Submitted by
da bubba
a Weekend Warrior
from Valpo Date Reviewed: September 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Westville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Good Grip on any dry surface.
Weaknesses:
A little slow on pavement compared to the semi-slicks I used to run, hard to put on.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized
Bike Setup:
Steel hardtail
Bottom Line:
Rode through dirt and mud, over log bridges, and the tire held. I keep seeing them for cheaper prices, maybe I should stock up. I would definitely need a tire lever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GoremanX
a Weekend Warrior
from Ile-Aux-Noix, QC Date Reviewed: August 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Island Line, Burlington, VT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
bikeman.com
Strengths:
Solid sidewall, super fast on hardpack and pavement, decent grip on most everything else, good volume for a 2.1" tire, easily converted to tubeless
Weaknesses:
A bit on the expensive side
Similar Products Used:
WTB Weirwolf LT 2.55 Team FR, Continental Town & Country, Tioga Blue Dragon 2.3
Bike Setup:
2008 Kona Hoss, Bombshell Fat Daddy Wheelset, converted to tubeless with 20" BMX tubes and Stan's tire sealant
Bottom Line:
I use this on the rear wheel, with a WTB Weirwolf LT 2.55 Team FR on the front. The combination is absolutely perfect for my purpose, which involves a lot of pavement and a lot of trails. The Nano Raptor has an excellent middle tread for fast, effortless pedaling on pavement, and good knobs for gripping everything else. I can easily ride 50 miles on pavement, then veer off onto a rough mountain rail without missing a beat. Gravel and hardpack are no obstacle, whereas my old Continental Town & Country used to skitter all over the place on gravel roads.
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Submitted by
kstatman
a Racer
from Longmont, CO USA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Sourdough
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
WTB at Sea Otter
Strengths:
Fast rolling, cornering, weight, strength, durability.
Weaknesses:
mud and clay
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python, Maxxis Crossmark UST
Bike Setup:
Unbranded Carbon Hardtail, Sram X-9 drivetrain, Race Face Flat bars, No Tubes ZTR Olympic Rims on Sun Ringle Disc o Flea hubs, WTB shadow V saddle, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Rock Shox Reba Team
Bottom Line:
I got a set of these at Sea Otter as I have always been intrigued by WTB's tire line and they suited my needs for the weekend of racing, fast dry conditions. After pre-riding the course and racing the pro short track I found them to be pretty awesome tires. They hooked up when they really needed to. Unfortunately they don't really grab in off camber grass corners as well as I would have liked.
Since then I have spent a number of weeks both training and racing on them and found they are a pretty amazing tire as long as things don't become a thick peanut butter like mud or wet clay. They grab in cornering and handle most conditions really well. I have been especially fond of the climbing traction they offer in loose over hard pack when both standing and sitting.
These tires are easily best in slightly moist and grippy soil conditions to dry fast hard pack and would easily suggest them as a great all around summer tire!
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Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Leadville,Colorado USA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Green Mountain, Lakewood/Leadville Mining Roads, Leadville 100 MTB Race Course
Motobecane Fly 9357, Shimano XTR, Vuelta XRP Team Super Lite Wheels, Rockshox SID Race fork with Avid Juicy Carbon Disc brakes
Bottom Line:
I used these tires for the Leadville 100 MTB Race last week (Aug. 08). We had all conditions during this race and these tires stuck with me the whole way. No slide outs in dry, loose & sandy, gravel, hard pack dirt, tacky wet dirt, or mud. On pavement, they are fast with low rolling resistance.
I'm 5'9", 148lbs. and I ran the front tire at 38 PSI and the rear tire at 40 PSI. You can run them higher but I needed to compromise between rough rugged terrain and pavement. I tried higher and lower on the same course and I settled on the above. I completed the race in 9.5 hours. I used a 11-27 rear cassette. That was a mistake. I should have used a 11-34 and cut another 50 minutes.
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Submitted by
Jason
a
from Modesto, CA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
Great tire for HARDPACK! It might even be overkill for a lot of XC courses (where a semi-slick might do the trick). It can handle "some" loose-over-hardpack terrain also. It's very fast and the sidewalls are tougher than comparable Kenda models. I would consider it a true "high volume" 2.1 tire. Can run it as a front only (with a semi-slick in the rear), rear only (with a beefier front tread), or as a pair. Buy it as long as you use it for it's intended purpose (and you'll be happy).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Royal Oak, MI, USA Date Reviewed: October 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Tree Farm
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
N/A
Strengths:
Hooks up, hooks up, hooks up, hooks up, and very light.
Weaknesses:
slurry. That layer of loose topsoil and rocks over hardpack you get occasionally. Of course, what tire does WELL in that?
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones, Kenda, some other worse things...
In almost any condition, This tire connects, and rolls FAST. Never had a single issue with it, except the time I forgot to pump it before a ride, slipped sideways, and popped the bead out. Of course, it was at about 15psi.
I run this as a front tire with an old style paddle tread in the rear, unlike most guys, but it works great anyway combined with fisher geometry. Particularly fast when you get leaned out just a tad, and the more aggressive parts of the tread get more ground contact.
It RAILS turns.
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Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from Little Hill Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
B-17
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
prize, mini-clif bar toss
Strengths:
spins up quick, no rolling resistance, sticks great in norcal dirt
Weaknesses:
hope you have a good pedal stroke or you'll break the rear end loose in an out-of-saddle climb
Similar Products Used:
mutano raptors, hot S (crappp), Spec. enduros, nevegals, yadda yadda
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar, skareb, full XTR, white ind./XTR wheels, conti explorer in front
Bottom Line:
this tire is great! I've raced almost a full season on it, and it does an amazing job pushing me right along and tracking in the low turns and mucky muck. Not even in th running for a freeride-y tire, but great for an experianced XC racer. Big guys beware - you'll go through these like wet matches.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix Az Date Reviewed: October 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
McDowell Mtn, Pemberton
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
low rolling resistance, immunity to flats, cornering, wear
Weaknesses:
never tried them at anything they are not designed for, and, as such they have no weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
riding x/c for over 20 years... too many to list.
Bike Setup:
Fisher (Carbon) SuperCaliber, SID, Raceface, CaneCreek, Easton Bontegra... bla bla bla a light weight mile eater.
Bottom Line:
These tires came on my wife's Sugar. Before she ever rode it I pulled them off and started throwing tires at it. She was not all that impressed with my choices, and finally, I gave in to her wishes and thru the Nano's back on... oh, they went on just fine thanks, no levers required. Next ride, I litterally could not believe the speeds she was carry'n thru corners, and was staying totally planted. I was following, on the edge, getting squirmy... and she simply carved thru. I observed this same phenomina for several rides, then thru her wheels/tires on my bike for a "test". First set of hight speed linked turns, and I knew I must have a set. After the "test" I was on the phone to find a set of my own. On hard pack, and decomposed granite over hard park, these tires are flat out the most amazing things I've had pulled over a rim. I agree with a statement, below, if you know how to ride fast which goes hand in hand with smooth, these tires excell at what they were designed for. They will not make up for lack of experience, but they will compliment an experienced rider. The ability to stick hard in high speed turns is awesome. Rolling resistance is low low low... acceleration is very good, I've not pinch flat'd... Climbing steeps and hard braking require rider weight shifting to take full advantage. If you're a newbie who needs serious correction mid turn, or gets in over your head these are likely not your cup of tea. When I go home to eastern Canada for vacation, these tires stay in Phoenix... I cannot image them being good for loam, mud, and forest cover riding in black soil. Top marks for what thay are designed to do. Don't let the looks fool you... like I did.
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Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from canada Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
idk
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
good climber, good decender, all around goos tire
Weaknesses:
not great in wet and muddy conditions
Similar Products Used:
most WTB tire
Bike Setup:
cannondale scalpel team
Bottom Line:
ok first of all , to the guy who wrote about his tire being wobbly, thats not the tire! its either your rim, your hub, or when u installed the tire you didn't pump it up evenly. sorry! try re-installing the tires and pay attention to the bead being even all thru out the tire when you are pumping it up.
anyway, goos tires in dry and hardpack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Racer
from canada Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
idk
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
good climber, good decender, all around goos tire
Weaknesses:
not great in wet and muddy conditions
Similar Products Used:
most WTB tire
Bike Setup:
cannondale scalpel team
Bottom Line:
ok first of all , to the guy who wrote about his tire being wobbly, thats not the tire! its either your rim, your hub, or when u installed the tire you didn't pump it up evenly. sorry! try re-installing the tires and pay attention to the bead being even all thru out the tire when you are pumping it up.
anyway, goos tires in dry and hardpack.
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Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath oakville
Strengths:
Excellent speed (low rolling resistance) on hardpack and pavement. Good stick on dry rooty situations and rocks.
Weaknesses:
If it's muddy, don't expect miracles. If it's sandy, it gets dodgy.
Similar Products Used:
A few Tiogas, Hutchinsons... some other ones.
Bike Setup:
Kona Caldera 2005 Stock. Continental Explorer on the front.
Bottom Line:
I run this tire on the rear, it's absolutely perfect for the typical Southern Ontario hardpack with the rocks and roots thrown in for good measure. I also commute on this tire a few times a week for 70km, and over that distance it's definitely comfortable, thanks to the centre line that reduces rolling resistance on pavement. I would buy this tire again for the rear... It doesn't seem agressive enough for the front though...
Great for hardpack/dry... I'm switching it once the cold weather/rain comes though...
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Submitted by
shmargolin
a
from Santa Barbara, CA Date Reviewed: December 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, puncture/pinch resistant, WTB quality, superb in rocky/technical
Weaknesses:
Poor cornering/leaning and not good in loose sands at speed
Similar Products Used:
Continental Vertical
Bike Setup:
Titus RacerX w/Conti Survival on rear tire
Bottom Line:
While it excels in rocky conditions (beefy, sticky) it drifts horribly on anything looser than pure hardpack. I find I can't lean into turns at speed with confidence on this tire when running it in the front. I ran it for 3 months when I first got this bike and couldn't tell if it was the tire, the bike, or me adjusting to a whole new setup. So I switched to the Conti Vertical and the drifting problems when cornering were resolved. Love WTB tires for the rear and all their other products, but do not like this tire on the front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Whitney JOnes
a Cross Country Rider
from Wooster OH, U.S. Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Vultures Knob
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Prize
Strengths:
not to heavy, hooks up on the hard dry stuff and tou can realy lean on it.
Weaknesses:
the tire wobbles, packs with mud quickly
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Excavader+Elevader+Motovader, Botrager Jones AC
Bike Setup:
two wheels and a some of metal
Bottom Line:
over all it an ok tire, it works as described, to bad the stupid thing wobbles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
smartino
a Cross Country Rider
from steamboat, colorado Date Reviewed: May 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Very fast on hardpack, high volume gives a nice plush ride; low rolling resistance if you have to ride on roads to get to the singletrack.
Weaknesses:
May lose traction in loose, powdery soils.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z-Max WCS, Bontrager Revolt Super X
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 100
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome tire for hardpack. It sticks and it's fast! I really liked the Bontrager Revolt Super X also; went through 2 sets of those but wanted to try something else. I haven't been disappointed. This tire is really fast on hardpack singletrack and sticks to rocks. Later in the summer as the trails get dry and loose I might change to something more aggressive but maybe I won't need to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dorian
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: January 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Muleshoe Bend
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very high volume.
Weaknesses:
Treads could be larger.
Similar Products Used:
Anything and everything
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Privateer S singlespeed.
Bottom Line:
A great tire overall. High volume, cushy, smooth. Tread pattern could be a little more aggressive, but I haven't had too many problems grabbing. If you're running a singlespeed you may think about something a little more beefy.
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Submitted by
larryc
a Cross Country Rider
from oakland cty. mich Date Reviewed: December 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
all w/out motorvehicles
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
2.1x26" very high volume w/large sidewalls.makes for comfy ride.exc. tread pattern-over 2k miles of pavement use & only 1/2 worn.only 1 flat.
Weaknesses:
none but high msrp$$$
Similar Products Used:
panaracer slicks,spec. hardrock,geax revert
Bike Setup:
nrs,psylo race,xt-xtr
Bottom Line:
must have tire for the rear if doing any street riding.hope wtb keeps it available for awhile......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a
from modesto, CA Date Reviewed: November 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
lite weight...great rolling resistence
Weaknesses:
side walls are pretty thin but i'm not complaining...just watch where you take it
Similar Products Used:
mutano raptor 2.24, 2.4 and moto raptor 2.24, 2.4
Bike Setup:
santa cruz bullit with a trail ride set-up
Bottom Line:
i was looking for a really lite rear tire with minimal rolling resistence for trail riding on hard pack. the single track i ride is usually dry "hard" dirt (no rocks, roots, etc) at least 10 months out of the year. so i bought this tire and decided to try it out after the winter months. when i got it i decided to give it a try even though it's been raining a little bit. so far it worked as good as the mutano raptor 2.24, 2.4 and the motoraptor 2.24, 2.4 that i've had on the back. they have deeper tread but always pack up with mud anyway (like most tires). i rode all the same trails and climbs and it behaved basically the same. i did notice the "much lower" rolling resistence. at 510 grams you do need to watch where you take it...the sidewalls are pretty thin. but if you ride pretty smooth to semi-rough single track, fire roads, canals, even on the street while riding to the trail head you'll love it. honestly, i don't think i'll ever use a different rear tire for the type of riding i listed above. and they are pretty cheap if you look around a little bit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doug
a Cross Country Rider
from san jose Date Reviewed: April 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
very good performance
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
fire xc, vertical pro, michlin comp s lite, mythos xc, specialized team xc
Bike Setup:
large racer x set up fairly well
Bottom Line:
i am constantly trying different front tires. these work very well with good and predictable turning traction. they're also good rollers. the best front tire i've found so far. i just raced the sea otter with a 2.3 vertical pro on the front. even with it's size it would still get very squrrilly in the sand but it did a good job cornering. my contrast is this tire corners just as well but also steers more accurately.
just look at dirt track tires on cars or motorcycles...they're not knobbies...so don't be fooled by the looks of this tire...it works.
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Submitted by
Evan
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff AZ Date Reviewed: February 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
elden trials
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Warranty for 1.75s
Strengths:
Rolls smooth, no pinch flats yet, high volume.
Weaknesses:
mud and super loose stuff... takes some time to get used to the cornering properties.
Similar Products Used:
MutanoRaptor 2.14, Geax Blade, others
Bike Setup:
KHS Team HT with White Bros fork, X.9, Cane Creek Cronos, ect.
Bottom Line:
These are a good tire for desert rats who ride hardpack, slickrock, and light gravel. If you ride lots of deep sand and mud look elsewhere. The light weigh helps on the climbs and sprints. Ive got about 300 miles on these babys and theyre just starting to show some signs of wear. Im probably going to switch to a bit more agressive tread like the Geax Sturdy and save these for racing or touring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jacob O'Neall
a Downhiller
from Eubank, KY Date Reviewed: January 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any that's good
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Atomic bikes
Strengths:
Reliability, traction in firm-to-moderate conditions, weight, and that super low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
Absolutely NONE. And I do mean NONE
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
see earlier review
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up on the review I posted after having the tires for three months. This tire has held up great to all kinds of riding. I went on a biking trip to Tennesse & North Carolina, and rode alot on many different surfaces, ranging from a 20+ mile road ride in the Smokey Mountains, and on pavement, these tires rule. I learned to trust them on decents where speeds stayed over 35-40 (going by my computer) and never experience that unstable feeling that some MTB tires have when on pavement. On the trails, they exelled. The trails I rode ranged from pure mud and rocks, to hard, smooth doubletrack, and also some light gravel maintenance roads, and never had a problem. I've had them for almost a year (about 10 months right now) and they show no serious signs of wear. I'll probably get at least another year out of them, if not more. If you are a XC rider who wants a tire that you can buy and forget about for along time, take a good look at these. THEN BUY THEM.
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Submitted by
Aaron McGraw
a Cross Country Rider
from Oil City, PA USA Date Reviewed: October 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Oil Creek--Allegheny'Sugar Creek Trail System, Venango County
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Low rolling resistence, decent hook-up, strong sidewalls (survived where Wildgrippers failed)
Weaknesses:
Not the best for sloppy-wet gooey mud
Similar Products Used:
Wildgrippers, Onza Porcupines, Kenda Grizzly and Klaw, Farmer John's and Farmer John's Cousins, Ground Control (the Umma Gumma Gray ones I think they were the "S" variety), Panaracer DH-Pro
Bike Setup:
Mongoose FR-150, Manitou Magnum fork, Titec bars, Kore stem, Diacompe aheadset, Alivio brakes, 9.0SL brake levers, MRX shifters, profile bar ends, Truvativ 5-D crank, Syncros, LX, and Truvativ (stock steel) rings (outer, middle, inner), Wellgo DH-smoothie pedals (spd type), Weinmann rims, Formula hubs, Kalloy post with SDG saddle, Shimano BB, Nashbar Cassette, XT rear and Deore front derailleurs, Taya Relief chain.
Bottom Line:
Great tire for "Rails to Trails" network, also good on hard-pack to moderately loose trail composition. Mediocre on soft loam, poor on sloppy mud. Surprisingly decent in snow and ice (yeah, I'm a misplaced Alaska, and I ride in that stuff). Bargain priced and not obscenely heavy. I'd reccomend it to anyone from the ultra-serious enthusiast to the weekend bike-trailer type.
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Submitted by
Bernie Miranda
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Southwoods / Tagaytay
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5.00
Purchased At:
Cartimar
Strengths:
Performance just like a road bikes wheel, very fast, and very light.
Weaknesses:
its lightness becomes a disadvantage on its gripping ability.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Metro, MOB, Panaracer smoke ( old version )
Bike Setup:
Specialized ( GTS )
Bottom Line:
This is a goodchoice for not so serious mountain biker, not intended for downhill competitions but is very nice to use if you are just biking for exercise and hobby. Moneys worth is OK.
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Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Came stock on bike. They offer LOW LOW rolling resistance. On rocks or big boulders, they offer pretty good traction. Road traction is pretty good.
*Hard pack *Rock areas (I mean huge rocks/boulders)
Weaknesses:
On a tough climb, it SUCKS; my back just spins and spins and gets no traction. On mud they suck, when it's wet, they suck.
*MUD *SANDY AREAS *Rocky (small pebble) terrain
Similar Products Used:
huffy tyres LOL
Bike Setup:
K2 Zed 4.0
Bottom Line:
I read the guys review below and laughed when he said "it is hard to take the tire off the rim"..... LOL, if you don't know how to take a tire off a rim, then there is something wrong with you. It is NOT hard to take the tires off the rim (I use my fingers sometime). I don't even use a tire lever, just a smooth metal stick.
Use this for hardpack and fairly hard singltrack or for riding your bike to work on roads. When it's wet, muddy, pebbly or sandy, then it will just get eaten up by the junk. I ride a lot of mountainous areas, so it's pretty decent. Sometimes I do spin going up a log or other steep areas. DHing offers very little resistance. AVG tire. will try panaracer on my next set.
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Submitted by
Alexander
a Racer
from King City, CA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz, CA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
Great all around tire. Climbs surprisingly well and the best rolling resistance you'll find. Bar None! I have over 800 miles on my Nano Raptors and just replaced them due to the back tire's tread starting to wear.
Weaknesses:
Middle of the line cornering abilities.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro.
Bike Setup:
Full Suspension XC w/ 4" of travel front and rear. I ran 45 psi up front and 50 psi in the rear and only had two flats (both in the same week) the entire time. Both flats were due to thorns.
Bottom Line:
This is a very good tire that surprised me. I expected to change them out with in a month but they just kept on performing great. As the tread started to wear the cornering ability started to decline rapidly. If your trails conist mainly of hardpack or pavement, you would be foolish to use any other tire than these.
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Submitted by
Clint
a Cross Country Rider
from Kentfield Date Reviewed: July 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
The tires are light, and do have low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
I have had several flats in the last two weeks - two separate tires - first the front small puncture through side wall. This morning the rear tire blew same story. Small punture through the sidewall.
Similar Products Used:
I have used Panaracers with a little more rolling resistance, but have never had a puncture
Bike Setup:
2003 K2 Razorback 3.0, with Rock Shock SID, otherwise stock bike.
Bottom Line:
I have always heard good things about the Nanoraptors, but my recent exeprience is that they are only in there own element on extremely hard packed jeep trails. Anything with loose gravel, sand, or tallus will cause these tires to have very little control and possibly pop at an inopportune place ...
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Submitted by
Jacob O'Neall
a Downhiller
from Eubank, Ky, USA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any thats technical
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Atomic bikes
Strengths:
Low, low, lowwwww rolling resistance( I had semi-slicks, but these roll just as good, if not better, because there is less rubber on the ground) good traction in many conditions
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
many: WTB Motoraptors, Tyrannoraptors, Primal Raptors, and I'm getting Mutanoraptors also (I'm a WTB fan)
Bike Setup:
2003 Schwinn S-30, 2001 Marzocchi Z-5 100 air, Sram Esp 7.0 shifters & rear derrailer, Formula wheels, avid brakes, Control Tech seatpost, Kore bar & stem, Nanoraptors, Cane creek headset, schwinn lights & computer, Ritchey seat.
Bottom Line:
I'm a downhiller who also likes to spend some time riding technical xc trails, and this my trail bike, so I wanted a tire that had good all-around grip, and it also had to have low rolling resistance and long durability, because to get to some of my trails, I have to ride quite a bit on pavement. The Nanoraptor has lived up to it's rep as a outstanding xc tire. While some people like to put this tire down becuase of its performance in wet conditions, I've had no complaints, And I've rode them in some muck that would be a good test because the trails here where I ride tend to turn into a sandy/clay mixture when they get wet. The Nano's do pack up in really bad conditions, but hey WTB even tells you that they're not even designed for anything other that hardpack to intermediate conditions.
My final bottom line: Nanoraptors have become my favorite xc tires. If you are a rider who mainly rides hardpack,(just about everyone), or you ride your mtb alot on the road to get to your trails, THESE ARE the tires for you, bar none.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gustavo Badillo
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with my bike
Strengths:
VERY Fast! These tires have a very low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
They are just useless for everyday riding, muddy conditions? they fail getting the job done, lateral grip? they have none.
Similar Products Used:
Wildgripper Comp S
Bike Setup:
ICS + Deore LX
Bottom Line:
Not for me, and I think not for most of the riders who doesnt like to change the tires according to the weather report.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jojo
a Racer
from mt bachelor Date Reviewed: March 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, puncture resistance, fast rolling
Weaknesses:
made buy some guy who makes 50 cents a year and eats bugs while Mr. CEO rakes in the cash. Buy USA! or euro, japan is ok too.
Similar Products Used:
irc, michelin, conti, geax
Bike Setup:
Yeti ARC, '03 xtr, sid
Bottom Line:
These are the best tires I've had in years. Granted I'm a spandex racer god. These tires are fast! They are made for XC racing and do it well. They're not for that 2% of the time you're raging down some rocky cliff ledge and jumping off buildings. If you have good bike control these will make you a fast rider. They grip better than their low knob height suggests. I run 45psi and have total confidence with these. 5 chilis should be reserved for that almost non-existence perfect part.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don Bergman
a
from Lubbock, TX Date Reviewed: December 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great for my commuting. They roll pretty fast on pavement as well as on hard-pack.
Weaknesses:
Not so great in the wet or sloppy stuff, but what do you expect? They aren't made for that!
Bottom Line:
They are good tires for what they are designed for. I have ridden them on some not-so-dry terrain and they held up *ok* but nothing worth bragging about. If you want some fast-rolling tires, these are them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth
a Racer
from Houston, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: September 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Daniel Boone Cycles
Strengths:
Fast and corner well in hard pack
Weaknesses:
bad in wet condition (but thats not what their for)
Similar Products Used:
Irc mythosxc
Bike Setup:
Seven sola steel ss, with phil kiss off hubs, rigid fork
Bottom Line:
not a very good all around but work well in dry hard pack. Don't buy these tires if you want a do it all design
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Minton
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette, CA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very fast tire in dry hard trail situations. I rarely gets flats running these tires. Of course I'm not downhilling on them. I ride them four to five times a week and no complaints when I use them in the circumstances they were designed for.
Weaknesses:
Not the best for thick sandy/dusty trails. Some slipage on steep climbs.
Bike Setup:
YBB XTR Cane Creek Wheels/Hubs Hayes Disk
Bottom Line:
Another great tire from WTB when used in proper situations
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Marble
a Racer
from Maine Date Reviewed: August 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
fast as hell
Weaknesses:
use em right and they have none
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bottom Line:
use these babies for what their ment for, and you too will be as happy as I. If not, then you'll end up complaining like so many other weenies on this page. They're kinda like a good women, treat em right and they'll be good to you, if not, they'll kick ya in the balls.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Cross Country Rider
from amarillo tx Date Reviewed: August 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
stock
Strengths:
fast rollers , extremly easy to get off wheel
Weaknesses:
crap in hardpack ,gravel, and sand
Bottom Line:
crapamundo
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Cross Country Rider
from amarillo tx Date Reviewed: July 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
stock
Strengths:
fast rollers on pavement, extremly easy to take on and off
Weaknesses:
crap on everything but road, including hardpack wich it is designed for
Bike Setup:
02 haro werks 2.0
Bottom Line:
crapamundo
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
frank
a Weekend Warrior
from san jose, ca Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
SDF
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
rolls fast, good traction in terrain they were designed for.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson, Panaracer, IRC
Bike Setup:
Trek STP, Specialized Enduro Pro, SC Bullit
Bottom Line:
It flat freakin amazes me how someone can take a product out of it designed element and then b!tch and whine when it doesn't work well!!! Are these the same people who buy a DH bike and then complain that it doesn't climb well???
Well I'm going to tell you that these tires absolutly rock in the terrain they were designed for. I have ridden them at the Sea Otter and they work awesome, at the Napa races where they worked great too, and trails all over around here. I do change to a different tire when the weather turns wet, but these tires wasn't designed for mud. Try the 2.24 Moto or Mutanoraptors for those kind of conditions. I guess my rant is just about over.....all I can say is these are the only firm ground XC tires that I run anymore! BTW...the Laser version makes a super Dual Slalom rear tire!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Tempe, AZ Date Reviewed: July 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
weight and rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
poor cornering traction, week edge grip, only perform well on flat hardpack, suck in sand, gravel, and rock
Similar Products Used:
fire xc pro, conti vertical pro, velociraptor, wildgrippers
This tire is apparently designed for a very narrow range of trail conditions, namely harpack that is well groomed. They do not perform well in any other condition, nor do they bite well on corners. In the desert southwest, with variable dry conditions, these tires have proven to be very poor all around performers. If you want to make it through any sand you can't have more than 35psi in these or they sink like stone. I see no reason to buy these when there are so many good and more versatile tires available. I replaced my front nanoraptor with a fire xc pro (granted a more aggressive tire) and it has made my cornering and stearing much more confident, with no noticeable increase in rolling resistance. In short, unless you race only on hardpack, get something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Cross Country Rider
from Massachusetts Date Reviewed: July 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
They are light and they roll fast.
Weaknesses:
They suck, they slip out in corners even if you are conservative in corners. The bead is terrible, how are you supposed to remove them they are so stiff!!!
Bike Setup:
2001 Sugar 2
Bottom Line:
Buy these if you are a racer who wants fast tires to gain speed. Dont buy them if you want tires that actually work you know tires that corner, tires that you can actually ride with on trails and not fall on your ass.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from South Australia Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lots
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fast
Weaknesses:
No grip
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Panracer, Specialized
Bike Setup:
GF Sugar 3 with some upgrades
Bottom Line:
Got them stock on my Sugar 3. These tyres roll fast and are good on smooth hard packed surfaces, unfortunately (only for the tyres) most tracks around here are loose and or rough so these tyres werent much good. Always losing traction. They are now permanently on the bike i ride to work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stube E.
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: May 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Myllypuro
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Freeheels
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
No grip at all, gets easily broken
Similar Products Used:
Continental twister pro, Hutchinson Mosquito
Bike Setup:
K2 zed team 2001, wtb speed disc xc
Bottom Line:
Don't buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GeePhroh
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, USA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
OEM Stock
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Absolute crap in the muck. Wire bead is almost impossible to get off the rim (especially wtbs).
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptor, motoraptor, panaracer fire/smoke
Bike Setup:
2001 K2 Razorback Team, XTR/XT, mavic 317 on king isos, hayes disc
Bottom Line:
These came stock on my razorback. The handle great in the hardpack and are pretty resistant to flats.
BUT, I agree with Steve: they suck big-time in wet, muddy conditions. They clog up in the slop and slide like a mother over wet roots. Do yourself a favor; don't even try to ride them in the NW from October to June.
Also, I'm currently writing this message with nine fingers 'cause of these tires. The wire-beaded DNAs are just about impossible to get off the rims -- especially, ironically enough, WTB's own Laser XCs. I've broken about 10 tire levers and finally had to go to the QuickSticks (the very best, by the way). Even so, I have to use two of them plus a strategically placed metal lever.
I almost cut my goddamn index finger off last night thanks to these pieces of crap.
DO NOT RUN THE WIRE-BEADED ON WTB RIMS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodbridge, Canada Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Ravenshoe
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Path
Strengths:
Smooth, fast, grip well
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey, Specialized, IRC, Intense, Michelin
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Truth, full XTR, Rolf Dolomite discs
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome set of tires. They grip well and roll fast and smooth. Hey, all tires have intended usages. These are more terrain specific. If you need "all season" buy the Velicoraptor(sp?). These work best in hardpack conditions. However, they work well enough to leave on in slightly mucky conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
SART
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bikes (Internet)
Strengths:
LOW roliing resistance!!Great in California hardpack. The numerous small teeth bite when you need it, not when you don't.
Weaknesses:
Slip in mud, as low rolling resistance tires do (and most tires generally do).
Similar Products Used:
mythos,notos,ground control,others
Bike Setup:
Jekyll 700sx
Bottom Line:
Here in Southern California we don't get much mud - when it rains (rarely) we have packed sand. My riding buddies have had these tires for quite a while and I was tired of huffing and puffing to keep up while they coasted!! The tires are great for SoCal dirt - and make the ride on the road to the dirt much quicker.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Cleburn State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
ok on hardpack only...
Weaknesses:
Very little grip.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pros and Trailblasters, Geax Beaumonts, Contenintal Explorer Pros
Bike Setup:
2000 Sugar 3 slightly upgraded...XT cranks, XTR shifters and brakes, mars elite fork, Time atacs, Monkey Lite low riser bar, Panaracer Fire XC(frt)and Trailblaster (rear).
Bottom Line:
Nanoraptors came stock on my Sugar. They're designed as a XC racing tire and may be ok if you just ride nice clean hardpack. However, even in these circumstances, there are much lighter tires that roll as fast or faster and offer better grip.
As for me, I absolutly hated them. To be fair, I have to admit that I like a all-conditions tire (which these definetly are not). However, the Nano's offer very little traction anytime you hit anything the least bit loose or rocky. If you don't belive me, look at the Sugar reviews...about half complain about the Nano's. I now run Panaracers which roll fairly fast and offer 10X more traction.
Only 2 chili's...not just because I didn't like them but because I feel there are lighter/better options in hardpack/xc racing tires...to their credit, they seem to wear ok.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Bare
a Cross Country Rider
from Sheridan, Wyoming USA Date Reviewed: December 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bucking Mule Falls
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Back Country Bicycles
Strengths:
Very Low Rolling Resistance Very Good Grip on Hard Pack Long Lasting Tires
Weaknesses:
*Does not Grip Very Well in Loose Conditions Such as Sand *Can Slip When Making a Hard Turn at High Speeds in Slick Conditions
*Not a Weakness per say Because Many Tires Have This Problem
Giant 2001 XTC NRS 3 with Avid Mechanical Disc Brakes, Shimano Deore LX Drive Train, and Rock Shox 2002 Psylo XC
Bottom Line:
This is the best tire for your money. It get's good grip and maintains low rolling resistance. I was able to get 1,200 miles of intermediate single track riding out of these tires before they started to develop cracks. Do not use these tires for agressive freeriding, downhill riding, or in slick sandy conditions. These tires are bread for XC riding. Do get them if you want a cheap well performing tire with low rolling resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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