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Bontrager Jones

MSRP $ 45.00
# of Reviews 200
Average Rating 3.82/5
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Submitted by -eddie. a Cross Country Rider from SC, USA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2008
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:fast, decent climbing abilities, decent turning abilities.
Similar Products Used:Michillian Wildgrippers, Velo Raptors
Bike Setup:99 Schwinn Homegrown ALL XTR setup.
Bottom Line:i've read the other horrible reviews and i have to say i am REALLY surprised. I haven't had any trouble out of them period.

i get up the hills just fine, go really fast on the flats, scream down downhills.

now don't get me wrong, i have had some better tires, but i can say i am happy with these for the money.

however i wouldn't ride these in the rain, or mud. These are dry condition tires ready for XC riding. 4/5


Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by bzred a Weekend Warrior from Denver, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2008
Favorite Trail:Walker Ranch Loop
Duration Product Used:6 months
Purchased At:Stock gear on new bi
Strengths:Provide good impact absorbtion and are resistant to thorns.
Weaknesses:Traction is terrible: climbing and turning ability. The first day out they lost traction in dry conditions on a turn going around 25-30mph. I had nasty road rash, a $400 hospital bill, and my girlfriend saying "I told you not to buy that bike". LOL! (Thanks Botrager!) Never had this problem with other tires before or since. Furthermore, climbing grip was awful. ... and by that I mean you'll be walking your bike up hills.
Similar Products Used:Panaracer!
Bike Setup:TREK 6500 with disc brakes
Bottom Line:Don't trust them. They should be replaced asap!
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Ted Robinson a Cross Country Rider from Stone Mountain GA
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:Local Singletrack
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Purchased At:Came on bike
Strengths:None that I saw
Weaknesses:No traction in any situation.
Similar Products Used:Mythos, Panracer FireXCPro, Nevagal
Bike Setup:2007 Fisher Pro Caliber
Bottom Line:These tires came with the bike and I thought I was setting up the bike wrong. I couldn't keep the front end from pushing in turns. I replaced the front tire with a Mythos and found the rear end was trying to pass me in turns now that the front end had some traction. It was actually unnerving how bad these tires worked. Once I got new rubber on both ends the bike was a completely new ride. I'm actually amazed that these would be the tire of choice for a manufacturer, but I guess you have to support the house.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Hans Engelberg a Weekend Warrior from St. Catharines, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 5, 2008
Favorite Trail:short hills
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $35.00
Strengths:Great tread, wore well, not too soft yet not too hard. Good grip
Weaknesses:With plenty of tread left, the rubber started to seperate from the kevlar/underlayer at the bead.
Similar Products Used:Michelin XC dry
Bike Setup:Trek 8000,
Bottom Line:Compfortable not durable
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Les a Weekend Warrior from Sydney, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 11, 2007
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:Haven't had a flat with these yet after 6 month of commuting and weekend trail riding. Running at about 50psi.
Weaknesses:Very unnerving on any loose surface, no grip over gravel or sand, no confidence at all, like ice skating, noisy, tire worn out after about 1000KM of mixed commute, trail riding. A bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:Maxxis, Ritchley, Kenda
Bike Setup:Trek 4300, 2008 XT groupset
Bottom Line:This tire came with my Trek hardtail and will ditch it as soon as the replacement (Kenda Nevegal) arrives. I suppose it may be OK to use over hardpack dirt but don't even think about using it on any challenging trails as they will sure to let you down.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Doug a Cross Country Rider from NJ
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:the on I'm on
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $45.00
Purchased At:LBS
Strengths:None, this product is pure junk!
Weaknesses:Everything! Nothing good about these tires, unless of course you have an endless supply of tubes and love changing flats trail side.
Similar Products Used:Conti's, Panracer, Hutch, etc.
Bike Setup:Salsa
Bottom Line:Stay away from these tires, they are not good in any condition. East coast riding provides almost all types of terrain, sand, hardpack, mud, rocks. These tires performed like crap in all of these conditions, and wore out in 3 months!
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by hutter a Cross Country Rider from p-town, ga.
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:any with a dirt surface
Duration Product Used:6 months
Purchased At:stock on my '08 ex 8
Strengths:ZERO
Weaknesses:no traction to speak of
Bike Setup:'08 trek fuel ex 8: fox float rl 130mm fork, fox float rp2 shock, juicy 5's, lx cranks, lx front, xt rear, bonty race: cockpit, rims, hubs, tires, wtb speed v race saddle.
Bottom Line:You may as well take your road bike on the trails. These tires completely suck it!!!!!!
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by James Davidson a Cross Country Rider from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:Kananaskis/Banff - any
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $45.00
Purchased At:Ridleys Cycle
Strengths:Price, Traction, Wear(front)
Weaknesses:Wear(rear) - wore out too fast. softer trails and gravel feel very unsettled
Similar Products Used:IRC Mythos, Maxxis Crossmark
Bike Setup:XC
Bottom Line:I use my mtb bike to commute and go XC. Put these tires on front and rear. Traction for the first month was great. Good cornering (could two wheel drift the bike in really hard corners, and still be faster than my buddies)

Not so good with a creek crossing and steep climb. Once wet, traction is gone.

The rear tire wore out very quickly, and has been replaced with a Maxxis Crossmark (also reviewed). Front still has the Jones. The bike seems happy with this setup.

I wouldn't recommend this as a rear tire.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Al a Cross Country Rider from Canberra, ACT, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Purchased At:came with bike
Strengths:none, these are lousy
Weaknesses:All round bad performer. Cornering, road performance, skidding, punctures.
Similar Products Used:TT, Larson, Python
Bike Setup:XC dualy (5' front and rear)
Bottom Line:Buy these if you like thorn flats, punctures, blowouts and sidewall failures. These corner badly on anything that isn't hardpacked, throw little stones up in your face over loose pebbly ground, feel and sound inefficient on road, and did I mention the puncture problems? I had to replace them after only three rides and picked out all manner of little random things that don't usually lodge in tyres (forget the usual glass and thorns - I found blunt twigs & small round rocks were enough to get through). Both front and back flatted so I'm fairly sure I didn't just get a dud. Sidewall failed on third ride, never had this happen before or since (with other tyres).

There is no excuse for buying these - and if you are buying a bike that comes with these PLEASE get the LBS to swap them out before you buy. I wish I did!
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Dorian a Weekend Warrior from Seattle, WA, US
Date Reviewed: March 20, 2007
Duration Product Used:3 months
Purchased At:came with bike
Strengths:Didn't last long enough to notice.
Weaknesses:Poor traction on-road.
Similar Products Used:WTB Velociraptors, Geax Evolution
Bike Setup:Gary Fisher Piranha, stock.
Bottom Line:After reading the other reviews of these tires, figured my negative review can't hurt these anymore than they already are.

Had the bike about 3 months. Ridden maybe 25 miles, mostly on-road, some off, but light. Hopped on bike yesterday, rode 7 miles, hopped off bike, front tire hissing at me. Inspect tire, find what appears to be a separation of the tire right behind one of the center lugs. No object penetration visible. After figuring this out, realize the REAR tire is flat as well! Air got out of that one more slowly, so no idea what caused that failure.

I have probably 200 miles on the Geax Evolutions, and not a single flat. Two flats at the same time, is either really bad luck, or poor tires on the Jones part. Especially with the apparent tire separation.

On wet asphalt or concrete, need to be quite cautious even riding uphill. Numerous times I got so little traction I actually couldn't keep the bike moving because the tire would spin. Going downhill, same story, braking was hairy due to little grip. Ridden same conditions/areas with my Geax Evo's, not a complaint.

Even if it weren't for the two flat tires, I can see I'm not the only one that thinks these tires suck, so I don't feel even slightly bad about giving them double 1's based solely on traction. They apparently suck just as bad off road as they do on. Time to go swap tires...
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Hui Chuen Chuang a Weekend Warrior from Penang, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:anywhere
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $60.00
Purchased At:Cyclon Cycle Industries
Strengths:these tires are best when you ride on the trail. grips well. corners well. light too
Weaknesses:when you ride them new on moist tarmac, it feels like drifting, when you turn, you can feel the rear wheel sliding away.
Similar Products Used:Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:stock 2005 Trek Fuel 70 except for candy sl pedals and XT rear mech
Bottom Line:good for drifting on wet tarmac, good for trail riding. but don't combine both or you'll eat the trail...
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:2

Submitted by av3773 a from GA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:AS mentioned these tires are fine on really packed surfaces or on surface streets.
Weaknesses:Pretty much a useless tire imo if you plan on biking on trails in any place other than the parking lot or very packed dirt...they slip on everything...I have bailed a few times because of these tires...they just can't hold anything which is a real pain on climbs and cornering...they came stock on my GF and after three months I am fed up...I really thought like most to ride them until they were worn out, but after a while they just sucked so bad I decided to switch them out...GF should definately consider removing this as one of their stock parts.
Similar Products Used:Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bottom Line:Bottom line is these tires suck...after switching them out for Panaracers, you definately notice the difference...every tire is going to have some weakness because it's hard to create a really perfect all whatever tire...but the Bonts stink...if you have them as part of a stock set up try and ride them for as long as you can, but be careful these tires are going to bail on you when you need them in anything other than a hard packed single track
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:4

Submitted by the fishman a Cross Country Rider from Charlottesville, VA
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:my little secret
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Purchased At:came with bike
Strengths:Um...er...well...about none, really. I guess they do all right on hardpack and dry grass (what doesn't?). Low rolling resistance on hard stuff makes them fairly quick.
Weaknesses:Absolutely no traction or confidence on anything loose, muddy, wet; you can forget about scrambling over rocks and roots (esp wet ones); climbing is difficult at best over most terrain.
Similar Products Used:Never used anything this bad. In the past I've run Michelins and Panaracers.
Bike Setup:06 Fisher Tassajera Disc - upgraded saddle and pedals (clipless are the way to go)
Bottom Line:What an awful tire!! Front inspires no steering confidence, and the rear just spins helplessly away. To give you an idea, on a recent ride with my brother, his crappy IRC Mythos outclimbed the hell out of these Bonts (terrain was mostly loose rock, pine needles, mud and wet roots). I've gone back to the Panaracer Smoke/Dart combo that I ran on my old Rockhopper, and constantly wonder why I even gave the Bonts a month.... If they came on your bike as stock, and you do a fairly even mix of road/light dry trails, you might as well ride these until they're worn out...but paying money for these? Ha!
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by muzza a Weekend Warrior from crawford busharagua
Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:When it's found I won't tell
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Weaknesses:four flats in one week. eased up after putting skins inside.
treads wore down entirely in 9 mos. I do maybe 30% ashphalt any given week. unlike others I found the bonts got through mud OK, but they jounced around A LOT in the dry baseball sized rock patches, noisily shooting little crap rocks out the sides unsettling the bike. ain't no expert but I guess the rubber compound is too hard. replacement panaracers take those rocky patches in stride. makes me wonder about all the other bont stuff on my fish. got to wondernow what a non bont crank would do. bont saddle and seatpost are already in a basket in the garage.
Similar Products Used:new panaracer fire XC pros
Bike Setup:05 fish tazz w/hayes hfx, thudbuster, wellgo clipons, koobi au enduro saddle, ergon wing thingie grips, panaracers & stuff.
Bottom Line:never knew how bad the bonts were until I got panaracers.
now I feel like the kid who grew up on baloney because no one ever told him about steak.. kind of pissed. they weren't actually crappy tires....well yes they were. If they came with your rig, ride 'em raw and buy something better next time. If you have a choice up front, avoid bonts. Lots more experienced guys than me swear by panaracers here in the back blocks of Busharagua.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Dave Smith a Racer from CA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:Sugar Pine Pt.
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Strengths:Good on Dry Asphalt
Weaknesses:Poor on all other dirt surfaces, wash out on everything other dry surface attemped. Terrible in the sand, can hold a line.
Similar Products Used:Specialize Rock Combo ( Love thi stire)
WTB Moto Raptor
Bike Setup:2006 Gary Fisher Tassajara
Bottom Line:Gary Fish should be assamed for putting these tires on any of his bikes. These tires are a joke, I feel like I got ripped off when I bought my new Tassajara.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Dan a Weekend Warrior from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $1800.00
Purchased At:Came on my GF Paragon 29er
Strengths:Great on dry hardpack.
Weaknesses:They wash out (especially the rear) in anything resembling wet or muddy conditions because of the wimpy corner knobs. I'm changing tires after one ride because I have no use for a tire that doesn't work in a very common condition. They reduced a great bike to a feebmobile; I had to ride like a granny in muddy areas, and let's face it--many trails will be 90% dry and 10% wet, and you might come across the wet when you're rolling pretty fast, and with these tires that could be ugly.
Similar Products Used:26" Specialized Pro, which I loved.
Bike Setup:Stock GF Paragon 29er.
Bottom Line:If you don't ride in the wet, this may be the tire for you. If you need an all-around tire you don't have to switch out every time it rains, avoid this tire like the plague.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Ash a Weekend Warrior from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:Grip seems great on all types of terrain.
Weaknesses:The only reason I ride these tires is because it came with my new bike. The front tire came screwed up from the get go. The tire makes out my rim to be out of tru, but the tire is actually faulty. I have ridden about 150 miles on them and I can see large chunks of tread already missing.I also had a rock pierce my front tire just recently that really turned me off. I am just going to use these up then get something better.
Similar Products Used:Bontrager Connection Trail, IRC Mythos, Hutchinson Python
Bike Setup:Trek Fuel
Bottom Line:I would never even think about buying these tires again for the price. They are decent for light trail but if you are a racer I wouldnt be surprised if these came apart during a race.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Ash a Weekend Warrior from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:Grip seems great on all types of terrain.
Weaknesses:The only reason I ride these tires is because it came with my new bike. The front tire came screwed up from the get go. The tire makes out my rim to be out of tru, but the tire is actually faulty. I have ridden about 150 miles on them and I can see large chunks of tread already missing.I also had a rock pierce my front tire just recently that really turned me off. I am just going to use these up then get something better.
Similar Products Used:Bontrager Connection Trail, IRC Mythos, Hutchinson Python
Bike Setup:Trek Fuel
Bottom Line:I would never even think about buying these tires again for the price. They are decent for light trail but if you are a racer I wouldnt be surprised if these came apart during a race.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Kenny a Cross Country Rider from Houston
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:grips hardpack well and fast
Similar Products Used:specialized
Bike Setup:GF Wahoo stock
Bottom Line:Bought new tires, but cant bring myself to throw them on yet since the Jones XC tires have been performing great. For hardpack trails they cruise and grip well. Nice and wide at 2.3, front and rear specific. I thought I'd be replacing them by now but I've got them running so good at about 43psi (I'm 140) I will defend the tires as excellent quality. I've tumbled and wrecked a few times but I won't ever blame my bike or its components.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Tim Cardoza a Cross Country Rider from Pine Valley, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:It's a secret
Duration Product Used:3 months
Purchased At:Stock on GF Tassajara
Strengths:Roll fast. Light. Good on straignt hardpack or pavement.
Weaknesses:Super thin, flats, washout in turns, weak knobs, do not inspire confidence, my friends laugh at them.
Similar Products Used:None
Bike Setup:06 GF Tassajara
Bottom Line:Just trying to get my moneys worth out of these before I swap them out. They're about shot after a few months of moderate riding. Think I'll try something from WTB next.

I don't know why anyone would consider buying these.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by B Willi a Cross Country Rider from TO, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:Anything that makes me bleed
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Strengths:HA!
Weaknesses:Oh, so many...
Similar Products Used:Mythos IRC, Panaracer Cinder, Ritchey Megabite
Bottom Line:Wow, these tires are bad. They slip on everything. They don't hold on anything wet OR dry. I've ridden these in most all the terrain that SoCal (and a little NorCal too) has to offer (sand, DG, clay, babyheads, boulders, loam, etc) and I failed to find a condition where they did well. Except for on sandstone. They don't slip much on that... but what does? They also wear a bit fast, which is a good thing- because it will force you to buy some better tires a little more quickly (Panaracers, perhaps?).

Bottom line, these tires just didn't do it for me. The front struggles with holding a line on even the most generous holds and the rear just scrambles for footing on any terrain.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Jacob Spunkle a Cross Country Rider from Sterling, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:3 months
Purchased At:taken from shop when customer upgraded.
Strengths:light and fast, sheds mud well, would be at it's best in dry conditions on mostly smooth, flat trails.
Weaknesses:wears fast, poor traction in wet, no traction on roots and logs
Similar Products Used:Specialized Enduro, only simmilar in tread pattern
Bike Setup:06 Stumpjumper 120, Mavic wheels
Bottom Line:I got this tire to use on the rear with a Geax Blade in the front so I wouldn't wear out my more expensive tires just wrecking around. I'm just glad I didn't try and run the Jones ACX on the front. It refuses to stick to logs, roots, or wet rock. I tried running it at 40 psi hopeing for more grip and was changing tubes within a mile. I'm not really sure how that's possible considering my weight and the tire's width. I now know why this tire was replaced.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:1

Submitted by john a Cross Country Rider from Lafayette Louisiana
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:acadiana park trails
Duration Product Used:6 months
Purchased At:capitol cyclery
Strengths:The front tire has never washed out on me, i live in south Louisiana, so i do ALOT of muddin, and these tires suck for muddin.
Weaknesses:They wore down very quick, and they have bad traction.
Similar Products Used:Michilin Country Mud
Bike Setup:Trek 4300 disc new rear derailer, and new tires.
Bottom Line:Don't get these tires if you plan to go muddin.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Iriebiker Carter a Cross Country Rider from Titusville, FL USA
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:Little Big Econ
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Purchased At:Speadgoat
Strengths:49/53 front and 49/51 rear: Great traction and reliability when matched with rider size and use.
Weaknesses:Knobs wear quicker than other tires used
Similar Products Used:IRC Mythos, Panaracer, Continental
Bike Setup:Dean
Bottom Line:I've been out of biking for a few years, which is why I've had the tires so long. When I purchased the Jones 49/53 front and 49/51 rear, the Bontrager website had a chart matching use and rider size for tire size/tread. I'm a smaller rider and thanks to that chart, my Jones tires have been great for my riding. I've ridden in NC, SC, PA, OH, CO and now FL. I've never had problems with front tire washout or traction loss. Bontrager still makes 49/53 tires; I just wish I could still find the rear tires now to replace mine once they're worn.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by matt a Cross Country Rider from hansville wa usa
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:pope and talbot land.
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Purchased At:kingston classic cycle
Strengths:rolls fast, never ever got a pinch flat even with the jumping i did, pretty good on gravel
Weaknesses:knobs wear quickly, doesn't grip that well, it's only efficient as a front tire, knobs on 2.1 are a little small, my friends comfort bike tires grip as good as these and there meant for the road. they have useless ramped knobes on the inside of the outside knobs which seem like it would just make it lose grip during cornering, bad for wet muddy conditions.
Similar Products Used:michelin hot s (much better tire than these)
Bike Setup:trek 4900 with new pedals and tires
Bottom Line:not a good tire unless you want to roll fast, terrible in all conditions. the only reason i even used it is because it came with my bike.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:2

Submitted by GlowBoy a Weekend Warrior from Portland OR
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:Waldo Lake
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Price Paid: $35.00
Purchased At:Speedgoat
Strengths:Rolls fast. Reasonable traction in most conditions, and even decent in mud. Lightest full-size 29" knobby out there. Good volume. Rolls well.
Weaknesses:Weak sidewalls. Not great on wet roots.
Similar Products Used:Kenda Klaw, Nanoraptor 29"
Bike Setup:Rigid singlespeed Surly Karate Monkey 29"er w/Thudbuster.
Bottom Line:This review is for the 29" Jones ACX. There are a lot of different tires labeled "Jones" so don't get mixed up: as far as I'm aware this is the first review of the 29" ACX.

I mostly run Klaws on my rig, but I did a few muddy rides with the Jones up front last year. It wasn't as good as the Klaw in those conditions, but still did well: decent grip and good shedding in mud, and also very good grip on rocks. Rolls well, VERY light for a 29" full knobby. Pretty dicey on wet roots. Thin-looking sidewalls, and others have reported tears from riding in sharp rocks.

I'd recommend this tire for someone who (1) rides in mostly-dry conditions and doesn't encounter too many sharp rocks, and is looking to reduce their rolling weight. This tire will work quite well in these conditions, and the weight difference (about 100g lighter than most 29" knobbies) will give you noticeably better acceleration.

I would not recommend this tire for those who ride in a lot of sharp rocks or with lots of thorns (try the Klaw or maybe the Motoraptor), or for those who encounter a lot of wet roots (go for the Klaw).

This tire provides decent grip in most conditions while weighing much less than the competition. I still plan to use mine for a lot of summertime rides. It's not a total all-rounder, but within the conditions it's good at it's VERY good, so I'm still willing to give it a 5.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Noah a Weekend Warrior from Boston, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:Otis AGFB, Cape Cod
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Strengths:Durable. The only flat I got in three years was when I ran over a nail.
Weaknesses:Rear tire had a tendency to wash out. Front was a bit better.
Bike Setup:Stock 2001 Trek 4500
Bottom Line:I found these to be pretty good all-around tires. They're not perfect, and you probably don't want them if you're racing or doing some really elite technical riding, but you already knew that. If you're just getting in to biking and want a tire that performs well in the various types of terrain you'll be trying out, this is a good one. Or if you're biking for fun and fitness and aren't a total gear head, these tires will simplify life for you and let you get on with riding.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

Submitted by RG a Cross Country Rider from Long Island
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:No Flats, haven't worn too quickly.
Weaknesses:Front Tire wash out.
Rear Tire wash out.
Not enough grip.
Similar Products Used:Old Specialized Tires
Bike Setup:6700
Bottom Line:They came stock with my Trek 6700. I am moving on to the Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1.

I can't believe someone would want to buy one of these.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Tom a Cross Country Rider from Littleton
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:6 months
Purchased At:Bicycle Village
Strengths:Lightweight, good tire for hardpack.
Weaknesses:Very little traction in turns due to minimal outside knobs. Performs sub par in loose to thicker rock/sand/dirt. Doesn't grab at all over wet roots and rocks.
Similar Products Used:None
Bike Setup:Stock Trek8000. Bonty ACX tires came with bike.
Bottom Line:The tires have caused 3 crashed and that's after only riding on them about 15 times. The last crash knocked some sense into my head at which time I replaced the cancerous front ACX.

My riding ability increased 4 fold and I've enjoyed the front replacement (Conti Explorer ProTection). While maintaining an ACX rear I figured I would leave it until I'd warn it out. Low and behold my turns became harder with greater speed and the slide outs crept back into my life.

In short, my bike came with bonty ACX tires...they have since been replaced. My riding skill seems to have improved from the shear change, perhaps it's confidence. Confidence is one thing the ACX tires didn't give me. I was shaky, nervous, and was actually cringing with each turn...and that isn't the way to ride is it?

My recommendations are these: don't buy ACX, if you have them, replace them. Panaracer Dart/Smoke if you're not a weight finatic. Conti Explorer ProTection is a great Front as well. In any case avoid pain and frustration drop the ACX.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Ivan a Cross Country Rider from Zagreb, Croatia
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Strengths:?
Weaknesses:bad traction, easy loose of control
Bike Setup:Stock Trek 4500 (2001)
Bottom Line:I got these tires stock on my trek. I am a d***b f**l. I drove this shi**y tire almost 2 years and wondered why I have such bad traction both front and rear. Front one had a tension to go where it likes, not there where i want, both uphill and downhill. All this time, I blamed InSync suspension for this, but it were the tires. The rear one is slightly better, but it wores out quite quickly, at the time of replacement was slick-tire. Now I drive Maxxis HighRoller 2,35 front and Ritchey Z-Max 2,1 rear, and soon Maxxis goes rear, and up front Continental Vertical 2,3 or maybe another High Roller. This is the real stuff! Grpis everything and fat tyre is more comfortable. I'll never again buy anything thinner than 2,3.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Keram a from Boston
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:3 months
Purchased At:suprgo or one of the others
Strengths:good grip, very versatile
Weaknesses:can't think of any
Similar Products Used:panaracers, ss revolts
Bike Setup:sugar 4+, xtr components
Bottom Line:great all around tire. works well in dry, mud, climbs, wet roots - you name it. I hate to switch tires and this one seems to do the job. just got back from pinnacle race in nh and with a bit of everthing that the course had this tire was great. i ran rear in mud direction and climbed all muddy, lose dirt and wet rock steeps (175lbs/ 40 psi) . highly recommened.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Paul Jones a Cross Country Rider from Marlton, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:American Std.
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $15.00
Purchased At:Nashbar
Strengths:Ecellent traction on most terrain. If you ride on mostly mixed terrain, not real muddy, not real hardpack, lots of rocks - this is a great gripper for climbing.
Weaknesses:Not the most durable, knobs can be ripped off. I weight 198 though.
Similar Products Used:Panaracer
Bike Setup:Trek frame. Mixed bag after that.
Bottom Line:I would buy more if I could find them. Don't confuse this with the Jones AC (or XC). Just the plain old Jones!

This tire performs well in the terrain I ride. North NJ, Jim Thorpe PA, DE, Catskills. BUT, keep in mind I am a CC rider and love to climb!!
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Ryan a Cross Country Rider from Los gatos, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:Demonstration Forest - Santa Cruz
Duration Product Used:6 months
Price Paid: $20.00
Purchased At:SuperGo
Strengths:Hreat value for the cost.
Weaknesses:A little heavy
Similar Products Used:Mythos XC - GREAT tire
Bike Setup:Orbea Columbus Starship bla bla bla - pretty light
Bottom Line:These are some solid tires. I have been romping on the trails for about 6 months with these on and have minimal wear and tear. Never had a pinch flat and never had to do anything to these tires. Thery keep me solid on the steep climbs and they grip well on the way down.

These are ALOT better than the Hutchinson Mosquito Gold I had prior to the Jones. Those gave me pinch flats every other week and wore out SUPER fast.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by steve a Weekend Warrior from arvada, co, usa
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:dinosaur ridge/red rocks
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Purchased At:came with bike
Strengths:?
Weaknesses:I can't agree with most of these posts. This tire lacks severely in terms of traction, durability (lugs peel off), and feel. I strongly advise not using these on the front due to the above reasons. I tried a pair of mythos ($16 each), and it felt like a totally different and way better bike.
Similar Products Used:mythos xc
Bike Setup:Trek 8000, mostly stock
Bottom Line:Choose a different tire.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Dennis Erenberger a Cross Country Rider from Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: December 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Price Paid: $18.00
Purchased At:Supergo
Strengths:Price & Kevlar Bead
Weaknesses:Lugs peel off rear tires.
Similar Products Used:WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:'99 K2 Zed X.
Bottom Line:I would look for something else. I have gone through 4 rear tires. Two of the four had the lugs peel off the rear tire exposing the fabric ply. The first happened within the first 25 miles of use. The second around 100. The other two I was able to wear out.

I weigh just over 200 lbs and use the tires at times to climb steep sandstone which really stresses the rear tire. All the same, the tread shouldn't come off the tire.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Scott a Cross Country Rider from Denver
Date Reviewed: November 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:anywhere in Fruita
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $25.00
Purchased At:LBS
Strengths:Durable- will last you. Good climbing ability and good cornering.
Weaknesses:none that I can think of- maybe weak in the sand.
Similar Products Used:Panaracer-
Bike Setup:Klein attitude comp--xt/lx-raceface cranks
Bottom Line:Great value- the tire rolls well in the dry pack and does great climbing. I think I have had a total of 2-3 pinch flats in 3 years of riding these tires. None at all this past year. maintenance free tire.I keep the psi around 45. I come in at 180 lbs. I highly recommend these tires.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Maurie Wilson a Cross Country Rider from The Woodlands, Tx
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:Cameron Park Outback
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $20.00
Purchased At:Supergo
Strengths:Great Traction
Great Price
Weaknesses:none yet
Similar Products Used:Nanoraptors
Bike Setup:K2 Zed Team
Bottom Line:Just put these on after falling on everything in sight after the first little rain. Great traction in mud and great clearance afterward - did not build up and get heavy.
Rode 10 miles through slop, deep mud 12" standing water and did not slip once!
Best buy of after market product yet.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Hadrian Kim a Cross Country Rider from Newtown, CT
Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:My own trail in my back woods
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Purchased At:Cycle Fitness
Strengths:-Lasts for a fair amount of time.
-Alternate Rotating Tred Patterns (Mud/Dry)
-Works well in the mud.
-Works well at high speeds.
-Handles great while riding through mud bowls or creeks.
-Grips to a lot of riding terrain.
-Nice tred pattern.
-Worth the money.
-Fairly well in the snow.
Weaknesses:-After noticing wear on the tire be sure to replace it.
-Not for riding on the road.
-Some of the side material becomes easily worn out after a good year or two.
-No good on sand.
Similar Products Used:Specialized, Phat, Amerityre
Bike Setup:Trek 6000
Bottom Line:This is an overall great tire and is worth to buy. It'll last you a long time, but like any other tire be sure to replace it once worn out. Some side material is easily worn if used on a consistant basis. Don't get me wrong, but this tire is great. Works on most mountain terrain except for sand. I love taking the bike out to local sand dunes wear the riding becomes even more challenging. Riding on the sand with these tires is pretty much riding on ice. I've found that these tires grip better in the snow than they do in the sand. Lighter the sand is, the more trouble you're going to have. However that's the only terrain this tire has trouble holding on to. Great product.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Matt a Weekend Warrior from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Price Paid: $35.00
Purchased At:Speedgoat
Strengths:durability, grip, predictability
Weaknesses:haven't found any yet
Similar Products Used:Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Dart, Smoke
Bike Setup:Pro-Flex Beast, SID, XTR, Mavic, RaceFace, Thomson, Profile, Magura, Easton
Bottom Line:I'm running the 2.1 in front and 1.9 in the rear, on the recommendation of Speedgoat. These tires completely outperform the Fire XC Pros that I used to run. The Panaracers would let go unpredictably on off-camber stuff, but climbed well. The Bontrangers climb equally well and don't let go without sliding first. I was bending too many derailleur hangers with the Panaracers, but I'm much more confident on the Bontrangers. They are holding up well to wear, and I'm not ripping off knobbies like on the Panaracers.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Joel Terwilliger a Cross Country Rider from Lafayette, CO USA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:Winter Park
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Price Paid: $40.00
Purchased At:Bicycle Village
Strengths:Terrible tire. No strengths.
Weaknesses:Absolutely unpredictable in hardpack, sand and loose stuff. Tolerable in loamy conditions (but then, any tire with tread does well in loamy or soft soil).
Similar Products Used:IRC Mythos (great tire); Specialized Team Master (another great tire).
Bike Setup:Trek Fuel 90
Bottom Line:Don't buy this tire. In general, Bontrager parts suck. I bought my Trek a year ago and love the bike (XC racer) but the parts stink. The rings on the Bontrager crank bent on my first ride. The Bontrager seatpost broke within a month. I could go on.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by MontRealRider a Cross Country Rider from Montreal
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $30.00
Strengths:The best all-around tires for North Eastern conditions, durables, very few pinch flats, predictable and safe ride. The rear is the best climbing tire.
Weaknesses:Not race-light, front can slip a little in loose gravel.
Similar Products Used:Hutchisons, Michelins, Continentals, IRC, Tiogas, WTB, Maxxis, you name-it!
Bike Setup:Bontrager Privateer, Cannondale F2000SL
Bottom Line:Jones 46/50 Rear, Jones 47/51 Front: This combo is my favorite for XC trail riding, and very technical racing. They do not slide in unpredictable ways, they are safe to ride in all conditions. Sticky mud, soaking wet, dry, they work ok to very good in any conditions. Not bad surprises on the trail, if the weather changes suddenly. They are better tires in sticky mud, they are better tires for hardpack, for dry conditions, but this combo will get you safely thru anything. The rear asssist in climbing like no other.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Mark a Weekend Warrior from Columbia, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Purchased At:Factory Originals
Strengths:Hang on a second, I'm still thinking. Okay, I've got it--beats riding on the rims.
Weaknesses:Weak sidewalls. 3 pinch flats in 12 months since new.
Similar Products Used:Just bought a set of Mythos. I'll have to get back to you.
Bike Setup:2001 Trek 4500
Bottom Line:Good tire for general "around town" riding I suppose. Maybe I'll give them to my Mom. Just don't hold up well, even for a "light" off-roader like myself.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Rich a Weekend Warrior from Thunder Bay ON Canada
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Purchased At:came with bike
Strengths:Seem to to be durable, traction on snow is great, reasoneably quiet
Weaknesses:pinch flats, loose feeling front tire on tight turns
Similar Products Used:just cheap crap
Bike Setup:trek 6000 with corvair rims
Bottom Line:These are decent tires for 90% of the riding I do. When you can say that a tire is good for that percentage of riding there are doing the job. I have had them for a couple of years now and they are still holding up good.
My only real beef with them is the pinch flats, you just need to ride with a little higher tire pressure to avoid that.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by mike b a Cross Country Rider from Sodom in the North
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:boggs
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Price Paid: $850000.00
Purchased At:third level fifth corridor of hades
Strengths:rear tire works very well in northern california
Weaknesses:front tire is practically useless anywhere
Similar Products Used:many, many mountain bike tire designs, most recently ritchey zed's and zed race
Bike Setup:fred sanford would be proud
Bottom Line:these tires are ok. if they came with your bike, ride the hell out of them and go buy something else. the rear might be worth using again, but that depends on your preference.

the front tire is probably one of the worst tires i've ever used in the front, with the exception of one of the tires specialized was making in the mid nineties. this tire does absolutely nothing to inspire confidence in your bike's handling capabilities whatsoever. no matter what pressure i tried running this tire at and no matter where i rode it or what conditions i rode in, these tires were dogs.

conversely, the rear is one of the better full knobbies i've used. the rolling resistance is pretty low compared to a monster like the WTB veociraptor--i felt this tire rolled fast enough to race on it a few times. i like the way this tire hooked during long climbs, especially some of the looser, rockier climbs that we have in some parts of the marin headlands. i also found that whatever rubber compound bontrager is using turned out to be reasonably durable.

this may not be a nice thing to say, but these tires are for riders who maybe have'nt yet developed the riding skills to tell a good tire from a bad one. if you've been riding for a while, you are likely to agree that riding the front bontrager jones tire can be a white-knuckle experience. on the other hand, if you live in northern california or a locale with trails similar to those in the bay area (lots of buff singletrack and long climbs) you might think about choosing the jones as a rear tire.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Kearos a Cross Country Rider from Wigan, UK
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:Rivington Pike, Chorley
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Strengths:Grip in most conditions...
Weaknesses:Rear was big heavy duty fella - bit lardy
Similar Products Used:Ritchey Alpha/Omega bites (nice all rounders), Tioga XCs (great in soft loamy stuff, don't like 'em on wet rock)
Bike Setup:Orange P7, Pace RC36 Evo and other brit bits
Bottom Line:...when they do break you get plenty of warning and can control it, great all rounders. Ridden em in all sorts of places from Coed y Brenin, to Bracknell forest, always handled the different conditions well. Rear could be a bit cloggy, but only in real sticky stuff
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by JCintheBA a Downhiller from CA
Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:6 months
Price Paid: $50.00
Strengths:Great in wet weather
Weaknesses:Scary in loose/dusty conditions
Similar Products Used:Velocirptors, Mythos IRC, Michilin Wildgripper comps and Lites
Bike Setup:Heckler
Bottom Line:I put these on this summer and found them down right scary in dry conditions. They just don't hook up no matter what pressure you use. On sandy, loose descents I felt like I was snowboarding. Even other riders behind me noticed that I was all over the trail. The only reason I didn't trash them immidately is that when they do cut loose, they do it controllably and predictably. So at least I could work with that. I talked a lot of $hit about these tires and I have to take a little of it back. They work pretty darn well in wet conditions. They hook up much better and retain their controlability when they cut loose.

Otherwise, they roll pretty efficently and stand up to abuse as well as any toher light weight tire. East coast guys, this it a tire just for you.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Daniel a Cross Country Rider from Ann Arbor
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Strengths:On singletrack, moderate gravel, loose mud, mild sand this tire excels. It grips on those corners yet is fast and responsive. Its a great "most purpose" tire.
Weaknesses:Wet stuff, sticky mud, insane downhills, freeriders+anyone else that abusive.
Bike Setup:Trek 6000 + S-Works Pro
Bottom Line:Bottom line :

1) This tire is affordable
2) This tire was made by Keith Bontrager, so its a tire that on normal singletrak, on most days, will perform well
3) This tire is not for you if:
a) Your a freerider hoping to make your 10,000 pound Kona climb better than the fat POS it is.
b) Your a downhiller on crack or just on crack and think this tire can take your crap. It can't.
c) You consistantly find your rear tire slipping on wet rock/gravel/leaves/hardpack. Buy a Michelin! They will grip better!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Diesel a from New York, NY
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $15.00
Purchased At:Supergo
Strengths:supple casing hugs the trail
Weaknesses:none yet so far
Similar Products Used:Panaracer Duster Pro, WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:'97 Rocky Mountain Element Race
Bottom Line:bike felt twitchy with Vraptors front and rear...downright scary at times on loose gravel and rock strewn trails...the Bonty Jones helped change that, now I can run faster through corners and descend with confidence...best $30 on a pair of tires I've ever spent...now I REALLY LOVE my bike!!!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Gaping Wound a Weekend Warrior from So Cal
Date Reviewed: July 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:Tunnel Trail in SB
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $13.00
Purchased At:Supergo
Strengths:Great handling big fat front tire (2.2")
Weaknesses:Continous Pinch Flats - 3 in 5 rides and 1 sitting in my car.
Bottom Line:The tire is great for freeriding big drops, slidy loose dirt, and high speed fire roads. Sucks on slippery rocks due to keeping at such a high pressure to prevent pinch flats.

The only good thing about this tire is the price - $13.00, but considering the $15 I spent in new tubes, it's a rip.

I plan to change it to a panaracer DH next week.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Keith a Downhiller from All Over the place
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:anything dangerous
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Purchased At:came with bike
Strengths:long lasting, they don't wear fast at all.
Weaknesses:SUPER WEAK SIDE WALL
Similar Products Used:N/A
Bike Setup:Trek VRX 99/400, hayse hydro Ft/R, marzzochi 120 mm dual crown fork, yadda...yada
Bottom Line:The tires are ok, but I've had pinch flats out the wazzu on them. No matter what I have the tire pressure set at they still pop tubes, very frustrating i must say.. I mean riding up stairs or just a simple curb should not pinc your tire flat so easily. In the year on these tires, i've had 8 or 9 pinch flats and all on curbs or stairs.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Sam a Cross Country Rider from Vancouver, WASHINGTON, USA
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:Ape Canyon
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Strengths:Clears mud pretty good. Lasted a long time. about 1700 miles. Hooks up ok.
Weaknesses:Didn't hook up as well as I would have liked - but as it wore- my memory of it hooking up could have faded. I didn't like the wire bead.
Similar Products Used:Conti' Vertical Pro.
Bike Setup:Trek 6500 (99)
Bottom Line:Good tire, lasted a long time. Was time to move on. I have over 2000 miles on the front tire and still am using it - but had to replace the rear. This tire doesn't hook up as well or roll as fast as the Continental Vertical Pro I just put on.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:3

Submitted by smokey strodtman a Cross Country Rider from gilliam, MO USA
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:lots of 'em
Duration Product Used:3 months
Purchased At:stock on new bike
Strengths:traction on dry hardpack, gravel surfaces, light mud, and medium sand. easy to mount.
Weaknesses:deep mud or sand, pavement, wears fairly quickly.
Similar Products Used:none.
Bike Setup:lemond cyclocross bike, all stock except koobi seat.
Bottom Line:this review is for the jones CX 700x30-32 cyclocross tires. they came stock on my new poprad. i was surprised to see tires of this quality mounted on a $900 bike. i had always ridden mountain bikes before and didn't know how a bike like this would work on light to medium trail duty. the biggest surprise was how well this skinny tires performed in the mud and sand. not as good as a full-blown mountain bike tire, but they got me through some ankle deep stuff with no sweat. i did have one flat, but that was because i foolishly jumped on the bike after i had left it on the big ring(for chain lubing) and spun the tire on the rim by standing too hard on the pedals to get it going. these are not the best pavement tires, but they're not really designed for that. i put on a pair of specialized turbo sports for the asphalt.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

Submitted by dave llewellyn a Cross Country Rider from guelph, ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:anything extreme
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $60.00
Purchased At:toronto bike show
Strengths:nice grippy back tire
Weaknesses:apparently a very soft compound, really squirmy in the twisty stuff.
Similar Products Used:velociraptors
Bike Setup:steel, old school parts, XT thumbshifters, things that dont break
Bottom Line:I bought the 2.1 rear and 2.2 front. the kinda look like velociraptors so i figured they would handle similarly. not so.
After 8 rides the back tire is missing 6 of the side knobs, they just ripped off leaving the casing underneath. Almost like they delaminated. I have never ripped a knob off a tire before, i am light and easy on parts and i dont skid. Thus i think these tires are defective.

I didnt even get to 8 rides with the front tire, you'd think there would be ample traction with a 2.2 but i truly hate this tire. It washes out frequently and has given me no downhill confidence.

these are terrible tires and i wasted my 60 bucks.
Im gonna buy some more velociraptors, weight be damned
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Dennis a Weekend Warrior from New York
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:They do the job if they don't tear first.
Weaknesses:I hate to put in a bad review among all these good one's but I had an extremely bad experience with these tires. After about three months of moderate riding both front and rear tires started to rip in the sidewall and the treads. Maybe I was just unfortunate enough to get a defective pair.
Similar Products Used:IRC Mythos XC Kevlar
Bike Setup:Stock Trek 6000 except I had to replace the Bontrager Jones tires that came with it.
Bottom Line:The tires were fine for the few of months they lasted. I can't say I recommend them because they died after only 3 months of moderate riding. If you're looking for a new pair of tires in this price range I highly recommend IRC Mythos XC's. They've held up much better and provide better traction too.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Ed a Cross Country Rider from Cary, NC
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:New Light
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Purchased At:Various online retailers
Strengths:Excellent traction on technical singletrack; Multiple sizes means you can pick to suit your riding style/conditions - check Bontragers website. Front/Rear specific.
Weaknesses:Not the best in mud - but you can reverse the direction if needed. Not the lightest either - but I'm past the "lighter is always better" phase.
Similar Products Used:WTB Velociraptor, Panaracer Dart & Smoke, Hutchinson Mosquito, IRC Mythos, Ritchey Alpha, Omega & Z-Max
Bike Setup:Klein Attitude & Cannondale Jekyll both with Joneses
Bottom Line:I've yet to find another tire which offers the singletrack capability of the Joneses. Has excellent grip on roots, rocks and other obstacles. I've been riding them for three years (at least 6 tires used) and I would not think of switching. The only rear tire I've ridden which comes close for traction is the Ritchey Omega. Just bought 2 more pairs on sale at PricePoint. A great tire for East Coast singletrack.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Todd O. a Cross Country Rider from Marin County, CA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Price Paid: $35.00
Purchased At:Online retailer
Strengths:Good traction on rear for climbing. Very good on wet hard pack and soil with rocks and roots.
Weaknesses:Front washes out on hard pack with loose material on top, especially if it is highly inflated.
Similar Products Used:Too many to list.
Bike Setup:Rocky Mountain Element T.O. w/Marzocchi BAM Z2 up front.
Bottom Line:I have used the Jones 46/50 Rear and 47/51 Front. The rear tire is a good all around performer. The front isn't very good on hard pack unless you keep the tire pressure low (say under 40 PSI for a large rider), but then you loose some efficiency and risk pinch flats.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

Submitted by bravho a Cross Country Rider from Belgium
Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:Ardennes
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:Very good in dry weather conditions (but in Belgium you find tons of mud in the winter), but for dry weather I like a semi-slick.
Weaknesses:- Don't clean mud well.
- Bad grip on the front tire (even on the road).
Similar Products Used:Diamond Grip, Michelin
Bike Setup:Trek 6500 (2001, deore/LX, Manitou Magnum R
Bottom Line:A good allround tire in the back, I don't like the front tire. He gifs me a bad feeling in corners. If he they didn't came standard on my bike I prefer the michelines.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Clint a Weekend Warrior from Mechanicsville Va
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $15.00
Purchased At:LBS
Strengths:The front tire does fine, no problems at all.
Weaknesses:The reat tire has traction? Really? Hmm, it must have been on vacation going down and up that hill!
Similar Products Used:Raptors, Kenda..I am going back to these
Bike Setup:Trek 930
Bottom Line:These tires were on sale at a bike shop for sooo little that I picked them up. The front tire does fine, no problems with control, grip, or washout even when transfering from gravel to wood or dirt. The rear tire is another story all together. It does well on slightly packed dirt. However, most of the trails were I ride have loose gravel. The tires are just unable to find the traction going up or coming down. On downhills the tire just doesn't grip and slides all over the place, which might not be so bad but when you gotta make a sharp turn onto a 3foot wide bridge, it can get tricky. Assuming you make it through the downhill, now you can try and go uphill. Good luck on this. The rear tire just spins and spins. In fact, it did this so badly that I went up the same hill about 10 different times, every time in a different gear, trying with my weight over the rear wheel, in the center, and over the front, and none of it helped.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:1

Submitted by jimbob a Cross Country Rider from chicago ill
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:it grips in snow, ice(sometimes), pavement, hardpack, mud, umm what else
Weaknesses:ummmmmmmmm what weaknesses
Similar Products Used:not anyhing this is better
Bike Setup:stock terk 4500
Bottom Line:this tire has saved my butt more than a few times i haven't fallen into/onto mud or even ice which hurts a lot just go buy one they're perfect
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Joshman a Cross Country Rider from Tucson Az
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:50 Year Trial
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Price Paid: $40.00
Purchased At:R&R Bicycle Superstore
Strengths:Traction, Looks
Weaknesses:None
Similar Products Used:Specialized
Bike Setup:99' Specialized Hardrock, with XTR shifters
Bottom Line:Awesome, awesome tires. Despite some of the other reviews saying that it washs out in the water, thats b.s. This tire can go through anything without washing out. The looks are awesome. Excellent traction, excellent price, outstanding tire. I rode on my favorite trail, and it grips any and everything I came across. I love this tire. I recommend the front tire should be the 52/55 and the rear the 46/50. Get a pair of these awesome tires
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Rowdy a Cross Country Rider from Blacksburg, VA
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:Good traction. Are a good all terrain tire.
Weaknesses:They flat if you look at them funny. You need a high psi if you plan to ride these even remotely hard or on rough terrain.
Bike Setup:Came standard on my Trek 6000 when I bought it.
Bottom Line:Don't get them unless you like doing trailside repairs. You can find other tires out there that won't flat this easy. I run Kujos now and granted they are a heavy DH tire, the piece of mind I get knowing I don't have to change a flat every week is nice. When I was using them I did like the sense of control I had in most terrains. They are much lighter than the Kujos and are nice in that respect. I've talked to and seen other people with the Jones tires on get flats too.
Value Rating:2Overall Rating:2

Submitted by Ben a Cross Country Rider from Batavia
Date Reviewed: January 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:Deer Grove
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $20.00
Purchased At:The Bike Rack
Strengths:Great tread life, Long lasting, and very strong!
Weaknesses:Does not do so well on wet ground it gets kinda squirlish
Similar Products Used:none
Bike Setup:2000 Trek 4500 aliuminum
Bottom Line:They are great xc tires but not recomended for use in wet weather. they are great as a standard on an entry level bike and last a long time.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Matt a Weekend Warrior from Flushing, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:Holdrich
Duration Product Used:More than 3 years
Price Paid: $15.00
Purchased At:Assenmacher's Cycling Center
Strengths:Good wet/dry traction off the beaten path. Good tread life.
Weaknesses:Front washes out way too easily on slightly wet pavement!!
Similar Products Used:Specialized.
Bike Setup:TREK 6500 w/ all Race Face, XT, and KORE parts.
Bottom Line:A good XC tire. Isn't too expensive. If you want to do a little downhill, They will cope. 4 chilies because of the wet pavement washout.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Brian Daley a Cross Country Rider from Delanco,NJ USA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:?
Duration Product Used:3 months
Price Paid: $30.00
Strengths:Front tire is good for turns and has a long life spand. Works excellent in the snow, ecspecially for coming down a hill.
Weaknesses:Rear tire needs alittle more meat on them, they work very well. They hard unbelieveable on the road. The tread doesn't last as long as you want but, in the mean time its very good for the trails.
Bottom Line:They are great tires. I enjoy how they hold the trail and the road also. The only Dislike are the gray walls, they don't look right on my bike
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by CJ a Weekend Warrior from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:Paper bag,Nelson
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Price Paid: $30.00
Strengths:Versitility. Wet, dry, fast slow all good. Traction and ride quality for resonably light freeride tire.Excellent cornering and clearing in muddy/ wet conditions.
Weaknesses:Slow (but there are slower). Lack of sidewall stiffener (but hey their light). Price.
Similar Products Used:Maxxis high roller (much beefier but slow as hell for climbing and XC). IRC Mythos (too small and sketchy), Conti Vertical pro (crap), Tioga 2.3 (heavy, and slipery as hell in wet)
Bike Setup:Brodie steel hardtail (used ride a Rocky, not anymore!,Rhyno lites, V-brakes, Manitou. IRC El Gato rear tire (traction king)
Bottom Line:No tire is perfect for all conditions but for as a light weight freeride / technical condition tire the 2.2 Jones is the best I have found so far. There is definetly a gap in the market for a mid weight freeride tires.For best results use on a wider rim. Flattens the profile out a bit and corners with more stability.

I am on my second one and have used it all over Southern BC, and Quebec. Just never have to slow down that much for ugly conditions. Even in heavy rain and mud it keeps finding traction. Apparently I am not the only one who likes them On Top always has a dozen or so in stock.

If Bonti got into DH I would love to see a beefed up 2.5 version for my Dualie.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Mike a Weekend Warrior from San Antonio, Tx
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:flat rock creek
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:52/55 front. Low rolling resistance. Sticks well in loose dry stuff. Sheds mud quickly.
Weaknesses:None yet.
Similar Products Used:Stock Specialized Crossmax (??)(sucked). MotoRaptor 2.4 front- good but noisy/high rolling resistance on road.
Bike Setup:Used on an old RockHopper and rigid HardRock.
Bottom Line:My old RockHopper (bought from pawn shop) STILL has the old elastomer fork. For this bike and the HardRock rigid balloon front tires are a necessity. This can be a problem as most bike shops don't stock the fattest tires.

The 52/55 Bonnie sticks well in the dry,loose stuff most common here in South Texas, plus it sheds mud quickly. I commute on my bike plus use it for occasional road rides of 20-50 miles. The low rolling resistance of these tires plus the quiet ride is a huge plus. Given I'm riding on tall knobbies, I don't push the cornering of these tires on hards surfaces when its wet.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Matt Fulks a Weekend Warrior from McGuire AFB, NJ
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:Mercer
Duration Product Used:3 months
Purchased At:Bustleton Bikes in Philly
Strengths:Looks, reversible rear tire for wet or dry conditions. Low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:Washes out on smooth or hardpacked surfaces. Especially wooden bridges
Similar Products Used:Kenda Klaw's.
Bike Setup:Y2K Trek 6000. 19.5" frame
Bottom Line:My bike is a titanium color with red decals and the sidewalls of the Jones tires are grey with a red stripe and it matches the bike beautifully. Low rolling resistance, and you can reverse the rear tire for riding in dry or wet conditions, but I am too lazy to turn my tire around, and I don't ride when it's wet very often. These tires came stock on my bike, and the first time I took it out, I went across this wooden bridge that has a curve in it. When I hit the curve, the tires washed out and I fell off the edge of the bridge into a disgusting, stagnant, poop smelling pond. So needless to say, I was not pleased with this. If not for the lack of traction on hardpacked surfaces, and loose stuff on steep hills, these tires would be getting five flamin poo's, but I'm going to give them 4.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Matt Fulks a from McGuire AFB, NJ
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:Mercer, Clayton, etc.
Duration Product Used:3 months
Purchased At:Busleton bikes in Philadelphia
Strengths:Don't get wear easily. Hard rubber compuund. Rear tire is reversible for wet or dry conditions, but I'm too lazy to switch it around, and I don't ride much when it's wet anyways. They look really good on my bike
Weaknesses:That hard rubber compound they use in these tires also makes it lose some grip. I've noticed it is a little squirrely on gravel, and on tree stumps, logs, or loose stuff going up a steep hill, the tire slips. Also, the front tire washes out easily on wet logs, or a wooden bridge. When I first rode the bike, the first bridge I came to had a curve on it. On my old bike, this was no problem, but I wiped out going around the same curve because the front tire washed out.
Similar Products Used:Kenda Klaw's.
Bike Setup:Y2K Trek 6000. Titanium color, 19.5" frame.
Bottom Line:Pretty much said it all above. The tires have a dark grey sidewall with a red stripe around the grey. My bike is Titanium color with red decals and fork, and it looks really good on the bike in my opinion. If it weren't for the traction or rather the lack of, these tires would get five flamin poo's.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Magnus a Weekend Warrior from Sweden
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:Well, its light weight and has a nice grip on trails when you do the Cross Country thing.
Weaknesses:You get a flat if you push it too hard downhill...
Similar Products Used:Nokian Dual
Bike Setup:TREK Full sups. crosscountry
Bottom Line:If youre an weekend warrior and just riding trails, then buy it...

If you planning to free ride,just dont buy it.
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Lewis a Cross Country Rider from North Devon, England
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:Anywhere mud laden
Duration Product Used:Less than 1 month
Strengths:Good over hard pack or gravel.
Weaknesses:Rear flat on day 1 (kevlar?)
Don't clear mud at all.
Similar Products Used:All sorts. Continentals now.
Bike Setup:Trek 8000LT, Hayes discs, Judy 100mm race fork, XT/Icon.
Bottom Line:They came as stock with the bike, and looked too narrow, with too tight a tread pattern. They were.
Even with me sat in the seat I couldn't get any traction at the rear wheel on a moderate muddy/grassy climb. Conditions were a bit harsh, but my old Psychos wouldn't have worried. I have no complaints about using them on the front, as a narrow tyre handles better I find, but I've taken it off anyway to put on a full set of Contis. Good and quiet on the road, especially in the wet, this is what I'll keep them for.
It rains a lot where I live - rain = wet mud, and I need a tyre for this. This is not it. Ahhh.
Three chilis for being OK on the front, not good enough for a £30 ($45) tyre (which is how we spell it in English).
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:3

Submitted by jasper a Cross Country Rider from nijmegen
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Strengths:Strong
Lots of traction on the rear tire
Similar Products Used:no-brand tires
Bike Setup:Trek 7000 stock with XTR brakes, SI transam saddle
Bottom Line:I really like these tires. Esp. the rear tire is very very good. Climbing slippery or sandy hills is excellent when you let out a bit of air, they really grip... I've had my front-tire slipping away in slippery corners a few times (on a wild-roster (?) once, ouch!) , but that may be due to my riding technique. I haven't had a flat yet, in 1 year, so the kevlar does its job well too!
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by josh weiser a Racer from pa
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:ummmmm
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Purchased At:swag from a race
Strengths:low rollin resistence, versatility of rear tire
Weaknesses:kevlar bead tires start to crack and dry rot after about a year but, thats what tires do....
Similar Products Used:none
Bike Setup:99gt saddleback (i know what you're thinkin)
Bottom Line:i don't know what all these guys are talking about washouts for cuz i have had no problems with these tires, maybe it's because i'm lighter or somthing (15 yr old,135lbs)but i love these tires and they are certainly race-worthy
Value Rating:3Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Calvin a Cross Country Rider from Destin, FL
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:Light, holds up well in sand, tracks turns well & reversable rear for wet or dry conditions.
Weaknesses:Little slippery when wet.
Similar Products Used:Nothing special.
Bike Setup:Trek 6k with many upgrades. Titec stems, bars, & seatpost. XT components, Truvativ cranks, etc...
Bottom Line:Nice tires. They came stock with my bike. As you can see, I have upgraded my bike quite a bit. I am planning on upgrading my rims and will keep the tires. They work in sand which Florida is none for. The only thing I have had a problem with is the rear slipping on wet root & logs. But that is what rubber tires do don't they? If you own them keep them if you don't buy them. The reversable rear is sweet but I have been to lazy to try it out.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Anthony L a Racer from Halifax, NS, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:Wrandees
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:Good in XC racing
good when it is dry
Weaknesses:not good for slalom racing
sucks when wet
the rear tire doesn't give me enough grip
Similar Products Used:Kenda
Tioga XC and DH tires
WTB tires veloraptors
Bike Setup:Trek 6500
LX rear STX RC in the front
Sugino Mighty X 500
Ryno Lites
Judy XC all travel but soon to be Phsylo just orderd 2 days ago
and A sexy red THE fender
Bottom Line:Well I guess U can say that Iam a freerider on an XC bike. But slalom is what I like doing best then XC racing and the tires didn't help me at all at that slalom race. When I go freeridng the back tire doesn't not give me a good grip when I ride logs and skinny planks so I put a Kenda on the rear
5 flames for the tires for value (good for XC)
and 3 for flame for overall cause the rear really blows and not good for us freeriders
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:3

Submitted by Brian Barrett a Cross Country Rider from Mill Valley CA
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:Fisher Creek
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Strengths:Low Rolling Resistance
Rear-Excellent handling in all conditions
Front-Good handling in most conditions
Weaknesses:Front- Washes out on Dry/Slick conditions
Similar Products Used:WTB
IRC
Dart/Smoke
Bike Setup:Dekerf Team SL, XTR, King, RaceFace
Bottom Line:I switched to this tire set about three years ago after reading positive reviews on this site. Had been riding Velocoraptors for a few years before that. I immediately noticed the lower rolling resistance. While cornering was not as predictable as the Raptors they came close and I was willing to sacrifice this for the extra speed.
I spend a lot of time riding throughout the western US during the last few years and have come to this conclusion. The cornering washout problems with the front tire are limited to dry/slick conditions found in hard pack areas like N Cal and Hood River during the dry summer months. In places like Winthrop and Sun Valley, where the trails are just as dry and dusty but have a softer/loamy base these problems do not exist.
Based on recent reviews, I am switching to the Conti Explorer Pro in the front for dry/slick conditions. I continue to be happy with the Jones rear tire in all conditions.
I ride a hard tail and keep tire pressure pretty low in the rear tire. I have not had problems with flats. These are strong tires.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Brett a Cross Country Rider from San Francisco,CA USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:Downieville... Pauley Creek
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:Keeps a good line in most conditions
Weaknesses:Washes out without warning
Similar Products Used:You name it... Team Master
Bike Setup:Ventana El Saltamontes, Z1 XFly, Race Face, XTR, King, Philw Wood, XT discs, 317 CD's, Jones in front & XC Pro in rear
Bottom Line:Bottom line is this tire keeps a good line in most conditions. Sure enough, for the first time, 27 MPH, tire completely washes out on me today. I scoffed at the other review that mentioned sudden washouts. A few scrapes, but it was rather disconcerting. I used to trust this tire, made me ride a very conservative 25 mile ride today. Have a XC Pro in the rear... going to put one up front too. Handles great!
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Bill Campbell a Weekend Warrior from Prince George,BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:Ten $w.h.o.r.e.
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:The weight of the jones I had was very reasonable for alarger tire 2.25. (52/55) front specific.
stuck well in mud
durable
Weaknesses:very sketchy handling in anyhing but mud. this tire would wash out in corners, slip on roots etc etc.
Similar Products Used:I have now switched to a tioga2.3 factory dh and this tire absolutely spanks the bonty.The tioga is alittle heavier but I'll suffer through that for the added stability of this tire
Bike Setup:99 rocky mountain thin air/XTshifters/derailleurs/Race Face
seat post/cranks/roox stem/easton monkeylite riser bar/tioga tires
Bottom Line:stay away from this particular tire unless you like to eat dirt.The difference between riding with the jones tire and riding without it is night and day.This tire will slip out from under you unless it is extremely muddy.
Value Rating:1Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Bleeder a Cross Country Rider from Jacksonville, Florida
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:Santos
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:+ Reasonably Durable.
+ High Performance vs Cost.
+ Easy to control if slip occurs. (Front)
+ Low mud attraction.
+ Fairly light with Kevlar bead.
+ Low Noise/Low Rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:- Front tire does tends to wash out turning at speed.
- Somewhat Slippery when wet!
- Quick knob desintegration on pavement...
Similar Products Used:Continental Comp Pro (Fantastic Tire!)
Tioga Factory XC
Trek Big Kahuna (What the hell was I thinking...)
Panaracer Smoke/Dart (Great price vs. performance!)
Bike Setup:1998 Trek 7000 w/ ControlTech Stem & Bar Ends.
Thudbuster Seatpost/Shimano PD-M434 Clipless Pedals.
XT/LX Drivetrain with Mavic 222 rims.
"Brand-new" 1999 Marzocchi Atom Bomb. (Heavy, but...WOW!!!)
Borrowed Bontrager Jones tires.

Bottom Line:My Continental's were wearing thin, and one of my riding partners had just removed his Bontrager Jones' tires from his GF Sugar 2 after buying new Panaracer Fire XC Pro's. These were fairly new and he's let me use them until I could do research for a new tire set of my own. Of course, I've delayed my research a bit...it's been a good decision!
Although I can tell the difference when my Conti's were new, these Bontrager's certainly held there own considering their current price online. Here in Florida, we have singletrack that consists mostly of hardpack dirt, palm tree roots, flatland fireroads, and sand (and PLENTY of it!). I was pleasantly surprised by how well these tires stuck to the terrain and how well I could control the tires, even in loose sand. It is a fact that I, too, had a few instances where the front tire would wash out on me in sharp to moderate turns at speed, but I was able to control the front a bit better than when I had had my Panaracer's on. They climb almost as well as my Conti's have, and definately roll smoother on pavement. The rear tire is set up for dry (they're reversible) and I've not experienced any slippage as other's have complained about below.
I've ridden the Bontrager's almost every other day for just over 3 months now and luckily, I haven't been asked for these things back! The tires are a very good buy for the money and are every bit as good as Panaracer's Dart/Smoke Combo in my opinion...but as for me, I'll likely spend a bit more to get the Continental Cross-Country set. They're not Conti's "top-of-the-Line", and they're definitely more expensive, but have great reviews similar my Continental Comp Pro's--->Damn, I loved those tires...
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Collin a Cross Country Rider from S.C.
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2000
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Strengths:Lots of miles little wear
Rear good traction
Weaknesses:Front tire washes out on hard pack or wet tree roots
Similar Products Used:Junk
Bike Setup:96 C-dale Super V1000
Bottom Line:These tires were stock on a 2000 Trek 6000. I like the fact that after aprox. 1600 miles there is little wear, but as my riding skills grew I found that the front tire washed out way too often (hard rubber compound). I am tired of bleeding due to tire wash out I am replacing it. The side wall on the rear is wearing so I guess it is going too.

Overall: Good traction on the rear, Front tire sucks, lasts a long time
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Richard Bilson a Weekend Warrior from Media, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:Any trail
Duration Product Used:3 months
Strengths:Good all around tire. Does well in almost any terrain including pavement. Very fast on hardpack and does well on roots and sheds mud well.
Weaknesses:Rear tire often slips on loose stuff on steep climbs. Makes it hard to get out of the saddle and crank. Running low pressure has resulted in many pinch flats but that's probably more my fault than the tire.
Similar Products Used:Came stock on bike, haven't tried any others yet.
Bike Setup:'99 Trek 6500, Stock except for Bontrager RE-1 clipless
Bottom Line:I would recommend these tires to anyone. A very good all around tire that has done it's job well. I've had some trouble with pinch flats on the rear tire but I think that's more my riding style than the tire. Running low pressure doesn't work well with these so keep it around 50.

I haven't turned the rear tire around yet for mud. I've had no reason to. They do just fine in all conditions except climbing on the loose stuff. If you are a racer you may want to look elsewhere but for general riding they work very well.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Javor a Cross Country Rider from usa
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:Its a good all around tire it does prety good in roots and mud
Weaknesses:beeing an all around tire it does weigh more and when i tried riding it in snow it didnt go far but that was only couple of times, got 2 thorn punctures using them
Similar Products Used:other tires
Bike Setup:trek 6500 some upgrades
Bottom Line:I like these tires they havent worn out much and are still holding up good. i ride singletrack with some root sections on it and some times its muddy as well and they seem to hold up good in all of the conditions they have prety good cornering abilities since of teh big knobs, which doenst give them best speed on flats but for their price these tires are awsome
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by ElefantDude a Cross Country Rider from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:Any one of 'em!
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Strengths:Weight, grip on hardpack, long lasting, quick tire
Weaknesses:Pretty thin tire... received quite a few flats, since I've used them in the past. Even with the use of Slime!
Similar Products Used:None.. Plan to give Michelin Wildgripper Sprints a try...
Bike Setup:'99 Trek VRX200
Bottom Line:The Bontrager Jones are the original tires I've had on my Trek since last November and 75% of the time, I have used it for commute to work. There are some hardpack trails that I go through and these tires seem to go a lot smoother and roll faster on the hardpack then it does on pavement... It has great grip on the trail which gives me good acceleration.. All in all a good tire, considering I really haven't tried anything else... I plan to try the Michelin Wildgripper Sprints next...
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Eric Lafferty a Cross Country Rider from Boise, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:2 Years
Strengths:Low rolling resistance. You can really notice it on the trails.
Weaknesses:Rear tire slips in loose conditions while climbing.
Similar Products Used:Smoke, Dart, Tioga XC, Mythos XC
Bike Setup:steel hardtail, XT
Bottom Line:I really like the front tire. It washes out some, but I've found it to be predictable. It tracks very well. The conditions here are hard-pack to sand, and it perfroms great. I'd buy it again.

The rear is great for speed, but does not climb or descend well on loose stuff. I replaced it with a Tioga Factory XC, and I'm much happier. The Jones tires slipped alot, and it was not possible to be out of the saddle without spinning them. On steep loose descents the rear tire wanted to pass me. But like I said, on the smooth hard pack it was fast (real fast).
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Mark a Racer from Staten Island
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Strengths:Tread pattern......ability to flip rear around and have a mud tire....and their cool rockin gray and blue color sidewalls
Weaknesses:if you use the 2.1 in front the front tire is wide enuf that it is difficult to remove and replace the front tire especially for transport on a roofrack....the brakepads on my XTR brakes make me force the wheel in and out every time...I am not too sure I can adjust them but it I learned to live w/ it
Similar Products Used:Specialized Team Control
Bike Setup:Specialized S-Works
Bottom Line:These Tires Rock.....Go Buy them now....I love everything about them...I have gotten 3 flats the past year w/ these tires and I ride alot......Gray and Blue sidewalls make them look rockin too.
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Ted a Cross Country Rider from Oakland, Calif., USA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:Mt. Tam circuit
Duration Product Used:6 months
Bottom Line:I have the 49/53 front and 46/50 rear tires. They're great confidence-builders. I consider myself of average technical ability for a serious rider (i.e., one with a history of racing and who still likes to ride fast), but the Bontrager Jones tires have boosted my bike-handling skills. They seem to stick like glue to various sorts of downhill and uphill surfaces. I highly recommend them. And remember what Justice Benjamin Cardozo said in a famous legal opinion: "The timorous may stay at home." (Murphy v. Steeplechase Amusement Co. (1929) 250 N.Y. 479.)
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by GAOO a Weekend Warrior from Quebec
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2000
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:Good look, very good traction, light
Weaknesses:not at all, the line (red) isn't well done: nothing important...
Similar Products Used:Specialized More Extreme Umma Gumma
Bike Setup:'99 TREK 6500 ZX with some good modifications
Bottom Line:Traction is good; I've tested on rock, mud, sand, water,
...snow. High climbing capability. These tires looks very well with Bontrager Corvair rims. Kevlar to reduce weight.
A tire to really consider before changing olds.....
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Frank a Weekend Warrior from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:6 months
Strengths:Weight, ride, and the bead is easy to seat.
Weaknesses:Front occasionally prone to wash-outs, and the rear occasionally slipped on the steep stuff.
Similar Products Used:Specialized Team Master and Control, Continental Pre-Molar and Traction Pro, IRC Mythos XC, and WTB Enduroraptors.
Bike Setup:Aeon Isis, Marzocchi Z3 LT fork, Chris King Headset, WTB Laser beam wheels, Shimano XT drivetrain and Crankset, etc
Bottom Line:I actually rode these on my old hardtail (a built-up '97 Specialized Rockhopper FS). Under local conditions (rocks, sand, and hardpack), they were similar in ride characteristics to IRC Mythos. The difference was that the front was slightly more prone to washing out and the rear slipped more than the IRC Mythos. However, the side walls were much stronger than the Mythos (I ripped two sets of the front Mythos side walls). Overall, not the worst set of tires I've used (Specialized Team Master and Control) or the best (WTB Enduroraptors). I'd rate them in the middle with the Conti's and Mythos that I'd used.
Value Rating:4Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Dustin a Cross Country Rider from Canada
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:1 Year
Strengths:good cornering
a nice sound when you are about to loose traction, so you can turn away. This is a very nice feature but probably depends on shock and bike setup.
Weaknesses:rear wore down a bit, but probably cause of some on road riding. good luck getting traction in mud after they are half wore down
Similar Products Used:tioga psycho
Bike Setup:99 trek VRX 200, full xt, jett xc
Bottom Line:A tire i will definately consider when replacing my rear this spring
Value Rating:5Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Mark Cebriak a Cross-Country Rider from Spokane WA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1999
Favorite Trail:
#308
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great bite, especially when cornering
Predictable break-loose point
Less roll resist than Spec'd Team Control
Got for $40/pr. at S-Go
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
SBI Team Master/Control
Conty NavigatorPro
Bike Setup:
Clark-Kent Ti HT w/ Marz Z2 A-Bomb
Bottom Line:Great set of tires that I couldn't pass up for the money. If given the choice, I would've gone for the wider version of the tire (both front & back) since I ride, but not race, x-country. Great for racers who don't care for semi-slicks. These tires give you all the confidence of Team Master/Controls - exc. choice.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Chris a Cross-Country Rider from Springfield,VA
Date Reviewed: November 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wakefield Single Track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Hooks Up Well
Rolls Fast
Great On DownHills
Can lean it and it'll hold
Weaknesses:
SideWall Thrashed
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velocraptor
IRC Mythos XC
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000
XT/LX
Rock Shox Jett T@
Bottom Line:These tires rock Once they wear out I'll go out and get another
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Jimbo a Cross-Country Rider from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1999
Favorite Trail:
tapeworm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
traction
Weaknesses:
technical grip
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Tomac, Continental
Bike Setup:
GT Kaskar, LX/XT, Matrix Swami rims
Bottom Line:I think this is a good tire, not great though. Traction is awesome when going up any hil, dry or muddy. However it slips on technical rocky stuff more than other tires I've used. I like a tire with bigger treads on the side than this but I think they designed this tire more for XC racing than technical stuff.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by TREE a Weekend Warrior from Seattle WA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
downtown Seattle
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
the grip
Weaknesses:
too slow
a bit heavy
Similar Products Used:
I foget
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000
Bottom Line:excllent grip
good in rain
too slow (of course they are not design for high speed)
could be lighter
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Mike a Racer from Fredericksburg, Va.
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999
Favorite Trail:
GW National Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The tires hold really well in most any terrain. The front rails nice and the rear doesn't pack in with mud.
Weaknesses:
The rear tire split vertically at the sidewall during a race, costing me some serious points and a season trophy. The tire was less than three months old and Looked new. I'm not impressed.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracers, Michelins, WTB, Ritchey, Specialized
Bike Setup:
FS Jamis Team DAKAR with XMO, King Wheels, XT SHIFTERS & Derailliurs, Kooka Cranks, FSA HS&BB, Magura Brakes
Bottom Line:No matter how much I liked these tires, and I really did, I'm not impressed with the rear sidewall failure. It cost me 2nd place for the season and all but ended my chances for a a first place challenge. That is not acceptable. This is the first time I have given such a low rating of a product since Mongoose screwed me on the frame brake last year....
Mike
Overall Rating:1

Submitted by Bogus Blake a Downhiller from Flagstaff, AZ
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1999
Favorite Trail:
whatever makes me fix the bike afterwards
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
kevlar=light
Similar Products Used:
specialized team control
panaracer dart
kenda (hey, i was in a pinch, ok.)
Bike Setup:
frankenstein bike (parts of every bike ive ever owned) with rs indy s and panaracer pyro in back
Bottom Line:i got a deal on this tire at the shop and im glad i did. i ride the stuff around flag which includes lots of sand and cinders. the tire (and its great side lugs) will let me lay the bike really far over and still make the turn. its wide enough to let me run a fat paddle tire in the rear
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Trekboy a Cross-Country Rider from Singapore
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Bukit Timah
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Feels almost like slicks when travelling on the road
Weaknesses:
I need to rotate the tyres for different conditionsThe rear has NO GRIP in muddy conditions if you rotate in in the wrong side.
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
99 Trek 6500 with LX/XT parts. Judy C fork
Bottom Line:The tyre was great on the road felt almost like slicks until I hit the muddy trails.... there was virtually no grip at all! I was all over the trail. It was only after I got home that I noticed that I need to rotate the tyres the other way. Will see how the tyre performs off-road after rotating the tyres. It was a great tyre on the road(I thought I was running slicks). 4 hot chilis for great performance on the road(not bad for a threaded tyre).
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Mike a Cross-Country Rider from Millersville,MD
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1999
Favorite Trail:
schaffer farms
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
These tires have a gi-joe kung-fu grip.You can turn the tire around for mud.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
duro(don't ask)
GT
Bike Setup:
Trek 930
Bottom Line:These are great tires for any condition.And you get your moneys worth.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Webb Phillips a Cross-Country Rider from Stanford, CA
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Manzanita
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Front: tracks well and brakes well. Its wide squarish profile helps descending rocky rutted stuff
Rear: rolls fast, pretty good grip
Weaknesses:
Front: washes suddenly when leaning into a turn
Rear: not as secure up loose stuff as a Panaracer Smoke or WTB Velociraptor
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors - heavy and high resistance
Specialized - no traction
Ritchey - semi-slick = death by gravel
IRC Mythos SXC - corners better but tracks and brakes much worse
Bike Setup:
Bontrager Race with a Marzocchi Atom Bomb
Bottom Line:The rear tire was fine. Overall I think the inferior grip to a Velociraptor or Smoke is more than made up for by the lightness and speed of the Jones -- I still have this on my bike.The front tire is not perfect. It grips really well when the contact patch is the center tread, but rather poorly when you try to use the side knobs. As a result, the tire is great for quick sideways movements and for stopping fast even in the loose stuff, and its wide contact patch makes it really easy to just ride through stuff that you can't on a Mythos SXC, for example. However, when you lean over, the squarish shape that improves tracking and braking becomes a handicap. I think there is not enough of a contact patch when cornering, and as a result, the tire washes fairly frequently, usually without warning. If you use this tire, you will probably find yourself slowing down before turns and accelerating out of them, as opposed to speeding through them. This is again because the Jones front does not slide gradually nor gracefully. I must say, though, that every tire I have tried that corners better than the Jones (a Mythos SXC, for example) is worse in terms of tracking and stopping. If anyone has a better front tire, let me know. I hope to try out some Continental and GEAX tires soon.
Overall Rating:4

Submitted by Alan a Cross-Country Rider from Vancouver,BC
Date Reviewed: October 8, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great dry weather performance.
The 2.2 front tire is a dream on downhills and the technical.
Weaknesses:
When logs and roots get wet, the performance sags to merely okay.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin HotS
Geax Blade
Irc Mythos xc
WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Cannondale super V
Manitou Xvert fork
Bottom Line:I loved these tires. Inspires confidence in the very technical terrain. Large 2.2 front tire sucks up bumps and is very stable for fast downhills. I did not like the wet weather performance on logs and roots since the knobs are fairly large and wide. Smaller knobs would probably make it a better wet weather tire but would take away its great dry weather grip. If you ride exclusively in the dry and love technical trails, I would very much endorse these tires. I live in the northwest where the trails see rain 8months of the year....so I enjoy Michelins Wildgripper HotS tires more (shed mud better and grip wet stuff slightly better). Geax Blade is my favorite rain/mud tire. Velocirators are fair alround performers, but dont measure up to the jones.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by Travis a Cross-Country Rider from Virginia
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Wild Oak
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Grip like no other tire
Very light and supple
Fast!
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls are too thin
Similar Products Used:
Pana Fire XC
Smoke and Dart
Tioga Psycho
Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
old-school Nishiki Pinnacle, Judy 100, 9.0sl,etc.
Bottom Line:These tires are great overall, but there are a few problems that I have personally experienced in the past year. If you ride on rocky trails, watch those sidewalls! I'm on my third front tire and second rear due to sidewall cuts. This is the kevlar version, and I'm running 50 to 55 psi. Avoid ruts in the trail that could scrape the sidewalls, and slick rocks, or you too will be walking back to your car. Other than that, I've only had two flats total from thorns, which is amazing for the trails I ride. I've been running specialized tubes, but recently switched to salsa; both tubes are great. The 127 TPI makes such a huge difference in ride quality. Despite the susceptability to sidewall cuts, I give these tires 5 chilis, because they are the best al-around tires I've used.
Overall Rating:5

Submitted by L. Shaw a Weekend Warrior from Osan AB Korea
Date Reviewed: August 28, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Brown Mountain
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rolls fast
Good hook up
Looks good
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Irc Methos
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000, Judy XC, LX/XT
Bottom Line:When I first saw this tire I thought it would slip on everything because of it's small tread. After riding it on loose dirt, wet rocks, monster roots and lots of mud, I have to say that I can not get it to let go. I would recommend this tire to anyone who rides XC
Overall Rating:5

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