses:
weight- have wire bead version
Similar Products Used:
hutch python,conti vertical-#2 best tire IMHO, specialized
Bike Setup:
5-spot and on RM hardtail
Bottom Line:
Good all around tire which I highly recommend for dry conditions and rocky sections due to high vol. rollability. One of the best high vol. tires on the market IMHO.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zac
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: May 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast, cushy, grips great in dry conditions, light
Weaknesses:
Side bite in loose corners
Similar Products Used:
motoraptors, blue groove/negeval, tioga factory DH, pythons...
Bike Setup:
Cove Stiffee FR. The tires are spooned onto a pair of Sun Singlewides and have tubes stuffed in them (I am behind the times).
Bottom Line:
These are a great tire for dry, hard, rocky conditions. I'm running both front and rear. I'm running 35-40 psi (I'm 205 lbs), but need to experiment with some lower pressures. These roll fast, have a ton of cushion (great for hardtail or rigid), are way light (for their size), and grip the desert hardpack and rocks great. The only issue is that I wish they had taller side knobs for better traction in loose corners.
I don't know how they work in the wet. My guess is that they will pack with mud, but I'll have to wait until it actually rains.
These have a pretty narrow tread for a 2.4 (narrower than the Tioga Factory DH 2.3s I had on previously), but the air volume is quite high.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Co. USA Date Reviewed: January 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Apex
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Big volume, low weight, roll great.
Weaknesses:
Hope they keep making them.
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
05 Fisher Cake, tubless Crosslands, Stan's
Bottom Line:
This is the best all around tire I have ridden in 23 yrs. of Colorado front range mountaian biking. I'm 150 lbs. and run them 18-24 psi. tubeless, aired up very easy with Stan's. Don't let the small knobs scare you, run low presure they're plush, and gripy with low rolling resistance. Have never had flat or sidwall tear riding in very rocky conditions. Can also be aired up higher to 40 psi for the street.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
derek
a
from aztec, nm Date Reviewed: November 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
good traction, predictable, high volume
Weaknesses:
non really
Similar Products Used:
various tires
Bike Setup:
stumpy expert
Bottom Line:
Believe it or not, i like it as a rear tire. had in back with an adrenaline in front and was a pretty good combo. blew the adrenaline and had to get something else ( not made any more). went with fast track armadillo in rear and put mutano up front (where it is supposed to belong). horrible set up. I think because of the armadillo ( low volume and lousy traction). going to switch mutano to back and get something else for the front. riding in nm mesa's and colorado mountains, the mutano hooks up well in most conditions and actually gave respectable traction on rocky, technical climbs as well as shuttles. good tire would recomend giving it a try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Martin
a Cross Country Rider
from Newport Beach, CA Date Reviewed: November 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
stairsteps
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Super light for a 2.4" tire. Grips well in a wide variety of conditions from hard pack to dry and dusty.
Weaknesses:
Wears out too fast to use as a back tire
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer XC, Maxis MoFo
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 spot XT components
Bottom Line:
Great front tire. usually can find it on sale at a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Secret Marmot
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: November 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Fast and predictable grip in dry conditions
Weaknesses:
Forget about mud or wet roots, or deep loose stuff. Also, use it as a front tire only (duh)
Similar Products Used:
All WTB tires, Nevegals, etc.
Bike Setup:
Heckler w/ DHX5.0 + Vanilla
Bottom Line:
I've been running this as my standard dry conditions front tire for over a year. Works perfect for Bay Area and Tahoe conditions when dry. Fast, and grippy when cornering. When it starts to give, it gives a nice predictable and controllable drift - which is what I want from a front.
For a 2.4, I run about 20-25lbs and never get flats even charging rock gardens at speed. Routinely pick thorns and goatheads out of the rubber after rides, but don't seem to penetrate all the way through to the tube. (I'm 165lbs, your results may vary...)
Also happens to work great on slickrock and hardpack - much better than running something with big knobs to squirm around.
Just spent a few weeks in Moab and Fruita and it performed pretty well, although for that kind of deeper loose stuff one might want to look at a Nevegal or Motoraptor.
For muddy conditions, avoid this tire at all costs. For deep loose stuff, it will be ok but not great.
Am amazed by the reviews which talk about this as a "hybrid" tire. I pass up an awful lot of riders on the downhills using this as my front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Willem Boom
a Cross Country Rider
from Bend, OR Date Reviewed: August 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
North Fork, Mrazek, etc....
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
WebCyclery
Strengths:
These tires have been superb in our Bend, OR conditions. I was actually quite surprised with them. Perform well in dry, loose conditions. Excellent on rocks. They are not a true 2.4 more a 2.3.
Weaknesses:
None so far. However I have not tested them outside of Bend, OR
Ventana X5, Fox Float RLC 130 Fork, Fox Float R Rear, Thomson Stem and Post, Chris King Headset, Mavic 721 Disc Wheels, Shimano XT Cranks, XTR Front and Rear Derailleur, XT Brakes Disc, Race Face Carbon Bar...
Bottom Line:
Buy them if you want a versatile, light tire with more volume.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Racer
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: August 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything technical
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Grips well, nearly indestructable, rolls well (for a fatty)
Weaknesses:
heavy, but hey it's a 2.4" (800-850g depending on who you believe)
Similar Products Used:
just 2.1" xc tires, nothing fat
Bike Setup:
Yeti AS-R w/ 4" travel (btw, why do people list every dang component on their bike??? To impress us? It doesn't matter what seatpost or headset you own when you're writing a tire review.)
Bottom Line:
Great tire, only drawback is it's weight. Corners well, floats over rocky sections, deforms around rocks/roots really well so you don't lose traction. I have never flatted this tire, despite running low pressures -- normally I use 32-33psi but I'm lazy about pumping it so most of the time it probably has 25-32. I'm light (160lbs) and pick good lines, but I'm really fast and can run these at low pressures on really rocky descents without pinch flatting. I'm going to try a skinnier & lighter tire next time, but if it disappoints I'll come right back to these. Even after 2 years of lots of riding these don't show much wear. I highly recommend for aggressive XC riders and freeriders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
crappy
a Weekend Warrior
from san francisco, ca Date Reviewed: July 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
it's fast rolling and big
Weaknesses:
it's way to slippy for dry conditions
Similar Products Used:
maxxis high roller...grippy but too heavy.
Bike Setup:
ibis mojo
Bottom Line:
ok, so i ride aggressive xc, do some drops and whatnot. i had the maxxis high rollers up front which was probably overkill, so i wanted to shed some weight. these are super light, so my climbing definetly improved. if you're going in a straight line uphill they are great. BUT, going down these were super squirley for me (san fran riding). they don't turn well and corner well at all in my opinion. plus the thin sidewall gave me a flat on the first ride. i tried the low pressure suggestions people had and everything, the grip is not good if you're riding big rock gardens.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Lanexa, VA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Wide, large tire, but very light, mine average at 590 grams.
Weaknesses:
A slight bit expensive, but no more than other high end tires.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda, Tioga, Hutchinson
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur
Bottom Line:
If you want a large lightweight tire, this is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Paradise
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Great Value, light weight for their volume.
Weaknesses:
Don't measure anywhere near 2.4, grip could be improved
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Dart and Smoke, Bontrager Jones XC
Bike Setup:
Trance 2 Stock, with Slimed tubes
Bottom Line:
A great value, I keep buying them although I've recently seen their price go up. They blew away the next closes competitor in availability and price for hard pack and loose terrain. I've had decent durability and will keep buying these as long as the price stays under or near $30.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Irie
a Cross Country Rider
from Sactown Date Reviewed: March 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Diablo
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
mailorder
Strengths:
Huge volume, light, holds Stans, fast center knobs.
Weaknesses:
NOT a rear tire, not a mud tire, and no teleportation feature.
Similar Products Used:
Last 10 years' specialized, WTBs, and panaracer garbage.
Bike Setup:
HT
Bottom Line:
I find it hard to believe the wide range of comments on this tire. Bar none: this is the very best front XC tire made. PERIOD. Unless you weigh 300 lbs, don't run this at 50-60 pounds. Run 45 if you are big, and 32-40 if you are a wee one.
I ride this on slickrock, Sierra granite, sand washes, hardpack, rooty rockgardens and it floats in the soft and sprints through everything else. I'm not huge about the cornering set on a trail like Repack, it will oversteer a touch-predictably.
I am getting some sidewall breakdown after 2 YEARS. That is some stans now finally weeps a bit. It looks thin, but it is stronger than any of the last generation speshs. I BASH this tire on rock gardens and overload it unbelieveably, no sweat.
However, I would not run this tire in the rear and it would be dangerous back there for wet logs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Mt Pleasant, SC, USA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bavington
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
OEM equipment
Strengths:
Fast rolling, large contact patch. The small knobs make this tire fast while still providing excellent grip in a majority of conditions. Relitively low weight for their size.
Weaknesses:
The small knobs are not great in mud.
Bike Setup:
Bianchi SISS, Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on the Bianchi SISS. The large volume helps to soak up the small bumps you feel while riding a rigid bike. I liked them so much that I bought a set for my Santa Cruz. They grip just as well as the much larger Kendas that I used to ride on the Heckler but they are much lighter and you can feel it. For the size of these tires their low weight and small knobs make them much faster than other 2.4+ size tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
keegan
a Cross Country Rider
from sebastopol ca usa Date Reviewed: November 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
downieville
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
decent cornering on dry hardpack in dDownieville
Weaknesses:
i use it for off-road so the "mutano" part with a center-bead for road riding doesn't suit me. my fault for not seeing that before i bought it though. great for what it's designed to do. a hybrid tire.
Similar Products Used:
wierwolf... works much better for Downieville
Bike Setup:
hardrock comp with upgrades.
Bottom Line:
good hybrid tire, not a good off-road only tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neeraj
a Weekend Warrior
from Nederland, CO, US Date Reviewed: September 3, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Lightweight, high volume and easy to convert with Stan's.Rolls very smoothly on hard pack trails.
Weaknesses:
At high PSI(40+) front tends to skitter on loose gravelly trails, almost hydroplanes. Also i notice that these tires are getting ripped up rather fast when i ride aggressively on rocky terrain.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos(2.1)
Bike Setup:
Heckler, Manitou black
Bottom Line:
Living where i do (Front range Rocky Mts CO), i tend to mostly ride dry loose, gravelly/rocky trails. I bought a set of these tires at Performance after a close brush with a full body road rash (courtsey of IRC Mythos). I tried the mutanos with tubes (40-45 psi) and managed to replicate the crash in similar conditions !!(loose dusty gravelly downhill). I was going to get rid of these tires when i decided to use Stans and try to salvage some money. I did a diy kit at home with a used tube and converted my normal rims to tubeless. These tires sealed up within 15 mts with Stans !.I decided to go with the hype and run 30 in front and 32 in the back....that did the trick. Now i can take loose rocky trails at much higher speeds with awesome control, the front digs into turns and i get fair amount of warning before it washes out. The rear provides more than enough traction on climbs. As a bonus running Stans and lower preassures with this high volume tire you get almost 1/2 inch of extra suspension !! I would ONLY recommend this tire for Mtbkers who run lower preassures... at higher preassures(using a tube), this tire is very unpredictable on loose trails since it tends to float on debris, rather than digging in. Before blaming your tires for bad performance, you might want to make sure that your front/back shock rebound is set right, you almost have to fiddle with rebound based on specific tires to get max traction. I think most medium-high quality tires would work 30% better if you run them at lower preassures tubeless. The tire is better able to conform to obstacles and its contact patch enlarges giving amazing traction/cornering ability. Of course you end up with higher rolling resistance on paved roads and the tires do tend to get worn out much faster. I give this tire a rating of 4 since they adapt to tubeless amazingly well. I can't rate them a 5 since with tubes they are pretty useless on terrain that they are supposed to be good at.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh Stodola
a Cross Country Rider
from Ellensburg, WA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Taneum Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Super fast rolling, tons of dry grip as well as excellent wet grip. Works well on everything from the road, to dusty, to loose mucky trails
Weaknesses:
Not very sturdy, easily punctured
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Blue Groove/Nevegal, Hutchinson Bulldog, Specialized Resolution
Bike Setup:
'05 Giant Reign 2
Bottom Line:
Wow wow and wow. These tires have surpassed my expectations in all areas. I initially bought them just to improve my rolling resistance. I don't really understand the comment below, as I was recommended these tires as a faster rolling alternative to the Nevegals, which they are! Climbing is much less strenuous on trails that used to be impossible for me. I have been very pleasently surprised by the traction of these tires as well, they grip in EVERYTHING! Dry, dusty, loosepack trails are what their supposed to be good at, but they seem to grip better than my Nevegals in wet conditions, and shed mud like the Bulldogs. I'll be the first to say that the tread profile looks nothing like a proper mud tire should, but my experience so far is that it works great! Grip in everything, low rollling resistance, and so far, almost no visible wear, after about 100 miles of riding. I'll be buying another set when the time comes, 5 flamin' chili's all around!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fort Ord
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Excellent grip, light weight for the size, softens up the small bumps quite a bit.
Weaknesses:
Feels a little squishier if you're used to XC tires...but its more or less the same feeling as reducing the air in your suspension.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey ZED Race Millenium 2.1, Kenda Nevegal 1.95, Bontrager Jones AC
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic, King/717 disk wheelset, 100mm Fox fork, 30-35 psi in the tires with tubes
Bottom Line:
It's been an outstanding tire for southern California thus far. The Mutanoraptor probably rolls a little slower than the Nevegal, but I haven't noticed. Its fast on pavement even with low tire pressures...very fast on hard pack. Floats very, very well through the sand and over rock gardens.
Oh yeah, and plenty of grip! The 2.24 is probably a better rear tire since the knobs are more aggressive, but for the weight advantage this one works fine. Terrain in SoCal varies with hard pack, sand, and rocks. Haven't tried it in the wet so I can't comment on what people are saying about it, but I really don't ride wet trails much. Nor do most people in SoCal when you think about it! :)
These tires plus a 5 psi reduction in air pressure in both the shock and fork make my Epic much, much more comfortable over rocky stuff, which is what I was looking for. $50 in new tires is definitely cheaper than $3000 for a Blur LT, anyway! I may try the 2.24 in the rear when this one wears down a bit, but I'll stick with it for a long while, particularly if I can keep getting them at this price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joshie
a Cross Country Rider
from oaktown Date Reviewed: March 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
to adventure
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
perforated
Strengths:
largish XC volume, WTB, rolls really well
Weaknesses:
though predictable, it's a little sketchy on the loose stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Mutano 2.24
Bike Setup:
Marin HT / Mars fork / disc front
Bottom Line:
I'm using it up front, and this tire will do just fine. It doesn't have the grip & stability that the 2.24 Mutano has, but it's significantly lighter and rolls a little better -- a good trade off in predictable situations.
They're getting cheaper, most likely because of the 29er revolution. If you're sticking with the 26er, might as well stock up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ramilcp
a Weekend Warrior
from Whittier, CA Date Reviewed: February 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
El Prieto
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Then Supergo (R.I.P.)
Strengths:
Loads of grip, nimble handling, lightweight, fast rolling, high-volume tire.
Weaknesses:
Thin casing easy to flat, but that could just be me and where I ride.
I ride mostly in dry conditions, but even on damp trails, these tires excel. I have it set up as a front tire with a Schwalbe Light Albert in front. The high volume lets me run it at lower pressures so I can have some cushion. Rocks, roots, hardpack, or leaves, this tire holds it's grip in turns descending, and climbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from PA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Tall, high volume tire at a nice weight. Super fast roller. Wear well. Because of their tall, high volume profile you can run very low pressures and not pinchflat.
Weaknesses:
None (as long as you use them for their intended purpose).
Similar Products Used:
I been throug more tires than you can shake a stick at.
Bike Setup:
Used mostly on my SS.
Bottom Line:
My favorite tire. Not the best in wet Spring conditions, but for anything else these tires are super.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randall Hale
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma, WA Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Fat and fast.
Weaknesses:
Price and performance in wet conditions.
Similar Products Used:
LOTS.
Bike Setup:
Hammerhead 100X
Bottom Line:
Just wrapping up my third 'dry' season with these puppies -- my fifth or sixth set -- and will be running them again next summer. I was skeptical at first but wanted a fat, fast, missile-tread design that wouldn't weigh me down and could handle lower pressures. These tires don't feel at all fat and sluggish; they're stable and super-fast, and can handle 22-25 psi without complaint (or Stan's). Plus, they stick like glue in most situations and drift predictably otherwise. The side walls are a little thin but that's the penalty for the weight savings (there are equal or better tires out there, if you're running the heavier Norcal version). But even with a couple thousand miles on rugged northwest trails, riding aggressively, I've yet to damage a sidewall. My only complaint is that these have to come off for the winter. The semi-continuous centerline doesn't handle wet roots or rocks well. But for a casual rider they still work surprisingly well even in damp conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sckotty
a Cross Country Rider
from tx Date Reviewed: September 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Super Go
Strengths:
well made and awsome grip, works awsome with STANS tire sealant
Weaknesses:
none found yet
Bike Setup:
blur
Bottom Line:
handles awsome in the turns and climbs great. I tried other tires and very few compare
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brennon
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairbanks, AK Date Reviewed: July 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop
Strengths:
Cheap large tire
Weaknesses:
Dont know.
Similar Products Used:
Nokain Boazabina, IRC TrailBear,
Bike Setup:
Specialized 2003 Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
This are an all around good choice for moderate to heavy XC use, I use them on marshy grass, mud, and dirt. They are listed as 2.4", but are a little on the thin side for that, good because my bikes frame dousnt afford too much clearance. unfortutely, not long after I got them, when I only had 1 wheelset, I was using them on pavement a lot and I have noticed the treads become a little softer on the edges. But thats my fault. I do get great grip with them, especially up steep hills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pete
a Cross Country Rider
from walnut creek, ca Date Reviewed: May 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Shell Ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Super fast on the road, hard packed trails and fire roads. They corner superbly, when you drop the psi down to 35 up front and 40psi in the rear they perform adimirably.
Weaknesses:
They are a little thin on the side walls but otherwise little complaint.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Kinetics 2.35 (great tires but way to slow), Michelin Hot S 2.25 tires, WTB Weirwolf 2.5 and Continental Vertical Pro's.
Bike Setup:
Weyless 67 with a Pike Race fork, Single Track wheels on Hope hubs, XT and Sram drive train, Holzfeller cranks with an E13 rock guard, spv swinger 4way coil 2.75 stroke and 450lb spring, 2.4 mutano raptor tires, thomson front and rear, wtb power v saddle and odi grips along with Avid mechanical 8" discs.
Bottom Line:
Compared to the ultra slowwwwwwwwwwwwwww Kenda's and Michelin's these tires rock!! Great all mountain tires. Thank you WTB!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Badinage
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairbanks Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop
Strengths:
N/A
Weaknesses:
N/A
Similar Products Used:
IRC TrailBear 2.5
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper 2003
Bottom Line:
Dont have much experiance with large offroad tires. Just know these satisfy me and dont let me down. pretty thin for a 2.4" but I know that when i bought them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Modesto, CA Date Reviewed: March 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit with a "trail riding" set-up
Bottom Line:
Follow-up review...In the past I've only used the 2.4 in the rear. Now I use it in the front as well. They work best in dry hardpack. I used them front and rear in the recent wet/muddy months and they worked "good enough" (not the best, but OK for XC). I'm going to stay with this set-up for your basic XC trails (Sea Otter/24 Hours of Adrenalin at Laguna Seca - Monterey, CA). When it really dries/hardens up in the summer I switch to a Nanoraptor 2.1 in the rear. If the trail gets rough, semi-DH, and fast I'd switch to Weirwolfs front and rear or a Weirwolf up front and a Mutanoraptor 2.24 in the rear. I really like the Mutanoraptor 2.4 (front and rear) and/or Nanoraptor 2.1 (rear) for XC/moderate trailriding. They are a lite-weight, large volume tire with very low rolling resistance. The rubber also holds up for a very long time. Even though the sidewalls are very thin I've never had any kind of flat (but the trails I ride are very mellow). I'm still riding on the first 2.4 I bought 3 years ago (around 45-60 off-road miles per week). I have to give them a perfect rating for their INTENDED use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Lompoc Date Reviewed: February 11, 2005
I was running Conti-Vertical Pro-tections front and rear. Great tire, but there is a LOT of sand where I ride, and I wanted the ultimate sand tire for the front- something with high volume for float and good directional stability. These have a spine going down the middle like a sand rail front tire, and had good sand reviews here so I put one on front.
They ride nice, float over loose stuff and have low rolling resistance (due to their spine), but I'm really disappointed about their stability in sand up front. You hit the deep sand and WHAM!- you are over on one edge, riding still but with your bike leaned way over. You try to even it out and all of a sudden- WHAM!- they whip you over to the other edge! So I guess you could say they have terrible primary stability and great secondary stability. They stay above the sand, but give you all the coordination and gracefullness of a drunk monkey. Once they are on edge they are stable and don't lean any further, so they won't dump you, but they make riding a real chore. They are still a better sand tire than my Kenda Karma's, but the Vertical Pro was a much better front sand tire (and worked damn well in the rear too, though about the same as my Exiwolf). I haven't had any problems with tears yet, but I'm worried about the thin sidewalls. Again, I've more confidence in the Conti's here.
On hardpack, however, these tires are really nice. Fast, cushy, light, predictable, and stable. But I ride mostly sand, so these have been a disappointment. I put it on my rear wheel last night to see if I could at least get some use out of them (I have two since they were on sale and I had high expectations) but I really don't have high hopes for these as a rear tire. For me, they are a 2.5 or 3 star tire, but what tire works for you depends on your conditions, so I suppose these are probably a 3.5 star tire overall, or maybe a little mroe. I'll give it a 3 just to even out some of these overly positive reviews about this tires sand performance. It seems like there is a lot of score inflation on this site- almost nothing gets less than 4 stars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from santa cruz, ca, usa Date Reviewed: February 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Magic Carpet Ride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
good weight, great all-around traction
Weaknesses:
SIZE???
Bottom Line:
What's up with tire sizes? I've been running a Mutano Raptor 2.24 in the rear for months (many, many miles), and love it to death. I've been shopping for a new front tire for literally 3 months, as I'm a little picky. Like most riders, I prefer a larger footprint up front (whether or not this is purely aesthetics, mental, or an actual advantage, I do not know, but this is my preference)... So, I've gone through two other mail ordered tires, IRC Mythos being one, I forget the other, which CLAIMED a bigger size than 2.24, and BOTH were much smaller (I measured). Feeling thoroughly frustrated, and generally satisfied with the Mutano, I decided to pick up the 2.4 of the same breed for my front, thinking, naturally, they will at least have the same general sense of what 2.24 means... Well, I just got it, pumped it up, and I'll be damned if it isn't .5 cm SMALLER than my rear!! WTB, should really be WTF??!! I give up, I'm switching them up, and running my BIGGER 2.24 up front, and my SMALLER 2.4 in the rear. I just wish these manufacturers could get some kind of uniformity in their measurements, I mean seriously... AGAIN, WTF???!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a
from San Diego Date Reviewed: December 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Great traction, weight
Weaknesses:
Throws tiny rocks all over the place
Similar Products Used:
Hutchison Spyder Lites
Bike Setup:
Trail Riding
Bottom Line:
These tires are light and have great traction. They inspire confidence in downhills and are great for climbing. Switching to these tires made it seem like I was riding a new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will Holden
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: December 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Hairy Gary
Strengths:
Light Rolls fast Great traction
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls (duh 540 grams)
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
Normal
Bottom Line:
I use these in the Standard 'race' version for front and rear on two XC bikes and one singlespeed nearly year round (in Pacific Northwest MUD!) I also use the coveted Heavy Duty FR version that was dicontinued for Downhill Racing and Whistler Trips. There is not a more predictable tire out there that will hold in nearly every type of terrain while rolling fast and smooth. If it washes out, its most likly your skills that need improvement, not the tire or tire selection. If you are bombing Rock Gardens, get a tire that weighs more than 540 grams. I have torn a few of these too, but this is MTB where we consume parts...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I run this tire on the rear only. Excellent rear traction in the loose dry conditions.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Roll-X Pro
Bike Setup:
Spec. Epic
Bottom Line:
Excellent tire in the rear provided you get your PSI correct for your application. I would not use this tire in the front. I run a Weirwolf 2.5 in the front. This combination works really well for my bike and the conditions I ride in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from Tahoe, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
rim CA and Shafer UT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
mail
Strengths:
This is a fantastic front XC tire, (not a mud tire or DH tire) doh. I find that on hard single tracks its worth 2 gears!
Weaknesses:
Thin side walls, but you knew that by looking at the weight, that is why you bought them in the first place.
Similar Products Used:
Spesh roll, baldy, craap fires.
Bike Setup:
Spesh and old K2 fs
Bottom Line:
This is a superb front XC tire, easily the best mixed condition tire on the market. It runs fine in sand (deep sand), light mud (wetland skirting and creek crossings), fantastic on single track, and YES loose granite.
I hammered this thing in loose cobble and boulders, and the sidewalls although thin worked perfectly. I'm 210lbs and have blown out lots of the older spesh tires. If you can't control your bike and/or you ride shale get a DH tire and quit whining.
I wouldn't run this in the rear because the pattern is all wrong for it, and I tend to hit the sidewalls more in the back. I run a sticky spesh rollx or a semi-slick depending on the conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Aceto
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Few. They make my hardtail feel a bit cushier.
Weaknesses:
Horrible Grip in dry, loose conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC 2.1
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC 2
Bottom Line:
I tried different pressures, but never could find the right one. I'm going to try the new Panaracer Cinder 2.25
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from PA Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very fast tire. Low rolling resistance. Super plump. Grip relatively well for a fast roller. Wear very well.
Weaknesses:
None when used for intended purpose.
Similar Products Used:
Most any. Many Panracers, Contis, other WTBs, Hutchinsons...
Bike Setup:
Used on a Surly SS
Bottom Line:
Best SS tire I've yet to use.
Tread pattern rolls very fast but traction is very good on a SS. (You get more traction out of a given rear tire on a SS while climbing because of the leverage factor when pulling on the bars >>> rear end digs in. I wouldn't use it for a rear on a gearie except on your typical grass sidewalk xc course.) Corners very well on all but "wet roots" as other reviewers said. BTW what tire hooks up well on wet roots? The tread sheds all but the stickiest mud. They wear quite slow as well. When you do have to hit that miserable piece of fireroad to get to the next single track trail, they roll super fast. I do think that center tread design does help the tire roll fast.
The tire is very high volume and adds great cush to a HT. I'm about 180# plus gear and run about 38# in the back.
The tire is thinwalled but hey, that's inherent in the design: a 2.4" tire at 595 grams. Just keep this in mind when plowing through the rough stuff.
I've been riding alot of years and have gone through a boatload of tires. These are my favorite SS tire by far. I do think they'd work well on a front gearie.
Great job WTB. Don't change these tires and please keep makin'm.
Mike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DLH
a Cross Country Rider
from Pacific N.W. Date Reviewed: May 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
595grm folding. Lightish weight -- good volume -- smooth riding ON THE ROAD. Good rolling tire.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls -- NO, ZERO wet weather traction - particularly on the front -- I have not found a worse tire in wet conditions -- although the EpicWolf 2.1 manages a close second.
Similar Products Used:
Everything
Bike Setup:
SC Chameleon SS
Bottom Line:
I use these on my singlespeed to provide more tire pressure range, in a light tire, for fire road, road and trail riding primarily in late spring and summer. These tires blow large snot balls in wet conditions --- and are deadly on the front on wet roots and rocks. Otherwise XC traction is average in good conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Modesto, CA Date Reviewed: May 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
I've only used this tire in the rear so far. I've only ridden it on hard pack (really smooth trails). No flats yet, but I can see where the side walls may take a beating in the rough stuff (I'm a little scared to ride them front and rear in areas that I'm not very familiar with for fear a rocky trail might tear up the side walls leaving me stranded). I don't think you can find a better tire for the width, weight, and money. I'm thinking of putting it on the front as well. I do agree with previous reviewers that stress the correct air pressure (30-40 psi depending on rider weight). Run it lower than you normally would or you will lose traction. This is a great epic trail ride tire (low weight and minimal rolling resistence) for an "all-mountain" bike. I've gotten really good tread life out of mine. If you're thinking of riding more aggressive trails just bump up to the Mutano Raptor 2.24 (a little beffier with bigger knobbies...as a rear tire only).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sapo Feo
a Weekend Warrior
from TX Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Lots of air volume.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls. Knobbies shred away.
Bottom Line:
If you have NO rocks where you ride, these are nice tires. They float over roots and bumps and make for a comfortable ride.
However, as has been mentioned, the sidewalls are ridiculously thin. The threads are showing through on both the front and the back. I've cut my rear tire twice on the same semi-rocky trail.
Additionally, I noticed yesterday that several of the outer knobs are ripping off of the front. That makes for sketchy handling.
I like the ride the provide, but I'll be dumping them as soon as I decide on a replacement. They just aren't durable enough. They rate 4 chilis if ridden in the absence of rocks, but 2 in the real world.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gman
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho Date Reviewed: May 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Squaw Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
very Light (for its size), Hi volume, very low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
not good in loose sandy corners, tight as a M#^%&) F#((&) on the rim. Changing a flat is always an experience (I assume this is because the tire has such hi volume WTB ensures no chance of it rolling off the rim when run w/ low pressure)
Surly SS and K2 EVO 3.0 w/ Marzocchi MX Comp up front (on both bikes). Both bikes have sun Rhyno Lite rims.
Bottom Line:
This is a good tire (not great). I like it on the SS because it's light and it's got low rolling resistance. I just WISH it inspired more confidence on the dry sandy trails (mostly what I ride). It slips in the corners quite regularly on the dry stuff. Maybe that's good tho...regulates my speed! 8^)
Comparitively the Maxxis Mobster feels like it's on rails in the corners, BUT it's also WAY heavier, so you pay the price going up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robotkiller
a Cross Country Rider
from valdosta, ga Date Reviewed: April 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great traction, plush ride, lightweight, rolls fast
Weaknesses:
slow on pavement, but fast off-road
Similar Products Used:
tons of different kinds
Bike Setup:
heckler
Bottom Line:
USE LOW PRESSURE. Otherwise, these tires have terrible traction and become truly worthless. Running 30 psi and these tires are the best I've ever used. Great traction, plush ride. Perfect for floating over roots and it takes the slight edge off that my 5th element can't quite filter.
The grip in the corners has been confidence inspiring.
If you ride on the pavement, this tire will be super slow, but on the trail, it's as fast as I could want.
It cannot be stressed enough that this tire must be run at lower pressures-at 180lbs I've had no issues with pinch flats.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a
from Midwest Date Reviewed: March 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Out N About Gear
Strengths:
Tons of grip
Weaknesses:
Slow on pavement
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC 2.1
Bike Setup:
'04 Bianchi S.A.S.S.
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on my Bianchi S.a.s.s. Today I finally got to take them off road now that the trails have dried up a bit. They refused to slip on a steep climb which was covered in wet leaves over soft muddy ground.
THey are a bit slow on pavement but I am running slightly lower psi for better bite. I think with proper inflation these would be a good all condition tire. Enough volume to save your rim on stair-'cases' :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua
a
from Lenexa, Kansas, US Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Urban
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Work
Strengths:
I use this tire (2.4") on my Specialized P series ride that I use for Urban Assults. I love this tire because it is super fast on the pavement, but still has plenty of bite for off road use. The large casing on the tire make it great for urban. The tires are light weight which is great for catching air.
Weaknesses:
The casing is a little thin, I have blown the side wall out of one. A little stitching, shoe goo and duct tape on the inside fixed it right up. But I wish they had a DH version. At one time I thought that I saw one? But last time I looked I only saw a race version available.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchison, Specialized, conti, ect...
Bike Setup:
Specialized P.2, Hayes Hydro Disk, XT 9 Spd, Race Face North Shore cranks w/ bash guard, WTB mutano Raptor 2.4, Manitou X-vert super 105mm fork. + a bunch of other little things like headset, saddle, and stuff like that.
Bottom Line:
Great light weight tire, love the performance, pretty durable "I've put it through quite a bit". I would like to see a version with a little tougher casing available.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Casey
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: January 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
National Trail (South Mountain, Phoenix)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Lightweight
Weaknesses:
Very Thin, I got one ride on the rear tire, they tore in two spots.
Bottom Line:
If you want a good lightweight 2.4 tire, well dont' look here, and i doubt there is such a thing. I'm still running the front tire and it works pretty good, but the back tire tore in two spots on my first ride. I was running them with stan's tubeless which is impossible now, and I can't even put a tube in it because of the tears. Supergo won't do anything for me, and I'm not having much luck getting ahold of WTB on the issue. Paid $30 and it lasted about 1/2 a ride. I'll give it 2 chillies on the overall just because the front tire is still going.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from san carlos CA USA Date Reviewed: January 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
The mutano 2.4 is a great hard pack front and rear tire. The knobs are smaller so they dont roll over in the turns and break free. They roll fast and are predictable when they start drifting. The mutano 2.4 also works well in dry rocky areas . The tire is also made in a downhill casing for you downhill riders. I
Weaknesses:
doesnt work well in the mud
Bottom Line:
This tire is a great dry tire that rolls fast and is very predictable. It works best on hard pack trails and doesnt have alot of drag.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trail Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashville, NC Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$24.00
Strengths:
Large volume, low rolling resistance, relatively light weight, grippy rubber compound - grips wet roots and rocks well - but tread life is still respectable.
Weaknesses:
Not designed for Free Ride - this isn't really a weakness - just a fact. Not sure why people bash a product that is clearly not designed for what they're doing!! A tire that is under 700 grams won't hold up to Free Riding!!
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bottom Line:
When used for their intended purpose - trail / xc - these tires are hard to beat. The traction is surprising considering the tread design. Provide plenty of predictable traction while maintaining a low rolling resistance. They work very well in damp to wet conditions and 'ok' in mud - better than most fast rolling tires. Dry condition performance is great. More aggressive knobs will tend to squirm around when leaning in corners, but these stay nice and stiff and inspire confidence with controlled drifts rather than just breaking loose.
If you're looking for a large volume tire that rolls fast and is light weight, then these are an excellent choice. If you're a more aggressive rider that still wants reasonable weight but desires more sidewall durability, then take a look at the 2.24 instead - it's a little heavier, but should also be more durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lional Mandrake
a
from San Mateo, CA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
That would be telling.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Sublime plushness combined with fast, predictable control. Provides transformative bike handling in most conditions. Weighs less than specified! Fondness increases with use.
Weaknesses:
Nothing salient. Benefits are somewhat lost if you infate it like a regular tire. Not the most durable tire - yet not out of line with tires in this weight class. Shop elswhere if you need an abusive DH tire.
Similar Products Used:
Vertical Pro, Mythos XC, Team Control and Smoke/Dart from the dim and distant past.
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth ID plus all the fixins.
Bottom Line:
Details:
Weight: 535grams - as measured on a digital scale. This is 60grams less than than specified - this never happens (tires almost invariably weight more than the specs)! At 535 grams, these tires weigh less than most 2.1" tires. The low rotational mass (for its size) can felt during speed changes. A weight weenie's delight.
Size: 2.4" for real - the reduced tread pattern does not substitute for this volume (like on other tires) - the carcass is really this big and looks even bigger when mounted on the rim. At lower tire pressures, the tire absorbs the transients, hence the super plush ride. This, combined with improved traction (because more tread is in contact with the ground), improves handling and control in ways that cannot fully be described.
Tread: Reduced tread height over a wider area, with linked center-lne lugs. The result is very low rolling resistance, but hook-up is much better than the XC racing semi-slicks of the past. The large carcass at lower pressure offsets any virtual disadvantages associated with a reduced tread profile. The result: it cranks on pavement, yet can crank on the soft stuff as well(sand included). Though not a hard cornering tire per say, the traction breaks predictably during hard corners. Sheds mud well, but will slip modestly under heavy torque on step mudded sections.
Conclusion: WTB asserts a great design strategy for a XC/Trail mtn. bike tire: provide a light-weight, large carcass tire, with a controlled tread pattern biased towards reduced rolling resistance without sacrificing traction.
The secret here is leveraging the huge carcass with low inflation pressure to best exploit tread pattern. This strategy works beautifully if you keep the tire at lower inflation (30-35psi) - this cannot be overstated, as the many benefits of this tire are lost of you inflate it to regular tire pressures. Plushness would be lost, and the reduce tread height will make itself known through reduced contact area, increased slippage, increased wear, and less cornering predictability (i.e. kind of like a typical XC semi-slick). I suspect most of the lukewarm reviews of this tire are due to not heeding this recommendation.
Understandably, tire preference is largely subjective. This is a very special tire and hits a sweet spot with my bike, riding conditions, and riding style. This tire rides higher and, as such, slightly slows steering just the right amount for my ID. I no longer fear ruts, roots and sandy sections - I can just ride over/through the stuff, even at oblique angles. These tires somehow allow my afforded stable platform bike suspension to better fulfill its duties. The confluence of plushness, speed, and control of this tire cannot be overstated - and all a decent price. It would be a sad day if WTB ever sunsets this model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob O'Neall
a Downhiller
from Eubank, Ky, USA Date Reviewed: January 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any that's good
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bikes
Strengths:
Light weight, durability, low rolling resistance, predictable in all conditions, good overall traction
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
many WTB tires, Motoraptors, Nanoraptors, Tyranoraptors( My favorite) & some Kenda tires
Bike Setup:
2000 Mongoose XR-850 DH/FR frame with 6 inches of travel, Mutanoraptors (Lazer Freeride version) Bombshell wheels, RST Sigma XL fork, Promax disk brakes, Shimano shifters and deraillers, Truvativ Firex ISIS cranks, Raceface SRX bb, WTB Power V DH seat, Diamondback platform pedals
Bottom Line:
I bought the Lazer Freeride version that Cambria had for twenty dollars, and although it feels lighter than the Motoraptor Race version, I didn't weigh them. As for traction, I'd rate them as good, but not as good as the Motoraptor's, they seem life a larger Nanoraptor (That's a good thing) with a slightly different tread pattern, but not by much. The Lazer Fr version has the Inner Piece sidewalls, so it handles impacts and lower pressures well. Final point: these are true all terrain tires, they're very good in a variety of conditions, but they are not condition specific. Motraptors, or Weirwolfs would be slightly better in really loose dirt or mud, and the narrorer Nanoraptors are better on dry hardpack. Another well designed & manufactored tire from WTB. Buy two pairs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Dark Hollow, Brian Head
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Big cross section, good grip, lightweight, rolls fast
Weaknesses:
does NOT fit in all forks or frames.
Similar Products Used:
Weirwolf 2.1, Panaracer Fire 2.1, Onza 2.1
Bike Setup:
Hardtail, Manitou Black
Bottom Line:
I use the Mutano 2.4 as a front tire, and it's been excellent. It rolls very fast, but corners well and the large carcass really makes rock gardens and sketchy stuff easier to navigate. I've found that if I use too much air pressure, the traction goes way down, and have to remember that a larger tire can be run softer.
It is outstanding in sand.
The center lugs roll really fast on hardpack and pavement, yet the tire gives good braking performance.
I don't ride mud or wet, but doubt this would be the tire for that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kit Chan
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Snow Summit
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Fat and Sticky
Weaknesses:
Wears quickly
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Moutain Cycle San Andreas, XT group, Duke U, Vanilla R
Bottom Line:
I just bought one to replace my velocirators. They were speared by thorns on my last ride. I took these tires for a ride on the LA riverbed and I was surprised by how manueverable they were. They stick on turns, of course I was riding on concrete, so the tire's characteristics could change on actualy dirt terrain. Light for a 2.4 size tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brown Teeth
a Cross Country Rider
from Morro Bay, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Follow up on how long they last, well not long as a rear riding mostly sandy/rocky XC, got 600 miles before the knobbies decided to shread. But as a front tire going strong over 1000 miles using the soft compound and given my trails its still my front tire of choice at 200 lbs.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls/knobbies a bit weak as a rear tire and didn't last long, also with the smaller knobbies tended to let go on steep climbs, the 2.24 is a MUCH better choice for a rear at my weight. Also beware if you have narrower rims and like to run lower pressure the tire will tend to roll over in the turns making for some scary turns, I could never get comfortable with these tires under 30 lbs as a rear, 28 in the front is perfect!
Similar Products Used:
Kendas/panaracers/tioga/WTB...
Bike Setup:
Marin trail pro, z-1 xt/xtr...
Bottom Line:
As a front its a great tire if you are mostly in loose sandy conditions, but as a rear tire just not durable enough and knobbies too small, had to take some chilis away for durability and this was the lazer model, hate to think how the race ones would hold up under larger sized riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Big, plush, smooth, and fast. Light for size.
Weaknesses:
Side walls slashed and falling apart, eight knobbies fell off on my last ride, looses traction easily compared to other tires
These tires are good out of the box, but the die fast. They make for a smooth ride, but they don't take abuse. I do a lot of technical riding in big rocks with steep climbs. The rubber compound is too soft and sidewalls are too weak. This is a fat cross country tire, not a freeride tire. The tread isn't big enough for climbing in rocks or soft stuff. The center tread allows the tire to slip on sharp edged rocks. If you ride flat dirt with no rocks, this tire will do fine, otherwise stay away from it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Apexrandy
a Cross Country Rider
from MV, CA USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
SAND, SAND, SAND! I deal with it daily, this is my weapon of choice!
Weaknesses:
same as other reviews, but I don't care - I just needed it for the SAND!
Similar Products Used:
continental explorers that came on bike - not much good for anything
Bike Setup:
2003 Cannondale Scalpel
Bottom Line:
Lung busting, momentum sucking sand washes, roads, trails, are common here in the So Cal desert. Marty at Fountain Valley Supergo told me these would help keep me on top of it, and that I would notice an immediate improvement - he was 100% right! Also, due to large volume, they add a bit of cush to the ride. Also - very light. Cornering & uphill traction? Sidewall thickness? OK, not the best, but if you want to be king of the sand hill, then these warrant five flaming chiles all round.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ron
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Niguel Date Reviewed: August 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
San Juan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
good float in the sand
Weaknesses:
On off camber turns, in hard pack it washes out. I find it is forcing me to take slower lines than I am used to taking. If my wieght is not on it during the uphill ride the tire again washes out.
Similar Products Used:
Geax Sedona
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro. I am a 200 pound plus rider and like a larger front tire.
Bottom Line:
I am switching it out and going back to the Geax Sedona. I do not recommend this tire for hard pack riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Camarillo Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
18" Weyless SP (SantaCruz Superlite Copy), Fox Float Rear, 2003 Duke SL U Fork.
Bottom Line:
Its an ok tire but only on the front. It has a weird flex of the center tread on hardpack that makes the tire drift or wobble at slow speeds. At high DH speeds the tire performs ok with a little drift in the corners. I was impressed with the fast DH traction but it is limited. I'm going to try the WTB Weirwolf 2.1 upfront and Panaracer XC Pro 2.1 in the rear. I have heard this is a great setup for XC, Freeride is So Cal terrian.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a Cross Country Rider
from los angeles Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Very light for 2.4 inch tire.
Similar Products Used:
tons
Bike Setup:
blur, mavic 317, stans no-tubes, mutanoraptor in front, serac in back.
Bottom Line:
Great tire. I don't know of any other that is this big and light. It has really been a joy on hardpack. Although it will break loose on the occastional high-speed corner, it does so gradually, with plenty of warning, so you always know when your approaching the edge... Rolls very fast for a 2.4, but gives high volume plushness that other fast rolling tires don't. Another great WTB product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a Weekend Warrior
from Lafayette, Colorado Date Reviewed: July 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Jefferson County Parks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The high volume allows you to run lower pressure without getting pinch flats.
Weaknesses:
This sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Ground Master, Panaracer Smoke.
Bike Setup:
Giant AC Air Lite
Bottom Line:
There are plenty of reviews about how this tire performs regarding traction etc. I am writing a review to say that the sidewalls of these tires will not last the tread if you ride in rocky places. Rocks are unavoidable (and who would want to avoid them?) on Colorado Rocky Mountain trails. If you have them, keep a roll of sport tape in your pack. Several layers of that work great for fixing up sidewall tears on the trail. It also pulls cactus out of your skin. My rating is based on Rocky Mountain use. It would be higher for Catskill use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a
from N. Attleboro Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop in NH... Red Jersey something
Strengths:
NOt bad if you are riding straight.
Weaknesses:
Dry conditions and corning.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Cad3. XT/XTR.
Bottom Line:
This try sucks at decent speeds cornering and in dry conditions. I have ridin Maxxis since I can remember and love it but I was on vacation and needed a tire so I bought it. Doesn't comnpare to my Maxxis Mobster. It can't take turns because there are no knobs like the MObster on the side and I washed out twice cause of it.
All in all I hate the tire and I despise it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PiroChu
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo & Felton
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Similar Products Used:
Continental Vertical Pro Tection & Explorer Pro (front) & Escape Pro (rear), IRC Mythos XC (front & rear)
Bike Setup:
'99 FSRxc w/ '00 Marzocchi Atom 80mm & Avid mech disc 185mm on XT/X317 (front) & Avid SD on XT/X517 (rear) & MRP X-Rated Link
Bottom Line:
Got it on-sale at Performance for $27.
Its high-volume (tall & wide casing) profile provides much more cushion & traction than, say, regular 2.1 cross-country tires. With such volume, it easily & smoothly rides over bumpy any roots & rocks, when mounted on front (or rear).
For 2.4, its weight is only 541g, per my digital kitchen scale. This must be because its knobbies (small/low & many) are not as tall as, say, Vertical Pro Tection's (big/tall & slightly fewer) whose weight is 655g.
Per its low rolling resistance (thanks to its center tread design & low knobbies), it rolls easily & fast (like my skinnier Escape Pro) on hard-pack, fireroad or road, when mounted on rear. (No soft 'tall-knobbie' feel when on rear while hard-torque climbing/pedaling.)
For the price & its cushy volume, it's a great perfomance/$$$ "value". It mostly performs well & satisfactory (as front or rear) on a majority of the trails (no sand/mud here).
My only ever-so-slight reservation is that I'm not too convinced of its less-aggressive tread size/pattern, as front on super-sketchy descent or as rear on super-technical loose-rock/roots climbing sections. (I haven't slipped or got dumped yet, though - so maybe it's still pretty good after all?) Only when things get *really* sketchy on a few sections, then I'd kinda wish for a Vertical Pro Tection up front, instead. (But still not bad at all, though, by any means. I was just being picky.)
If you're a XC rider (on a slightly agressive side) and want an extra volume up front without an added weight or rolling resistance, this is a great tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Very Quick! I can't believe how little rolling resistance these tires have. Very light. Mine averaged 565 grams - and these are 2.4s.
Weaknesses:
Not the best design for mud.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Master and Team Control, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Slayer, 03 - Stock
Bottom Line:
These tires rule in dry conditions. Initially I ran 40lbs to decrease my rolling resistance, (I weigh 180lbs), but found that I would slip around on wet roots when climbing. Lately I've been running, 35, 33, 30, 27 and last weekend 25. 30 Seems to work the best for me, unbelievable traction on climbs, descents and technical singletrack with no noticeable increase in rolling resistance. It's so much fun to be coasting while your friends are still pedaling. LOL
These would be good tires for anyone not regularly confronted with wet slimy conditions. And good tires for anyone wanting a cushier ride. And good tires for people who want a performance advantage, but who don't want to run slicks or minimally treaded tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt kallenberg
a Weekend Warrior
from long beach, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
carbon canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
rolls super-fast, i even commute on 'em! great tire in hardpack, all those little knobs really hook up in dry conditions. not the best as a rear tire, but GREAT up front, im a lifelong customer of WTB's.
Weaknesses:
none i know of, maybe puncture resistance?
Similar Products Used:
WTB VelociRaptor 2.1, WTB MotoRaptor 2.4
Bike Setup:
K2 Launch 4.0 (sweeeeeet ride!)
Bottom Line:
if you live where its dry most of the year and you want something that is incredibly fast and yet still hooks up in corners like no other, than this is the tire for you. try a Mutano 2.4 up front and a Panaracer Pyro 2.25 in the rear, great combo!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Biopacebob
a Racer
from Modesto,Ca Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike,(I insisted)
Strengths:
Plush-a-delic baby!I have it on the rear.don't see the point in a giant-'ol tire in the front but in the rear my hardtail feels oh so nice.Confidence in rocky condidions and cushions the rims for longer wheel life.
Weaknesses:
I raced on it last week and it was a little scary in the corners.The trail had some rain and the dirt was like a fine gooey snot over the hardpack.I ordered a Conti-vertical pro and will try it and see if it's a nice change of pace.Dry,California hardpack this is a rocker!I run a Panaracer XC-Pro in the front,it has some knobs left and it gives me a little more steering bite.The -raptor is a little bald and knobless to begin with.Doesn't roll so great because the contact patch is very big.But the big contact patch is what makes it so smooth.Guess a free lunch is to much to expect.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracers XC and Hutchinson pythons
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Superbee..Whoopee!!
Bottom Line:
I think these tires need a wide tire clearance frame in case you bend a rim.I bought the Bianchi for that reason.I wish other tire companies made wide light tires like these as the added spring and cushion launches powermoves.Seems mountain bikers and their bike companies have forgoten what a tire can do.As technology progresses I hope it isn't forgoten in the development of the most important basics.Seems everyone is either a weight weenie or a freerider,this tire makes for the oppurtunity to do a little of each.A little slippery but can't do everything for accomplishing it's mission it gets 5 hot ones all the way across.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brown Teeth
a Cross Country Rider
from Morro Bay, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
local LBS crooks
Strengths:
Rolls like there is no tomorrow. Feels light and will buy the race model for my light rig, have the lazer and its great for hard trails, sidewall might not be burly but the flex and tire tread work so well its amazing.
Weaknesses:
None so far but will post at 500 miles
Similar Products Used:
loads of tires, last was a dart which this trashes.
Bike Setup:
Marin trail pro z-1, xtr/xt..
Bottom Line:
This tire is UFB in broken rocks, dirt, sand, the center ridge with recessed small knobbies make it track great and bite on any turn without any wash out, best upgrade of the year and I'm running a new fork, frame, well maybe equal to my king headset for value. Max burnt turds on this one, I just can't believe the control and speed I gained, running 38 psi as fronts. Most excellent investment!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Weekend Warrior
from Gilbert AZ Date Reviewed: February 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hawes trail in Mesa AZ
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Light for a 2.4, rolls fast on hardpack and street, smooth, high volume casing absorbs trail imperfections.
Weaknesses:
Thin casing punctures easily, (I fixed that with some spin skins), not as much climbing traction as some beefier tread knobbies (what do you expect for a sub 600 gram 2.4 tire?)
Decided to ride these for a while before writing a review to see if they were going to shred on me. I got the race version to keep the weight down. I'm impressed. I ride mostly rocky, technical terrain and haven't blow a sidewall yet. (This is against WTB's suggestion to get the laser for what I ride) These tires roll as fast as the semi-slicks I used to have but have much better bite. They remain predictable in corners and absorb a lot of the abuse of rocky riding (I'm dinging my wheels a lot less). I've had a few thorn punctures. I'm not sure if heavier tires would have stopped those. I ended up using a set of spin skins and Specialized thorn resistant race tubes since I ride around a lot of cactus and thorns. Excellent results with not too much weight. The only complaint I have is that they sometimes slip a little on climbs. But that can easily be overcome with proper weight distribution. Overall, I love these tires! They work excellent in rocky, hard pack, and street riding. Don't have any experience in mud. P.S. I weigh about 160 lbs. You might have worse luck blowing out sidewalls if you're heavier
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a Weekend Warrior
from london, uk Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sun Valley Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
the don grip for front, loads of space to soak up nasty bumps, grippy soft rubber and even works ok in english mud
Weaknesses:
sidewalls of condom thickness
Similar Products Used:
spec' enduro, irc mythos, fires, etc
Bike Setup:
giant ac team
Bottom Line:
These tyres changed my riding for a day and then the rear one tore like paper. Small sharp rock and a two and a half inch tear (i weigh 70kgs dunno the lbs?) - not so good especially at the price, front one's still going super strong though. buy if you need a good front, avoid if it's rocky where you live.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
juan
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
powder canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
super fast, high psi, super plush use front and rear with no problems, no flats yet, not even in the rockiest of trails and im a big dude at 245.
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
super rigid surly 1x1, f519's, truvativ 32t, shimano 18t, surly hubset, azonic stem,pedals and grips, ea50 bars, avid speeddials, all put together at THE PATH in Tustin,CA
Bottom Line:
great tire all-around
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Puzman
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
good ol' new england singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Grip Weight (for a 2.4) Very low rolling resistance! Relatively easy to install
Weaknesses:
Price?
Similar Products Used:
FireXC MythosXC Pythons Alligators
Bike Setup:
Titus LocoMoto w/ Z3 coil
Bottom Line:
GREAT as a front tire. Best I've ever used. Grip is up there with the Fire XC or Alligator, but rolls WAY faster. The difference in rolling resistance is very noticeable, even compared to a Mythos XC which I had on the bike before installing the Mutano. I've only had it for a month, so I can't comment on long-term durability. Doesn't seem to pack up with mud (its been very rainy here recently, and we have thin, wet sloppy mud. Tire seems to shed this stuff well). I'm running this up front at 35-40 psi (weigh 165) with a Python in the rear at 40-45 psi, and its a very fast combination with outstanding grip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Damon
a Weekend Warrior
from sacramento,ca, USA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any single track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
ditto to other reviews
Weaknesses:
sidewalls are very weak.
Similar Products Used:
several
Bike Setup:
RM ETS X 50
Bottom Line:
I have only ridden this thing a four times now. Mostly on smooth single track with with moderate rocky/technical sections. Anhow, today, i tore the sidewall. Not sure what I hit, but couldn't have been to hard since i didn't notice till I heard the rubbing of the tire. I am pretty disappointed. BTW, i am a clyde at 220 plus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
YaMon
a Cross Country Rider
from Ocho Rios, Jamaica Date Reviewed: October 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blue Mountain Peak
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$23.00
Purchased At:
Bill Larson
Strengths:
Weight, Grip, Large Size, fast.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Mythos XC, Kenda Semi-Slick
Bike Setup:
2000 Ellsworth dare set up for light duty freeride
Bottom Line:
Best I have tried so far. I thought the IRC Mythos XC in the 2.1 size was a great tire. These are much better. Faster and coming down rough hills, you don't even have to avoid bumps. Fells like suspension has another inch added. Great grip. I would even compare it to a semi-slick as far as speed on flat singletrack. Light tire, not sure they can be beat for an all around tire.
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Submitted by
allister
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
dirt kind
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Some guy in the mtbr classifieds
Strengths:
Light, Big, Large Air volume. Corners well. Great front tire.
Weaknesses:
I got into my superlight frame and all was well, until I dropped into my granny. The side knobs were grabbing my front deraillur cage. Oh well. Threw on a Fire XC Pro 2.1.
Similar Products Used:
Way too many to list
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Float RC, Psylo SL, XT, Magura, Thompson, Easton, etc.
Bottom Line:
At $20 per tire, I really got my money's worth. It makes an excellent front tire. It's got low rolling resistance, light weight, and excellent cornering. I wish they made a 2.24 that wasn't 100g more than the 2.4. No pinch flats on this tire to date.
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Submitted by
John W.
a Cross Country Rider
from Missoula, MT Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
All of 'em
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Open Road
Strengths:
Predictable, corners well, rolls fast and quiet on the road, lightweight
Weaknesses:
None noticed so far.
Similar Products Used:
Conti Explorer Pro, Traction Pro, and Navigator Pro, Maxxis Mofo DH, WTB Velociraptor, Hutchinson Python, IRC Mythos XC
Bike Setup:
2002 C-dale Jekyll 1000 pretty much stock except for XT cassette, Syntace bar/stem combo, Shimano 424 pedals, SDG saddle
Bottom Line:
I'm currently running the 2.4 race in front and it handles the dry, loose rock conditions of western Montana very well. I also ride 5-6 miles on the road to get to the trailhead and the tires are very smooth, quiet and fast on the pavement. I'd rate it as the best front tire I've used to date, it holds it's line in corners much better than my previous lightweight favorites the Conti Explorer Pro and Hutchinson Pythons, both of which I liked a great deal, and is equal to the much heavier Maxxis Mofo DH. They are on the small side for a 2.4, but what do you expect for 595 grams. Highly recommended for dry conditions with lots of loose rocks. I've also heard great things about the Motoraptor and Weirwolf but I wanted to keep the weight as low as possible due to all the climbing around here. I have to give it 5 flamers all around, reasonable cost, great performance, lightweight, grippy, and fast - what more could you ask for in a tire. They inspire confidence and make me a better rider (and I need all the help I can get!)
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Submitted by
fonseca
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia Date Reviewed: September 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light weight Large Volume Fast rolling
Weaknesses:
Break loose as a rear tire Not for mud
Similar Products Used:
Lots of knobbies from panaracer, irc, maxxis, and other wtb models. Always searching for a great set of treads.
Bike Setup:
2002 titus switchblade, long travel linkage. 2002 psylo sl.
Bottom Line:
For dry weather, this is the best front tire for the weight. I think the mutano raptor 2.4 race currently has the best balance of any tire in terms of weight, rolling speed and grippiness in a larger volume tire. Those long center knobs make it roll very fast, and yet you can lean with confidence because of the more aggressive tread on the sides.
And running a large volume tire on standard width xc rims (velocity vxc) has great benefits. It absorbs the small stuff that suspension can't. And you simply feel more planted and in control. As a front tire for dry conditions this is the best I have tried. It was pretty bad in the mud (claylike), as anyone can guess by looking at the tread and width. But I bought them specifically for dry weather use.
I'm not going to use it any more for the rear though. Too many times it has broken loose in sections where I don't with other tires. And I have pinch-flatted 3-4 times now(only on the rear). I'm going to order the moto raptor 2.24 race this week to try as a rear tire, something I have been meaning to do for a while.
As a front tire this gets 5 stars. But it leaves something to be desired as a rear. I recommend it to any aggressive trail rider looking for something larger than 2.1 for dry weather.
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Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, TX Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
High air volume Low rolling resistance Light weight/width "race"
Weaknesses:
? Easy to put on Mavic 517's. A little more difficult with a 317! Not really a problem as long as you have good levers.
Similar Products Used:
Numerous Specialized, Comp S, Jet S, IRC Serac, Bontrager Super X, Jones
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz SS, FSR
Bottom Line:
This is a great tire. Here in Texas we have hardpack with roots, rocks, sand! The tread design is perfect. Fast rolling with good low knobs. These tires corner with precision! Don't try and run the tire at low pressure. The 2.4 width allows for a high air volume tire. This aid the tire to act like the suspension. Big plus for the those of us who still like to ride our hardtails! Buy this tire, you will like it!
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Submitted by
Joe Minton
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette, CA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Gift
Strengths:
Excellent in the dry, dusty singletrack and fireroads of Contra Costa County. Handles well in fast corners, sticks to trail in off camber situations. Very nice for climbing, never slips.
Weaknesses:
Have not used it in muddy situations, but I'm interested to see how it performs in the winter.
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB
Bottom Line:
Best tire for the above situations. I'll keep running them until WTB comes up with a revolutionary improvement. I suspect they will do quite well in X-C race situations anywhere in California.
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Submitted by
Vic
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
The 2.4 muntuno is a great trail tires, very light for a 2.4, exactly what the manufactures had intended the tires for use in the moderate range, I like the honesty in the marketing at WTB, fast rolling, light and light down hill.
Weaknesses:
Any thing more than moderate riding are to much for these tires, side walls are to thin to hold up in rocky areas or technical down hill trails, nomourours flats
Similar Products Used:
WTB motoraptors 2.4, IRC kujo 2.35
Bike Setup:
intense uzzi slx
Bottom Line:
Great tire for intended use from the manufactors WTB. The price is great when you can find a good sale. Only If WTB can make the side walls stiffer without using their other wire bead tire this tire would be a great tire in a kevlar bead. Overall for weight to performance to price good tire
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Submitted by
Tim Newton
a Cross Country Rider
from Anchorage, AK, USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
moose meadow, gasline, near point, south fork rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
(Only tried up front) Great cornering. Great shock reduction.
Weaknesses:
I hate to mention this, because I like the tire, but the one I got had a manufacturing defect. There is a wave in the tread, as if you rolled a small section of the tire on the rim by about 1/4 inch. I don't know if this is an endemic problem w/ the mfr. (I didn't send it back because I wanted to ride too much to wait for the replacement.) Anyone else seen this?
Similar Products Used:
Mythos XC, Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super-V, Mutano 2.4 Race Front, Fire XC Pro 2.1 Rear (great climbing/cornering traction), XTR Front & Rapid Rise on Rear (I love the RR to pieces), XTR shifters & Gore cables (shifting is about perfect), monkey lite riser, Time ATAC alium pedals, Avid brakes (I appreciate their easy tuning)
Bottom Line:
I haven't used a lot of tires, but have put 1700 miles on Mythos XC Front & Rear. Also, I'm no expert rider, having bagged way more than my share of front/rear wash-outs and endo's. So maybe its me to blame. But the Mutano feels far more secure, and is smoother to boot.
I've tried the Mutano up front, only, and have a Fire XC Pro on the rear. Probably 150 miles so far with this setup, and I like it a lot. For one thing, it beats me up far less than the Mythos XC's did. Rocky downhills are no longer so arm wrenching/numbing, while at the same time, directional control has improved. I wouldn't have expected that cushier ride would equate with better control, but there's no denying that both are improved in my experience.
The Mutano corners VERY well. It cut loose for me only once so far, and I thought I was a goner again. But to my great surprise (and relief), it cut right back in*. I never once had that experience with the Mythos. So I previously believed that once you washed out up front, recovery was impossible. Apparently, it isn't. At least one face-plant saved, I think.
I had to knock off one chili for the manufacturing defect. But then I had to add one back in for the face-plant save (thank you thank you thank you). So five chili's all around.
(*) Maybe my cornering cut loose/cut back incident was due to the manufacturing defect in my tire, noted above in the Product Weaknesses section. I prefer to think not, because I really like the tire. But to stay honest, I guess I have to mention this possibility.
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Submitted by
Mauka Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Santa Margarita Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
Light weight, Made by WTB, Rolls fast.
Weaknesses:
Not for clydesdale riders (see Bottom Line review).
Similar Products Used:
Everything from Farmer Johns to Weirwolf's
Bike Setup:
Intense Uzzi SL
Bottom Line:
I tried out these tires because of recommendations form friends. The first thing I noticed was how light they are for a 2.4 tire and how fast they roll...It really helped on the climbs. However, once the trail went downhill, all bets were off. The problem is the small knobs on the tire cant support a Clydesdale rider. The knobs fold and breakaway to easily. If you are under 170lbs this may be the best tire for you, because my friends have no similar complaints that I have. They are all about 165lbs and love this tire. Try them out and see if these tires are for you.
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Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, TX Date Reviewed: August 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Johnson Branch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Performance?
Strengths:
Quick handling due to round profile, nice floatation. The race version has good weight for a 2.4.
Weaknesses:
Gives in dry, loose hardpack. I have wrecked three times from this tire giving way. I kept thinking it was me since it got such great reviews here, but after three dives...no way. It's not just me.
It probably washes out due to its rounded profile. That means that there are no corners to dig into the dirt under side loads.
Similar Products Used:
Dart, Velociraptor, Team Control
Bike Setup:
Marin Mt. Vision
Bottom Line:
This tire makes me wreck. It washes out when I turn more than 25 degrees in any kind of loose dirt. I've run it all the way down to 35psi (minimum recommended) and still it washed out. I'm 220 lbs, so maybe you lightweight elven types will have a different experience, but buyer beware.
These certainly do not deserve their stellar reputation, in my opinion. I'm going to give the Weirwolfs a try instead.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Fargo Date Reviewed: July 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Maplelag
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Fast Rolling,good grip
Weaknesses:
rear tire must run low air pressure to get it to grip good
Similar Products Used:
fire xc pro, s-works ect....
Bike Setup:
S-works
Bottom Line:
These tires roll fast I was at a very technical race so I decided to use these my cofidence was diffently exceled with these tires on big fat tire with low air pressure gave me self assurance and they rolled fast on hard pack great tire for very technical race courses
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris b.
a Weekend Warrior
from EHT Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the Duck Farm Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
given to me by friend, off his Giant AC Air Lite
Strengths:
True Phat Tires.....and good for everything and anything. Especially for Single Speeds!
Surly 1x1 with 34x16 gearing with the usual hevy duty won't break in he middle of a long @$$ ride Single Speed SH!T.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is....I don't know how much these 2.4 tires cost (Really I don't want to know). My buddy bought a new Giant AC Air Lite and Didn't like these tires...so He havem to me for Free (who said in life nothings free?)They work great on my single speed....give plenty of traction with alot of cush...riding them at lower air pressure. And these Tire Are Damn Light! My SS is about 28 pound weighing nearly the same before swaping these tire with my old velociraptors. I don't free ride with my ss....but with these tires I have attempted 4 foot drops with no pinch flats or blow outs. MAKE SURE YOUR SUSPENSION FORK HAS THE EXTRA CLEARANCE FOR THESE TIRES...MY TIRE RUBS ON THE FORK AFTER A HARD DROP! This tire is not good in mud...but who cares? Bottom Line....great tire for all around riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hunter
a Downhiller
from California Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Duey's descent
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
came with my bike
Strengths:
sheds mud well (even if it is on to me because I have no fenders but I wold rather have the mud on me than the tire) hooks up in a variety of questions (sand, mud, hardpack)
Weaknesses:
Don't really hook up the best when you get caught in really deep gravel but honestly, what tire really can?
Similar Products Used:
don't know, all tires are different
Bike Setup:
Giant AC air, LX and XT
Bottom Line:
one of the great tires out there, wish they would make them in even wider versions, that would kick ass WTB- LISTEN TO ME- DUMP THE WEIRWOLFS AND MAKE MOTO AND MUTANOS IN 2.5 AND 2.7 AND YOU'LL SELL A TON OF THEM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Foothills of the Rockies Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Up the spine, down the sciatic nerve
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint... where price is the point
Strengths:
Wide, grippy, predictable and cheap for this much rubba, bubba.
Weaknesses:
Center knobs wear quicker than the crotch of my corduroy pants at the high school prom.
Similar Products Used:
2.3 MotoRaptors and Panaracer DH
Bike Setup:
Came stock on a Giant AC Air Lite - Nice spec.
Bottom Line:
Excellent freeride tire. Work exceptionally well on the dry, dusty, rock infested trails along the Front Range. I can't say how they are in mud as I can barely remember the last time it rained enough to cause mud.... As long as these tires are $20 they will be on my bike... Pray for rain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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