Submitted by
windtower
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremont, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Awesome traction. Slow on Asphalt but it serves my purpose.
Similar Products Used:
MotoRaptor 2.14
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
Hope it can last longer than my previous one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rideskake
a Cross Country Rider
from Micigan, USA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Mt Holly
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Lots of traction in all conditions. I've been riding on these tires year round in dry, muddy, even snowy conditions and have had no problems. Once you get the pressure in the front set to your style these tires will not let you down. I just bought a 2010 Trek Top Fuel and replaced the Bontraggers that came on it with V-Raptors after the first ride. Awesome tire!
Weaknesses:
A little heavy but makes up for it in traction.
Similar Products Used:
Bontragers, Tiogas
Bike Setup:
Trek Top Fuel 9.8, Trek Y-33
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a great all-around tire at a good price than go with V-Raptors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graphyfotoz
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate NY USA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Any place I can roll
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Bikeisland.com
Strengths:
Superior traction on all trails....esp with roots. Grassy fields are no problem for these bad boys either. Very rugged tire as I have had em threw broken shale and thorn areas with no puncture problem. Never a problem with muddy spots along the way.
Weaknesses:
Like as mentioned in other reviews....slow and very resistant on blacktop. But it's a off road tire not a commuter.
Similar Products Used:
Various Kenda Tires
Bike Setup:
Bike: 2006 Voodoo Hoodoo 19"
Bar: Titec Enduro XC
Grips: Bontrager Big Earl Lock On's
Neck: Titec Lil-Al
Head Set: Ahead
Fork: RockShox Tora 318 Solo Air
Levs: Avid Speed Dial 5
Brakes: Promax 160mm (For now)
Speed: 3x9 SRAM X-7
Crank: Truvativ Firex crankset W/ GXP BB 175MM
Pedals: Odyessy Tripple Traps
Rims: Alex DP17's
Tires: WTB Velocoraptors
Saddle: Selle Royal Xsenium
Saddle Post: Titec Hellbent
Puter: Cateye Enduro 8 wired
Bottom Line:
These are a beast of a tire and will never let you down on the trail!!
I have put these threw just about every off road senerio and they never let me down.(Pun intended)
**I have not tried these in sand or snow**
Pretty sure these would work great in snowy conditions dunno about loose sand tho?
These are a classic trail tire and still are a fav among many. Even with all the new tread designs coming along.
These were on a set of ALEX DP17 Rims I got from Island Bikes($99 shipped was a super deal at the time!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Freewillie
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma Date Reviewed: August 29, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
Monster traction; very durable;
Weaknesses:
Very, very slow rolling; You can literally feel the drag when you stop pedaling. Other tires roll much better, but obviously there is a sacrifice for traction
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Fast Trak LK's; Specialized Captains
Bottom Line:
If you need absolute traction and rolling resistance and efficiency don't matter, and you don't need a bigger size then this is the tire for you. Many other tires roll faster and smoother, but traction is the trade-off. I ran these tires for about a year and never had any traction problems. However, I'm a lightweight (about 140 lbs) and like to run pressures really low at about 25 psi. That makes these tires feel like tank treads, but they stick to anything especially roots, rocks and loose stuff. I swapped to a combination of a 2.0 Specialized Fast Trak LK in the rear and a 2.2 Specialized Captain in the front, and this combination is so much better due to the much quicker rolling efficiency.
Bottom line - if you need max traction, this is your tire. However, there are better tires available for all-around riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tswarthog
a Weekend Warrior
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: July 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Amazing traction, I no longer slide in high speed cornoring. The treads are very fast if you have them set up at correct pressure for what you are doing. Climbing power is insane with these things.
Weaknesses:
Had a little trouble getting them on one of my bikes rims but my more expensive bike was a breeze.
Not a real weakness but make sure the rotation is right for XC or downhill.
If you put too much air in the tires you will pay dearly for your mistake in a cornor.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing similar as far as higher end tires
Bike Setup:
2005 Giant Trance 2
2004 Trek fuel-ex 70
Bottom Line:
An extreamly well built tire, great grip, great spead. I honestly find no problem with these tires. I am always looking to improve my biking and these tires have definitly done the trick.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
islanddog
a Cross Country Rider
from Mendham, NJ Date Reviewed: June 5, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Fantastic on hard/medium packed trails with small rocks and roots. Performs extremely well in the mud.
Weaknesses:
Not very good for climbing when rocks are a foot in diameter or larger. They really loose traction and slip.
Bike Setup:
2008 Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
Definitely a good purchase for the right conditions (see strengths/weaknesses above). The different tires for the front and back work very well. They are great in the mud and brake well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gbosbiker
a Cross Country Rider
from from mass Date Reviewed: April 7, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
great grip. nothing performs like it! front has aggressive tread that bites like no other. rear never slips. if it does, its only for a half second.
Weaknesses:
horrible for pavement. wears fast. but its a mtn bike tire. its not for road use.
Bike Setup:
why you care?
Bottom Line:
amazing tires for the price. wish they came in bigger sizes. i ride them at 60 psi and i get massive traction. if i rode them at 40 psi i would have TOO much grip. amazing tires. wont buy anything else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pioniere
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver Island, BC Date Reviewed: April 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Top Bridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Grips like nothing else! Corners beautifully, never slips in mud or sand. My confidence has really gone up and I can more freely attack the courses now. Climbs nicely too, the rear tire never spins out. Handles mud well (certainly better than the Bontrager I used to have on the front).
Weaknesses:
Noisy and slow on pavement, but riding on pavement isn't why you buy tires like this now, is it..
They seem vulnerable to thorns, but using a set of thicker anti-thorn tubes solved that problem.
Bike Setup:
I run these tires at about 35 psi, as per the other reviews here, and it makes a huge difference. They are not nearly as effective at higher psi.
Bottom Line:
Excellent all-round tire, and the price is right too. WTB has been making this tire for a while now, and it continues to be popular. Look at all of the positive reviews here. There is a reason for that!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
4LoRunner
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa, CA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bicycle Outf
Strengths:
GRIPS WELL. VERY DEEP LUGS. GREAT IN CORNERING. LOW ROLLING RESISTANT. VERY PREDICTABLE. OVER ALL LOOK
Weaknesses:
NONE
Bike Setup:
GIANT XTC
Bottom Line:
These tires grip like no other. These tires have outstanding performance. Front and rear work excellent together. The lug design is brilliant. I TOTALLY RECOMMEND THESE TIRES
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dorcrycrystal
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas,nv Date Reviewed: February 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
bootleg canyon trailsss
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
rei
Strengths:
grip, grip , grip, these will grip onto anything, cornering in loose dirt and just a nasty looking setup
Weaknesses:
a little heavy, and only comes in 2.1 , wish it had a 2.3
Similar Products Used:
panaracer a c/x, kenda kinetics, kenda nevegals, maxxis ridgeline, bontrager jones
Bike Setup:
cannondale rize 4,FOX Float RL, 140 mm,FOX Float RP2 rear shock, Hayes Stroker Ryde, 160/160 mm brakes,velociraptors
I put these tires on originally thinking you can't go wrong with the size of the knobbies and the aggressive look, but was washing the front end out all the time,the climbing was awesome, so i lost a lot of confidence in the setup of the front tire, than i decided to lower the psi down to around 26-32lbs in the front, and 32 in the rear, what a difference that made, these tires dig in like tractor belts, i have all the confidence in the world with these badboys, I weigh about 184 around 190 with full gear , but i would use these psi setups as a benchmark for people who are having washout problems , don't lose faith in these tires , they rock....b
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nick
a Cross Country Rider
from flagstaff, az Date Reviewed: December 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
thumper loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
sport chalet
Strengths:
great traction, tread life, relitvely low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
kinda heavy, can gunk up in gummy mud
Similar Products Used:
irc mythos xc, maxxis ignitor, maxxis crossmark, kenda blue groove
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse maverick xc, fox vanilla rear coil, rock shox j1 fork, truvativ/shimano drive train
Bottom Line:
this is a great tire if you need something grippy and tough. I ride 2-12 miles about every other day and have been for a year in flagstaff, az and the tires have been great. I still ride the rear tire in the back but have a slime SRT tubless 2.35 front freeride tire. I keep the front velociraptor as a spare. Overall great buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nza
a Cross Country Rider
from BC, Canada Date Reviewed: November 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OEM Bike
Strengths:
Good comprimise b/w road and trail.
Weaknesses:
rubber compound not thick enough, I've had to replace 2 tubes already after running trails. Could be because I ride over thorns though.
Bottom Line:
If it comes with your bike, keep it there, and ride it till the tread wears out, then buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wcglovers1
a Cross Country Rider
from Ridgecrest, Calif Date Reviewed: October 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on Bike
Strengths:
Predictible, climb's Great,fast rolling awesome traction
I really like these tires,and my front tire used to wash out, untill, I started running to around 25-28 PSI in the front, and 30-35 in the rear,and Iam about 175/180pounds,I switched the direction of the front tire,as well, becouse if you look at the front tire track,the way they the direction is supposed to be,its running in the wrong direction, in the dirt? Hum' jest something for you all, to ponder??
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mycisco
a Weekend Warrior
from Novato, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Annadel, Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Excellent grip, fast cornering, predictible, outstanding traction when climbing thanks to rear tread pattern, $35 for front and rear on Ebay!
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
IRC, Tioga
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
These tires are fast and stable on rocky and soft single track. They hold the line well through rock gardens and handle switch backs crazy fast when properly inflated. The rear tire will climb up the side of a building. It has tons of traction. I've never rode a better rear tire. I recommend inflating the front to no more than 35-40psi. When I had it inflated to 50psi, I washed out in a loose switch back on my second ride and did a killer stomach slide. I almost gave up on the tires, but decided to lower the psi to 40 and try again. It made a world of difference. Now my SC rips through the switch backs, and I haven't had any hint of a washout. I've read people complaining of washing out, but by my experience they probably overinflated the front. I don't think the outside tread makes solid contact at higher psi's. I only wish they made them a little wider (more for cosmetic effect), but I plan to buy them again when these are worn out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SRautio
a Weekend Warrior
from Duluth, MN, USA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Peidmont
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
www.pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Unbelievable Traction
Weaknesses:
weight? The pictures do not due them justice. The lugs are HUGE!
I waited untill I ran these tires for a year before expressing my opinions. When I first bought them I was suprised at how aggresive the tread pattern was and had reservations about lugging around these big heavy tires. However after experiencing the incredible traction I was hooked. After a year of rolling around on these I am very happy with them and for the average mountain biker the weight is not a big issue (Hey put down the big mac.... step away... ) I am not sure why people keep picking on the front tire... it rocks. Over the past year I have ridden these tires on every type of terrain. Road, trail, singletrack, cross country ski trail, paved trail and downhill course.
If you are riding trails bottom line: Buy them you will love it!
If you are riding roads and improved trails, do not buy a trail tire and complain about its "road" performance. Period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
silkybeaver
a Weekend Warrior
from Cato, WI Date Reviewed: September 19, 2008
6500 Trek frame. Mavic EX729 rims. WTB Velociraptor, on the rear 2.24 Moto Raptor on the front. Avid BB7 disk brakes. RaceFace Evolve DH crankset. Easton Monkey bar handlebar, and easton stem. Thomson Elite Seatpost.
Bottom Line:
This is a review for only the rear Velociraptor tire. This tire hooks up with anything you ride on. The only time I spin with this tire is when I do a little mud run while I climbing a hill. But when they slip its not a complete spin out, they slip a little then gain the raction right back. I will definately continue wrapping my rear rim with the Velociraptor. This is the best value you will get on a MTB tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kavevey
a Cross Country Rider
from Vevey Date Reviewed: September 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
locals
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came on the bike
Strengths:
Durability, price, versatility, mud, all condition.
Weaknesses:
Wet asphalt. As they can stay look like new you are not sure about their ability performance.
Great Choice but from some reason i feel 'parveh' with them. Its like they are doing great job but nothing excited. I believe they can perform great on a XC light bike. I will recommend it as they do the job. I have ordered new pair to try with my Seven softtail Terese as my Armadilo are still new but 3 years old.
I rank them 4 as they don't give excitements. If possible to have them for $50 pair then they are the best value for money.
The new ones i have for $50 pair by JensonUSA.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
XCkiller
a Weekend Warrior
from north royalton ohio Date Reviewed: September 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
west branch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
rear tire excells in climbing, and tricky terrain, it does great when it comes to getting traction in rock gardens covered with moss
Weaknesses:
front tire washes out quite easily
Similar Products Used:
kenda klaw
Bike Setup:
Ibex ignition super w/ manitou relic fork
Bottom Line:
best rear tire around without a doubt imo, the front tire isn't horrible, it just seems to wash out more than i would like I rate the back tire a 5 and the front a 3
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NA1NSXR
a Cross Country Rider
from Tustin, CA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
True all-round performer, predictable, no glaring weaknesses, comes F/R/3 bead choices
Weaknesses:
Is rarely "perfect" for a certain climate, slightly heavy compared to modern 2.1 selection, only comes in 2.1?
Similar Products Used:
Other WTB, Continentals
Bottom Line:
Since these tires come as OEM equipment on many new bikes people tend to avoid them erraneously thinking theyre not a valid choice for serious MTBers. However, over the last 10 years I have found that these tires work well in more conditions for more people than anything else on the market by far. This tire has no weaknesses - it is at least acceptable in any situation. The only drawback to this is that since people rarely change the climate/area they ride in, people may opt for a more specialized tire that fits their area better. You really cannot go wrong with these tires though. Another plus is that these tires seem to lose traction gradually instead of suddenly. It took awhile to admit it to myself, but swiotching to a more agressive and higher rated tire by the magazines left me with a noticably worse performing tire.
I have been lured away by the promises made by other tires for a couple sets now. My next set will probably be the top of the line Velociraptors though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AndysTrek
a Cross Country Rider
from E-Town, Ky Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Otter Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
BlueSkyCycling
Strengths:
AMAZING traction. Very smooth transitions, great rolling speed. The front tire does a great job of providing stability and following the line before it. No wash outs! whoohoo!
Weaknesses:
Found them to be a little bouncy, took the psi through the entire range. Not sure if this could be due to being so new, but regardless, it performed excellent.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones, WTB Weirwolfs
Bike Setup:
Trek 4500, some stuff on it.
Bottom Line:
Awesome ride. Completely transformsany bike you put them on. The front tire is great at tracking around corners, and does its job no how matter how much English you throw into the bike. The back tire really gives you confidence, whether you've ridden that portion of the trail or not. Single problem i had was on a few damp roots, the back tire spun to the side. More due to gear selection I'm thinking, and it was only for a split second. Other than that one time, the dang thing would hook up and track all the way to the top. Definately dug going down the hills on packed dirt. Never had a slip in it. A little bit more effort required than the ole Bontragers, but they were garbage. Rather give a little more oomph in return for a bucketload of stability. Not quite the mountain tire the Weirwolf was, but that's not what this tire was built for. Still gives it a hell of a run for its money....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bluryvison
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg, VA, Date Reviewed: June 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Brush Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Dicks Sporting Goods
Strengths:
Excellent grip, very durable, proven design
Weaknesses:
Can't take them on the road
Similar Products Used:
WTB MotoRaptors
Bottom Line:
These are great tires for cross-country or downhill riding. I have used them in all sorts of trail conditions and they handle great. They are really good when it is wet because they clear mud so easily so you are not riding with an extra 5 pounds of earth in the tread. I would recommend these to anyone who needs a good all around off-road tire and never plans to use them on pavement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Van Nuys, CA Date Reviewed: May 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Back tire grips like nothing else I've ridden. Front tire keeps my face out of the dirt. I will ride nothing else on the back wheel until they are unavailable. I have ridden other front tires that work as well as this one but for aesthetics I ride WTB Velociraptor front and rear
Weaknesses:
Not for road use. I ride 3 miles of road to get to my trails and these are loud and slow on the road (and they wear out a lot quicker).
Bike Setup:
07 SJ FSR Elite
Bottom Line:
This tire if for you if you need to grip the trail on the long slick climb. This tire is not for you if you ride 5 miles of concrete to get onto two miles of dry packed dirt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KiwiJames
a Racer
from Lafayette,CA Date Reviewed: April 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Flume w/back country loop
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Bluesky
Strengths:
The rear Velociraptor has been my main tire for over 8 yrs...the dual direction tread design for mud/dry is great. The rear sheds clay/mud well. A good climbing tire. Front...see below...
Weaknesses:
Rear is the best. Front...can wash out more than other front tires (especially in mud), doesn't hold well on side sloping trails or rutted single tracks. On a good hit, the front tire will compress severely and stay's funky until you give it more rebound in the shock.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer XC Fire...and numerous years of WTBs
Bike Setup:
GF Sugar 1, Juicy, XT, X717, RS SID Race on both ends.
Bottom Line:
I will continue to ride the rear design until they don't make it. The front has more competent competition.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Chesterfield, VA Date Reviewed: March 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Buttermilk trail, Pocahontas State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Pedals, Chains, and Things
Strengths:
Great bite while cornering, kills deep mud, and the pinch flat resistance is AMAZING. I've bent rims, hit tough rocks, and did some hard drops with these treads on, but no matter what I did, I could NOT get a pinch flat with these on 'em!
Weaknesses:
I'm not even gonna say rolling resistance. It's a given with any MTB tire. I'd say the only weakness is... if you're absolutely, desperately trying to get a pinch flat with these, I doubt you will.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2007 Gary Fisher KaiTai with upgraded manitou rockshox front fork-100mm travel, clipless pedals, climbing bars.
Bottom Line:
These tires are amazing for dirt riding. the traction is exceptional, and at best, you can climb steep, dirty grades with as much grace as a salsa dancer, without losing any traction. Hard cornering almost becomes a natural ability, even for the beginner, and these tires have the durability of an M1A1 tank.
If you're looking to ride XC, beginner dirt jumper, or just looking for a great tire for the price... Get these!
Just make sure you get them with the kevlar wall... then you'll literally be ten feet tall and bulletproof!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C. P.
a Weekend Warrior
from SF Bay Area Date Reviewed: February 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Water Dog
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Tough as hell. Great grip. Hundreds of good reviews here!
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance.
Similar Products Used:
Too may to list
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC.
Bottom Line:
I started using these tires when trails started to get wet every weekend, and my Panaracer FireXcPro's started to clog up. These tires are great off-road tires. Though as hell, grip great, and they clear sticky, thick mud sufficiently for me to use as a winter tire. Downside, rolling resistance is high, obviously. Loud on the road, where the rolling resistance is even higher. But come on! You don't buy tires like this if you plan to ride on pavement very often. Not the cheapest tires out there, but not even close to the most expensive. Great price for what you get. TRY'EM!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Sweum
a Racer
from Sioux city,Iowa Date Reviewed: January 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stone Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Climbing grip is amazing, front corners well. No flats yet! Price is awesome
Weaknesses:
Weight about 700 grams a piece-but hey you cant have performance like this and have ultrlow weight at the same time.Not made to be on pavement-some reviewers dont understand that concept.RIDE THEM ON TRAILS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Irc,continental
Bike Setup:
F600 cannondale with all the goodies
Bottom Line:
I wanted to do a follow up review on these tires because I think they are that good.These tires I have raced with many times including two 24 hour solo races and Im telling you these things inspire confidence like nothing else.Climbing is freakin incredible and they just wont wash out.While other racers are walking hills I am riding them.Many of my friends that ride with me have converted over to them and wish they had sooner.The performance of these tires far outweigh the weight of these tires.You might be slower on the asphalt but once you hit trail you will easily hammer past the person who got to the trail head first.THESE TIRES KICK ASS!! BUY THEM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a
from Hburg IL USA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Yours
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Bottom Line:
Once I made a mistake and sold a bike with my rear velocapator. I still had a front one of these on my bike for years and found that recently the wire bead had broke so I bought a front and rear set and took off the Ritchey I was using in the back. The difference was noticiable immediatly.
Its no suprise that most of the riders around here may have switched to bigger front tires but kept their Veloca rear tires, nothing works better in the rocks, mud, roots, sand that is the shawnee national forest. Both front and rear have great grip. The tire is cheap and lasts, what more could you want.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Mooresville, NC Date Reviewed: October 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
blueskycycling.com
Strengths:
GRIP! Tough, great control. I dont believe there is a better tire for the price out there. BUY THEM!
Weaknesses:
A bit slower rolling than the Kendas I used before but that is more than out weighed by the grip and enhanced control these tires provide. I did have a thorn punch through between the nobbs on the rear tire that became a flat the next day. Not much chance of that happening often. Just changed my tube before I went out and it was all good.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Claw, Bontrager Jones-ac
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic price on a fantastic tire. They have saved my tail on several occasions. Im not a racer but my lap times have improved greatly since puting these tires on because, dispite abit slower rolling speed, the grip of these tires pulls you through the turns faster= higher gears= less speed shed= faster times. I am 230lbs so I need tough components and I havent had a pinch flat yet with these. Most people's weaknesses for this product have to do with pavement. Just stick to the trails and your money. Great XC tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield, VA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Pricepoint, Nashbar
Strengths:
Tough, beefy design is good for huge variety of terrain
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Wildgrippers, steel belted VelociRaptor
Bike Setup:
hardtail
Bottom Line:
Arguably one of the most important parts of any mountain bike is its tires since they touch the ground (until you fall, but that's a different story), yet they seem to get overall less attention than the newest, coolest space age parts always coming to the market. You need good tires, it's that simple. Semi slicks are probably better for dry pavement, and they are at least a couple models with slightly better mud performance, but nothing has the all around/go anywhere reliability of these classics. A little heavy, and pretty loud on pavement, but, remember, they are mountain bike tires. Get a pair of folding VelociRaptors and go for a ride, you'll see!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Roberts
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor, VT, USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Wet Ridge Run
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Tom Mowatts
Strengths:
Awesome grip and rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Back tire wore out after 1500 miles or so. I'd hardly call it a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Armadillo knobbys & Enduros
Bottom Line:
These are an amazing tireset. They give you control and grip with a moderately low rolling resistance. I used them on loose gravel, dirt, road. They don't handle the best in mud unless you reverse the rear tire's tread. Now I need to find myself a new pair
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from RI Date Reviewed: October 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Big River
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Knob design and placement
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Klaw XT, IRC Mythos XC
Bike Setup:
6061 & 7005 Al Hardtails 80-100 mm travel
Bottom Line:
I have always run front and rear specific tires to handle the rocky, rooty NE trails. I also do some shoreline riding and find they handle all but the loosest sand. I ride year round and find they cut through and quickly shed the mud, slush and snow. I was running Kendas but they were not available in a 26" size when replacement time came so I switched to the IRCs (blackwall aramids). When it came time for rear replacements the blackwalls were out of stock so I bought rustwalls. Within a few weeks, I had sidewall blowouts on six tires. I then bought the WTBs; the most important difference I found was the rear center knobs were offset which gives increased bite -especially in the corners- resulting in better braking and acceleration. Also, the slighly longer knobs on the front result in better steering traction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manda guevos
a Cross Country Rider
from Madrid - Spain Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Guadarrama
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Fizzbikes
Strengths:
Buen aspecto y letras de colores. Hasta ahora no he pinchado. Lo mejor de la delantera es que hace buena cualquier otra cubierta que montes después.
Weaknesses:
My worst front tyre ever ! Dangerous plastic-rubber compound. La peor rueda delantera que he usado nunca. Compuesto de plástico y dibujo inadecuado, pierde de golpe la adherencia (conducción brusca e incómoda) y no la recupera, muy peligrosa.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Tioga, IRC, Hutchinson... son muchos años ya.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher doble
Bottom Line:
La trasera tiene buena adherencia para subir, pero lastra mucho en llano y el agarre lateral es sólo pasable. La delantera va mal en todos los terrenos salvo en caminos ligeramente húmedos. En grava y terreno suelto es letal porque bota y pierde adherencia lateral de golpe, en carretera y camino lastra mucho y es imprecisa, en piedra ó raices se va sin avisar, y en pistas rápidas es una garantía de darte un buen golpe. En bajada ó frenas mucho antes de llegar a cualquier curva cerrada, o frenas en la curva con los dientes...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
VooDooGuy
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, AZ Date Reviewed: September 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
that a way
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky Cycles
Strengths:
Great on turns, climbs and DH. Manages the sand very well.
Weaknesses:
none. wish it came in a 2.25 or 2.3 for the front
Similar Products Used:
Cross Country and Pirhana
Bike Setup:
BIzango, XT
Bottom Line:
Great tire. Huge difference noticeable from just one ride. Grabs the turns very well, ride with more confidence. Like the idea the rear can be turned for DH and mud if you have the need
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JD Baldwin
a Cross Country Rider
from Kalamazoo, MI, USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Potowatomi, Pinckney, MI
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Breakaway Bicycles, Kzoo, MI
Strengths:
Great cornering in most conditions, outstanding braking in ALL conditions
Weaknesses:
High rolling resistance on hardpack and roads
Similar Products Used:
Stock MTB tires, Specialized Crossroads EX
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel EX 9.8
Bottom Line:
Bought these on a friend's recommendation, and they were great. I only replaced them with Crossroads EX for trips to Moab, but I rode the Velociraptors in Moab, too, and they were quite good in all conditions there. Outstanding tire for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JD Baldwin
a Cross Country Rider
from Kalamazoo, MI, USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Potowatomi, Pinckney, MI
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Breakaway Bicycles, Kzoo, MI
Strengths:
Great cornering in most conditions, outstanding braking in ALL conditions
Weaknesses:
High rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
Stock MTB tires, Specialized Crossroads EX
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel EX 9.8
Bottom Line:
Bought these on a friend's recommendation, and they were great. I only replaced them with Crossroads EX for trips to Moab, but I rode the Velociraptors in Moab, too, and they were quite good in all conditions there. Outstanding tire for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Clegg
a Weekend Warrior
from Sedgefield Date Reviewed: August 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Fishburn Coilery Old Train line
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Christmas present with bike
Strengths:
Excellent The rear tire really Grips on Rough Muddy Hills but some times have to be carefull Not to Apply much pedal Power on some slopes to avoid Wheel Spin
Weaknesses:
can get A little bit slippy in the rain
Bottom Line:
Excellent for race on tarmac. last For ages Would recomend these to any body who Likes go off road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose
a Weekend Warrior
from Buena Park, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Xmas Gift
Strengths:
This is the best mtb tire I have ever used. I am currently on my second pair. I have been using velociraptors on my bike for 7yrs!!! If I were to buy a new bike I think I would swap the new tires for my raptors!!!! Yes, I think they're that good.
Weaknesses:
none. As mentioned by other riders; not a road tire. I avoid riding on asphalt as much as possible.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis
Bike Setup:
1998 model GT Outpost "hardtail", upgraded with Marzzocci Bombers. V-brakes, Shimano rapid shifters and Acera-X front & rear derailleurs.
Bottom Line:
400 odd-some positive reviews cannot be wrong!!!! Go out and buy these tires!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Clovis, Cali, U.S Date Reviewed: July 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Shaver
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
anywhere
Strengths:
Amazing grip in dry loss dirt as well as hard packed dirt. great turning grip in any terrain especially at high speeds. unrivailed climbing ability in loose terrain and on hard boulders. stopping power is awesome
Weaknesses:
Rear tires wears fast due to its paddle design.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Moto Raptors
Bike Setup:
K2 Proflex 450-Full Noleen Suspension, Shimano Carbon gear set up,
Bottom Line:
These tires tear through any terrain and stop on a dime adn in downhill that can save u more than onces. the rear wears quickly but they are worth it for the grip and speed. they really are veloci-raptors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J dubside
a Cross Country Rider
from SD Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
downieville
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
peroformance bikes
Strengths:
Holds any turn especially when late braking into turns.
Buy this tire, great deals out there, if going to upgrade to tubeless (and you should) good luck finding as reliable a tire as the velociraptor. only 4 overall for no tubeless option.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cobus Botes
a Downhiller
from Sweden Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
-
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
-
Strengths:
Great grip ; The stoping grip on the front is great
Weaknesses:
Not so good on road but it is MTB TIRE!!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
I upgraded my front shock but that is all
Bottom Line:
This is a great tire for if you just ride wekends or even if you are a bit more serius
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Davis, CA Date Reviewed: June 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Rock Garden
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
From a friend
Strengths:
Grip, Grip, Grip! Pretty light too.
Weaknesses:
The rear had noticable chunking after the first ride.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit, Marzocchi Monster T, Fox Vanilla RC
Bottom Line:
Awesome grip! But the rear is wearing out really fast. The terrain is: loose over hardpack, very rocky, lots of hills. After two rides on this terrain, the rear tire is really chunked. But, the grip is phenominal.
It comes down to what you value: Excellent grip vs. replacing the rear tire often.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank Clayworth
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, Texas Date Reviewed: May 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Flat Rock Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
Britton's Bicycles
Strengths:
Front and rear specific tread, DNA rubber compound grips like crazy--on just about any type of surface including dirt, mud, rock. Have not had a problem with flats. all around excellent choice!
Weaknesses:
I wouldn't recommend trying to ride with these on a sandy beach because they will tend to dig--but it would make for a good workout if you are able to maintain adequite hydration! Not particularly sweet for use on the street--you can expect them to hummmmmmmm & expect accelerated wear.
Similar Products Used:
Nokian & some other cheap "chinese" rubber
Bike Setup:
2006 Kona King Kikapu, Marzocchi, WTB, Easton, Thomson, Syntace, Shimano XT, Sun, etc.
Bottom Line:
This is a great freakin' tire that performs well, grips like crazy, usable on most surfaces. I'm extremely happy with this set of skins. I've used em for over a year and still have bookoos of rubber left. Another plus is that they also look great--like their always ready to throw rooster tails in the dirt, or anywhere for that matter. One final point----BUY EM----You will like them!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Sweum
a Racer
from Sioux city,Iowa Date Reviewed: April 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Stone Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Width for a 2.1,handling,aggresive tread,front and rear specific,not to heavy for the knobbie size.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
IRC Xerac2.0,continental leader pro
Bike Setup:
F600 cannondale
Bottom Line:
I just raced these tires on very tight gently rolling singletrack and they never washed out once.These tires give you the feeling that you can ride anything.They get going faster than I thought they would and have excellent braking charecteristics.Got these tires for 30.00 on ebay and couldn't be more happy.When they wear out im going back for more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian
a Cross Country Rider
from syracuse n.y u.s.a Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
bear swamp syracuse ny
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2500.00
Purchased At:
dicks sporting goods
Strengths:
treadwear..grip..agressive looks...spit out mud like a banshee!!
Weaknesses:
none at all!!!!
Similar Products Used:
irc mythos xc
Bike Setup:
06 ironhorse maverick f/s...
Bottom Line:
ill put it this way i do alot of singletrack riding and some very technical tight trails and when i say these things hook they hook!! great on climbs and on decends...grip like a raped ape!!....i run about 45 48 psi which to some is a bit much but still they are a great tire for the price cant go wrong i went and bought another set just for the hell of it...im upgrading to a gt i drive 5 3.o and defintely puttin a set on that bike...love the tire go out and buy a pair!! your never gonna wanna leave the trail!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Howell
a
from Spokane, WA, USA Date Reviewed: March 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Clawhammer
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Great for Eastern riding. (NC, TN, VA).
Weaknesses:
Extremely poor tread life on street.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos and Notos, Panaracer Fire XC.
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche, XT everything
Bottom Line:
These are great tires if you ride in the east where the conditions are softer. After moving out west, Idaho/Washington, I had to buy a different set of tires. I found they performed only moderately on the dry loose terrain found here. Maybe because I weigh only 145. A heavier rider might get the knobs to stick a little better?
I have owned two pair of these tires. The first were replaced after 3 years, the second after another 4. However, I rode them on trail only. Well that's a lie. I rode them on the street for a month and noticed considerable wear, so I bought street tires. If you stick to the trail then these should last for quite a while. I am giving them 4 chilis, for the moderate performance in the drier climate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse
a Downhiller
from Mansfield, Pa Date Reviewed: March 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Awesome for lose stuff, stiff but not too stiff. Love the directional options for dh/fr and xc.
Weaknesses:
Mod. ware speed, a lill loud on hard surface, not for urban. Front tire beed blew out fast, dont get steel beed.
Bottom Line:
Good for what they are made for, Get the rear if you can leave the front behind.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: February 10, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Stock on 1996 GT Ricochet - D'Ornellas Bike Shop
Strengths:
Specific tread for front and rear, Do very well on surfaces from hardpack to deep loose dirt + sand.
Weaknesses:
Rear paddle treads are far apart resulting in flats from broken glasses bottles in the gaps. Loud whistle sound when on asphalt or cement. Rear tire wears quickly with a clydesdale rider.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized (Ground Control ?) 2.1", Ritchey Z-Max 2.1", Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1", Bontrager Jones AC 2.0"
Bike Setup:
1996 GT Ricochet
Bottom Line:
The tire does what it's designed for very well. When used for city riding it predictably wears faster and makes a loud whistling sound. After 2 flats in 1yr of broken glass cuts between the paddle treads, the rear was replaced with a Ritchey Z-Max Classic (1997). Bottom Line: As long as you use them in the dry and off-road then there a 5/5. If you use them on asphalt and cement and little off-roading there a 3/5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh PA Date Reviewed: December 24, 2006
This tire showed me that you can love a tire on one bike and then get mediocre performance on another. I ride Eastern loose topsoil with lots and lots of hills. I've found the Velociraptor the absolute best for rear wheel control on downhills on my hardtail. I have gone through several pairs of the Kevlar sidewall version. When I got my full suspension 2004 Stumpjumper FSR I liked the Roll X Pro tires that came on them, but was eager to switch to the Velociraptors when they wore out. Unfortunately I just don't see the same performance on the FSR. On it they seem heavy and I seem to be missing some grip. I also did some racing this year in continous mud and had some problems with the Velociraptors getting encased in mud and then losing downhill control. Bottom line is I love them on the hardtail and I'm going to replace them on the FSR.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: November 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Rear tire clibs well. Durable so far. Sheds mud well.
Weaknesses:
Front tire is sketchy on gravel and other loose stuff. It does not feel secure on burms and such
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
Scalpel 3k - 05
Bottom Line:
I would looks for other tires. These are good on mud, but on dry loose surfaces the front tires washes out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
-Predictable at the limit -Tears right through loose gravel -Aggressive looks -Wide for 2.1" tire
Weaknesses:
-Moderately noisy -Not the best for on-road riding
Similar Products Used:
WTB MotoRaptor Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
2006 Iron Horse Maverick Team (mostly stock)
Bottom Line:
The Velociraptors are very stable predictable tires. I'm still somewhat of a novice so I wanted a tire that would handle predictably and be reliable. I ride mostly on loose rock and gravel out here in Arizona, so I needed something that can bite through the rock on uphill climbs but still roll easily across the smoother sections. After trying a few other tires I settled for the WTB Velociraptor. I found it to be a great choice. The front tire grips very well in loose conditions, and doesn't surprise you at all. It's easy to tell when they're nearing the limit, and should you go past, the tire doesn't immediately slip out from under you -- it's gradual. I can turn on deep gravel now, something the Panaracer Fire XC Pro couldn't do. The rear tire can be installed in two different ways depending on your terrain. I found that it rarely slipped when going up rocky inclines. Again, the Fire XC Pros slipped a lot more. Buy the Velociraptor if you need a strong tire that has no problem keeping you moving on loose terrain -- it glides right over rocks, gravel, mud, and even loose tree branches and logs. The Velociraptor is all about stability and predictability. Great tires! (I suggest running about 38-40psi front and rear for optimal traction)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Noah
a Cross Country Rider
from new york Date Reviewed: October 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the mud flats
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
kingsburys
Strengths:
amazing cornering, front holds the line well.rear climbs like a bat outta hell and it never breaks loose. great mud shedding ability and the rolling resistance isnt too bad
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2004 mountainsmith(dicks special) deore rear alivio front rock shox judy tt's
Bottom Line:
these tires saved my ass twice this week already, the trails were the muddiest i have ever seen them and time after time they prove themselves whether it was 6 inches of mud or 8 inches of water they cleared themselves of debris really well which is nice cuz my old tires ended up like slicks everytime i hit some thick mud cuz it would pack in there and not come out. so if u have the money these tires are definatley worth it if you ride through muddy conditions and xc
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Larkspur, CA. USA Date Reviewed: September 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
solstice
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Good traction at speed, rear tire climbs in loose stuff well, front chooses a good line, both corner well for the width
Weaknesses:
nooooone
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Kenda, WTB timber
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSRxc, XT/XTR, vanilla shock, manitou vert fork
Bottom Line:
These are great all around cross country tires. I was tired of loosing traction on the downs for minor weight saving with cross country tires, and these definitely saved me. Other reviewers that complained about losing traction in corners need to learn how to corner, and stop blaming it on the tires. These things are awesome, cross country/trail rides, get them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from burbank, cali Date Reviewed: August 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
technical single track and downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
what is this the thousandth review?
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Hutch. Airlight
Bike Setup:
Trance with litle bit and pieces added
Bottom Line:
Use it and you would not regret it!!! Price is cheap and the grip is amazing! No wonder there's a lot of reviews on these tires. I didn't expect these tires to be THAT good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tucky
a Weekend Warrior
from Hermosillo, Son. México Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any with hills on it.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
Climbs like a goath, Front holds it's line effortsly, they offer them me as "THE tire" and they wasn't all that wrong.
I started with this tires, 2 years ago, still rolling. I don't even pick up the line everybody use, I can pick my own line and these tires put me through, they climb like nobody's business and the front one turns great I don't get as many flats as my friends, I don't know if the tires have something to do, or I'm just lucky. the time is near to change my tires, and I'm whishing they made a UST version, I'm kind of hooked on going tubeless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from New Orleans Area Date Reviewed: July 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Backbone (Loveland,CO)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar.com
Strengths:
Climbing. Durable. Reasonable price. Price paid is for each tire.
Weaknesses:
Weight. Questionable cornering.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Roll-X Pro.
Bike Setup:
'04 Specialized Epic. Mavic Crossland wheels.
Bottom Line:
Don't mean to confuse but I'm unsure how to grade the Velociraptors. On my second pair b/c of purchasing both pair at the same time.I have a lot of confidence in the climbing characteristics. I wouldn't say they wear fast b/c I race and ride aggressively. Once the first pair wore out though it wasn't pretty. A mud race was a nightmare and cornering about got me killed. Anyway, my fault for not changing them sooner. This is my third race on the new pair. A moderate speed on a gravel turn brought me to the ground but not slipping out on some tough climbs made things all better. A bit heavy I think. Rolling resistance is a bit of a factor as well. Give 'em a shot if you have the time and money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Rochester, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
cobb's hill
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
bike zone
Strengths:
REAR TIRE-----amazing grip, you could climb a cliff with this thing;works even when wet, and goes as fast in mud as it does on pavement
Weaknesses:
loses grip occasionally on wet, smooth road, but other than that its fine
Similar Products Used:
ICR MythosXC rear
Bike Setup:
IronHorse Warrior Comp, WTB velociraptor 2.1 rear, Kenda K-RAD 2.3 front, Rock Shox J1 fork, Hayes IH2 disc brakes, TruVativ X-Flow crank, Shimano Acera 24- Speed rapid fire shifters
Bottom Line:
i've climbed a wet, grassy hill with an 11% grade on this thing and it hasnt slipped at all. i have the K-rad in the front for landing jumps and such, and for control, and in the back, i might as well have a tank tread
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nevin Rallis
a Cross Country Rider
from Windham, Maine, USA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bradbury Mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$14.95
Purchased At:
nashbar.com
Strengths:
great in the mud or in the dry sands. not too slow on hardpack either
Weaknesses:
hard to understand if your supposed to use the tire for mud in xc on downhill because of arrows on sidewall
Similar Products Used:
maxxis mobsters
Bike Setup:
Leader 626S XT cranks and rear deraileur manitou minute 3
Bottom Line:
I have had no problems exept I did a race yesterday in heavy mud and must have put the tire on backwards even though it said mud with the arrow. The back wouldn't hold on anything.
Make sure you put the tire on the xc direction for xc racing!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Redding, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Sports LTD
Strengths:
Traction! Both rear and front are perfect for the technical trails in the wiskeytown area. Price: I can buy a set of the wire-beads for the price of a competitor's comparable single tire
Weaknesses:
A wee bit heavy A bit more rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
too many to list
Bottom Line:
If you're spinning the rear tire on steep, loose climbs or are having the front tire wash out on higher speed loose decents, give these tires a shot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Frederick, MD Date Reviewed: April 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Grip! Very cool tread design and wear, rear grabs up the hills and brakes well, front sticks in the corners. The 2.1s are a good volume and width.
Weaknesses:
My rear was sized funny-- it was absolute hell getting it on and off the rim.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory XC, Panaracer Trailblaster, Geax.
Bike Setup:
i-drive full susp.
Bottom Line:
Great all-around XC tires! I'd buy 'em again if I wasn't auditioning other tires. They grip and handle really well. Maybe had 2 or 3 flats in 2 years of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike B
a Weekend Warrior
from Chimney Rock Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Chimney Rock!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Awesome grip..never slip out...great for climbs, digs right in...right into rock gardens with ease...no treads rip off...my rear tire hasn't worn like other people have mentioned...why would it in mud anyway? why are some of you riding your MTB on the road??
Weaknesses:
sucks on road bad of course...but who cares
Similar Products Used:
panaracer
Bike Setup:
motobecane 600ds FS
Bottom Line:
Awesome, cheaper..never had a tire perform like this
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jhomper
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: March 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dakota Ridge/MW
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Grips in all dry terrain. Okay on snow and stable on mud, though I have been too lazy to flip the tread around for mud, so they may even do better. Consistent and predictable. Price is good.
Weaknesses:
May spin on loose dry if climbing on a tilt. Not a light racing tread but makes my ride fun.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis, Tioga, WTB
Bike Setup:
Giant VT2 2004, stock with some upgrades.
Bottom Line:
I have tried different treads on hardtails and full suspensions. I ride lots of dry rocky and loose hardpack with occasional snow and mud when I can't seem to wait for conditions to improve. My riding style is xc and all- mountain. I run the DNA version on fr/rr but have used the kevlars in the past. Every time I go back to the V-raptors, they just inspire so much more confidence. They corner so well and climb much better then other tires. The are forgiving when I don't pick the best line at times since they rarely slip when I am sure they would. Tread wear is okay.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary D
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, CO, USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Hall Ranch, Boulder County
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Wheat Ridge Cyclery, Wheat Ridge, CO
Strengths:
Good lateral grip both in turns and off-camber, low rolling resistance, seem to be tough, especially since side knobbies seem to protect sidewalls. Seems to be good on slick-rock type terrain. Predictable steering in all conditions I've encountered. Good stopping power on steep downhills. Rolls easy and fairly quiet on pavement. It's ususually dry here, so no experience in mud.
Weaknesses:
I didn't think it would make a good rear tire for where I ride which has lots of gravel over hardpack, so I use a different rear tire.
Similar Products Used:
Club Roost Cross Terra, Specialized Hard Rock R, WTB Wierewolf, Continental Explorer.
Bike Setup:
Velociraptor 2.1 Front, Specialized Hard Rock R Rear, Both run at minimum rated pressure on trails, used at fairly high pressure on pavement. This tire combination appears to be very stable, predictable, gives me the grip I need
Bottom Line:
Excellent tire. I feel I made a good choice
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Weekend Warrior
from Churchill, Australia Date Reviewed: January 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Front - Amazing cornering grip in all conditions except for loose rocks, can be slightly unsettled, but still predictable and safe. Rear - Great climbing grip, it just bites down and gets going! Even in mud!
Top value and reliable tyre, offering safe and predictable handling, for me, nearly on par with the Hutchinson Alligator Gold. If you see them in Australia grab, because WTB aren't distributing here anymore, otherwise try eBay. An awsome XC tyre, go get them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
parker
a Cross Country Rider
from ft.myers florida united states Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
okachobe national park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
bike route
Strengths:
Grippy cool looking
Weaknesses:
soft compound wears quickly
Similar Products Used:
walmart tires
Bike Setup:
gary fisher joshua f2
Bottom Line:
whats that mean?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
parker
a Cross Country Rider
from ft.myers florida united states Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
okachobe national park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
bike route
Strengths:
Grippy cool looking
Weaknesses:
soft compound wears quickly
Similar Products Used:
walmart tires
Bike Setup:
gary fisher joshua f2
Bottom Line:
whats that mean?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
parker
a Cross Country Rider
from ft.myers florida united states Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
okachobe national park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
bike route
Strengths:
Grippy cool looking
Weaknesses:
soft compound wears quickly
Similar Products Used:
walmart tires
Bike Setup:
gary fisher joshua f2
Bottom Line:
whats that mean?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Choong WS
a Downhiller
from M'sia Date Reviewed: August 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bukit Kiara
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
KSH
Strengths:
Good traction .giv lot of control ..gripping while uphilling .nice in wet 2 ...
Weaknesses:
abit too heavy ..but i dont care ..atlist it is grip then ok d .
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire Xc .Tioga
Bike Setup:
JBC bike ..full Xt drivetrain.n alot more .
Bottom Line:
good for hardcore cyclist .very grip ..but not really last long .but it is cheap ..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derald Sherman
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: July 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Shuinah mines
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
cycle path
Strengths:
Traction....lots of traction!
Weaknesses:
Wears too quickly
Bottom Line:
Get for hammering up hills and braking down. My rear tire is bald, so I need to replace it. I'm going to try something else.......but I don't think I will find a tire like this.
"THE TIRE ROCKS"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zachary
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: July 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$33.00
Purchased At:
PP
Strengths:
Carcass Seals very well with my Stan's Kit. Front tire grips tenaciously in corners.
Weaknesses:
Rear tire doesn't like to be off-camber. This always causes a spin, especially in the dry dusty west.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones AC-CRAP!, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, IRC Mythos XC
Bike Setup:
Gunnar Hardtail
Bottom Line:
I think they make me a better rider climbing wise. I have to pick the best line or pay the price. The rear seems to be wearing quickly. For the price I can't gripe too much!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zachary
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: July 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$33.00
Purchased At:
PP
Strengths:
Carcass Seals very well with my Stan's Kit. Front tire grips tenaciously in corners.
Weaknesses:
Rear tire doesn't like to be off-camber. This always causes a spin, especially in the dry dusty west.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones AC-CRAP!, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, IRC Mythos XC
Bike Setup:
Gunnar Hardtail
Bottom Line:
I think they make me a better rider climbing wise. I have to pick the best line or pay the price. The rear seems to be wearing quickly. For the price I can't gripe too much!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rude Dog
a
from Kutztown, PA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All of 'em in the Lehigh Valley
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
T-town Velodrome Flea Market
Strengths:
Great traction for Northeast riding.
Weaknesses:
Pretty soft compound so they wear out somewhat quickly. Relatively high rolling resistance.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager AX, Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
'04 Giant VT3 with some drivetrain upgrades to LX and Sram 9.0, Wheelset upgraded to Mavic 223's w/ XT hubs.
Bottom Line:
My first set of V-raptors came on my GF Tassajara hardtail. I was new to riding so I didn't know any better. Then I got my Fuel 90 disc with the Bontrager's. Man did they suck. It was a shame to have such a nice bike and have no control over it. I put my worn out V-raptors on the fuel and, poof, I was groovin'. Got a new pair of V-raptors. Ran them into the ground.
Then I saw some Panaracer Fire XC's at a bike Flea Market. Got them for my wife's bike. She said she liked these tires so I got some for my Fuel. The Fire's are fast but they just didn't seem to quite be right. I stayed with them til I bought the VT3.
When I got the VT I knew I had to dump the stock Hutchinson's so I got another pair of Fire's. After riding the VT for about 10 months now, I have finally given up on the Panaracer Fire XC pro's and have gone back to my tried and true WTB Velociraptors.
After the first ride on my new V-raptors I was kicking myself for trying to fix something that wasn't broken. They are so much better in the mucky turns here in East PA. They climb with wreckless abandon on the wettest roots and rocks. As I search for the best word to describe these tires for HERE IN THE NORTHEAST, I think Focused is appropriate. Because here in the Northeast we need to focus on really only three things 90% of the time. Mud, roots and rocks, all at one time, most of the ride.
That is what the Velociraptor does. It grinds through the mud and then skips across the rock garden so that you can continue to "focus" on the downhill that is littered with roots. Roots, no worries, my Velociraptors will stay glued over those too.
Plus, I keep finding them for really cheap as a pair when I need new ones; so who cares if they wear out sooner than others. And as far as the rolling resistance, I would rather be out on the trails longer, I'm happier out there, so why do I need a tire that gets me home faster.
There may be better tires out there, but think about where you live, the trails you ride, and how much they cost. If you think about that, the Velociraptors are hard to beat(why else would they be around for so long).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doctor CWS
a Downhiller
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: July 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bukit Kiara..2k
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Sum Ming Bike shop
Strengths:
very grip for a downhiller .n also for a X-country guy .. is cheap .quite lasting .better then a panaracer XC-pro(i mean the price paid n the strengths.)
Weaknesses:
none found ..
Similar Products Used:
almost a panaracer XC-pro ..but still cant beat.
Bike Setup:
JBC-pro frame.full Xt-driftrain.truvativ crank.no carbon at all .
Bottom Line:
cheap n grip ..what u waiting for .. get one n try .i will know what i'm talking about . chill ..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Becksted
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fantasy Island
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Surpergo
Strengths:
Flat Proof
Weaknesses:
Heavy, but it's Kevlar!!
Similar Products Used:
Kenda, Hutchinson
Bike Setup:
'03 Iguana, XT/XTr, other good stuff
Bottom Line:
I love them so far. Out here in the desert, every week I kept getting flats with my Mosquito Lites and Supergaurd in the tubes. I replaced them with these & haven't had a flat in months.
I get good traction on road, hard pack, gravel & sand. For the price it's a deal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Winter Haven Date Reviewed: March 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Alafia
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great traction in loose sand and mud. Great climbing ability. Great in almost all conditions.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek Hardtail
Bottom Line:
These tires have never let me down. I commuted to work on my first set for a year & they still had good tread, very reasonable wear.
I bought a second set for the trail. They grip well in loose sand, mud, hardpack, you name it. They climb Great! These tires work!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brad
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: February 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good in mud and dirt. Looks awesome!
Weaknesses:
None really, im suprise they haven't worn much when i do lots of road riding.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Mesa GSD (STOCK)
Bottom Line:
These tires ROCK! I got them with my Schwinn Mesa GSD and so far they have been great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul no
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: December 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Brecon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
halfords
Strengths:
grips reasonably well on most surfaces.
Weaknesses:
unpredictable back. up front the knobs are too wide and don't cut into dirt very well. back wore thru really quickly.
Similar Products Used:
maxxis, kenda, panaracer, tioga
Bike Setup:
ready for DH fun. GT i drive.
Bottom Line:
I was disapointed with these tyres. I heard a lot of hype about them, but found it very average. the back won't lock down and the front is a bit better, but still doesn't inspire confidence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa, FL - USA Date Reviewed: September 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Helen / Unicoi State Park trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Sam's Club
Strengths:
-Good Traction -Extremely easy to mount on rims (Mavic x618) with no tools These tires came stock on my GT and I have been very happy with them. They are tough tires that have worn well and not produced the flats that my friends have had on the same trails each week. I ride a variety of terrain consisting of roads, grass, soft sand, packed dirt, roots, clay, and mud.
Weaknesses:
They're a little heavy and wear more quickly on pavement.
Bike Setup:
GT iDrive 4.0 with XT, XTR, and Mavic upgrades
Bottom Line:
Good all around XC tire for a variety of softer offroad conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Menlo Park, USA Date Reviewed: September 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Great tread design. High quality rubber compound. Similar, but perhaps better, tread compared to the Panaracer Smoke and Dart.
Weaknesses:
I have never had a mtn bike tire that was so difficult to get on the rim. There is no point in making a tire so tight. I had to use a tire iron to get even the first bead on. Usually I don't need irons for mtn bike tires, either putting them on or taking them off. It you don't have patience and a couple strong tire irons you could have trouble trying to change one of these on the trail. Could it be that this one was just a fluke? Doesn't seem likely. Seems like a serious design flaw to me. There is no point in making a mtn bike tire so tight on the rim.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer, IRC, Ritchey, etc.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz/XTR
Bottom Line:
Caveat emptor! These seem like great tires, but if you have as much frustration trying to mount them as I did you might find yourself hating them anyway.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Canton, Mi Date Reviewed: July 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
potowotami
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came with Bike
Strengths:
Great traction, front is especially strong in loose condition. Direction of rear can be changed for dry or muddy conditions for best fit. I've put about 2,500 miles on them and they are still in okay condition.
Weaknesses:
Heavy tires with high rolling resistance.
Similar Products Used:
Continental semi-slicks that I used with the my indoor trainer. They really showed me the difference between high and low rolling resistance.
Bike Setup:
9 speed Gary Fisher Big Sur (1998). 26" tires with shimano XT components
Bottom Line:
Buy this tire if you want reliable performance out on the trail. Right now it's dirt cheap so you can't beat it. If you're thinking about racing on hard pack or streets though you should consider a semi-slick or something with less rolling resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harrison
a Cross Country Rider
from Tega Cay, SC Date Reviewed: July 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Neighborhood trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
low pedaling resistance on road, even better on dirt, soil, mud; anything you throw at it.
This is by far the best XC tire for the money, it can climb and descend and do anything in any condition. Very tough, hasnt shown any wear. This tire is great if you have to ride on pavement to get to the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Consistent performance.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
All types of tires...
Bike Setup:
Better than some, less than others...
Bottom Line:
I've ridden these tires for years. Before I moved to Phoenix, I lived in Chicago and used them for commuting and off road riding. They have low rolling resistence considering the knobbiness of the tire. Even in Phoenix, I usually ride at least seven or more miles to the trailhead and have no complaints about their road worthiness. Don't be mistaken, however, these aren't meant for road riding.
Southern Arizona has no mercy for bike tires, but these tires hold up as well as can be expected. If anyone knows of a tire that can better withstand the harshness of the Arizona desert (rocks, cactus, etc.) let me know.
Overall, I keep using these tires because they work. Confidence on the trail is rarely a problem (due to the tires anyway).
Whether you ride specifically off-road or various types of terrain (pavement, fire-road, and/or singletrack), these tires do the job for me, and I expect they would do the same for you.
Other than the fact that they are a little heavy, I see no weaknesses in these tires. I would expect that if weight was a major concern, you wouldn't be reading this anyway.
Five chilis all around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shane
a Cross Country Rider
from sedona AZ Date Reviewed: June 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
templeton
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
mtb heaven
Strengths:
great gripping on climbs, wet and dry. easy to control.
Weaknesses:
thorns. i tried slimed tubes, puncture resistant tubes... nothing works
Similar Products Used:
panaracer, continental
Bike Setup:
jamis dakar w/ xt stuff
Bottom Line:
good, cheap tire, great value, just the thorn problem....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob
a Cross Country Rider
from los angeles, ca Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anytime the cransk are turning
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Front tire is very predictable. Back tire sticks really good climbing.
Weaknesses:
Back tire likes to skid and pitch around a bit at the slightest provocation.
Similar Products Used:
alotta tires
Bike Setup:
santa cruz
Bottom Line:
I really like the front, its one of my favorites. The tires like to go into a predicable slide when leaned way over but they have yet to dump me. The back tire is great for climbing up really technical loose stuff but i don't like descending with it, the slights use of the brake makes it skid and get squirrely. They make awesome xc tires but for anything fast and down the rear isn't doing it for me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pablo Pizarro
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas, Venezuela Date Reviewed: March 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
al of them
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
For Kevlar Tyres: Lightweigh, reliable, and last longing. Excellent grip in dry and loose sand conditins, acceptable in mud and wet. Front has saved my but in many different opportunities, rear has good climbing grip.
Steel bead, I have owned only front, so as up to now good grip and stability, a little bit heavy and hard to attach to rim.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z-Max, Panaracer, Cheng Shin, Kenda and many others
Bike Setup:
a good and olddie proflex
Bottom Line:
I have owned two pairs of Kevlar set of V-raptors, with excellent performance. No complains at all. I really recomend them for XC; but as usual it depends on you bike set up, your way of riding and what you expect from tyres. As I said they are XC tyres, don´t use them for freeriding and DH, cause they are not intended for these activities.
I just bought a steel bead front V-raptor, and used it in a competition last week end, it´s a little heavy but keeping the good overal performance of the kevlar ones.
I have owned many diff. tyres brand during almos 15 years of riding, and I would say V-raptors are the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Des Moines, IA US Date Reviewed: January 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Excellent climbing tire, not too pricey, strong kevlar
Weaknesses:
seems to wear quickly, high rolling resistance, horrible at shedding mud, a little weary on fast decents
Similar Products Used:
I have only used this tire
Bottom Line:
This tire is perfect for climbing and for loose dirt situations. Not too great in the mud though. Not a bad tire for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Serle
a
from South Wales Date Reviewed: January 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
South Wales hills, slag heaps, and forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Wiggle.com
Strengths:
The front goes where you point it, and the back grips superbly on very wet muddy rocky ground.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, and high rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
Too many to mention in 12 Yrs of riding
Bike Setup:
Orbea
Bottom Line:
1). They both grip really well, 2). I have had no pinch flats (when i usually get at least 1 per ride with panaracers) which is a major bonus, 3). I have had no lugs pulled/broken off, 4). I wish i had 'discovered' these beauties when i first started riding!
They have performed far better than I ever expected through some of the wettest and muddiest tracks and mountains that i have had the pleasure :) of riding. Come the summer (drier weather) I will be changing them for a tyre more suited to dry tracks - but purely for speed!!
I havent riden them on tarmac so i cant comment on their grip, but then again they werent made for that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Hanson
a Cross Country Rider
from Oviedo, FL Date Reviewed: December 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Middle Fork, Brevard, NC
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Many Places
Strengths:
Grips in many different conditions. Very safe and solid feeling in loose sand and gravel. Climbs and descends very well on rocky/gravel trails in North Carolina. Available in 26x1.95.
Weaknesses:
Tread wears quicker than others. Not available anymore in 26x1.95.
GT Team LTS with full XT, Mavic 217's, RS Sid, Stratos rear shock, Avid disks at both ends.
Bottom Line:
Like any tire (including car tires), tires are made for certain conditions. For what I ride in North Carolina and Florida, it is hard to find a better tire. When I took the bike to Moab and Colorado, the tires were simply stellar there as well. The only thing I have found that this tire does not do well on is wet roots and stumps. I have several sets of rims that I swap different tires on and off with to see if I can find the "ideal" tire. For the trails I normally ride, I keep coming back to the Velociraptors as the best tire. I only wish they continued to make it in a 26x1.95 size and in tubeless.
I have had 4 different Velociraptor sets for this particular bike since I built it in 1997. I go through a set of them in about 1 1/2 years of hard riding. The front does not wear as fast as the rear. They seem to last when properly inflated and ridden in the cross country mode. I have never torn any lugs off in all of that riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lynton Goodwin
a Weekend Warrior
from Karratha WA Australia Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rear grip climbing and edge grip on hard pack.
Weaknesses:
tread tears off in 3 days!
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS
Bottom Line:
Absolute crap! I got three days use out of them on gravel and rocky groud and the tread fell apart. The knobs were tearing off all the way to the canvas on both the front and rear. Who cares about the rest! They would have been bald within a week, took em off and won't touch them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
won
a Cross Country Rider
from mammoth lakes CA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
For an aggresive trail rider with one set of tires, you can't do much better than the velociraptors. They are durable, good in loose dirt, rock and mud. The front specific velociraptor is the real strength of this tire. You get amazing control in rocky sections and handles loose dirt damn well for a 2.1 tire. Unless you're a clysdale, the velociraptors are more than strong enough to absorb small jumps and drops. Just put some air in em and enjoy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Bunch
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Charles M. Christiansen Memorial Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Unparalled traction.
Weaknesses:
None that I have encountered so far.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Pro Rockster 1.9
Bike Setup:
Classic Bridgestone MB3 with Manitou EFC fork
Bottom Line:
On my first ride on these, I hit the trail as usual - HARD. Imagine my surprise when descending the dreaded downhill off-camber sweeper, (A little too fast, as usual. Gotta push the envelope!) and upon gingerly applying the brake I DID NOT SLIDE AT ALL - just slowed down! What a concept. On my old tires I had become accustomed to tapping the brake off and on to slow down but not lock up the rear tire. The very next morning I descended the same hill with much less brake forcing the front wheel to do more work. Again, no side slippage and I was going MUCH faster for the subsequent uphill. Five Flamin' Chili's for these awesome tires!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joseph Case
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola, FL Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
bikes plus
Strengths:
rear tire gives increadible grip, especially on climbs. Front tire cuts through sand and mud with minimal slide.
Weaknesses:
only 2.1. 2.25 would increase traction.
Similar Products Used:
irc back country, bontrager connection
Bike Setup:
2003 gary fisher sugar 3+.
Bottom Line:
Worth every penny and then some. I am currently living in northwestern FL, and ride between 5 to 15 miles 4 - 5 days a week, and the trails are covered in sand and mud with dense surface root cover on all the trails in this area. I have been riding on these tires for about 3 months, and prior to that I was on a hybrid type surface/trail tire and . Since switching over to these tires, my climbs get easier with a serious reduction in rear wheel spin, and I'm no longer bogging down in deep sand pits or sliding out in sloppy mud. I'm sold on the independent front/rear tread design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Homie
a Cross Country Rider
from Palo Alto Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Blue Blossom
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Fronts look knarly. Probably good in slop Rears hook up fine
Weaknesses:
Front side knobs seem to rollover in hard turns on hardpack. Wham! Scrape! Drip, drip.
Similar Products Used:
Hot, Python, Smoke II, Umma Gumma, Smoke, Ground Control
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Truth
Bottom Line:
I've ridden for a long time and I've never been too picky about tires.
But once I had the V-Raptors I knew the fronts were way scarier than my old Pythons. It's hard to remember, but I'm pretty sure they were worse than anything I've tried.
Anyway, I was too cheap to get another tire. Crashing on a fast hardpack turn sucks. Twice.
I run my pressures low (30-35) so maybe I made it worse.
The rears work fine, I'm not picky. I didn't think I was picky about the fronts either, but these just didn't work for me.
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Submitted by
diamond joe quimby
a Cross Country Rider
from pacific northwest Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Rear
Weaknesses:
Front
Similar Products Used:
you name it
Bike Setup:
doesn't matter
Bottom Line:
I’ve resisted writing tire reviews, because adding one more praise to a product that already has hundreds of reviews is pointless, and because you always see this: tire "x" sucks, tire "y" is awesome… then when you go to the tire "y" review, you see tire "y" blows, tire "x" is da bomb. But after looking at all of the glowing Velociraptor reviews, I felt like a counterpoint was due.
Disclaimer: the climate and soil composition can vary dramatically within a few hundred miles let alone between two random points on the globe – so what works (or doesn’t) here may not be the same as where you are.
Well, for starters this is two tires, not one. I’ll start with the rear-
I find that the rear does a pretty good job in both climbing and braking for the conditions typically found around here in summer: semi-hardpack, gravel, loose dirt, light mud (with low clay content). On wet roots, rocks, and logs, the rear tends to lose grip and slide sideways if you aren’t perfectly ‘square’ or perpendicular to the obstacle. In ‘real’ mud it gets just as clogged up as anything else that isn’t a mud specific tire.
The front on the other hand…
The front is a copy/variation on the Panaracer Dart (which I think was the first successful ‘front only’ tire) When I first saw this tire, I was excited to see what improvements had been made to this classic design (because the Dart was good… but not perfect). Man was I disappointed. Rather than building on the good qualities to make it better, it seems that the V-raptor took the bad qualities and made them worse. Even with its vee’d knobs, the rolling resistance is still high. It either creeps up or slides out (depending on surface condition) on off-camber stuff, it has zero grip on wet wood, and it clogs with – and won’t clear mud. That’s not even the worst of it. It doesn’t have a progressive/predictable slide up to the point of high speed wash-out. Instead, it has quite good cornering grip (as long as the above conditions aren’t present), and then when you reach its limit, it just lets go. (OK I’m the first to admit that I’m of merely average skill – so maybe it me… except that I have been riding mountain bikes for over ten years, and I can ride/corner faster on other tires…. so maybe not.)
The front does track and brake very well in good conditions though, so it’s not the worst tire out there… but still, you could do better.
I’ll give the rear 4 rectal thermometers and the front 2.
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Submitted by
Aman
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth WA Australia Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$22.00
Strengths:
Real nice in mud and in lose gravel.
Weaknesses:
None for there price.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Moskito
Bottom Line:
A very nice tyre for it's price only $45(AUS), the hutchi's cost $100(AUS) so I'm not complaining. The WTB are great for there price, this grip hell good but, have a high rolling risistance. I like hutchi's better but if you don't want to spend big money these WTB tyres are great.
WTB's are a very good tyre if you want a cheap tyre that grips........WTB tyres are made for XC so don't use them for DH.
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Submitted by
Cain
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha NE, USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lewis and Clark
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
- Traction - Durability - Bites through most any surface
Weaknesses:
Definetly rolling resistance
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Revolt
Bottom Line:
Very good tires for cross country riding. Bad roling resistance. Not very good tires for smooth downhill riding but good for cross country
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Submitted by
john
a Racer
from suffield, ct Date Reviewed: July 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
The tires are the best in all types of riding. When riding in the mud there is no better tire out there.
Weaknesses:
There is none.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga TerraFerma
Bike Setup:
Fuji Thrill-Avid Disk brakes, WTB tires
Bottom Line:
These tires dominate. I perchased the tires for $35.00 for the pair. Awsome deal.
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Submitted by
Ryan Grace
a Racer
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: July 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
beaverdam advanced, BEOTCH!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very predictable, low rolling resistance, long lasting
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
Continental XC's, Specialized Cannibal
Bike Setup:
Fuel 90 with old Velociraptor front and new V rear
Bottom Line:
This is a great tire pair. I've run the older Velociraptor in front for three years. I've torn off a couple of knobs on the rocks and put some rubber glue on the naked casings. They really do steer well in any condition. I just replaced an older Specialized Cannibal rear. This tire was sick in any condition- could pull through any amount of mud and slime but couldn't slide around in switchbacks- just dragged ass. The big knobs sucked my energy and began pulling off on the rocks. Switching to the Velociraptor rears was like getting new legs- they roll with far less resistance and pick a line with aplomb. They are predictable and go over roots pretty well. I'm very happy with all WTB products I own (esp. the Laser V seat). This is a company worth checking out.
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Submitted by
Pablo Pizarro
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas, venezuela Date Reviewed: July 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
La Ciria
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
traction is great in dry or mud conditions, you just turn around the tire direction as indicated. duration... well, 4 years I think is good.
Weaknesses:
watch out when is raining, I have fallen twice. I have to say it was always in paved ways.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer, Ritchey Z-Max. Kenda
Bike Setup:
Proflex Reptile, with Manitou Magnum-R Fork
Bottom Line:
This are excelent tires, unfortunatelly have been get rid out of catalog now. The best is that you can use them in muddy or dry trails, just changing direction as indicated.
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Submitted by
eric eller
a Cross Country Rider
from damascus, va USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
iron mtn
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
performance bike catalog
Strengths:
super fast, great traction @ any speed,angle, or soil type
3rd pair i've owned, still have my first pair. they've got to have 1000+ miles on them, and the still have a lot of tread left. the only reason i replaced them was because caught the tip of a sharp rock with the rear and cut a 1/2 gash in it. i put a path on the inside and ran them for at least another year. 2nd pair, had them a month and did about the same thing. 3rd pair are the narrow kevlar bead style, and i ride the crap out of them. plus you can buy them all day long @ nashbar or performance(same company) for around 20 a set.
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Submitted by
eric eller
a Cross Country Rider
from damascus, va USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
iron mtn
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
performance bike catalog
Strengths:
super fast, great traction @ any speed,angle, or soil type
3rd pair i've owned, still have my first pair. they've got to have 1000+ miles on them, and the still have a lot of tread left. the only reason i replaced them was because caught the tip of a sharp rock with the rear and cut a 1/2 gash in it. i put a path on the inside and ran them for at least another year. 2nd pair, had them a month and did about the same thing. 3rd pair are the narrow kevlar bead style, and i ride the crap out of them. plus you can buy them all day long @ nashbar or performance(same company) for around 20 a set.
$ 48.00
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