Submitted by
Sunn Xchox
a Cross Country Rider
from Williamsburg, VA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
New Quarter State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Bikes Unlimited
Strengths:
Very Light, and Very fast rolling. Low center knobs provide fast rolling and good climbing.I run the python on the rear as it really isn't aggressive enough for front end duties. When on the rear you MUST run it backwards or climbing will induce rear wheel spin.
Weaknesses:
The tire slides on anything wet. Wet roots, wet pavement, you name it it'll slip on it. The tire is also expensive and wears quickly on pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin AM tire, Python first generation, anc CST copperhead.
Bike Setup:
RockShox SID Race, SRAM X9 rear derailleur, Fox Float R AVA
1998 Heavily upgraded Sunn Xchox Alu.
Bottom Line:
Great tire for summer. Winter months and fall season you would want to switch tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve5083
a Racer
from Colorado Springs, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ute Valley Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Fast, low rolling resistance. Long lasting, hard compound. Excellent traction on hardpack.
Weaknesses:
Abrupt washout in turns at limit. Stretchy bead doesn't hold up for tubeless setup (if you try, you will experience a tire fly off the rim unexpectedly). Poor traction in muddy conditions
Excellent tire for fast courses in dry conditions without a lot of loose tight turns. Someone recommended putting the tire on in the rear direction on the front to reduce the tendency for abrubt washout, and I found it to definitely helps. Now I only put them both on in the rear direction. I also like to run a knobbier tire on the front (ie., Mythos IRC), with the Python on the rear for fast courses with a mixture of loose turns. Don't run this tire tubeless! It will blow off the rim when the bead stretches out. But even with a 100 gram tube it's a very light, and I've found to be reliable setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wutty3
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Tx Date Reviewed: April 4, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Cypresswood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$21.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Lightweight. Grips like glue on hardpack. Does well in sandy patches. Climbs well. Easy to mount. Cushiony without being scary.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Komodo. Continental Traffic.
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Tyax Pro. Sun RhinoLite rims. Suntour XCM RL Fork.
55psi in tires.
Bottom Line:
I like to ride to the trails and was using the Conti Traffics for this purpose. Never could get them to seat properly... Like riding on clown tires. Changed to the Pyhons and man I couldn't be happier. They practically jumped on the rims :-), I'm 160 lbs and run them at 55psi. Rode to the park and got on the trails and what a difference! I actually feel more confident about my bike and was able to improve my riding skills. As a novice rider these are the perfect tires for me at a killer price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rjw1905
a Cross Country Rider
from Mobile, Al Date Reviewed: March 14, 2009
Favorite Trail:
West Florida
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky
Strengths:
Rolls Fast, Smooth, Cushy, Light
Weaknesses:
Front tends to slip out
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Kharisma
Bike Setup:
revamped 2001 Haro Escape
Bottom Line:
Great all around cross country, all mountain tire. The tire gives a good ride, its smooth and fast. FYI, find the right pressure on your front tire, it does like to lose traction on hard turns, but playin around with the pressure has helped. Exceptional value and would recommend to anyone looking for a great all around cross country tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeffw-13
a Weekend Warrior
from South Central PA Date Reviewed: January 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Anything at Michaux
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Grip, grip & more grip. Durability, rolling resistance, price, converts easily for tubeless use.
Weaknesses:
Wet roots, cornering.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Crossmark, Bontrager Jones XR
Bike Setup:
Me - 200 lbs
Bike - 4" suspension XC
Tire - 2.3 @ 30 psi
Bottom Line:
This is for the New Generation Airlight in the 2.3 size.
As a rear tire it's terrific. I bought it during the summer when everything was hard & dry & it was money. I was curious to see how it would stand up in the fall & into winter since most say it's a dry hardpack tire. No worries. You can climb up the side of a building with this tire. I climbed hills that were covered in wet leaves & pine needles that I didn't think I had a prayer of getting up. The 'paddles' dig thru the mess & find grip. If it's starts to give out I just adjust my weight back a hair & they dig in again.
Snow? No problem. Mud? Powers through. Rocks? No problems with cut sidewalls, punctures or pinch flats (again, this is the 2.3). Only weakness I've found is wet roots & logovers. They slip like a greased eel on wet roots. Probably something to do with it being a harder compound (at least it feels like it to me).
I'm a big fan of finding something that works & sticking with it & I can't imagine using another tire on the rear.
On the front it's nearly perfect when mounted backwards as the 'paddles' provide exceptional grip on descents. They can be a little sketchy cornering. The front tends to wash out on initial turn in until it gets down on the side knobs. Overall it's an excellent tire but I'll probably try something else on the front.
5 chilis for value as I got 'em at close out price. 4 for overall due the the wet root thing and turning.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RPOMTB
a Cross Country Rider
from Ensenada Mexico Date Reviewed: September 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Parral
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
Rolls fast on dry and hardterrain
Weaknesses:
It flats pretty easy, specilly in rocky conditions.
Poor cornering
Similar Products Used:
Mythos XC II
Bike Setup:
giant xtc2
Bottom Line:
I would not recomend this tires if you are intermediate level and if there some rocky conditions, preety poor cornering, I returning to mythos XC II
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rkj__
a Racer
from Ontario Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Buckwallow
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, fast, volume, traction
Weaknesses:
tread wear is not great
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones XR, Specialized Roll-X, WTB Prowler, IRC Mythos XC, Michelin Sprint S, Hutchinson Spider, Maxxis Ignitor, Bontrager Jones AC.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS
Bottom Line:
As it turned out, these tires are very well suited to the trails I ride and race on in Southern Ontario, Canada. They roll fast, are light weight, and surprised me with their traction. They are a pretty popular tire in my area, along with small block 8s. Good grip on hardpack, singletrack through pines, gravel, quick on roads. Decent in sandy and loose conditions. Rather manageable when wet.
5 chilies. They are a great tire for dry racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
VanillaJunior
a Cross Country Rider
from Bakersfield, Ca Date Reviewed: August 23, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$21.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Lightweight. Low Rolling Resistance. Price. Great Grip on Dry Hardpack and Pavement.
Weaknesses:
Very Thin Sidewall.
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
2008 Specialized Hardrock Sport (Stock)
Bottom Line:
These tires are perfect for anyone (even Clydesdales) wanting to speed up their trek though dry hardpack and/or pavement, but I wouldn't recommend them for anything other than that. Due to the extremely thin sidewall I am still very nervous taking a sharp turn at speed for fear of having some sort of a blow-out and severely injuring myself. Nonetheless, the Hutchinson Python's are serving me well despite their inherent weaknesses. Now go get yourself a set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
donald a
a Weekend Warrior
from olathe, ks Date Reviewed: August 22, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Shawnee Mission Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Stop
Strengths:
NONE
Weaknesses:
Pops tubes all of the time
Similar Products Used:
Specialized tires
Bike Setup:
Stock 2007 Epic
Bottom Line:
I cannot recommend these tires! Maybe if ridden on smoother hard pack dirt they would be OK. But these tires are defiantly not meant for rocks. I rode the stock Specialized Pro (tube) tires and never had a flat. I had the Python (with tube) for a month and had 3-flats.
The tire WAS mounted on the rear. I tried different tire pressures from 35-55lbs. At low pressures, the tire sides felt like they twisted or buckled on turns. It never felt stable. At higher pressures, it didn’t seem to grip rocks and would slip when climbing. I always kept waiting for the tire to slip or twist.
I’m 6’3” and 225lbs. The stock Specialized Pro that came on the bike was replaced when the sidewall failed. The bike store installed the Python as a replacement. After my second flat on one ride, I had a Specialized Pro tire and tube reinstalled. I’m done with the Python tire.
Maybe my suspension wasn’t set up right, or maybe I was using the wrong tire for the terrain I was riding, but I’ve returned to a tire I know and never had a problem with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pill
a Weekend Warrior
from eastern europe Date Reviewed: July 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
forest trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
gift
Strengths:
low rolling resistance, good grip
Weaknesses:
they have to be pumped up hard to hold the track.Otherwise - the rim can fold them. These cannot be used on a tarmac - they get grinned very fast.This probably because of the soft compound
Bike Setup:
Giant XtC
Bottom Line:
The best tires i've used, though they have some weaknesess. They very light. Linked center knobs give a very low rolling resistance. This make these tires superfast. The compound is very soft: this is both advantage and disadvantage. These can be applied best on a dry XC trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from SLO CA 93401 Date Reviewed: April 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Lemon Grove
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
From brother
Strengths:
These things rip through mud and wet conditions. There is very little rolling resistance, so they are great for ride-to trails (I don't like to drive to trails.)
Weaknesses:
Not so great over rocks - they tend to slip.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchison Bulldogs, Scorpions, and Kenda Kinetics
Bike Setup:
This one is a 1999 Specialized S-Works FSR, all XTR drivetrain, with Alex D21 front wheel, and Shimano Saint bolt-on rear.
Bottom Line:
Great for the muddy and XC rides, and hybrid use. Not the best for rocky, dry trails with steeper climbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Rotovegas - A Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came on Bike
Strengths:
Seemed to last quite long, over 1500km on dirt roads, tarmac and singletrack. Light, fast rolling, reasonable performance in sandy conditions.
Weaknesses:
A bit slippery on roots and so on. Mud and wet sand sticks to it like .... well, it really sticks. Cornering the tyre seems to give way reasonably predictably, but have had quite a few washouts in the sand, probably more due to narrow width and crap riding than the tyre.
Similar Products Used:
Larsen TT, WTB Velociraptor, continental
Bike Setup:
XTC1 Pretty much stock.
Bottom Line:
A very light tyre with good performance. Have worn out rear but am still using front until it goes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy
a Racer
from Murfreesboro, Tn, US Date Reviewed: January 29, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tnasi Trails, Ocoee Tn
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Fast! lightweight, price.
Weaknesses:
weak sidewalls, short life, poor in wet conditions
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Small Block 8, Kenda Dred Tread
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur, Fox RLT, Mavic SL, XT
Bottom Line:
These are great race tires in summer, hard pack conditions. I have used these tires for a couple of years though I'm in the market for something with a little longer life. The price is hard to beat. Last year I went through 2 sets of these. They are good for about 300 miles give or take depending on the trail. If you want a good inexpensive tire to race, this is a great choice. If you are looking for something with a little longer life and something that will accomodate muddy or rocky trails this may not be a good choice. I have recently discovered the Kenda Dred Tred. It's a little beefier and seems to be just as fast as the Python.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Evans
a Cross Country Rider
from Milton, FL Date Reviewed: January 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cameron Park: Waco, TX; UWF Trails: Pensacola, FL
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Very Fast & Light! On anything hard packed these are outstanding. Not intended for anything but XC, but they do that very well. I have already worn out 3 sets of the 2.0 and have a set of 2.3s on the way.
Weaknesses:
Intended only for dry condidions XC- no grip in mud Easy to blow out due to their light weight and thin sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
Mitchelin Pros
Bike Setup:
Nuke-Proof frame, XT / XTR, with Psylo Race fork set to 100mm.
Bottom Line:
Great tires if you use them for their intended purpose. As I said, I have my fourth set already on order.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin Gaddis
a Cross Country Rider
from Augusta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
FATS!!!!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very light weight, very fast on hard surfaces
Weaknesses:
It blows up! No protection against pinch flats, my front tire ripped after only 80 miles of riding.
Similar Products Used:
Lots of different BMX tires
Bike Setup:
Stock 2006 Giant Anthem 3
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on my bike, and I never had confidence in them. They give no indication they are about to lose grip. At speed they wash out VERY quickly, with no hope of saving it once they do step out.
The worst thing about them is that they are so thin. Before having 80 miles on these tires, I've blow 3 tubes, and somehow ripped a hole in the front tire. And the hole was between tread blocks, not even on the sideway! And I'm not a big guy (only 145lbs) and I ride cross country, nothing extreme, and, the fastest speed I've hit on a trail so far is only 21.1MPH because I have ZERO confidence in these tires holding through a corner.
I've just bought a new WTB tire to replace my ripped front tire, and next week I'm going to get a new rear tire as well. I wont ever run these tires again. The only reason I gave 2 chilis is because they're very light, and they roll fast on hard pack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jules from mexico
a Racer
from lomas Date Reviewed: June 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
desierto de los leones
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
local store
Strengths:
Simply the fastest rolling , best grip and weight combo
Weaknesses:
none, the rubber cracks a bit after 6 months
Similar Products Used:
larsens tt and mimo, specialized pro, scott cougar, fire xc pro, michelin all wildgippers models, irc notos, etc
Bike Setup:
07 scott scale full xtr, rock shox sid team, ufo rims-xtr hubs with stans tubless system with pythons, thomson seatpost
Bottom Line:
to me this is the tire, i have mtbiked for 20 years, tried most tires, I guess i´m very used to them and always come back to them, the new pythons corner a little better than the old ones. i reccomend them for xc racing and trail riding in forest areas, mostly dry, very fast, grips like a dh tire but rolls like a semislick, works well even in wet, as long it´s not too muddy. Recently installed stans tubeless and works even better, fast, grippy,light and puncture proof with only 480 grams plus the sealant, i run 30 psi rear 28 psi front for 140 lbs of weight, eventhough stan recommends not to use these tires i have found out they work real well and dont beleive the crap he calims about "not recommended tires". The airlight the best xc racing tire and the regular python for regular trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Tyler, TX Date Reviewed: May 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Light, quick, good traction
Weaknesses:
Hard to get on my wheels
Similar Products Used:
WTB MotoRaptors
Bike Setup:
2006 Giant Trance 1
Bottom Line:
I spent way too much time worrying about which tires to get for my bike! I finally bought the Air Light Pythons and I love them! They are 2 times lighter than my last set of tires and they accelerate like a rocket! My bike is so much more snappy with these tires on them. These tires get great traction even in some wet conditions. I would not use them in very muddy conditions, but for most dry / normal singletrack they should work well. If you are looking for a light tire than can handle most singletrack, then take a serious look at these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pile
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: May 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
SCUM's Condoo Rd - Nowra NSW
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Quick! Good wear.
Weaknesses:
Slippy in the wet, traction in the loose, sand
Similar Products Used:
Ignitors, Weirwolfs, Crossmarks
Bike Setup:
Specialised Epic, spokey-dokeys, floral basket on the front
Bottom Line:
These are not an all-round-do-whatever tyre, but they don't pretend to be. In the 6 mths I've been using them I've become a better rider. The lack of side knobs means they don't rail corners like a lot of other tyres, so you have to pick your lines a bit more carefully and get better at cornering. I loved my ignitors, but they were pretty forgiving and made up for some pretty average lines and technique on my part. If I was hard-core gnarly, huckster dood, they wouldn't be my choice but for xc trail riding, enduros and training they work a treat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Vail, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
somn of middle creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
climbs great, very low roll resistance, SUPER light, wears well, if you can find them for the price i paid totally worth it
Weaknesses:
if you run the wrong tire preasure you will flat! But just like any tire.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Larsen TT, Hutchinson Python 2.0
Bike Setup:
XL Yeti 575, Thomson stem & seat post, Sram X0 rear, XT front, Sram X9 shifters, Race Face cranks, Eggbeaters, DT Swiss rims hubs, Raceface Next Carbon riser Bar
Bottom Line:
Started riding these tires 2 seasons ago on a hardtail, had one nasty crash because the side wall folded around the rim....TOO LOW PREASURE! cleaned my self up, ran higher preasure...tire is perfect. Now running the 2.3's front and rear. I run 40 psi in front and 45 in rear for CC riding and racing, 45 front and 50 rear for commuting to work. Rode the 2.3 for the first time in Fruita and was sceptical. (that first fall does plague my memory) BUT THEY HOOKED UP IN ALL CONDITIONS, better in sand then i thought they would be. Still a bit wet out here and they are actually pretty good mud tires, although they do pack up pretty badly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Adams
a Cross Country Rider
from Janesville, Wi Date Reviewed: April 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
very fast and light, does very well on pavement, dirt, wooded trails
Weaknesses:
not as good in mud
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones
Bike Setup:
2007 Trek 4500
Bottom Line:
I went on a 7 mile bike ride on mixed terrain, my average speed went up 2 mph. There was a little slippage going up a muddy hill but I noticed a large improvement in all other areas, especially tight corners and bumps. A very fast, light, responsive tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Lamb
a Cross Country Rider
from Michigan Date Reviewed: March 25, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
corning
Weaknesses:
downhill braking
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper full suspension with crossmax sl
Bottom Line:
I bought them for low weight, although the reviews weren't great. Very few tires seem to have great reviews. Currently its in the rear but I think it might work better in the front. You can find out for yourself but I skid down a lot more hills than before. The tread height is also very low and would not recommend them for mud.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Lancaster, PA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007
Rode these tires for about a year out in Las Vegas (owned tires for 3 years total). They were exceptional in desert climates! Came to the east coast and found they don't have nearly as much grip in humid conditions found on the east coast. For dry, arid conditions, pick up a set. If you are riding in wet conditions, look elsewhere. Also, I found it very easy to "spin out" on uphill sections (lose or wet). Had no confidence taking corners on the Pythons and occasionally wiped out (east coast conditions). They are extremely light (485g) which makes them an excellent hard-packed desert tire. Sidewalls are thin, but what do you expect for 485 grams? I switched back to the Panaracer Fire XC, (Japan version) and enjoy a more solid feel, but at 100 grams more per tire...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Hobart, Tas, Australia Date Reviewed: January 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
mt wellington
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
very fast in straight lines, strong fast climber, good front braking power, very light. This is an excellent tyre for fast, smooth hardpack
Weaknesses:
terrible for: loose over hard pack, mud, sand, wet, leaves, roots, etc. Lucky not to get at least one pinch flat per 2hr ride on the rear, (although i weigh 82kg, 6'1"). got a small stick right through tyre between treads on rear, so threw back one out and replaced with maxxis rachero. very pressure sensitive.
Similar Products Used:
maxxis rachero, cheap stock tyres
Bike Setup:
2006 Giant XTC-2, stock.
Bottom Line:
Great for purpose, but take 2 spare tubes on a ride. sucks as rear tyre if you weigh anything over 60kg. downright dangerous on loose over hard pack and sand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tai
a Cross Country Rider
from Warsaw, IN Date Reviewed: January 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Winona Lake Trails!!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
*Light *No flats yet *Fun tire
Weaknesses:
*Spins on climbs *Small range of pressure that can be used and still get decent results.
Similar Products Used:
Mythos XC, Bontrager connection crap
Bike Setup:
Trek 3700 SingleSpeed
Bottom Line:
Good Tires! Slippery on climbs but decent on decents and cornering. As for street/pavement use no grip when wet and cornering. Unusually cool sound when doing peelouts on pavement. Doesn't need to be wet pavement either.
GREAT TIRE! BUY IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tai
a Cross Country Rider
from Warsaw, IN Date Reviewed: January 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Winona Lake Trails!!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
*Light *No flats yet *Fun tire
Weaknesses:
*Spins on climbs *Small range of pressure that can be used and still get decent results.
Similar Products Used:
Mythos XC, Bontrager connection crap
Bike Setup:
Trek 3700 SingleSpeed
Bottom Line:
Good Tires! Slippery on climbs but decent on decents and cornering. As for street/pavement use no grip when wet and cornering. Unusually cool sound when doing peelouts on pavement. Doesn't need to be wet pavement either.
GREAT TIRE! BUY IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
psychodad
a Weekend Warrior
from Mission, TX, USA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance. Lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls. Not enough cornering traction.
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 70 stock
Bottom Line:
I'm running the 2.3s at about 50 psi. Tires fly on hardpack and pavement. They weren't joking when they said these tires are Air Light. They are light because the sidewalls are superthin. They are so thin that the slime in my rear tire starting leaking out like is was sweating little green blobs. Just don't have the confidence to really lean into corners with these tires, because they feel like they are going to slip out. The thin sidewalls also cause the tire (rear) to flex/give under stress, makes my back wheel feel like it is loose. I'm retiring these tires and buying some Panaracers Fire Pro XCs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yhs
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Bloody light-weight and fast rolling. Nice, soft compound tethers to track at lower inflation pressures.
Weaknesses:
FLATS FLATS FLATS!!! x 1000000 + headache + walking back, hauling the carcass back with you, from whence you came.
I've only had these for 3 weeks... over a one week period of riding, the front punctured twice, the rear twice. The culprit? Thorns from the seeds in the spring brush and grass. They go straight through. Shocker.
Second grumble? The front washes out very unexpectedly in large lean-angle corners, even at recommended kPa. Guaranteed to tumble without realising what had happened. Although, a solution is to reverse the rotational direction of the front tire to match that of the rear. No problems since then.
Bottom Line:
Competition tires for Summer hard-packed, minimal debris, trails. Very quick, supple compound, and light-weight.
Don't ride over anything that has a sharp edge, point or texture. Doing so guarantees you with either one or the other tire expiring. Don't think you were just unlucky that ride, because it will happen again and again until you have four-letter curses pouring out of every orifice in your body if you ride over anything and expect the tires to take the abuse.
I've found reversing the front tire rotation direction solved my problem of bloody-fast, 'what the hell just happened?' washouts.
Does give you that extra psychological burden of 'Crap, will I get a flat again?' during rides, which I think is pretty stressful when far away from civilisation.
Overall, great performance provided it stays inflated. As reliable as my small phallus after 14 shots of vodka and a handful of barbiturates. Too many headaches.
There's gotta be other tires of a similar genre that are sensibly resistant to flats - unlike these shockers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Edwar Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from germantown, MD Date Reviewed: October 24, 2006
Not meant for climbing or slick trails. But you should know that right?
Love the weight and speed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zachary
a
from wellborn, tx, usa Date Reviewed: October 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
urban/campus
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Awesome stuff imo. I got the 2.3 and 2.00. great for hard pack and concrete. corner great, so good that I have had more trouble with burping than sliding out. a very fast tire with some tread for hardpack which is all I ride so it's perfect.
Weaknesses:
no go good if you want to use tubes, buy stans kit or something.
Similar Products Used:
lots...
Bottom Line:
if you try to use this tire on all types of trails, you will have some problems. but only if you are stupid and don't match up stuff to your conditions. getting upset about how it does not perform well on sand is like crying that your road bike won't take 10 foot drops, shut up and buy stuff that matches your trail and stop trying to use one thing for everything...
buy these if you are going to run tubeless and are riding hard pack or concrete.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin Dever
a Racer
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: October 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This is a very low rolling resistance tyre. You can really feel the extra responsiveness. The weight is low! Good rear tyre
Weaknesses:
Durability and strength. Not a lot of grip on the front.
Similar Products Used:
maxxis Larsen TT, Pyder xtension
Bike Setup:
Hardtail, trail beast
Bottom Line:
Although this type does go very fast it is not very puncture resistant. I get thorns all the time (when other tyres are fine). But the worst thing was the pinch flats that i use to get. So i worked up the pressure to avoid this. Once i got to 50psi i thought enough was enough. I have had over 4 pinch flats when running the tyre over 50psi. That is absolude bull crap! Sure i am an agressive rider but what a joke! So i have tried other tyres and have been able to run them at 40psi and have had no worrries!!! Only buy this tyre if you are going to be easy on them or you are light, or if you have a dually to suck up the hits!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jorgex
a Weekend Warrior
from Almada, Portugal Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$23.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
-super light(500g) -fast on DRY conditions and road too -a NEW DESIGN that works better -great wear resistance -amazing as rear tire -cheap, kevlar@23€
Weaknesses:
-all weaknesses of any slick/competition tires -the sticker should be big like tubeless version, not discreet -for summer XC and road only -very hard rubber as front tire -if like to flat alot... -only in black color
Similar Products Used:
Nokian, Maxxis, Ritchey, Huchinson, Continental, Panaracer, Michelin...(next time i'll put them in alphabetic order)
Bike Setup:
Giant escaper'92 (hardtail), Manitou Axel 100mm(oem),Hope M4 disc brake, Mavic XM 321(f) and Ritchey rock WCS(r)
Bottom Line:
I have just one fast rear tire(nokian boazoneana R) which i liked to use it on winter. Why not buy a similar tire for summer, why not another yellow python like the one i had back in 2000?
-Front: It rolls extremely fast but weak braking power. Corner ability is almost ok on dry track if you slow down in time. The rubber should be alot more soft. Good for road@50psi.
-Rear: With front rotation it is extremely fast, NO EFFORT at all on dirt and road. Cornering grip is weak and slipps alot. Traction during uphill is very weak, you most have some skills to master its behavior or it will spin off. With rear rotation it's a great roller. Better cornering but still very slippery. Enough uphill traction.
-Both: Bring a spare tube and pilot cautiously away from stings and broken glass, etc. I use DH tubes to balance the lack of rubber because python flats alot with normal tubes(heavy tube+light tire=normal weight/punch resistance), my weight is over 100Kg and i use python@40psi. It has a great wear resistence and this is were the new design enters: when the center knobs are half way wasted, the side knobs starts to show off brand new while the old python wasted equaly center and side knobs. But why blast off in straight line and have to slow down on corners? That's why i prefer semi-slick tires like nokian boazobeana, it has big side knobs! Next time i'll buy a 2.3 size for enduro rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Menlo Park, CA Date Reviewed: August 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
too many to list
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
35
Strengths:
Light weight. I agree with a previous reviewer, great traction for th rear tire.
Weaknesses:
Difficult to mount on rim, flimsy. My tires kept slipping on the rim. The result, four flat tires. Tears at the base of the valve stem. it's not from under inflating because I inflated to 42 pounds on one ride.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized pro dual X
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic with Mavic 717 rims and Chris King hubs
Bottom Line:
I replaced the front tire after my fourth flat. When I took the tire off, the rim tape had been pulled almost a half an inch from the hole. I left the back tire on until I picked up a nail through the tread and out the sidewall.
I will not replace with hutchinson again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a
from Canberra, ACT, Australia Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bobsled, Sparrow Hill.
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Fast rolling- almost continuous centre tread, light.
Weaknesses:
Minimal cornering lugs.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Fast Track, Maxxis Ignitor & Crossmark, Hutchinson Bulldog Airlight, Schwalbe Big Jim.
Bike Setup:
For enduro racing: Giant Trance 2, RS Revelation, Easton Monkeylite bars... Maxxis Crossmark up front, Python on the rear.
Bottom Line:
These tires are for HARDPACK or blue groove only. These tires are optomised to roll fast.
To adapt an old addage: speed, light weight, traction - pick any two. These tires fall into the speed and light weight catergories.
The low centre profile allows very high straight-line speed. The side lugs provide average cornering performance as the lugs are small to reduce weight.
Overall the tire is great for what it's designed for- that's a light weight, fast rolling RACE tyre. The tread climbs and brakes well, just remember to ride the tyre within it's means. (My tip: use it on the rear, with a more agressive tyre up front with better cornering ability).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from McKinney Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
rough steep XC single track
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Rounded tire makes cornering easier
Weaknesses:
Weak tread strength - short life
Similar Products Used:
Bontreger revolt, etc
Bike Setup:
Klein Adroit Pro, XTR/Carbon
Bottom Line:
Decent tire if you can afford to replace them every few months. Once the outer tread wears, the benefit of the tire becomes useless. The tire is fairly heavy, so if you race, go with something else. Buy it if you like to go fast downhill or are a freeride biker. Don't buy it if you race (wieght) or if you are a weekend warrior (too expensive to replace every few months).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan Poole
a Weekend Warrior
from Asheville Date Reviewed: July 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5.00
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
Fast, efficient, consistent
Weaknesses:
Poor traction in mud
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
stan's notubes, 105mm travel fork, 80mm stem, riser bars on a hardtail which provides great climbing and comfortable descending on all but the most extreme trails.
Bottom Line:
The key to happiness with these (as with all tires) is correct air pressure. You need to at least be able to make the sidewall bulge a bit when you fully weight the tire on smooth hardpack. Go a bit softer in the front than the back.
I put the 2.0 python airlites on after messing up my rear 2.3 spider, and with consideration of the dry weather that we were having. I rode a mixture of blue ridge mountain trails with rocks, roots, climbs, jumps, gravel roads, mud etc. I found the tires to be very consistent, refreshingly fast rolling, extremely well suited to fast and hard dry conditions and more than adequate in the roots and rocks. Things get a bit skiddish in the wet but no worse than with other tires of this type. Last weekend I did a 45 mile loop on these on all types of terrain and was so glad that I had these tires on and not the bigger rubber,, they were great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: June 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Palos Hills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
OEM on Bike
Strengths:
Light and fast as hell!
Weaknesses:
Cornering
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
2004 Giant XTC-2 with Cane Creek Zonos SS rims and XTR dual control shifters
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on the bike when I got it last spring. I weigh in at about 155 lbs and was running these tires front and rear at 35psi and they are fast but the cornering was not as good as with the IRC Mythos on a different bike. And on this bike with these tires I did knock about 3 minutes off my fastest trail times.
The cornering problems could just be I am going so much faster with these that it's harder to find the right braking points, braking force required and then correct line through the corner. With these it does seem I need to pick my cornering points better than with the Mythos, the Pythons are less forgiving if you make a mistake.
Since I like the speed I have tried these at 43psi and then they are fast as hell! But then you really need to be dead on for finding your braking points and braking harder before you hit the corners. If you're having an off day forget it you're not hitting the corners right.
I'm actually beginning to think I may be switching to discs just to see if I will have better braking control because of the speed from these tires, the Zonos rims are great for speed and if I switch to discs I'm going to Cane Creek again. All in all these tires are very fast, but the cornering could be better.
I'm going to try a set of IRC Mythos that I may get for free, a set of Panaracer XC pros, and maybe a set of Kenda Nevegals to see if they make any difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Les
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntington, NY, USA Date Reviewed: June 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
I have the new generation Python on my front. 2.0" Light, very low rolling resistance, and no vibration on the road since the center of the tread is connected.
Weaknesses:
Hard to mount on my Crossride rim. I didn't believe what people said about the skidding but today I believe it and I'm gonna get rid of the tire now. I rode in trails and experienced the same skidding when going fast around corners. But today was the worse. I was riding on the road and going really fast and made a tight right turn into a main road and it slipped and i went sliding about 4 feet and ended up with a road rashed right arm and I banged my knee and now it's slightly bruised. Do not lean over on these, they will slide out and after that, your at the point of no return. AHha some lady stopped the car and asked if I was allright while I was picking up my bike. Now my nice light seat is scuffed on the side.
Similar Products Used:
I used the stock tires 2.3" and Panaracer Fire XC Pro's. I got a Panaracer 2.1" on my rear and I think I'm going to go back to Panaracers.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper Pro 9 speed.
Bottom Line:
Don't lean and go around turns fast with these unless you wanna limp around for a few days.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brendon
a Weekend Warrior
from ATL Date Reviewed: June 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
no trail friction, great going up and down hills, definitly better in dry conditions
Weaknesses:
Does slip a bit but you have to be leaning over pretty far and hauling ass ...
Similar Products Used:
Panaracers - firexc
Bike Setup:
Giany NRS Comp2
Bottom Line:
solid tire ... dont ride in the rain and you will be all set ... light as hell , very fast!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Harrisburg IL Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Fast and light
Weaknesses:
Flats and traction
Similar Products Used:
lots of tires, Mythos XC slick
Bottom Line:
These tires are basically a single purpose hard pack race tire. As many other reviewers have said, when they begin to skid it happens so fast that you almost can't react. I think these are the perfect tire to get someone hurt. Oh and in the 4 rides I used these I had 3 flats.
So if your trails look like big dirt highways then these will be fine. Otherwise, don't even think about it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erich
a Cross Country Rider
from lake forest, IL, USA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light Rolls Fast
Weaknesses:
Lack of cornering traction Transition from carving to sliding very abrubt
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Controls WTB Trailblaster Continental Cross-country
Bike Setup:
2006 Giant Anthem 2
Bottom Line:
These tires work well for their intended purpose. They roll fast on hardpack and give good traction up to the point of sliding. Once past the traction limit, they slide very quickly and it takes good reflexes to catch them. Braking and climbing traction was adequete. Once the trail gets soft or wet, these tires are pretty poor, but they weren't intended for those conditions anyways. Once these wear out, I will probably try something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Looper
a Cross Country Rider
from Dalton,GA Date Reviewed: April 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Fast rolling, climbing
Weaknesses:
none yet
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer X100
Bottom Line:
I bought these tires over a year ago, but was afraid to try them after reading all the bad reviews. I wish I had not waited. These tires are great. I never knew that a tire could be that fast . My avg speed went up by 1 mph just changing to these tires. I ran 40 psi and med weight tubes (160 grams giant.) I will try them on other trails this weekend. Brian
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B.D.
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA Date Reviewed: February 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came w/parts kit
Strengths:
Pretty light weight. They roll fast.
Weaknesses:
Cornering sucks - at least as a front tire.
Similar Products Used:
Conti Survivals for mud, WTB Weirwolves for all-around, plenty of old Specializeds that aren't made any more.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit, Marzocchi Z1 FR, XT, etc.
Bottom Line:
Got these with a parts kit for my bike. Light and fast. Took them down to Fountainhead last fall and foolishly left them on instead of swapping for the Weirwolves (was in a hurry to ride). Also should have dropped a couple psi, but I'm 6'5", 235lb., so I usually keep tires at higher psi than average. Long story short, at the bottom of the long hill that starts the trail is hardpack hairpin. Front scrubbed out without warning, bike went down under me, almost broke ankle sliding over roots, rocks, etc. Got to limp around for a few weeks. Bottom line - some cocked up riding plus some low-profile tires = a lot of pain. Good for sand, good for pavement. Bad for cornering. Trust your instincts, ride hard, ride safe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miles
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas, TX, USA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
RCP
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
Once it starts to slide it all over. Must work the balance angle and let up.
Similar Products Used:
None, memorable much better, not similar.
Bike Setup:
2000 Cannondale Bad Boy converted to 26" wheels.
Bottom Line:
Looking for a tire like my Michelin Wildgrippers SL with the hard compound. Back then it had tread like the Continental Vertical Pro MTB Tire has now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shiny_car
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
really good on dry hardpacked trails
Weaknesses:
not too good in muddy/slick conditions
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python Air Lite UST
Bike Setup:
Aus-spec '05 Giant XTC2
Bottom Line:
these tyres were standard on my Giant HT; I've been really happy with them, so chose the UST version for another bike; for my use - XC in mostly dry conditions - they are great; I don't race, nor ride too hard; looking at other options for muddy/slick conditions though
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Ga. Date Reviewed: August 10, 2005
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Lightwieght, great for hardpack, easy to get off rim
Weaknesses:
Side walls, not good in mud, but not made for that.
Similar Products Used:
alot
Bike Setup:
Sanat Cruz SL
Bottom Line:
Tire is great for what it was intended for. They make all kinds of tread patterns for different conditions, these are for hardpack, dont rip em, cause they suck in mud. They roll fast, and after some miles are easy to get off rims. I dont even use tire tool. They do have thin side walls, but thats what you give up for the "race weight" Bottom line, I love them here in Ga. where its mostly hardpack, but when its really wet for a while I switch to knobbys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Toe Jam
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Honestly, these things suck. They DO NOT have low rolling resistance, have no grip and are very average tires at best. Either get some real knobbies or get some fast rolling slicks like the IRC Mythos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Osaka, Japan Date Reviewed: August 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Very fast, low rolling resistance. Very light.
Weaknesses:
Tend to wash out when used as a front tyre. Ripped the sidewall on the front tyre on some rocky terrain.
Similar Products Used:
IRC, WTB, Mosquitos,
Bike Setup:
2004 Haro Werks XLS.
Bottom Line:
This is a fairly decent 'light-action' tyre, it is nice and fast. But it is weak in the sidewall and I would not trust it on a long distance trip into the back and beyond. Better as a back tyre than as a front as it has the tendency to wash out. Haven't really used it in wet conditions so unable to comment on it's performance here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from boise Date Reviewed: July 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
where there are no people
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
cambria bike
Strengths:
low rolling resistance,durable, light,large volume.
Weaknesses:
none when used for intended purpose
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
ibex hardtail,mavic xc 717 with xt hubs and stans no tube conversion
Bottom Line:
this tire is the best I tried for hard pack and long climbs they have about 600 miles on them with not much wear I run 35 psi in rear and 30 in front I weigh 190 lbs. with proper pressure and stans my tires typically last much longer, I have had good luck with any of the French made tires including michelins. these tires corner reasonably well with proper technique,do not run them backwards as mtb action suggests I think the manufacturer knows a bit more about tires then those clowns.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howard Kaiser
a
from Chandler, AZ Date Reviewed: June 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light Weight Fast Rolling REsonalbe price
Weaknesses:
Easily punctured Poor Cornering grip Fast tread wear
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Larsen, Panaracer XC Pro, WTB Weirwolf
Bike Setup:
Stock 04 Ironhorse Hollowpoint
Bottom Line:
OK for hardpack. Squirrelly on loose turns. Doesn't feel like it wants to carve a corner. I played with pressures and head angles but couldn't find the sweet spot. I loved the light weight and low rolling resistance...but I was nervous in the fast turns. Puncures easily (it's got a light weight casing, duh!), but Stan's kept the air in pretty well. Tread wears out fast cause there's not much to start with! Can't recommend it cause of the cornering!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Flying Gordo
a Racer
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: May 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Memorial Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Fast rolling, light weight, exceptional harpack tire
Weaknesses:
Unpredictable off-design performance. Wider casing width than tread design makes for sketchy off-camber cornering on loose topcoat.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal, Kenda Karma, IRC Serac, Specialized Roll-X, Maxxis Mimo
Bike Setup:
2004 Titus Racer-X 100, Fox Float 100RLC, 5th Element Air, WTB LaserDisc Lite hubs w/ Mavic 717 rims, Hope Mono Mini brakes, MaxM post and bars, Eggbeater Ti pedals, Truvativ Stylo GXP cranks, Sram X.0 shifters and rear der., XT front der., WTB Laser V Stealth Saddle
Bottom Line:
I have tried lots of tires and I still think these are the best overall tires for racing on hardpack here in Texas. At under 500 grams, they are light weight, offer great flat resistance, and wear very well. The Karmas are a close second but the Pythons roll just as fast and offer much more braking bite. If the terrain gets looser, I switch to the Nevegals. These obviously are not a mud tire either.
My only complaint is when they do start to drift (lose traction), they do it in a hurry and are a bit unpredictable. I was in a race last Fall and entered an offcamber turn with just a slightly loose topcoat and found myself washed out and on my butt before I could even react.
I bought these in a local bike shop and paid primo for them ($80/set). I have since bought replacments on-line for about $40/set.
If you race or spend much time riding on hardpack, you should give these a try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lactic Addict
a Racer
from Chatham, NY, USA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
909 Taconic Hereford, NY
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
Price is the Point
Strengths:
Light. Fast rolling. Surprising traction. Good with Stan's. Cheap.
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC Kenda Kharisma Panaracer Smoke
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Manitou Skareb Elit, Fox RP3, Mavic Crossmax, Avid Juicy 5, etc.
Bottom Line:
Great tire! I was skeptical about this tire because the tread does not seem very aggressive. I race alot, but I also enjoy riding aggresive XC during the week. So I wanted a light tire that would still hold up through a variety of terrain. Around here we have lots of rocks and roots, and some of the terrain is extremely technical. I was afraid that these tires would not be up to the task. But after mounting them with Stan's (which worked very well - I used a floor pump!), and running them at 35 PSI, I have found them to be a great all-around tire that holds up well and gets surprising traction over all kinds of terrain. I even find them to work reasonably well in mud. For the record, I weigh about 145 lbs. Perhaps being relatively lightweight helps with the durability of this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Grimm
a Racer
from Waco Date Reviewed: April 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cameron Park... All of it
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
Light as Air, Stronger than it looks, Sticks to rock, and dry dirt like nothing else. Cool buzzing sound when you ride quickly on pavement.
Weaknesses:
Wears very fast, no good when its wet/muddy.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Roll X Pro Race (suck), Michelin XLs (good), Mythos front (good but lugs tear off too easily) Velociraptors (good but heavy as crap)
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper with some racing crap and stuff...
Bottom Line:
I was very skeptical at first, but when a friend of mine offered to straight up give me these tires I figured it would be worth trying. They are very very light, and roll very fast, less rotational mass = faster. They corver a lot better than i was expecting as well, you can turn without leaning too much. I run these at like 40PSI and they feel softer then the Michelin's were at 30, and they don't get pinch flats. We rode a "race" at canyon lake which was basily nothing more than riding through a bunch of pointy rocks, and to my suprise, NOTHING HAPPENED... No flats, no rips in the sidewall, nothing... I was happy... sorta... I didn't ride it too hard till the second lap when i started pouning on them, but it was already too late to catch up :(
The downside is that they wear down pretty damn fast. Ive had the one on the back for like less than a month, and its allready sorta flat, I bought another set for racing so it shouldn't be as much of a problem, but hey... they were originally hella expensive so they should last a little longer. Only one experiance in the mud, and that was with the black gumbo stuff that no tire can shed, so thats not really fair.
In all, if you ride anywhere when it's dry, buy these tires. Since they are comming out with new ones, the price has dropped a lot, trust me they wil be worth it. I've stocked up already :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a
from Austin, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: April 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek, Austin
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fast tire on road and XC overall.
Weaknesses:
Back tire slips bigtime on climbs.
Similar Products Used:
Tires with bigger tread, "knobier".
Bike Setup:
NRS1 Stock
Bottom Line:
I'm going to try some better climbing tires on the back. My older bikes were better climbers, so going to do some experimentation. These tires are terrific on pavement and hardpack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Lumpkin
a Racer
from Ballwin,Missouri,US Date Reviewed: January 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Chubb Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
This tire is very very good for dry to damp conditions. Best tire I have ever had for at least semi-dry dirt.
Weaknesses:
Not recomened for mud use. It slips and washes out alot in mud. It also wears down fast. I once hit a sharp rock and ripped the tire open, so it is kind of weak.
Similar Products Used:
Speacialized Enduro
Bike Setup:
XTC2-very good bike by the way
Bottom Line:
This tire is awsome for any kind of dry or damp conditions. It is also very good for racing because of its low rolling resistance. I dont recomend it for extream or muddy condition though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Melon
a Cross Country Rider
from The Melonia Lands Date Reviewed: December 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good grip on hard pack, super light
Weaknesses:
Very soft, they wear out pretty quick and the side walls are awfully delicate
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Klaw, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Continentals
Bike Setup:
XTC 2 Stock
Bottom Line:
I bought the XTC 2 around 3 months ago and it came with the tires as stock equipment. The problem is that I got snake bites very often, tried different presures but it would not help, then replaced the inner tubes with something harder and it got a little better. The rear wheel got ripped from the sidewall last weekend on a soft sand trail, with just a few hard rocks, nothing dangerous for any wheel to get ripped as the Python Air light. Even though they have a good grip and they're light, I would not recommend this tire except for races.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, MT Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Minnewanka
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Bought from a friend
Strengths:
Really, really fast rolling.
Smooth ride.
Light.
Weaknesses:
Just ride it like you would a semi-slick and you'll be fine. The only shortcoming I've found is mediocre cornering.
Similar Products Used:
I currently have 20 tires in my garage and all of them are still in service. There are plenty more that have come and gone. My "fast" tires are the Maxxis High Roller Type R, IRC Mythos Slick, Kenda Karma, and WTB NanoRaptor.
Bike Setup:
Titus QuasiMoto set up for long-travel cross-country (under 30 lbs., narrow rims).
Bottom Line:
As far as I can tell, this is the fastest tire I've tried. We're talking really, really fast. Note that I've only used it on the rear.
I use this tire as I would a semi-slick, but the small knobs extend its range of suitable conditions beyond full-on hardpack - it's good on "somewhat loose" trails, but gets sketchy in deep sand and gravel.
Climbing traction is surprisingly good, given how fast these roll.
Mud performance is, as you might expect, not this tire's forte.
The large volume and thin, flexible Airlight casing make for the smoothest ride of any tire this width or this rolling resistance that I've tried (it would be interesting to compare the Python to a WTB 2.4 MutanoRaptor). I haven't had any problems with sidewall abrasion.
The only problem is mediocre cornering traction. It's not bad for a tire of this nature and it's far from terrifying, but it's the reason I can't quite give a rating of 5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Montréal Date Reviewed: October 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good handling, predictable. Suprising traction in DIY tubeless. More versatile than expected.
Weaknesses:
Wears rapidly. Wet cornering is tricky (new generation python should improve this)
Similar Products Used:
Conti explorer (not exactly similar but used in the same races)
Bike Setup:
Blur with XM819 rims
Bottom Line:
I am quite suprised about these tire. I got them for racing and ended up using them all season throught mostly everything. I've mounted mine tubeless with a bit of Stan's soup onto Mavic XM819. Relatively easy mounting actually. I think that the 127tpi casing helps in keeping the air in.
I had no flat nor "burp" even against serious rocky terrain. I weight 185lbs. I am definitely satisfied. I didn't expect that much. Their traction is excellent in the dry stuff and even in the wet, there not totally useless (except for deep mud or wet leaves). I use them for marathon racing and I'm going for the new version next year for sure. An excellent tire that goes beyond its intended use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Coral, FL - USA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Caloosahatchee Regional Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Low roll resistance. Fast exceleration. Price. Although they are not made for mud, they cleared well enough when going through small pockets of it.
Weaknesses:
Wet rocks on descents.
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900 - '04 w/ Crank Brothers Egg Beaters
Bottom Line:
I'm reviewing the non UST model running at 40 PSI. If you research this tire, the manufacturer states it is made for dry, XC conditions and that is exactly where I use it. It rolls fast, corners and climbs well and I haven't had any concerns when going through sugar sand. Most of the descents where I ride are deeply grooved sugar sand, so it is hard for me to say how well they descend. Only problem I've had so far was with moist rocks from morning dew, it seems the front tire skidded off a rock while going down a small grade that resulted in me doing an endo, but then again maybe I just didn't pick a clean line and it was driver error and not the tire. The rubber appears to be thin, as they are manufactured to be, but I have not had a flat even while traversing rock gardens. No pinch flats either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Issaquah Date Reviewed: October 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Most any trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Light, large footprint for size, and sticks like crazy on dirt.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 1 Stock
Bottom Line:
I was skeptical when I first saw these tires on my new bike. Not a very deep tread. I ride up here in Washington in root infested, muddy, wet trails and these tires really grip the trail. I ride with about 28 lbs in the front and about 32 lbs in the rear. I would purchase these tires again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett Samms
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: September 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sandflats tasmania
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rolls well, grips resonally well
Weaknesses:
slippery in gravel
Similar Products Used:
IRC mythos xc
Bike Setup:
Giant xtc
Bottom Line:
I was pleasntly suprised when i tried these. my mates all said they were crap. however i found them quite good for my riding style. they go well on the road but also grip pretty well on the rough stuff. i found them very slippery on the gravel and not so good in the mud.
they are good for someone who rides on the road to commute and also on the off road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HTail
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay Area Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Large air volume for a 2.00, low rolling resistance, great hardpack traction.
Weaknesses:
Not good for loamy, root, and rocky trails or wet conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Vertical Pro, WTB, Specialized, etc.
Bike Setup:
Truth and Stumpjumper HT
Bottom Line:
I reviewed these tires last year mounted up on my Truth, but found the tread too minimal for rougher trail riding. With my FS being tuned up, I stuck the Pythons on my old Stumpjumper hardtail and have been having great performance on the local hardpack, firetrail type rides.
In fact I've been extremely impressed how well they perform on hardpack. Nice stick on fast turns and low rolling resistance on long climbs.
For general trail riding that's not too technical, highly recommend them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dino
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: August 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Colorado trail -anywhere
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came on Bike
Strengths:
Weight, Air volume, Suppleness, Grip, Turning, Reasonable cost when on sale
Weaknesses:
As many have mentioned, not for sandy or for wet conditions.
Similar Products Used:
IRS Mythos -3chiles, Michelin Comp S -4 chilis, Panaracer Fire XC Pro -4 chilies, Hutchinson Chameleon 2 chiles
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
These tires work very well out here in Colorado on dry, dusty and rocky trails. They also work very well on any of the slickrock I've tried here in Colorado or in Utah. I like the high thread count of the casing which makes the tires very absorbing and responsive. They have a fairly large air volume which for me is confidence inspiring. I found their durability and flat resistance to be very good. Overall I would consider them to be a very fast and light tire with good grip. I'm still searching for that perfect tire . . . . !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marshall Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: August 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
hog trail race course-Negril Jamaica
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
mountain co-op
Strengths:
light and sealed quick to Stan's wheels with sealant.
Weaknesses:
everything
Similar Products Used:
lr3pro karma....explorer pro....fire x pro....intense system 2's......high rollers....larson tt's....just about all of them.
Bike Setup:
Dual controll XTR loaded 02 Superlight laced with stan's ZTR wheels and lots of carbon fiber.Manitou mars elite. Avid mech discs.
Bottom Line:
THESE TIRES PUNCTURE FASTER THAN TOILET PAPER. I WOULD NOT LEND THEM TO BIN LAIDEN.
Walking home with 2 empty cans of big air sux. I did this twice. NEVER AGAIN.This tire compound takes a long time to seal. 15 squirting leaks on groomed trail is UNACCEPTABLE.
DO NOT BUY THESE TIRES OR ANY HUCHINSON RUBBER
for the record i used three cups of Stan's in each tire and still had failures.Never in 3 years using Stans with a plethora of tires have i been shut down. I never had a hint of failure in 3 years..........only a slight sisssling or hiss for a couple of seconds while it sealed. I removed the sealant from the offending tires and the fluid is now in a set of High Rollers just to make sure I will not be walking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Racer
from Ontario Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Durham - Glen Major
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
30
Strengths:
Light, low rolling resistance, grip in dry to slightly wet conditions
Weaknesses:
not a weakness but is not MEANT for wet or muddy conditions
Similar Products Used:
Conti Explorers (a great all-condition tire), Michelin Sprint (a good semi-slick), Panaracer Fire XC 1.8 (a good semi-knobby almost semi-slick)
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher SuperCaliber, currently with Pythons on front and back.
Bottom Line:
These are a great dry condition tire, and they are meant only for dry condition riding. They grip as well as you can expect for a tire that isn't a full knobby, maybe some cornering speed/confidence is lost but that speed can easily be made up for in the straight aways. I've ridden these tires on dry off camber rocky sections (Calabogie) and they've held well with no slippage (35 psi), and they do corner well as long as you lean into the turn the right way. I can't comment on durability with these tires so far, and I haven't had any pinch flats yet, I always keep my tires inflated somewhere between 35 and 45 psi. These tires might be a little overpriced in some stores but I got mine for $30 which I think is a good deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justus
a
from Co Date Reviewed: July 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
A good balance between light, large volume, and traction. Rolls fast.
Weaknesses:
Some problems in gravel
Similar Products Used:
Conti explorer pro and supersonic, Ritchey Elevader WCS, Panaracer, WTB, Specialized
I have used this tire in reverse direction in the front for all of the MTN. States Cup races in colorado. I run about 38 psi. with "no tubes" and have only had one situation were it did not perform well. Basically gravel at the bottom of a sweeping turn. Totally lost control when the bike slid out from under me. Otherwise the tire has performed well in a variety of conditions. I will buy this tire again for its value and overall performance with my setup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Steam Donkey
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Best fast rolling tire for CA coastal hardpack trails
Weaknesses:
It slips in gravel and loose dirt. No traction in mud. Had one tire shredded by piece of bark.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, WTB raptor something
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 100
Bottom Line:
This is the best tire for that small window early in the season where the CA coast trails are reliably hardpacked and haven't yet become sandy. In other words, this is the perfect Sea Otter Classic tire.
They really don't do much to inspire confidence in any other situation though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam
a
from Fort Worth, Texas Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tyler State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Super Light!!!
Weaknesses:
Too light if you go big.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Super X, IRC Mythos, IRC Notos...
Bike Setup:
NRS 1
Bottom Line:
If you race on hardpark or tacky terrain this tire is primo. It's super light, fast rolling and sticks like glue. When the terrain gets loose so does the tire. For best cornering in loose terrain, run the front tire in the reverse direction. This is a must for balanced cornering at speed in gravel/loose dirt/sand/mud. This tire is super light so don't expect it to be long lasting or flat resistant. If you have thorns in your trails, a few ounces of slime will save you a lot of down time. At the cheap mail order prices of this tire, you can consider it disposable. It's a great tire for the right conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Heather Mac
a
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Palos - Willow Springs, IL
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Johnny Sprockets
Strengths:
Undetermined at this time, other than the fact that it rolls really well, both forward and backward, on completely dry and smooth pavement or asphalt.
Weaknesses:
Where do I begin? This worthless piece of rubber, posing as a tire, is incapable of handling any amount of cornering, gravel, sand, loose rocks, and god help you if you happen to hit any mud.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor...great tire.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Juliana
Bottom Line:
If your name is Trixie and you really enjoy bike rides along the smooth, paved, and oh so scenic lake front on your hyrbid, this is your crappy tire. Otherwise, don't waste your cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat C
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville TN Date Reviewed: June 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Lock 4
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
These are known to be the best tires for the roots, limestone rocks and hard pack in the middle TN area. I agree. They stick to the trail like they're supposed to.
They are very light.
Weaknesses:
They don't do well in loose gravelly conditions. Worse, I had one blow out riding along on a tar and chip road, leaving a slit in the tire about 3/4 inch long. I mean it sounded like a gun. I was running about 45 pounds in the tire at the time.
To add more, a buddy was riding at Monkey Bell, not considered a technical or rugged trail system, and had the exact same thing happen. You can actually put the two tires side by side and it's the same failure.
Similar Products Used:
Jones AC
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 90, nearly stock
Bottom Line:
My buddy won't use them any more, so I took his good tire and my good tire, and have a full set until another one blows out. I may buy the "non-light" version to ride normally, and use the light's maybe for race (except I don't race)? I don't consider the tires durable.
They have great traction for most of Middle TN, but lousy for loose conditions (gravel).
Considering what I've read here, and what I've experienced, Hutchison ought to warranty the tires for side wall blowout.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Milano
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO. USA Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Mathews to hog back
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Green Mountain Sports
Strengths:
climbs well
Weaknesses:
Pinch flat every ride. Side wall is wearing badly.
Bike Setup:
Santacruz Blur
Bottom Line:
If you ride in an area that is smooth with no rocks its probably a great tire, but I live in Denver and I'm throwing the tire away with plenty of tread left.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from West Virginia Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
It really doesn't matter where
Strengths:
There really is none. The only up side that I can really say about this tire is, If its dry, and not rocky, and you ride like your sister with a big fat lolly pop shoved in your mouth you will just love these peice of S*** tires. They will rolls well in a perfect setting. NO ROCKS, and prey it doesn't rain
Weaknesses:
Everything except a dry rolling path in your local city park.
Bottom Line:
I had the tire for not even 3 weeks yet. A dude cliped me in a race the Day after I bought these beauties and put a hole in the the sidewall the size of a nickle. Ya, no Sh*T. The next week had a pinch flat. 4 days later yet another pinch flat. The same day it was kind of wet outside, And oh yes my friends, The front tire washed out in every steep turn. One time I actually wrecked and about took my head off. WOW, do your self a favor and get anyathing else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nexus
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: April 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
XC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$16.00
Strengths:
-light weight -low rolling resistance -very firm grip -CHEAP!!!
Weaknesses:
-not too long lasting -slippy on very smooth surface
Bike Setup:
GTS M5
Bottom Line:
This tire offers a very good grip, especially in dry sand and cornering.The rolling resistance is low, and it sticks the on the trail. Also, it is really cheap in price for such a good performance. Nevertheless, it wears out faster than what I expect. Anyway, it is CHEAP!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Scriber
a Cross Country Rider
from Banff, Albeta Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Benchlands
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
rebound
Strengths:
They roll very very fast
Weaknesses:
They don't grip well at all! They have not given me any grip in any conditions on any of the trails here in and around Banff/Canmore. They don't shead the mud and muck, so my back tire is sliding all over the place, and my front always feels like its about to go on both downhills and banking turns.
Similar Products Used:
Panracer xc pro, michelin, tioga
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS2
Bottom Line:
These are very fast tires that I have trouble trusting at speed? What's the point?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kent
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
agressive xc
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At:
Yuen Long, LBS
Strengths:
light weight 26x2.0 (fold beads 485gram) low rolling resistance, very fast rolling tire super grippy(on front wheel) not wear out fast, last long cheap
Weaknesses:
slightly slippy on rocks hold strong on agressive trial
i weight 149lbs, run with 34lbs air, using with panaracer tubes. have been riding this tire on front wheel for 1300km, mostly in xc trail, freeride road & fireroad.
what do you expect a xc tire? is lightweight and fast rolling and grip very well on sand, mud, root, grass-land, fireroad and light downhill trial.
don't be misleading by is tiny knobs, it grips really well !
not suggest for putting this tire on rear wheel... you bike will slide, skid, then fall out of trial. If you put it on your rear wheel will slide out without any warning and very un-progressively.
Best all around tire for agressive xc setup on front wheel.
putting this tire on front wheel i'll give her 5 flamming chilly but only 2 chilly on rear wheel
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Aus Date Reviewed: March 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
ivanhoe trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
lightweight, great traction in any conditions except mud, tread used by lots of pros, fast rolling, slow wearing
Weaknesses:
pretty bad in the mud
Similar Products Used:
geax hubi
Bike Setup:
stock 2003 xtc 2 with xt v-brakes and levers
Bottom Line:
i couldn't be happier with this tyre. This is the ultimate tyre i've used them for a year on mostly pavement but trails on the weekends and the back is almost in need of replacing. One pinch flat in a year on the corner of a cerb. right now they're at 28 psi and i havent pumped them up for 4 weeks barely slip. very nice in dry conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Racer
from Lincolnshire, IL Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Worst tire I've ever used. Won't hald a line under pressure. Rubber compound too soft.
Can't recommend period - overall performance is poor to say the least. I'm a heavier rider ( 185 lbs ) and these simply won't hold a line, the rubber compound is too soft and looses its grip. Washing out on fast turns was allways a problem - caused me to loose a race in '03. Gave the tires to my girlfriend (125 lbs) and after a week of riding she wanted her old Michelin Comp S's reinstalled. Would never buy a Hutchinson tire again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sc
a Cross Country Rider
from australia Date Reviewed: March 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Larry's
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, good volume for 2.0, grippy enough in the dry, light
Weaknesses:
too light
Similar Products Used:
Conti Explorer pro, Mythos XC, other tires (thin ones - twisters & thick ones - trailbear, el gato)
I have used these tires only for XC racing. I use them with stan no tubes. I am not heavy, but these tires are simply too light. I cannot run low pressures with them, as the rear end becomes very squirmy (is that a word?), and i've had it nearly come right off the rim when landing a jump (in an XC race) slightly at an angle - very disconcerting. Since I have used stans no tubes (over a year ago), I have flatted only twice. Both times was with these tires (race-ending), so that's it for me. I like the volume, & the rolling, so I'm going to try the non-air light version. Don't get these as rears if you like throwing your weight around (either into corners, into the air, or into obstacles).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tokai Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
fast. eats gravel.
Weaknesses:
battles in muddy we conditions
Similar Products Used:
panaracer XC pro
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Elite
Bottom Line:
I have just done the Cape Epic. A 800km 8 day stage race through some of Africas toughest conditions. Forest roads, single track, gravel mountain passes, sandy desert roads, tar and sticky deep mud.
This tire just ate up he course (except in the mud). My partner and I were using the Python and not one puncture between us over 8 days of racing. We did have tire liners which helped.
if you live in dry arid conditions or ride where there is little rain then I would HIGHLY recommend these puppies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Arroyo Grande, CA, USA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Montana De Oro
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Art's Cyclery in SLO
Strengths:
Excellent traction for the Southwestern states. Only one pinch flat, but I think that I didn't check my tire pressure that day. I run them at 32 psi, which works great for me (165 lbs)
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team tires, but they wear out too fast
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR S-works, XTR components
Bottom Line:
I am finally wearing out these tires to consider a new pair. I have railed down most everything with narry a wimper from these tires. They stick on the trails like glue. I love these tires, they are worth every penny!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnnyb
a Cross Country Rider
from San Anselmo Date Reviewed: January 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tamarancho
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light and fast-rolling
Weaknesses:
Does not work in wet or muddy weather. Not traction in clay type soils
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors (wet/rocky) Motoraptor {wet/rocky/technical) Mythos (all around good tire until wet/rocky)
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS3
Bottom Line:
Came stock with the bike. Would be good for dry conditions but its winter now and entirely useless. It negates a lot of the traction and handling the NRS brings to crosscountry riding. I'll give it 3 chilis for the summer, but I think I'll stick with the Mythos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
thebronze
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Date Reviewed: January 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
light, fast, low profile, good grip, predictable, steady
Weaknesses:
easily torn, climbing slips, wears easily
Similar Products Used:
bonty jones, hutch mosquito
Bike Setup:
brodie catalyst
Bottom Line:
Well I got these in June and tore them in December. Most people I talk to say thats normal, so I cant fault them too much. The bontrager jones I have are still running after 3 years but they are alot heavier. I love how fast these tires are, they corner and grip pretty well, nothing remarkable but very good. I have the air lights and i'm pretty sure they are super soft rubber-not kevlar, when you buy them its a little confusing as they come folded, but the rubber is the problem here. Its too soft, and tears easily while wearing really fast. I guess thats the flip side because they grip very well. I run 45 psi and pinch flatted in a creek crossing. I took the tire off and found 4 tears. One in the sidewall, about a 1/4" long, and the others on the underside of the tire. The tire is still working with patches holding it together. Bottom line is, if you want a good race tire that will probably last you one season, grab them. My only real complaint is the longevity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Oleggio, Italy Date Reviewed: January 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Rolling resistance is NIL. Grip is very good on average mountain trail. Never tested on extremely sharp rocks. Pump it at the maximum PSI and you will be a rocket on rails. After some 1500 Km front is brand new, rear is still doing OK. Recommended for average trails (like a fireroad)
Weaknesses:
Had to put kevlar protection inside, otherwise be sure to bring spare tube(s) with you.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Mimo (gone in 300 km), Continental Explorer (somewhat drifty for me)
Bike Setup:
Ktm team pro xca3 + Marzocchi Mx comp ETA
Bottom Line:
Recommended for average, not for EXTREME rocky/muddy situation, since I have not yet tested on those cases. Those are my choice tires for spring/summer/autumn. Yet to decide if they are good also for winter. Soft - expect some punctures, but also expect a velvet ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Prossair
a Cross Country Rider
from Kansas City Date Reviewed: December 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Weight, Rolling Resistance, Traction, Price
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Alligator & Scorpion Airlight, Panaracer Fire XC, Bontrager Revolt Super X, WTB Velociraptor & Nanoraptor
Bike Setup:
Fisher Hardtail, XT drivetrain, eggbeaters, Easton carbon bar & post, Race Face Deus, Bonti Race wheels w/ Stan's No tubes
Bottom Line:
After reading these reviews I'll offer a counterpoint on wet performance...its actually quite good in mud with a lot of clay. Only minimally worse than a free ride tire like the Alligator. However, clay mud is generally slick as snot and no tire does really well in it. This tire offers decent wet traction on roots and limestone rocks. In dry conditions it flat out hauls, even in technical conditions involving rocks and roots. Even though it won't last as long as some other tires, the performance and price make it an outstanding tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nitish Nag
a Cross Country Rider
from Fremont, CA Date Reviewed: December 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs Point
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Light, cheap, grips very well in dry conditions. Good volume gives a supple ride.
This is a great tire for those that ride in dry and hardpack conditions. It will slice singletrack like a scalpel and has a very low rolling resistance. remember that tires are condition specific. I am running these with Stans and havent had a flat in 6 months. great for my conditions
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ManGilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellevue Date Reviewed: December 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Well that is retail i wk there
Strengths:
This product is okay the tread seems to be awesome great wearing. they hook up. the price wouldn't be bad if they lasted.
Weaknesses:
The sidewalls suck!!! I had this problem with their road tires. The come apart and are not dependable.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Supa X,
Bike Setup:
Surly 1x1, Full rigid,34x17, Control tech v brakes ( ti hardware), avid levers, Surly hubs,mavic rims, Raceface isis cranks, spot chainring guard,truvativ isis bb, speedplay frogs, raceface bars,salsa moto ace stem, odi grips,truvativ isis bb, 27.2 kalloy seatpost, selle italia mythos saddle, Hutchinson mosquito air light front python air light rear, 22 1/4 lbs.
Bottom Line:
These tires have awesome tread but the side walls just suck i don't know if i have gotten some from a bad batch but i will not be purchasing any in the future. The design is great but it lacks follow through for people looking for a tire that will last. i am going back to wtb's a tire which i have never had problems with. i never had this problem with the gold tires i just do not like that nasty looking colors on the tire. i like a tire as long as it is black.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Morgan Hill, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Saratoga Gap
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Great traction on dry, dusty trails and climb like crazy. They roll fast, fast FAST! Very light weight. Large air volume means better traction and smoother ride.
Weaknesses:
Not the best in the wet/mud, but they were not designed for that so it's ok.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga's, Specialized's, IRC's, Kenda's, etc...
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Bokor with lots-O good stuff.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up to a posting several months ago. I really like these tires when I first got them and still do. In fact, they have proven to be the one of the best tires I have ever run in dry/dusty conditions. Great traction, very predictable and man, these babies roll fast! I was concerned about pre-mature tread wear, but they have held up fine with hundreds upon hundreds on miles on them and have shown no more wear than what I would consider to be normal. I was also a bit concerned about durability, as the side-walls are quite thin, but I have flown through plenty of rock gardens and smacked the tires hard on several occasions and they just keep on rolling without a fuss. Now to be fair, I am not bombing down cliffs or trying to keep up with downhillers/huckers/freeriders with these tires, and if you use Pythons in such a fashion or take them out on rides with wet leaves and slick mud like some disgruntled reviewers below have, then it's your own fault the tires don't perform. Pythons are a cross-country tire, designed for rolling fast and gripping securely in DRY/DUSTY conditions. In that arena, they have few rivals. I ride hard and fast and don't baby my gear and the Pythons have proven themselves a valuable asset for me. Heck, I liked them so much I bought a pair of the fancy-pants version and will use them next summer. Can't wait! Bottom line: pick your gear wisely and don’t blame the manufacturers for your poor choices.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bob farmer
a Cross Country Rider
from kennesaw,ga Date Reviewed: November 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
bearcreek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
freeflite
Strengths:
hard packed single track
Weaknesses:
pinch flates,rocks,wet leaves,wash out on fast cornering
Similar Products Used:
michelin,panraces
Bike Setup:
fuel
Bottom Line:
these tires are no good on rocky trailes. i had 4 flats in less than 1 mo. i har to patch the tires just to try and get some miles out of the tires. the tire ruptured from a rock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zach
a Racer
from port hope,ontario,canada Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
bromont ski resort
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
came on bike from proform cycle
Strengths:
great climbing ability,roll quickly for a 2.0" wide tire, good tire in sandy and dry conditions which is what there recomended for. there even good in snow
Weaknesses:
not very good on wet roots but there not intended for that use
Similar Products Used:
michelin jet s, bontrager revolt super sx and continental twister pro
Bike Setup:
giant xtc2 xt drive train time pedals
Bottom Line:
a good all round tire for people who ride in dry loose conditions and what a light and durable tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from bay shore Date Reviewed: November 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
cathedral pines
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
babylon bike shop
Strengths:
Climbs like an animal. Put them on and forget about them. Great roll and light. Awesome, awesome awesome.
Weaknesses:
lateral traction while cornering on wet leaves and roots
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, michelin Hot s, WTB velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500 hardtail, XTR, Thompson, Chris King, Odi, Hayes, Marzocchi Z3 air light 100
Bottom Line:
I love my michelin Hot S tires. I had a blowout and the local bike shop didn't carry Michelins. he put the Python light on the back. It looked minimal compared to my Hot S up front. Boy was I surprised to see how well this tire climbed. I never slip with them. I can transfer even more weight forward while climbing. Great, great tire. Went riding last week in wet leaves and roots. The python didn't grip laterally as well as the Hot S up front. Switched out the Python for the Hot S in the back for today's ride. Same conditions, Hot S slipped on almost evry climb but did hold better laterally. I'm switching back to the Python, walking up hills sucks.
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Submitted by
Alex Wilson
a Weekend Warrior
from Downingtown, PA USA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Poor Traction in Wet
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 2
Bottom Line:
Just got a new bike with these on it. I rode once on wet leaves and went out the next day and bought new tires. Sure, wet leaves are always hairy low traction, but I have ridden these conditions a lot and these tires were terrible. I was sliding everywhere, spinning tires on climbs, skidding down hills and sliding off roots and rocks. Definitely far lower grip than what I am used to in these conditions. Considering it is fall and my next several months will usually be damp or snow, I took these tire off right away. They may be great on hard pack, etc. But if you may ride technical single track in wet conditions, I would not reccomend them.
2 Chilis for value. Came on bike so hard to price, but nothing is a value if it doesn't work for you.
2 Chilis for rating because they are probably good in some conditions, but not for what I ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cliff
a Cross Country Rider
from Covina, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
San Gabs.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very good rolling tires even with low pressure. Light weight. Good shock absorption and ride.
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats easily with recommended pressure. Front tire will wash out if using front brake in turns. Not a good all around tire.
After 4 rear pinch flats and 1 front pinch flat in 75 miles, I switched them out for an old velocirator front and panaracer rear and over the next 100 miles no more flats of any kind. I only had 3 flats in the previous 1,400 miles. I would not recommend these tires to anyone. Yes I know they make a special green tube just for these tires, but their weight and the Air lights together makes them heavier than other tires with standard tubes so why bother? My lbs installed the new tubes every time except the last time. I know they work for some people good luck to you few! Anyone want buy some tires with less than 100 miles on them?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EDDIE JONES
a Weekend Warrior
from MOUNT OLIVE Date Reviewed: October 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
OAK MOUNTAIN IN PELHAM AL
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
CAHABA CYCLES
Strengths:
Grip in just about every situation
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
maxxis highrollers, panaracer fire xc pros
Bike Setup:
super v 1000 sl upgraded to xtr drivetrain, 646 pedals, bontrager race rims and hubs, selle italia gel flite ti seat, xtr v-brakes
Bottom Line:
I know that I am going against popular opinion, but these tires have never let me down. They have gripped on hardpack, gravel, dirt, grass, rocks and have even been passable in mud. They have been on my bike off and on for over a year and they still look like new with no perceptible wear. I weigh 290lbs and even though these are the Python Air-lites, I have never even gotten a flat although I do keep about 50 psi in them. I have tried all kinds of tires but I keep coming back to these. They would probably climb a wall if I had the legs to do it. Five flaming turds for the best performing xc tire there is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came stock
Weaknesses:
Braking traction
Bike Setup:
came stock on Giant XTC2
Bottom Line:
I'm still new at this, but am having very little confidence with this tire for rear braking. In a race this weekend, the brake was fully engaged, but the tire was just skidding along.
2 weeks ago on some muddy trails I also found my rear tire slipping much more than some friends with knobbier tires.
So far no issues for me with the front tire, just the rear not having enough traction.
Based on some recommendations I may try the Panaracer Trailblaster on the rear (and keep the Python it replaces as a spare for the front).
I'd say the tire is good for XC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HTail
a
from SF Bay area Date Reviewed: August 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Roll great even at low pressure, fast on dry trails, climbs and brakes well.
Weaknesses:
Tread is a little wimpy for softer stuff, they swim a bit in sandy dirt.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, IRC, Panracer
Bike Setup:
Truth, CrossMaxSL, Fox100x, Avid Mech brakes
Bottom Line:
The first 2.0 tire I've run that has so much air volume and feels full with only 35psi. So far it fits the majority of rides around my area- dry fire roads, rooty/rocky single tracks.
I'm still trying to get used to modulating the Avid mech discs, in combination with this more minimal tread on the Pythons. I found that my front slips out when leaning into fast turns, but it could be a heavy hand on the front brake. So far climbing it slips very little, and has no problems blasting through technical single tracks with rocks and roots.
So far I rate them as "not bad" but I felt a little more enthused about my IRC Mythos tires when I first got them. These would be great for racing, but maybe need a little more knobs for general trail riding.
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Submitted by
Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from High Wycombe, UK Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, plush and fast on dry ground. Felt great.
Weaknesses:
Terrible in slippy mud, you know the squelchy wet variety not the loamy heavy thick stuff. Bike was all over the place totally unpredictable. I think the tread filled and it didn't shake off at low speed so it was like riding on slicks.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Trailblaster - much better for me.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS2
Bottom Line:
For the dry and hard perfect, for wet & soft not good. I will probably give them another go if I'm sure it'll be dry but they scared a novice like me in the wet and soft.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: July 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Ski Lift in Taipei, Taiwan
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came stock with my Giant NRS-2
Strengths:
Fast Rolling.
Weaknesses:
Lack of Grip as the knobs are too small
Similar Products Used:
WTB VelociRaptor 2.1, Continental ExplorerPro 2.1
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS-2, with short stem and platform pedals
Bottom Line:
These tires offer minimal traction, they inspire very little confidence to me in all conditions, and I had a nasty wipeout in the wet while going downhill while everyone else with proper 'knobby tires' bypassed the section without incident. After riding with these for 8 months I decided get rid of these inferior tires, to change to Continental Explorer, which I found to give me far more confidence as it offers great control and traction. These pythons are crap for every purpose except XC racing, where they roll fast, but for that aim, semi-slicks would be better, not these pythons. For general XC, trail riding/Adventure and freeriding, I highly recommend Continental Explorer. Don't get these pythons except if you plan to sacrifice everything for the sack of rolling fast. I will deduct 4 chilli's for poor performance for a XC/trail tire, and reward 1 Chilli for doing its intended purpose, rolling fast in dry conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Morgan Hill, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Very light weight, not too expensive, can be run with low air pressure, roll very fast, corner and grip suprisingly well.
Weaknesses:
Not sure yet - heard they don't last too long.
Bike Setup:
VooDoo Bokor hardtail, Manitou Skareb Super, Sram XO rear, Shimano XTR front, Egg Beaters, Race Face Turbine crankset, Standard drive, blah blah blah...
Bottom Line:
So far I'm really impressed with these tires. Rode them on long, fast fireroads in Southern Cal and also in tight, technical single-track in Northern Cal and in both locations, these tires performed great. They roll VERY fast and corner/climb exceptionally well. At first I wasn't sure if I could trust them but after they continued to grip and corner/climb with authority, I have no worries. I've heard they don't last very long so I'll keep an eye on them, but at this point, I'm sold. I'll give them a 4 rating until I see how they last. Cheers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck Taylor
a
from Fort Worth, TX, USA Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light weight. Can run at a low psi. Low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Wears FAST. I don't even think I'm gonna get 500 miles out of these tires.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager ST-2; Bontrager Jones
Bike Setup:
Hardtail with Mavic 517 wheels.
Bottom Line:
Just by looking at the tread, I was skeptical that these tires would grip anything, but while new these tires climbed and cornered suprising well. Unfortunately after only 400 miles, these tires are starting to wash out unpredictably on turns and not have the breaking power on downhills. I ride alot of rock gardens so I'm sure this is taking its toll on the tires. I do like the tread pattern however for rocky terrain. While I generally like this tire, I'm disappointed in how FAST it has worn.
This tire is a general XC tire, and other than low rolling resistance, it isn't outstanding in any other categories.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew schank
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, CA Date Reviewed: June 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Wildcat Canyon/Tilden Parks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lightweight, good grip on hardpack, low rolling resistnce = FAST TIRES.
Weaknesses:
Not a good of traction on the loose stuff as full bore knobbies
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
I like them so far for my type of riding they are exceptional. I do fire trails and occasional single track sections. No major free riding or mud slinging.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedro
a Cross Country Rider
from Reseda, California Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003
Great tires for the trails that I ride (dry, hardpacks, even loose sand/gravel). Verdict still out on how long these babies will last me. So far it has performed extremely well. Highly recommended for weight weenies---hehehe--only 480 grams per tire.
$ 35.00
Overall Rating:
