Larger volume for excellent resistance to pinch flats while ensuring sure-footed traction
Lightweight package for quick acceleration that doesnt wear you down
Endless Edge tread design with five sided lugs oriented for predictable and consistent handling in all conditions under cornering, braking or climbing
Available in three 2.3 versions including: Kevlar® beaded folding, ProTection with DuraSkin sidewall reinforcement, and tubeless certified for the Mavic UST system
Patterned after the Pro tire, the Vertical is an economic version for the recreational rider
VERTICAL: 3 carcass plies, 84 tpi
VERTICAL PRO, VERTICAL PRO TECTION, VERTICAL PRO UST: 3 carcass plies, 170 tpi
Submitted by
flipjhl
a Cross Country Rider
from Denmark Date Reviewed: March 5, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Strengths:
Great overall tire for wet conditions with excellent grib
Weaknesses:
unsure traction in icy conditions
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis, Scwalbe
Bike Setup:
C'dale rush carbon
Bottom Line:
So far the best autumn/winter tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ronoranina
a Cross Country Rider
from nj, usa Date Reviewed: January 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
doesn't matter
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$56.00
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
doesn't loose air very quickly, inspires confidence and piece of mind in almost all conditions, is fast rolling. these tires will break loose at a certain point but what tire won't, does so predictably. is reasonably light for a tubeless tire.
Weaknesses:
the 2.3 is not really a 2.3. it's a 2.1, but whatever. they're are expensive.
Similar Products Used:
kendas, panaracers
Bike Setup:
Banshee Pyre frame - size large
Magura Thor fork w/ sixty less axle
Formula K 18 disc brakes (F 180 mm, R 160 mm) w/ Oro bianco one finger levers
Cane Creek 110 headset
Race Face Next 31.8 mm handlebars
Thompson X4 100 mm stem
Sram X9 shifters
Thomson Masterpiece seatpost
Selle Italia SLR saddle
Manitou Swinger X3 shock
Mavic 819 rims front & rear
Hadley racing hubs (front 20 mm, rear quick release)
Shimano XT front derailleur
Sram XO rear medium cage deraillleur
Shimano XTR M970 crankset
Time ATAC XS carbon pedals
Bottom Line:
this is a solid tire. i don't worry about it, just go out and ride it confidently. i think this tire compares favorably with the kenda nevengal. it's as grippy as the nevengal but rolls much much better, and is lighter in the tubeless version. overall i'm very happy with it. i use it as a front tire, with a vapor on the rear. these are the best tires i've owned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MultiRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Castle Rock, CO Date Reviewed: January 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Dakota Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Protects rim from the trail
Weaknesses:
Traction
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
No traction on any surface except perhaps asphalt. They don't grip on soft, medium, hard, or rocks. They don't grip regardless of pressure. They pretend to grip until they let go and it is all-at-once, no warning. Horrible on the rear, even worse on the front. Came on the bike when I bought it and I didn't realize how bad they were until I replaced them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave B
a Weekend Warrior
from Leicester Date Reviewed: October 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
1. Easy to put on, it took only about 20 minutes for the set and that was without soapy ware and so on.
2. They are very grippy no matter what the surface / weather conditions.
3. Feedback is also very good and predictable.
4. Hold there air very well (only check preasure every 4 or 5 rides and they loose very little)
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Too many to mention
Bike Setup:
Intense 6.6 set up for All Mountain / Light Freeride
Bottom Line:
I bought these on spec as my old tyres had about run there course and were past there sell by date!!!!! These were being sold on Ebay at a cheap price so I thiught 'why not' and took the plunge.
After reading the review's about them in wet and muddy conditions I was dreading going out in the rain however they were put to the test this weekend when I did the 50km Viking Challenge (it had rained all night prior to the event and also thrughout it)
These tyres did not let me down once and held my intended line on all but the sloppy of surfaces.
They also shed mud very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: July 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Riders Choice
Strengths:
Great grip in dry, loose local conditions. Pretty good in the wet too.
Weaknesses:
Tall side knobs liable to damage.
Bottom Line:
This is an update on my review of a year ago. I have been running a Vert UST on the front since the Nev wore out.
I have lost nothing in doing this and highly rate this as an allrounder in Aussie conditions.
I've since discovered that the USTs are made in France as opposed to Asia and this may explain the softer feeling rubber.
I've yet to have a problem with sidewalls despite sharp rocks...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Torrance, CA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good traction, doesn't burp much, easy to install
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
Nevegals, Schwalbe's
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5
Bottom Line:
I ripped both the front and rear in about a month after riding in some rocky areas. Sidewalls are paper thin. Tried repairing it, but only lasted 1 ride. Never buying theses or other Conti UST tires again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randall
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, Arizona Date Reviewed: December 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The one I'm on
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Landis Cyclery
Strengths:
Traction, durability, quality, worry free
Weaknesses:
weight??
Similar Products Used:
Conti Vapor, Maxxis Ignitor and Larsen, Bontrager Revolt and ACX
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic Marathon, Crossmax SL, Fox Talas
Bottom Line:
The perfect tire for harsh desert conditions. Have had no problem with tire despite riding 3-4 times a week on some of the harshest trails in existence (from a tire's point of view).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trey
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: August 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$53.00
Purchased At:
Bikeparts.com
Strengths:
These tires are great for dusty trails. With the Verticals inflated to just under 30 PSI, I can charge through corners that used to have me worried about washing out. These tires are perfect for the trails around here. They're pretty grippy on slick rock too. I've found these tires to be predictable and I liked the 2.3 size better than the 2.1's I've been running for years.
Other reviewers have mentioned wear as a weakness. I haven't found that to be the case. I got 400 miles out of my rear tire before it started to skid out. I just replaced the rear and the front is still looking like it could hold up for another 400 miles. I consider that to be pretty good. MUCH better than say the Conti Explorers.
Weaknesses:
As others have mentioned, they're horrible in the wet and muddy conditions. For me, wet & muddy is the exception rather than the rule, but if I lived somewhere less arrid, I would look for different tires.
The price is pretty steep.
Similar Products Used:
too many to list
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575, XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
These are my favorite tires of all time. Do they wear out? Yeah, like all tires they've got a limited life span. They're great dry conditions tires. Predictable and grippy.
I'll knock Conti down a few Value flamin' chilis because $50 for a tire hurts the checking account but they perform great for the type of trails I ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham Mitchell
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: July 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All of them.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Riders Choice
Strengths:
Reasonable size. Good grip in most conditions. Softer rubber than the standard tyres? Holds air well.
Weaknesses:
Expensive.
Similar Products Used:
IRC, WTB, Kenda tyres.
Bike Setup:
575 with Mavic 819 UST rims. Conti on rear only. Nevegal 2.35 Stickee on the front.
Bottom Line:
So far so good in both the dry and the wet. Great grip on the rear when run between 30 and 35 psi. Rubber feels softer than the regular variety. I have had trouble with tall side knobs ripping off on regular Verticals so I'm keeping a close eye on this UST. Side walls seem fine and tyre holds air really well. I am considering a Mountain King 2.4 UST for the front and would appreciate any feedback on this new tyre.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
font ninea
a Cross Country Rider
from austin Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The Ribbon *Select Grade*
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
wrench science
Strengths:
This is a clarification of my last review. I am using a 2.3 Vertical UST up front which seems very good. Full review pending. 3 chilis for value, 4 chilis for performance so far.
Weaknesses:
naming conventions trip me up.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Explorer 2.1 Rear
Bike Setup:
Maverick Durance
Bottom Line:
The Vertical is much more substantial then the 2.1 Explorer. I think they measure the width at the tread, rather than the casing, so your Conti tires are always going to be skinny compared to another brand. I like my Vertical up front. I hate my Explorer in the rear. (And I'm kind of an adventurous guy...)
Check out my review of the Explorer in this forum if you are considering one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Font9a Ninea
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: June 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
401-->403-->401; Dr's Park; Psychobilly Freakout
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
wrence science
Strengths:
I got a 2.3 Vertical up front and a 2.1 Explorer in back for my new Maverick Durance.
I'm running them dry. No slime of Stan's. I carry a tripple lever kit made in sweden to remove for on-trail maintenance. (it's amazing that very little on the google internets will tell you how to patch a tubless tire. It's very simple: use the old school tube rubber cement and patch protocol -- only on the inside of your tire, and you're good to go. The other thing to mention is using a mildy sudsy soap and water concotion on the bead ... I was able to do this and use a generic floor pump to put 65 PSI in to set the bead with no problems. You don't have to waste as canister or CO2 just to set the bead. The tires haven't burped once.
That said, Continental must measure their tires from knob to knob, rather than from the sidewall. These are skinny tires!
The 2.1 in back is especially skinny and it looks like it shold be on some XC hardtail. I'm having brand new Chris King Hub on 819 Rim built up around 2.3 Verticals as my main wheel -- I will keep this one in the garage as needed.
* That said, Michelin Wildgripper Pros have been my favorite tires since about 1999. Even when they had funky green colors. It just suited my riding.
* These Contis have worn more in 5 weeks than any other tire I have ever used. And the traction isn't all that great. Especially compared to a Michelin. Poor sidehill performance. Seemed to roll off the sidehill rather than track my steered line. Very different from any other tire combo I've used.
Weaknesses:
wear too quickly. even on buff singletrack. terrible predictabilty -- you never know when you're going to get 2-wheel drift or a rear slide, or a front washout. I've never has a tire set that was this unpredictable.
terrible wet weather manners. Especially over wet limestone.
Hard to say which is worse -- the wear factor, or the fact that these are just plain unpredictable in all conditions.
I've never had a tire combo that didn't set me up for they way they would ride within the first 5 miuntes. I've ridden over 200 miles on these tires on every kind of singletrack you can imagine, and they are disappointing in every way: they don't give good feedback, they slide when the shouldn't, they stick when you expect them to drift... My only upside is that the bead sets in nice and firm with a little soapy water. They are almost impossible to remove from my Mavic 819s without 4 Dutch made levers and a lot of patientience. I do like the fact that I can use a standard tube patch kit to patch punctures and that my regular old floor pump will seat the bead. C02 at $4 a pop is a little much... but what can you do on the trail?
I cannot recommend slime or Stans, as it only adds complexity... Just treat these as innertubes integrated with a tire and you should be good to go. Put a dollar bill and some ductape and a gu wrapper in a bige sidewall rip -- add some superglue and silicon glue when you get home -- the tire will wear out before your patch does.
I've used so many tire sets over the years it's hard to keep a running list. But my faves so far have been the Michelins and the Maxxis. The Contis run NARROW BTW -- my 2.3 up front is like my Maxxis 2.1. I'd choose a little weight for some extra girth any day.
Hopefully Conti will introduce a dual compound or tripple compound tire to add longevity and predictability to an otherwise nicely designed tire -- at least the tread LOOKs nice from the ground.
-- font9a
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenny G
a Cross Country Rider
from Hixson Date Reviewed: September 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any technical singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Shop
Strengths:
Good grip. Very durable.
Weaknesses:
Not super-fast rollers.
Similar Products Used:
Many.
Bike Setup:
If you are reading this, you probably only care about the tires...Duh!
Bottom Line:
These tires are very good full knobbies. Good traction, and they are large enough to have a supple feel over rough terrain - I ran them at about 30lbs. They are not the fastest rolling tires out there due to the full knobs, but traction is more important than rolling speed unless you are riding on hardpack or XC racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tomas
a Weekend Warrior
from Gothenburg, Sweden Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Sandsjöbacka, Vättlefjäll
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Weight, holds air pressure a long time (for a UST tire)
Weaknesses:
VERY slippery in wet conditions (dangerous!) Narrow for a 2.3 tire
Similar Products Used:
Michelin, Schwalbe
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 98
Bottom Line:
These tires work reasonably well in dry conditions but add any moisture on the trail and they change quickly to something nasty and unpredictable. The rubber compound is too hard so the grip is non-existent. They will probably last for many miles on dry gravel roads but who is lucky to ride in sunshine all the time? The tires are quite light and they do keep the air for long time on mavic ust rims, better than many other tubeless tires.
Don't even think about getting these tires if you ride in rain or muddy conditions!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shayne
a Cross Country Rider
from vail, co usa Date Reviewed: July 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
2 Elk
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
mountain peddler
Strengths:
Rolls great and climbs pretty well in dry conditions.
Weaknesses:
The tires floats to much when cornering. They do grab but it takes a little long for me.They also wear out pretty quick.
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 with Crossmax XL Tubeless
Bottom Line:
Great tire, but wears out fast and washes out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder,CO,USA Date Reviewed: May 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Zippy Da Do Da
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Sports Garage
Strengths:
Great traction in variety of conditions includding snow and rocks. Light for size. No flats with UST version.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls are thin, running very low pressure, mid 20's, in snow and ice caused sidewall wear.
Great all round tire for all mountain trail riders who want great traction without a big weight penality. Very predictable tire that works in wide variety of conditions, dry, wet, or frozen.Couldn't believe how much better the UST version gripped compared to the tubed version.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jesse
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham, Washington Date Reviewed: October 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
all the ones that aren't named yet
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
ride off camber well soft, but predictable sidewalls very nice roll-over when cornering light weight for size/ust
Weaknesses:
soft sidewalls cost
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Enduro Bliss 2
Bike Setup:
Klein Palomino Race. Marathon S. Lots of nifty parts. Light.
Bottom Line:
The tires have failed me once in 18 months. A slice through the sidewall by a razor-sharp rock stopped me 9 miles up the trail. With a little creativity (super glue does wonders with tubeless tires!) I was able to still ride out. I replaced that tire with a Specialized Enduro (only other ust I've ridden). The Enduro has an almost identical tread pattern, similar size, but 400g heavier, with a much less supple feel. The differences are huge. While it's one of only two USTs I've tried, the Vert Pro is by far the overall nicest tire I've ever ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
woodyak
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockport, MA Date Reviewed: October 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Stew & Aarons
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Hammerhead
Strengths:
Good traction, easy to install for UST, good rolling, lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Flimsy and weak. I had 5 flats in 6 rides. I flatt'd both front and back tires. Not really a 2.3, more like a 2.1. Expensive
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC Pro's, Schwalbe Big Jim, Hutch Spyder, Geax Sturdy
Bike Setup:
5x6 Titus Quasi set up for trail riding. Weighs around 31 lbs.
Bottom Line:
These tires are very thin and weak. I noticed how thin the tires were the second I put them on my wheel. I flatt'd in the first 15 minutes. I flatt'd many times on different trails. The tires would burp on any drops larger than 3 feet. I returned the tires within a month because they were so intolerable. I do not recommend these tires for anyone who is rough on tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Downhiller
from York,PA USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Graveyard rigde
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
Light for 2.3,rolls fast,good in loose conditions
Weaknesses:
tread should be a little higher
Similar Products Used:
2.3 survival protection
Bike Setup:
Long travel Switchblade,Z1QR20
Bottom Line:
These were my first set of tubeless tires. On my third ride I ripped large hole in the rear . I'm an agressive 200lbs rider. They seem to work well in the dry or loose but I noticed a lack of stability when the riding got ,wet rooty-n-rocky. I prefer a more beefier tire going to try the Hutchs 2.3 octopuss ust.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
craig
a Cross Country Rider
from salt lake city,utah Date Reviewed: June 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
BIG MOUNTAIN
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$56.00
Purchased At:
CANYON BICYCLES
Strengths:
wide,durable
Weaknesses:
front tire slides out way too easily on corners,terrible grip on uphill when going over any loose trrrain.
Similar Products Used:
michelin JET-S.....ROCK!
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS-AIR
Bottom Line:
had my NRS setup w/ michelin JET-S stock and was told when i moved to SLC that the continentals were best for the terrain. LOL. the tires give zero confidence blazing downhill singletrack and going fast around corners is like playing russian roulette. i'll be going back to my JET-S because they are great on hardpack and float over loose rocks and anything else you can think of....exept MUD. i will say they suck in the mud.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C. Bell
a Cross Country Rider
from Redondo Beach, CA USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fun City (gone)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World Culver City
Strengths:
grip, grip, and more grip. Fast-rolling for a taller knobby. Good puncture resistance.
Intense Tracer fitted with Mavic CrossMax XL Disc UST hoops and assorted bling bling.
Bottom Line:
These tires rock. Making the (expensive) jump to tubeless has worked out well for me. I'm a heavier (225 pounds) rider, and with tubed tires it was either pump up the air and endure the harsh ride, or let some air out and suffer pinch flats. Since the switch to UST's, I'm able to go as low as 35 psi, and haven't flatted once. The Vertical Pros have performed ideally in all conditions. We don't get a lot of rain here in So. Cal, so the ability to shed mud isn't a priority for me. The climbing traction, over rocks, roots, and loose shale, is amazing. They also corner like a dream. I'm able to push harder and deeper into turns than ever before. They stick well and handle predictably through off camber sections, while inspiring confidence through downhill sweepers and chutes.
Wear rate has been acceptable. I don't ride pavement hardly at all, and no knobbies have broken off over 6 months of hard trail riding. To equal out the wear rate, I recently switched front to back.
If you're looking for an all-round, high quality UST tire, look no further.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean C
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything in Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Very good hookup in the loose stuff. Good cornering ability. No punctures or leakage. Fairly lightweight for the size.
Weaknesses:
Wears a little fast but who cares. If I'm getting excellent control and traction I don't care about replacing the tires two or three times a year. The seem to clog up pretty good in muddy conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Larsen TT's, Fire XCs, Hutchinson Mosquitos (weak!)
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse Hollowpoint Team
Bottom Line:
These tires have been the best I've tried for riding in Tahoe's loose conditions. These tires breeze through sand and track well through gravel. The bike doesn't fish around and I'm able to go exactly where I aim it. They hookup excellent for climbing in the same conditions and grip the rocks just as well. They corner great (if the air is kept down around 35 pounds). I've had no problems with leaks or punctures. I've seen at least one review where they claim the tires can't hold up in rocky conditions. I've put these tires through granite, volcanics, and desert hell and haven't had so much as a deep scratch put in them. I've sidewalled the tires a couple of times with such force that it knocked the bike off the trail (lousy control on my part) and they have held up fine. I did seal the tires with Stan's sealant which added some weight but have been extremely satisfied with the results. I haven't had a leak in 350 miles of riding singletrack in both the mountains and the desert (thorn nightmare). Yes, these tires do wear a little fast under rough conditions but like I said above, who cares. I'm more than willing to chew through a pair every six months if I can get the control these bad boys are offering. I highly recommend these for any riders who put their bikes through dry varying conditions, especially loose stuff. I'm not quite as sure about the mud. Only one experience in it and they gooed up pretty bad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kristina
a
from Fairfax,VA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Weaknesses:
Price!
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Larsen TT UST, Michelin XL S UST
Bike Setup:
Turner XCE, SRAM X.O, Hayes, Mavic CrossRoc UST, etc. etc.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my previous review.
I was able to get the first set of tires warrantied and am pretty happy with the front one I'm using. No cracking, air leaking or anything like that. Actually, the LBS that put the tire on sprayed it with hairspray before inflating and that really sealed it up well.
The jury is still out on its wet weather performance. Running the psi lower would probably help with the grip on wet roots but it seems there's no solution to that issue anyway.
They corner very well, roll pretty fast for their size and hook up well on the roots and rocks. I can't say I'm blown away by the tire but it is doing fine. Grip wise, I could run the Larsens around 25 psi and get as much grip on roots as the Vertical Pros at 30. Running them any lower and they start to roll underneath.
Anyway, they're comfortable tires, I don't feel the need to look for something else and they do the job well enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rick
a Cross Country Rider
from san diego Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$39.95
Purchased At:
123bikes
Strengths:
lightest 26x2.3 UST, 795g
Weaknesses:
Sidewall blow-out after about 20 rides.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Scorpion UST 2.3 Michelin Comp S UST 2.0 Michelin Front S UST 2.0
Bike Setup:
2002 Cannondale Scalpel 2000
Bottom Line:
My Michelins did not have enough tread on the ground, so I put a Scorpion 2.3 on the front and the Vertical Pro 2.3 on the back. Both tires hooked up well, especially with low pressure. I was surprised when the vertical pro blew while riding fast through deep grass with some hidden rocks. Since the Vertical Pro has gotten such good reviews, I'm going to try them again. Plus the 2.3 V Pro is a little lighter than the Scorpion 2.3 (795g vs. 865g).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo Wegner
a
from Rancho Santa Margarita Date Reviewed: July 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Orange County Trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$44.00
Purchased At:
Cambria, special price sale
Strengths:
Great Grip, especially out of ruts. Can run low pressures. Easy maintenance. Do NOT require sealant! A hand pump is all you need to inflate. Little leakage. Can remove and replace without tools!
Weaknesses:
Wear a little fast--get over it. ...I'll gladly buy more.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer UST
Bike Setup:
Special Edition i-Drive; Chris King Hubs & Headset; Hope Minis; XTR Crank (HollowTech; 3.1 Mavics; Marathon SL Fork
Bottom Line:
I bought a set of Verticals and both tires have proven to be consistent and great handling for the hard trail abuse I like to deliver.
Turn the page and get over the price, then upgrade to UST. They're so much easier to maintain than tubed tires, especially these. No longer am I replacing tubes twice a month. Yeah, they weigh a little more than a standard tire and tube, but even if you're a weight weenie these tires are worth it--and no more snake bites!
If you do happen to get a flat you can change and patch it on the trail, if you have riders waiting on you and they can't wait an extra 45 seconds use a tube until you get home. No sealant, no pinched tubes, no air compressors, no problems!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
fast technical ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
45
Strengths:
Run at low psi, predictable in corners, light for UST 2.3.
Weaknesses:
really have to experiment with psi. It's a fine line to get the tire to run the way you want
Similar Products Used:
None in 2.3 UST. several non-ust.
Bike Setup:
Ells Id, King Iso w/Mavic 3.1 Disc UST (Awesome Rim!)
Bottom Line:
The lightest UST 2.3 out there at approx 790g. Does not leak air no matter what you read. Set it up correct and you'll have no issues..goes for all tubeless btw. It cracks me up when I read about UST leaking..Stans no tube typw setup will leak a UST system will not. I ride very hard and have not pinch flat once and I've run at 22lb pressure and I weigh 190lbs. The psi sweetspot for roll, traction and cornering is about 31-33psi. Get this tires if you like UST and you'll be happy.
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Submitted by
kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from san francisco, ca Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Traction, easy to mount, high volume
Weaknesses:
price, heavier than some (though it's quite light for the size)
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson UST, Bontranger UST a plethera of non UST
Bike Setup:
Titus SB
Bottom Line:
These tires fricken rock! I had no idea how much traction I was giving up until I mounted this tire. Much better cornering, hook-up and braking (on the rear). They are wearing a bit faster than I would have liked, but it's worth it for the traction. Mounting is about as easy as it gets with a tubeless setup. No flats and very minimal leakdown.
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Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenixville, PA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003
Turner XCE, Crossmax UST Disc, lots of other stuff
Bottom Line:
These tires, unfortunately, really SUCK. As does their US rep. Never return e-mails. No customer service whatsoever. Sidewalls have no durability if ridden in rocky terrain. Very expensive. I've "tried the rest, now back to the best" - Hutchinson.
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Submitted by
JD
a
from Austin Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
Climbs corners, grips great, not too bad on the pavement for a 2.3 tubeless tire.
Weaknesses:
2.3 is slower and may interfere with braking components on some bikes. $65 per tire at many shops
Geat tire for these who want to go as fast as possible in the corners and enjoy climbing and descending more aggresive, rocky and technical terrain. Not for XC racing, it is a very knobby 2.3 inch tire and will slow you down some, but if I can climb more, corner faster, and feel more secure on my bike, I don't know haw much slower I am, and it doesn't matter, for me it's worth it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kristina
a
from Fairfax, VA Date Reviewed: May 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead/Wakefield
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$61.00
Purchased At:
Performance online
Strengths:
Great cornering ability
Weaknesses:
The sidewalls are cracking already! They actually look like they've been sitting in a warehouse for forever or something since they're all dried out and cracked.
After all the great things I've heard about these tires, I'm very disappointed in them. My Maxxis Larsen TTs hooked up better on the roots (ran them at 35 psi) but didn't corner as well.
The Contis were almost impossible to mount, in comparison to the Larsens. Even the bike shop had a hard time with them.
Turner XCE, SRAM X.O, CrossRoc UST, Hayes hydraulics, etc. etc.
Bottom Line:
I'm in the process of getting these tires warranteed so hopefully, my second run will turn out better.
I'm very impressed with their cornering ability but found that if I ran the psi low enough (25-28psi) to get a good grip on roots, the tires would roll underneath. That's a really bizarre feeling.
Rolling resistance isn't as fast as the Larsens but I didn't expect that since they are bigger but its still reasonable. I did expect to have more traction on the roots around here,though, but didn't find that.
For now, I'll give them a 2 and if things turn out better with the newer set, I'll update the review.
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Submitted by
Shane Swanson
a Racer
from Redding, CA, USA Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Excellent traction. Wearing well so far.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
No other UST tires yet
Bike Setup:
2003 Ellsworth Id w/ full XT, Thomson, Chris King Headset/Hubs & Mavic X3.1 rims
Bottom Line:
Conti Tires rock...especially the Vertical Pro UST's. Have done one DH race with muddy conditions and they stuck to the trail. I put some Stan's NoTube fluid in for puncture resistance also. Would definitely purchase again. Hopefully Continental will come out with the Survival Pro's in UST also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brady E.
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO USA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Deer Creek Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Bikes & Berries
Strengths:
Excellent traction!
Weaknesses:
maybe a tad heavy-
Similar Products Used:
Tubed version, Smoke, Velociraptor WTB, & others
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 100 '03, magura marta xc disc/rotors/levers, mavic 3.1 w/ hugi disc hubs, all xtr, fox float rlc, just a hair over 25lbs.
Bottom Line:
This tire rocks for both front and rear- traction is great. WHo should buy? Anyone looking for a good all around tire.
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Submitted by
Yogi
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: March 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
It's a secret
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Turin Bicycles
Strengths:
Great traction, predictible cornering, decent weight for 2.3 tubeless, supple ride, easy to install without tools, little rolling resistance for such a meaty tire.
Weaknesses:
A tad pricey
Similar Products Used:
WTC Mutano Raptor UST. IRC Serrac UST.
Bike Setup:
2000 Intense Tracer. Full XTR. Crossmax wheels. Fox Float RLC fork.
Bottom Line:
This tire ROCKS!!! I initially set up my rig with a WTB Mutano Raptor on the front, but wasn't impressed. I found it to be a bit harsh on bumps (even at lower pressure), and the knobs weren't meaty enough for the kind of conditions I typically ride in. It had low rolling resistance, but gave up traction in return. The Conti has it all! The trails on the front range in CO tend to get kinda loose and gravelly, but this tire never lets loose unless you want it to. The Verical pro hooks up in all conditions I've tested it on and it feels supple even in harsh conditions. It also seems to shed mud very well (although we rarely see mud in CO so I have relatively little experience with mucked up tires). Before my next ride I plan to get a Vertical Pro for the rear. I expect that it will work as well on the rear as it does on the front. They're not super cheap, but I think an extra $10 or so is worth it if it's justified by superior performance.
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Submitted by
Ken
a Weekend Warrior
from Illinois Date Reviewed: February 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
45
Strengths:
I've ridden the Vert Pro once so far. I don't have tuns of experience on this tire but given the lack of reviews on it I want to give my thumbs up. I use the ExplorerPro UST in the rear.
Weaknesses:
None that I can tell on the trail- It did everything I wanted and never surprised me.
Similar Products Used:
ExplorerProUST, Pythons, Raptors, Comp S.
Bike Setup:
VertPro front. ExplorerPro rear. Mounted to Mavic x3.1. 42psi..I rose at 197lbs with winter gear.
Bottom Line:
For a real good review on these tires from guys who put it to the professional test see extrememb.com, I saw it after my purchase and agreed with them. Also for the weight of this 2.3 its the among the lightest out there if you want that..I do. This is an "All Mountain" tire you can have confidence in, at 795g you're not winning any XC competitions with friends. But, you can do things your XC buddies 1.95 and 2.0's can't when the trail gets rough. I hit lots of log rolls hards, droppped off 4-5 feet, single tracked and did some birms. I really liked the control. I'm getting a VertPro for the rear and trashin' the Explorerpro. I think these will be my all-around aggressive trail tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe rim trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Hooks up in sand and DG for climbs and descents, (better than Explorer UST). 2.3" tire corners as well as Explorer UST (2.1)although slower, and heavier. Good for rough trail riding with rock and loose sand. Feels a little sluggish on firm, but heh its a 2.3! Grips well in mud but clogs with some clay mud types. Reversable tread pattern like Conti's Vertical Protection version. Has the great conti footprint and tubeless feel especially with extra air volume. Softer durometer provides good hook up traction on rocks and loose. Conti needs to bring out an Escape UST to compliment the Explorer UST for front. I think this will be the fast rolling, traction UST combo I'm looking for. (Michelin has new Front S UST to compliment XL S rear. Front S to be on market soon. This combo may me my next expirement after I wear out these Verticals). Bike Mine, Conti are you listening? Mounting is relatively easy. Front rear arrows are small, take a deliberate effort to read. Also on the tire you'll read made in France, not in Taiwan, rumored the Conti UST's come from the Hutchinson factory.
Weaknesses:
some mud clogging,
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Pythons, Scorpions. Kenda Kharismas all UST. Several top non UST tires with Stan's Notubes kit
Bike Setup:
Turner 02, Tires tested on Mavic 3.1 rims and also narrower 618's with Notubes Kit, both with Stan's solution. At 190 lbs I rode 35 psi front and 38 psi rear.
Bottom Line:
Good traction and cornering for top trail bike performance. Performed better than Protection version of this tire with more trail contact - feedback, better cornering security and softer ride. Buy these if you want outstanding tracking and cornering performance especially on decents, reasonable rolling speed and reasuring handling for all mtn performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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