Submitted by
edilpena
a Weekend Warrior
from Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: October 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Monagas Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Good grip on all conditions, runs well over roots and mud, very good on dry terrain or gravell.
Weaknesses:
Got two flats on my first twoo rides. Filled them with slime and never had a flat again.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda
Bike Setup:
Heavily modified hard tail, GT Agressor 3.0
Bottom Line:
I'm pleased with these tires, they are cheap looks goos and do their job fine. Good all round with nice grip and performance. I've seen a lot of bad reviews, I think they had their tires over inflated. I run mine at 28 to 30 psi on the trails and they grip like claws. If I going to run on asphalt, they go up to 50 psi, and run fast. The bottom line dont inflate them over 30 psi for trail riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Juanita, wa Date Reviewed: August 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
chickamin
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Trek.com
Strengths:
Fast rolling, good cornering, quality. Use at low pressure 30lbs, only a goof or a heavy weight runs at 40-50lbs.
650 Grams
Weaknesses:
Not a mud tire. A mud tire roll's like a tractor tire on dry or hard pack. The folding is very hard to seat on rim, I use wire bead for better seating on rim and truer spin.
Similar Products Used:
Smoke, dart, IRC Myoths.
Bike Setup:
Trek ex8w/up graded xtr shifters,Thomson post and stem Chris king HS, etc..
Bottom Line:
Good quality tire in most conditions execpt wet mud. Rolls fast.
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Submitted by
Paint3all
a Cross Country Rider
from Lynchburg Date Reviewed: August 14, 2009
I cant see why everybody hates on these tires, Ive had great luck with them (again knock on wood) i love them!
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Submitted by
cooktenstein
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro, NC, US Date Reviewed: August 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Wild Turkey
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Paceline
Strengths:
Fast
Weaknesses:
Thin
Bike Setup:
09' GF Marlin Disc
Bottom Line:
I bought the bike yesterday and rode for 6 or so miles on mostly pavement. Woke up this morning and rode on some old tractor roads beside some tobacco fields and when i went back a few hours later i had a flat. I checked for objects in the tire and found the most minuscule thorn in the middle of the tread. I want to stress how small this brier was. I can't believe that a "mtb" tire is being sold that is so flimsy. I read the reviews about a week before i got the bike and thought that some of you were just being over dramatic. Not the case. Less than 15 miles and i had a flat.
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Submitted by
Earthpig
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: August 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
happy ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Fast rolling on hardpack. Seals up well with sealant. Light.
Weaknesses:
Everything else.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Fast Trak s-works 2Bliss, Specialized The Captain Control 2Bliss
Bike Setup:
Front is used on a Racer-X; rear is on a Soul Cycles Hooligan singlespeed.
Bottom Line:
I wrote a more detailed review on the "Tubeless" tire section, since these are the Jones XR TLR (tubeless ready) tires. I think the only tire I've ever used that has LESS grip than these is the Specialized Fast Trak LK 2Bliss. High pucker factor in any conditions other than riding in a straight line on hardpack or pavement. Very disappointed. Why can't anybody make a "tubeless ready" tire that has any grip?
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Submitted by
Trizz
a Weekend Warrior
from NoVA Date Reviewed: July 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
one w/o geezers
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Rolling resistance I guess
Weaknesses:
where do I start? Read every other review, I'm just piling on.
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors etc
Bike Setup:
Stock EX 8
Bottom Line:
This is what I get for not checking the reviews BEFORE leaving the store. I'm not a great rider and I don't ride difficult terrain but even I was able to notice the extreme lack of grip these turds give you.
Then came my first flat with about 20 miles on the bike.
Yesterday was my 2nd flat with about 40 miles. It will be my last. Ran into a guy with the same bike bought around the same time and he had already replaced the Bumtragers with Michelins. I'll probably just get Nevegals.
I love my EX 8 but these tires are just horrible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben222
a Cross Country Rider
from Collingwood, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 12, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Kolapore Uplands
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
(Came on Bike)
Strengths:
Very little roll resistance, which makes it a fast tire.
Weaknesses:
Grip in any condition, weak, scary to ride on
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Ignitor, other Bontrager tires
Bike Setup:
2009 Trek Fuel EX-8, stock
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a new tire, look elsewhere than the Bontrager Jones XR.
In wet conditions, you find yourself gripping the handlebars so tight your hands hurt, just because of the tire being so 'washy' and scary to ride in damp terrain.
When in rocky and rooty areas, the tires just spin on top of the rock or root, which makes for some frustrating and unneeded 'hike-a-bike's, just because you cannot get any traction to get over the obstacle.
In mud, just walk, because they do not even make the attempt to grab, they just give up (which makes you get your feet drenched as you tredge slowly through the middle of the swamp).
On loose gravel, you have to slow to a crawl, because they will wash out with even remote amounts of speed.
Finally, on regular dirt, they do grip, but when going down a slope, don't expect your confidence to soar, because it is a scary ride.
Also, they are very weak. Expect plenty of flats (even though I haven't had nearly as many as some people with these things).
On the other hand, if you ride in a flat, straight line, the Jones XRs are very fast rolling, which is sometimes nice.
The moral of the story is this: Everyone avoid these tires like the friggin' plague. They are not worth your time, or money.
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Submitted by
jsmith12
a Weekend Warrior
from Bothell, WA - USA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2009
Don't buy these tires. If you buy a Fuel with them, ask for a trade in discount before leaving the store.
On my first ride, both front and back washed out on every corner I took at speed. Adjusted the air pressure, but problem persisted. I am replacing these tires and will find a way to recycle them rather than sell them to some unsuspecting soul.
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Submitted by
dpruiett
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC, USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Bent Creek Upper Sidehill Connector
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Liberty Bicycles
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Poor traction, especially in damp/wet conditions.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Enduroraptor
Bike Setup:
Stock Trek Fuel EX 8
Bottom Line:
These tires come stock on the Trek Fuel EX 8. I took my 2nd ride on my new bike yesterday in damp conditions. On several occassions the tires spun out/slipped when going over wet rocks and damp roots. I've ridden the same trails I rode yesterday 2-3 times per week over the past 2 years and have NEVER slipped on my 10 year old WTB Enduroraptors. I'm online now ordering replacements (going w/ WTB Velociraptors since I had such good luck w/ the Enduroraptors).
Bottom line. Don't bother leaving your LBS w/ these tires. These were a huge mis-fire by Bontrager and should be pulled from the market.
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Submitted by
insmanblue
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: June 18, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Forest Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bike Gallery
Strengths:
Spin up fast, look cool.
Weaknesses:
These tires come on my 09 Fuel EX8. I don't have a lot of experience on a MTB but I know that three flats in two rides is excessive. Time to try out the Panaracer Fire XC Pro. It's gotten great reviews.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
09 Trek Fuel EX8
Bottom Line:
If your idea of a great ride is riding with nature rather than sitting on the side of the trail fixing another flat, do not get these tires.
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Submitted by
rsturm
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, CA Date Reviewed: June 8, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rolls well, all around fine tire
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Nevegals, Small Block 8, Hutchinson Python, Scorpion, and many others that didn't leave much of an impression. Worst tire ever: Hutchinson On The Rocks
Bike Setup:
Stock Trek Fuel Ex 8.
Bottom Line:
I think the reviews are overly negative, these are good tires and perform better than most other tires I've tried. I did my standard loop in under 2 hours (instead of usual 2:10), better climbing and safer descending. I bet I would have avoided some scrapes and bruises if I had used these tires a month ago. I'm sure there are other tires that exceed on those margins, especially when it gets sandy or gravelly (Nevegals seem to be a favorite), but then you want tires that roll well because regardless of which trail I ride, eventually there is distance to be covered on dirt roads or even pavement.
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Submitted by
FTCsooner
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: June 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ginny Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Lee's
Strengths:
None that I could find
Weaknesses:
Mud clearance, traction on hardpack, traction on loose rock
Similar Products Used:
WTB Motoraptor Race
Bike Setup:
2008 Gary Fisher HiFi with XT rear and XTR front derailuer, Cranks Brothers Acid 2 pedals
Bottom Line:
I have read some reviews that state these are supposed to be tubeless, I can not speak to their performance tubeless because they came on my standard wheels. I can say at 45 psi they are horrible on almost everything I have ridden them on. The worst is hardpack and loose rock, but lately I have been in some light, light mud and they do not clear at all! If you are still using a tube stay away from these tires, they suck!
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Submitted by
biga6462
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: May 29, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came With Bike
Strengths:
The tire seemed to roll with ease, and worked well on single track.
Weaknesses:
Flat first time I used them. Does not work well on roots only on loose sand and dirt.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python, IRC Mythos, Michelin All Mountain, Bontrager Connection Trail.
Bottom Line:
I viewed so many negative reviews on this site that I took these off my new Fuel as soon as I purchased it. I was curious about these things so I put them on my old Fuel 70 for a test ride. They did well on loose sand and single track but performed poorly on loose rock and roots. This makes these pretty much worthless to me in the Houston area. Not to mention that I had a flat on the first time out, not even riding on anything hardcore. I am sure these would probably do better tubeless but I am not going to waiste my time and efforts on them. Go with something tougher.
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Submitted by
Oldradioguy2
a Weekend Warrior
from Severna Park, Maryland Date Reviewed: May 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Round Bay, near Annapolis
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
I really can't think of any. OK on dry pavement, I guess.
Weaknesses:
A weak, thin tire. I get flats almost every time I ride. I have one right now. Every little thorn or twig punches right through the tread or sidewall. My son rides in front of me on his Diamondback Response with Kenda tires, and he never gets flats. Also, lots of rolling resistance.
2009 Fisher MArlin Disc, stock except Ergo grips, old Suntour XC II beartraps, and a better saddle.
Bottom Line:
If your bike comes with these, have the shop swap them out before you even put them on pavement or trail. My Competition III's had fewer flats in 23 years than these have had in one month! I have the cheaper Bontrager Connection/Trails on my 1983 Ross Mount Hood, and I haven't had a flat yet.
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Submitted by
csparks66
a Cross Country Rider
from phoenix, az Date Reviewed: May 22, 2009
Favorite Trail:
national
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
No flats, roll ok, handle ok. Just average for me
Weaknesses:
Side wall is weak. Could see sealant coming out of it all the time. Easily tore on some off camber rock downhill, Sending me over the bars..
Similar Products Used:
Kenda nevegals
Bike Setup:
tubeless with with stans
Bottom Line:
These came factory on my trek.I wouldnt trash them immeadiatly, but i will not buy them. I need something that can hold up to the rocky terrain and this isnt it. They have a weak sidewall that will not last as long as the tread, if riding in AZ.
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Submitted by
gregarfish
a Weekend Warrior
from Central New Jersey Date Reviewed: May 9, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
High Gear Cyclery
Strengths:
Great on dry hard packed dirt
Weaknesses:
Lots of Pinch Flats
No grip on turns or in wet conditions
Bike Setup:
2008 Gary Fisher Piranha
Bottom Line:
If you don't go riding when it's wet, these tires are perfect for you. They roll very fast. Once it starts getting wet,however, these tires are plain terrible. They slip on everything. On turns you are going to have to slow down A LOT to avoid having them slip out. The rear tire gives you tons of flats.
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Submitted by
mojopin78
a Cross Country Rider
from Date Reviewed: May 3, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hillside Park, Lebenon, CAMBA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
stock on bike
Strengths:
Light, decent traction, and overall fast tire with adequate sidewalls. On a sunny day running the proper pressure and on hardback or sand over hardpack they are awesome
Weaknesses:
need to understand that these were a) designed to be run tubeless (i.e. low pressure) and b) it was intended to be an xc race tire. Needless to say, at a higher pressure or in less than stellar condition this tires SUCKS.
Good tires once you know the rules and how they react: low pressure and a calculated slip in the corners. I'll admit, I hate these until someone enlightened me on the rules and I made my peace. They are fast rolling, light and hook up adequately. If conditions are adverse (e.g. wet, sandy, especially rocky) look somewhere else. If their stock or you've got a sponsorship, ride'em till they wear out. If you're shopping retail, your money is better spent elsewhere.
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Submitted by
oscar castro
a Racer
from cali, colombia Date Reviewed: February 27, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
trek dealer
Strengths:
any at all
Weaknesses:
all of them, the tire its really dangerous, i got flats two o three times every ride, it really sucks , its the worst tire ever
Similar Products Used:
i got now a maxxis , much better
Bike Setup:
this tires came with my 2008 trek fuel
Bottom Line:
if you are thinking to get this tires, think again , please.
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Submitted by
edspy14
a Weekend Warrior
from Aventura, fl, us Date Reviewed: January 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
strangler fig
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
fast roller
Weaknesses:
Horrible grip and too many flats
Bottom Line:
has no grip for up hill climbs and gets flats too often. Dont buy this product because although it rolls fast, it will only slow you down because it has no grip.
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Submitted by
tduro
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading, PA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with Gary Fishe
Strengths:
Solid all-around tire
Weaknesses:
Perhaps a slightly weak sidewall. I found a small slice there after a few rides; but that can happen to any tire. Still, there's no performance detriment.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke/Dart Classic, GEAX Sturdy
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Hi Fi Plus stock
Bottom Line:
I don't understand all the negative reviews. Maybe there are better tires out there, but I've found nothing wrong with these.
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Submitted by
tahj33
a Weekend Warrior
from Maryland Date Reviewed: December 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very fast and light.
No flats - I run tubeless and weigh 200lbs geared
Weaknesses:
Washes out off camber
Bike Setup:
2008 Fuel EX 8
Bottom Line:
Mine is set up tubeless with stans. The tire is very fast and relatively stable off camber if the tire pressure is low. I run 29 psi in front and 31 psi in the rear. This combination seemed to work for a while until I rode really fast downhill...it felt like a death wish. I don't know if I can reduce the front pressure lower due to my weight. I'm currently looking for a new tire, at least for the fronts, but can't seem to find one that combines the strength of the Jones XR with grip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trek Master Flex
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: December 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any thang with tech
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
THERE ARE NONE!
Weaknesses:
Just about everything.
Similar Products Used:
nothing is this bad...
Bike Setup:
Fuel EX 8, XTR drivetrain, now kenda nevegal 2.1 Stick-e
Bottom Line:
These are litteraly dangerous. First time out with things i took my bike for a walk.
'Nuff said!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Whason
a Weekend Warrior
from Milpitas, Ca Date Reviewed: October 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with fuel ex 8
Strengths:
They seem pretty fast
Weaknesses:
Really crappy grip.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager jones ac, specialized chunder
Bike Setup:
Stock fuel ex8
Bottom Line:
I changed the front tire because i felt these tires were slipping to much and have enjoyed the chunder on the front. I am currently looking for a rear tire to go with the chunder. I would not buy these tires. THey are proabbly good for riding on straight up flat trail without any uphill or loose dirt, but for what I do which is not that agressive these tires suck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dfunk
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Date Reviewed: October 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Ravenshoe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Too many to list
Bike Setup:
2008 Trek Fuel EX-9
Bottom Line:
Bottom line....DON'T BUY these tires. You're better off burning your money!!! Flat after flat after flat after flat......shall I go any further. Turn your head the other way when you see these tire!! These tires SUCK!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jen
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA, USA Date Reviewed: September 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Carvins Cove
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
None that I can find.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls - now getting ready to replace again. 2nd one this summer. Should have known better than to buy the tire twice.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Ignitors (on my SS), Ritchey Something or other originally.
Bike Setup:
05 Santa Cruz Superlight - lots of XT, XTR bling...
Bottom Line:
THESE TIRES ARE HORRIBLE and a HUGE WASTE OF MONEY
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew16v
a Cross Country Rider
from Galloway, Nj, USA Date Reviewed: August 31, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Haven't found any
Weaknesses:
INCREDIBLY thin and very prone to flats! Not very good in wet conditions either!
Bike Setup:
Stock 08 fisher marlin disk
Bottom Line:
EVERY TIME I go for a trail ride I wake up the next morning and have a flat. The first time this happened, when I took the tire off the rim to check for thorns, I couuldn't believe how thin the tires were! Just like the person below me here in the reviews. I was going to wait till these wore out, but after going through a whole patch kit in less than 6 weeks - I'm gettin' new tires!
Avoid these tires like a plague, they are JUNK!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stoweboat
a Weekend Warrior
from Providence, RI Date Reviewed: August 20, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good on hardpack
Weaknesses:
FLATS!!!!
Bike Setup:
Stock Trek Fuel EX9
Bottom Line:
I had read that these tires had some issues but i figured I would wear them out and get new ones. Including my test bike ride, I got 1 if not 2 flats every time I rode. I have now had 7 flats in 5 rides with 1 - 3 holes in each tube for each flat. I got so fed up fixing flats that I gave them back to the bike shop where I bought the bike and they gave me a credit toward now tires. The guy that changed the tires comented that the tubes are weak as well but I got flats with the better tubes that I installed after the stock tubes where holed. Do not buy these tires and if they come stock on a bike you are buying, have the shop swap them out before you take delivery of the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tengwar3
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashua NH Date Reviewed: August 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Yudicky Farm
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Goodales
Strengths:
leisurely rides, and hard packed trails. Not to much resistance but does grip well for BASIC needs. Cuts in the knobs do the tire some justice with traction.
Weaknesses:
Any thing wet. Does not grip at all when there are wet conditions (especially after a few months of hard riding). Tires slip on anything, even very thin patches of clay with sand under it. They also ware very very fast. I just got the bike for X-mas and its already down to the base knobs on the tire. No skidding at all with them.
Similar Products Used:
NA
Bike Setup:
2007 Perhana (SP?)
Genises frame
Alivo/Deor shifters
BB5 Mechanical disks
Bontrager rims
soon to be Michelin XCR Mud tires
Bottom Line:
Good for basic needs like i said. Pavement, hard pack, and some lose stuff in there, is what you get from these. Even on pavement you need to be very careful, i have taken some turns and they do slide out on acation. As for flats.... i have had at least 8 so far this season, with an other leek right now. Always have a spare tire and pump with you with these. Has coasted me a lot so far in flats. So i just got a pair of Michelin XCR Mud tires for the wet stuff and harder trails (switching out when needed, those ware fast).
Over all, they ware fast, and are only good for pavement and hard pack. And getting the PSI right for them is not possible, its too low with much drag, or too high with no traction. Still they have served me well for half this season.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dnoyeb
a Weekend Warrior
from Southfield, MI USA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lakeshore Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
American Cycle and F
Strengths:
Allow you to start riding today since your bike comes with tires. Solid tire with low PSI. Decent grip, only 1 flat so far. No missing tread yet.
Weaknesses:
The tires seem to drop significantly in performance if you pump them up hard. The tail end gets sloppy like you would expect form an underinflated tire. Slip going uphill. Hold mud until you beat it out of the tire.
Similar Products Used:
Whatever comes on the Specialized Rock Hopper.
Bike Setup:
2008 Fuel EX7
Bottom Line:
These tires work if you don't inflate them too high. Say about 45PSI is good. Anything more and their performance goes down. On the other hand, if you have to keep low PSI, then you are increasing drag.
So if you want to be positive you could say these are excellent tires but they have lots of drag. If you want to be negative you could say these tires have little drag, but they don't provide much traction.
I am still trying to tune the PSI with respect to the rear shock. Maybe things will improve.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kertykert
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
X-treem trail, Kelso
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
stock on GF Piranha
Strengths:
fast, no flats yet and that is about it.
Weaknesses:
Terrible in any mud, packs full and doesn't shed, climbing slips a lot and not good on rocks or roots that have any moisture on them at all.
Bike Setup:
Stock GF Piranha, except for XTR pedals
Bottom Line:
These tires are pretty much useless. the cause of a lot of spills due to mud and wetness. They wear quickly and they don't have much grip to begin with. They are fast and if you ride dry or urban you will be fine but any sort of mud you might as well walk, there will be an extra 10lbs of mud in your tread.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bierman
a Racer
from cosat mesa ca Date Reviewed: June 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
T n A Laguna
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
I run theses on my 29er with stans/slime @ 22psi front & 25psi rear. I raced the entire NMBS series last year in the Super-D and continue to run them and I have nevered flatted or tore a sidewall (learn to choose good lines). They seem to be a flawless all around tire for my set up and riding abilities. I also have the 1.8 size for XC racing.
Weaknesses:
There not free to me yet!!
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis tires, Hutchinson tires.
Bike Setup:
29" Niner Air 9 with Bontrager race lite wheels set up with tubless strip from Bontrager.
Bottom Line:
To me these tires are great for all around riding. As far as sidewall tear, in all my years of racing, training, and riding I have never tore a sidewall with any brand of tire....LUCK? who knows I feel its from just smooth riding style and good line choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dbrownonthego
a Cross Country Rider
from Evergreen, CO, USA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail - Buff Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
They do seem to be faster than my old tires, but don't make up for lack of traction. After about 60 miles of riding I have not had a flat like other reviewers (yet).
Weaknesses:
This is the worst traction of any tires I have ever ridden. Slipped off of mild side sloping bed rock, poor traction in sand/gravel.
Similar Products Used:
Wide range of tires - this is the 1st set of Bontrager I have owned
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel EX9
Bottom Line:
These are brand new and I am getting rid of them to get something with more traction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Norris
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tanasi Trail System
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came stock on GF Tass
Strengths:
Very few, if any. They are fast rollin' tires, but it is hard to keep them rolling when you get a flat every other ride.
Weaknesses:
Flats. At least every other ride and sometimes on each ride. The surface in the TN area is not extremely rocky and the trails are well-maintained, so I just chalk it up to a weak tire that is prone to puncture by whatever.
Similar Products Used:
Came stock on Tass. Just purchased Maxxis Advantage...will review after more rides.
Bike Setup:
06 Gary Fisher Tassajara, Avid Mechanical BB7 brakes
Bottom Line:
I would use the tires until they wear out or until you are tired of changing flats. A good alternative may be to buy better tires and carry one of these in reserve should your new tire happen to blow a sidewall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eddie M.
a Cross Country Rider
from SPTBG SC Date Reviewed: March 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
southside
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
The Great Escape
Strengths:
fast fast fast
Weaknesses:
not a lot of tread,
Similar Products Used:
wtb velocirator, michellan xc
Bike Setup:
99 Schwinn Homegrown
Bottom Line:
i noticed a huge difference in my speed when i was riding on these tires, theyre perfect for dry rides, but on mud you might as well walk or not even go riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
StzarRider
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena CA USA Date Reviewed: February 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
any mountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
If there are any I did not try to find them.
Weaknesses:
got three flats within minutes of putting the bike on the trail. This particular trail was a paved road for the first few miles, I did not get off the pavement. I took it back to the store and got some real tires.
Bike Setup:
Store bought GF 2007 Wahoo. The tires came on the bike.
Bottom Line:
I dont know where you can use this kind of a tire if you cannot even ride it on pavement. I put some new VelociRaptor tires on and have not get a flat in over 1700 miles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX, USA Date Reviewed: February 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Hill (Austin)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Came stock on my GF Tassajara. They hold pretty good on dry and uphill, although my only comparison was my old bike which couldn't climb crap.
Weaknesses:
Wear fast. Never had a flat tire on a trail until this bike. I think I rode over a cactus patch, since then I've had 3 flat tires. So I'm blaming it on the tires.
Similar Products Used:
Other Bontaragers worked fine
Bottom Line:
Once they wear out, buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Macomb, MI, USA Date Reviewed: January 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Stoney Creek Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came with 05 Wahoo, LBS
Strengths:
Decent looking. Came as OEM equipment with my bike, thus the price was right. Very good tread life.
Weaknesses:
Poor traction when trying to work up steep gravely hills. Not so hot in any amount of sand. Unless you're on pavement or hard packed dirt forget it- you're walking it.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Everyday workhorse: 2005 Wahoo, totally stock. Even has the kick stand.
Bottom Line:
The Bontrager Jones XR 26X2.25/2.2 tires are good for everyday use on pavement, casual off road trails or an occasional up / downhill stint. After 2 years the tread has held up very well, still on original tubes. I push these tires to their limit when riding my local technical downhill singletrack on the weekends. Not really meant for anything more than casual, recreational freerides or going to get groceries with mom. If your bike comes with these, ride them until you grow out of them. Then replace them with something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Rickabaugh
a Cross Country Rider
from Winston-Salem, NC, USA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hobby Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Paceline Bicycles
Strengths:
Good in mud, but really not good in anything else.
Weaknesses:
Very, Very succeptible to puncture. I am 16 and I ride A LOT through the woods with my friends. And through thorn bushes,roots, mud. I had to get a new tube 6 times until I finally switched tires.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Ignitor(on my other bike), Hutchinson Scorpion
Bike Setup:
Cannondale All Mountain Jekyll 600 Disc 2004
Bottom Line:
Not very good tires. I had a hole in my other tire so I was oblivious to what the employees at the store were putting on. I would highly reccomend getting a different tire. You get what you pay for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Izmo
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryville,TN,US Date Reviewed: November 4, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Reasonably rolling tires, good light-footed traction. Low rolling resistance, good sideways traction. Went fishtailing down a 40 degree drainage ditch (inexperience) on the HiFi with these and somehow made it out without wrecking, across the bridge and everything!
Weaknesses:
Could wish for a little more climbing traction, but the tires have been used on the road some. Can't go full out on sharp corners, but a good sense of security through dirt, snow, etc.
Bike Setup:
'07 Gary Fisher HiFi
Bottom Line:
The tires perform great under all conditions, rain or shine. Just wish they didn't wear down so fast. If I invest in a new set of tires, probably will be Kenda or WTB. Affordable quality. Made for the cross country rider who isn't all-out competitive, but enjoys going fast down hills and through creeks without ever second-guessing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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