Low-rolling-resistance full-tread tire. Rolls like a slick, corners like a down hill tire. Two types: Gold 4X: which has silica and carbon added to tread for cornering grip and durability. Black tread/Yellow Wall. Air Light: Layers of the casing have been lightened with a less dense mix of rubber than the Gold. Black tread/Black wall. The python in general is designed to be run at 29-33 psi. Kevlar bead. Size: 26 x 2.0
Submitted by
mbuguy
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodland Hills, Ca Date Reviewed: March 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Light weight, low rolling resistance, good traction on hard, dry surfaces.
Weaknesses:
Poor grip in turns, don't shed mud, poor traction on loose surfaces.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Dart/Smoke, IRC Mythos, WTB Weirwolf.
Bike Setup:
Giant Anthem 3.
Bottom Line:
These tires tend to loose grip in turns, on all surfaces. Decided to change them out after the front tire washed out for the umpteenth time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Robinson
a Racer
from Loveland, Colorado, USA Date Reviewed: May 14, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Good rolling resistance, tread lasts a while
Weaknesses:
Front tire washes out on corners with no warning.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke/Dart
Bike Setup:
Macalu hardtail, 150lbs, run tires around 38-40psi
Bottom Line:
I raced on these tires for a year. The front washed out multiple times and I lost all confidence in these tires. Switched to Continental Explorer Pro (much more predictable in the corners). Also would get pinch flats if I ran the pressure much lower than 38psi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Hunter
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura CA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Overlook-Backbone loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast Rolling
Weaknesses:
Weak bead & Side Walls
Similar Products Used:
Hutch Spider Tubeless
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur. Stan's No Tubes on Mavic Rims
Bottom Line:
3 Rides in a row. I either broke the bead or punctured the side wall. Stan's filled in the punctures and was able to ride out, but still sucked. Granted, I am 210lbs and bomb down rocky sections. I ordered the tubless version in hopes for stronger side walls. Definately need tubes with these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Date Reviewed: September 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Lightweight, Low Rolling Resistance (I weighed mine when new at 540gm)
Weaknesses:
Side grip. Wouldn't even think of using one on the front. Weak bead, Thin sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Epic Wolf, Specialized Roll X Pro, Ritchey ZED Race, Panaracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
I used the Hutchinson Python (supposedly the old original version sold by Performance) as a rear tire. I ran it tubeless with Stans notubes on a standard (non UST) rim.
Bottom Line:
I used Pythons years ago (with tubes) and found them to be very lightweight tires with excellent rolling resistance. They gripped passibly well in dry hardpack conditions in Colorado. (as a tip, I found that running the rear in the reverse of Hutchinson's recommended direction led to better climbing grip)
So, I recently saw that Performance was bringing back the "old" Pythons, which I was told had stronger kevlar beads and beefier sidewalls than the new version. Against Stans Notubes recommendations, I tried running the Python tubeless. I used the tire for 9 rides, which included 2 XC races, running about 30-35 psi. The shock absorption and the rolling resistance was excellent. Traction was very good too. Cornering grip was fair but it wasn't as much of an issue runnig it on the rear.
Then, disaster struck. I was on a ride, climbing a hill in my granny, when the tire blew off the rim! (I had it pumped up to 32 psi) Took a look at it and the kevlar bead had broken/failed. I was glad it didn't happen on a downhill! It was weird because the tire was under minimal stress when it happened.
Moral of the story. Don't run the Hutchinson Pythons (the tube versions) tubeless with Stans because they really do have WEAK KEVLAR BEADS which could fail at any time. I can't bash the tire because it's a good tire for running with tubes, under certain conditions.
Just thought I pass on that warning to all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from North Augusta, SC Date Reviewed: May 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Modoc(Steven's Creek)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
very fast. i mean, VERY fast. fast on trails, fast on streets, fast on gravel. fast. they are very smooth tires too, meaning i had a more cushy ride with them.
Weaknesses:
bad, bad cornering.
Bike Setup:
Gaint Anthem 2006
Bottom Line:
i've heard that this is the top of the line tire for XC. i see the advantage with it being so fast, but that's it's main pro. i've taken turns with these and wiped out HARD. not even sharp turns, just leaned into it and the next thing i knew, i was on the ground bleeding.
if you aren't into riding too hard, just like to go enjoy a trail at your own pace, these will be good because they will get you around quick and keep you comfy. but if you get too much speed, you'll probably fall when you lean into a turn.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Hattiesburg, Mississippi Date Reviewed: May 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bonita Lakes/Clear Springs Tie
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bobs Bicyle Online.
Strengths:
Rolls Real Fast. Used To Have Panaracers So Big Difference. Looks good. Quiet on the pavement. Ummmmmm. Did I mention they roll real fast.
Weaknesses:
Don't take turns to fast I've only had em wash out once and I weigh 170lbs. Only had one flat and I am running them tubeless and that was before I added the Stan's Sealant no problems now.
Similar Products Used:
Back in the day I tried a set of Rictey Speedmax's they didn't grip at all.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500 Frame Mix of XT/XTR XT/XM819 Stans Marz EXR XTR Vees
Bottom Line:
If your not riding in sand or mud or rocks.Get these tires. Not sure how they handle rocks, this is Mississippi ;-).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clive de sousa
a Racer
from Orlando Date Reviewed: April 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the ones I find myself
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
www.glorycycles.com
Strengths:
I rode a 8 day stage Race in africa with them and no flat. www.cape-epic.com perfect in lose sand and roll well on tar roads.
Weaknesses:
Not the best in sticky mud.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin.
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Ozeti with XTR and Mavic Cross max
Bottom Line:
Great as a all round tire, versatile and reliable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sckotty
a
from TX Date Reviewed: September 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Look Cool, well made, fast roller
Weaknesses:
traction breaks away in fast turns on semi loose course.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Specialied, IRC
Bike Setup:
Blur, 7"disc, lockout front/rear
Bottom Line:
I have ran three different brand tires over the same course and the Pythons are fast but very poor in hard truns. I have bit the dust more time in one week then I have in a hole year with these new pythons. Even at differt psi they loose grip in fast and hard turns. My WTB Mutono rapotors I just took off handeled much better and roller the same. Save your $ unless looks are every thing. They do look great. To bad they dont handle as good as they look. I have gone thourgh 2 pair of Mutano rapotors and I though I would try a new brand and style.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Walter N
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: September 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Avalon @ Patapsco
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Blueskycycling.com
Strengths:
Fast rolling, decent grip.
Weaknesses:
Limited use = Summer riding only, Pain in the A## to mount!!
Similar Products Used:
IRC's, Conti's
Bike Setup:
SC Blur, Manitou Super air SPV's
Bottom Line:
*** This review is for the New Gen, 2.3, tubeless version of these tire ***
Great tires for summer riding. If you think your tires are fast rolling, try these tires!! You'll find yourself gaining speed on sections of trails where you used to have to pedal to keep rolling.
I take it from the earlier reviews that Hutchinson made some major changes to these tires in the "New Gen" version. All of the common complaints, bad cornering, bad on wet surface, etc. have been corrected in the new version. I was sceptical about buying these after reading some of the below reviews, but I'm glad I did. They roll fast, turn fast and grip pretty well.
I wouldn't recommend these tires for new riders. Fast rolling means fast turning, so these tires can be pretty unforgiving when you make a wrong turn of the bars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich O'Neill
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY Date Reviewed: May 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Graham Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Fast, light, good grip on hardpacked trails, looks cool. So far no flats
Weaknesses:
Tires lose pressure after 1-2 days, rear will eventually go flat. (Manufacturer suggests cranking up to 60+ PSI on install to lock in--never happened for me.)Perhaps this is the problem.
Similar Products Used:
First time tubeless
Bike Setup:
Kestrel '04 Edge (came with). Usually run on 40PSI front, 45 rear (I'm 240 lbs)
Bottom Line:
Still getting used to inflating on every ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Heath
a Cross Country Rider
from Taipei, Taiwan Date Reviewed: May 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Streets of the city
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on Giant XTC II
Strengths:
Fast,light, good hook-up.
Weaknesses:
Slight surface imperfection of being flat way too often.
Similar Products Used:
Replaced them with Larsen MiMos. No flats since switch
Bike Setup:
XC hardtail used for in city commute and urban assult.
Bottom Line:
A tire that I can't trust or use is crap! I spent way too much time thinking about my tires when I owned these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, CO Date Reviewed: April 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
dry fork / CO trail loop
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
fast, no more pinch flats!
Weaknesses:
the sidewalls from what i hear, looses edge grip a bit on fast turns, & the fact i overpaid for it
Similar Products Used:
IRC serac xc, specialized dirt master (from way back when)
Bike Setup:
mostly stock Fisher HKEK w/ my new snazzy tube-free rear wheel
Bottom Line:
this is my first attempt at tubeless and i dig. i read a LOT of horriffic reviews on this site right after i purchased them from a local shop (who highly recommended them). although i've only had them briefly, i've been everywhere from moab, to trails around durango, and now back to where i grew up in "sunny" new england. no problems with the "weak" sidewalls (yet) and i usually find all the pointy rocks whether i want to or not. they do loose a lot of PSI over a few days so always check them before heading out (a tubeless fact of life i guess). they tend to wash out a bit on hard, fast cornering but overall very satisfied. haven’t been out in any real soggy conditions (an achillies heel from what i hear) but will post again if they fail miserably. at 6'4" & 215# i am hard on my gear & so far so good. get 'em on sale though...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Racer
from San Anselmo Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
super light, rolls nice and fast. If you ride for a few weeks and get used to the lower traction, actually will start to hook up well in most conditions. Great all year tire for rear, even works in mudy leafy conditions.
Weaknesses:
on the front sometimes not hefty enough
Similar Products Used:
bontrager, hutchinson, michelin, kenda
Bike Setup:
salsa, xt xtr, fox,
Bottom Line:
i use the normal version with stans running tubless, haven't had any flats in two months. I am a light rider at 130 but the super thin sidewalls haven't given me any trouble.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl Bower
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: January 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
beondbikes.com
Strengths:
The best grip on rockes and road I have come across + low puncture rate
Weaknesses:
lifespan short and price
Similar Products Used:
Going through the lot trying to fing a cheaper alternatave
Bike Setup:
NRS 1
Bottom Line:
I occationaly buy other tyers but cerse every time I do. Cant find anything as good for cheeper unfortunatly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis Hernandez
a Cross Country Rider
from Guadalajara, Mexico Date Reviewed: December 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The next to ride
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
notubes.com
Strengths:
Fast rolling and light but at the price of becoming flat at the less expected moment.
Weaknesses:
Very, very specific tire for easy terrain. But even if you are riding on a paved road, if you stare at these tires with an ugly face it may become flat...
East Coast Titanium hardtail, Bon -- Vic wheels Race face Cane Creek Xt XTR Speedgoat custom shifting. Marathon. East Coast all the way
Bottom Line:
Too Condition specific Too flimsy too expensive too bad.... Do not use these tires in any hint of moisture. Tires will lose grip on even the slightest hint of wetness. If you encounter a spot of Frog Pee or a Toad Turd on the trail you will go down or have a scary moment at the least. Dry rocky trails presented the hazard of sidewall tears which I encountered When these tires lose grip they let go with little or no warning. If you live somewhere with hardpack dry trails with litle in the way of shrp rocks or incontinent Frogs and Toads and lack the understanding of leaning a tire into a turn then these are for you. Simply Sit Steer and Go. These would be great tires for the Rail Trail Riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Very Light
Weaknesses:
Wash out really easy while going over rocks
Similar Products Used:
maxxis, specialized etc.
Bottom Line:
They are most likely great tires for flat dirt trails. They are not good tires if you are riding over rocks. I noticed a night and day difference with my Maxxis tires. They washed out more than a dozen times on my local trail (which is a general XC trail with rocks). My Maxxis tires never did this. They seem very poorly designed and very flimsy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: April 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle
Strengths:
These tires came on a new Giant NRS 3 I picked up. They're extremely light and outstanding rolling resistence. Good if you're riding streets on your way to or from your main ride.
Weaknesses:
I blew out both front and back sidewalls within 3 months! At 200lbs I didn't think I should be too heavy, nor did running them at 40psi seem unreasonable.
Bottom Line:
They'd make great racing tires for hard packed conditions, but don't expect them to hold up to normal use or training.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sarvis
a Cross Country Rider
from sparks, NV Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
solid traction and low rolling resistance. got a great deal. super light for this big a tire (got team-issue -50g each)
Weaknesses:
used stan's and cannot get the sidewalls to seal completely. the seam between the yellow and black rubber is like a sieve.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, specialized, onza
Bike Setup:
ti hardtail, SRAM, Duke, Spinergy <23#
Bottom Line:
potentially a great tire, but i'm looking for a new set because of the obvious weakness of the sidewalls. otherwise, i like the tire. it's confortable -- large volume. never cuts loose on me. quiet. fast. the stan's has done a great job with the tire. i run about 35 to 40psi and have never had a problem with loosing air on a ride, however, it consistently drops to about 20 psi if it sits for a week. score suffers because of poor quality sidewall. i'd score higher if i was running tubes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Macknight
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, Tx Date Reviewed: June 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
State Natural Area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA & Bike Sport
Strengths:
Fast tire and predictable
Weaknesses:
No mud and no sand - the tread tells you that!
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis,WTB, Michilen,...............
Bike Setup:
Trek hardtail and Ventana Pantera
Bottom Line:
You know what you are getting by looking at the tread and feelilng the compound. I have two sets of these tires - grey stripe and all black. I use them on both bikes along with Maxxis depending on where I am riding and in what. If you want a fast tire with great predictability in all kinds of turns, then get a pair. If you want to plod around in mud then go elsewhere. I havd never had side wall problems with these. I run 33.5 to 37 psi. I weigh 215. Rating these at 4 only because I favor Maxxis Turners a bit more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will Bradford
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: April 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything Winter Park/Amasa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
U Bikes/Boulder
Strengths:
Fast/smooth on hardpack and slickrock. Seem to ware well.
Weaknesses:
Little traction in sand or anything loose for that matter. Does not corner well on anything loose.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team/Panaracer/Michelin Wildgripper
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS1 - Tricked
Bottom Line:
This is a great tire depending on the conditions. If you plan on riding hardpack or slickrock these tires really hook up. The have very low rolling resistance which makes them feel very fast. Dont mess with them if you ride in mud, loose dirt or sand. They'll get you nowhere. Choose your battles I guess.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob James
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
sassafras
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle workshop
Strengths:
very fast rolling mtb tyre, excellent performance in dry light gravel conditions and hardpack. Looks awesome with yellow sidewall stripes!
Weaknesses:
at 40psi, tyre just blew out on first ride; only travelled about 10km! Rupture between yellow and black compounds, about a 2 inch split!
Bike Setup:
Yukon 02 with raceface cranks
Bottom Line:
The product looked fantastic on orange frame, and was surprisingly fast for a mtb tyre. However, I suffered the fate of numerous others before with this tyre; it just blew out at the yellow/black seam. Paid $60 aus for a tyre just to get 10km out of it! Utterly unsatisfactory. The simple black version of this tyre might show better wear characteristics and reliability, but im not going to take that gamble. Bottom line is, these tyres look great, but not for long! 1 flaming badgers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ernesto freyre
a
from miami, florida Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
oleta park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Price point
Strengths:
Great grips. Strong,stable and gives speed. Works well on mud, even 3 feet of water I was able to write on it without any trouble. Rode for about an hour under water, those tires really works.
Weaknesses:
When the wood or logs are wet, the tires becomes extremely slippery.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized tires, Dont remember the specific name of model.
Bottom Line:
Works great on mud, heavy water,but when it comes to wood during rain or wet, you are in plenty of trouble. No grips when is wet on wood. Over all on dry weather or muddy works great. Gives a lot of grip on very sandy area.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt stuart
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln Date Reviewed: December 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe Rim Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
cambria bicycle outfitters
Strengths:
There is nothing strong about these tires, They did roll fast and performed pretty good on hard pack.
Weaknesses:
They tear. The side walls are incredibly weak. Rocks will eat them alive, literally. Turns can get pretty squirly and won't bite.
Similar Products Used:
Mythos, Continental, Specialized...you know the endless search for the best tire for any given trailcondidtion.
Bike Setup:
Full suspension, tires ride on Mavic Crossmax.
Bottom Line:
Like I said, they tear. It was a $100 repair to have my Crossmax rim replaced when the side wall was sliced open on a rock and the rim kissed that rock hard. That happened on a brand new tire! I replaced the tire after that and reluctantly rode them. The tires rolled fast and performed pretty good on hard pack but the turns were always scary. After a couple months of use, the tires were shot. The rear is full of patched rips and tears. The tread is sredded too. If you ride cross country trails that have hard pack but no rocks or turns buy these tires. They are for you. But be warned, both durabiltiy and performance otherwise is pityful. It makes me think that these hutchinson guys ride trails made of marshmellows and gummy bears. I'd recomend not to buy these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
c
a Racer
from Victoria BC Canada Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
large casing lets you rip over rough terrain, very resistant to pich flatting, rolls fast, very predictable and good grip especially for tread pattern, easy to patch, very durable tread, works pretty well in most conditions
Weaknesses:
SIDEWALLS!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
first ust type tire
Bike Setup:
expensive
Bottom Line:
these are the 02 model and they accept a patch very well. I loved these tires when I bought them. I could see why alot of racers were using them. I found I could really give it in rough technical descents and not worry about flats.
unfortunately what every one is saying about the side walls is true, rocks will rip it very quickly. you end up being parranoid when ever you see a rock. In some ways these were my favourite tires but I will never buy them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from York, Pa Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Gung-Ho bikes
Strengths:
UST version rolls fast, comfortable ride, good traction most of the time.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls. Relatively expensive. Not good in saturated PA clay.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Wildgripper XL-S
Bike Setup:
Mavic Crossroc, Klein Adept
Bottom Line:
I have a love hate relationship with these tires. The first set lasted about 6 months. I slashed the sidewall, but continued to ride for about 2 months. Eventually, of course the sidewall blew out. I replaced them with Michelin Wildgrippers to attain improved mud performance, and upon installing them I noticed a thicker caseing, and I told myself that my problem with sidewall tears were over. Three rides later, I slashed the caseing. Went back to the Pythons and fell in love again. Do not purchase if you do not check tire pressure before every ride, for they do leak.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Ft. Lauderdale, FL Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
markham park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Looks, easy to get on rim, grip is good......at times.
Weaknesses:
sidewalls,sidewalls. grip is scary. sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
fire xc pro, a bunch of tubed ones
Bike Setup:
zaskar team, all xtr, raceface cranks, crossroc rims,
Bottom Line:
I was not happy with these tires. After two weeks of riding I tore open the sidewalls on a turn, unpatchable. The grip was great sometimes and other times it would scare the crap out of me, on the same trail in the same spots.The tires would seem to just float out from under you. The grip is not stable in turns. I am unhappy with this product since hutchinson usually has good stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Davide Valentini
a Racer
from Italy Date Reviewed: May 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Salsa
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Nencini Shop
Strengths:
Air Lite version is really lite for a 2 inches, high volume tire; the big air volume makes it a very comfortable tire; it rolls really well
Weaknesses:
really scaring on fast turns, especially on gravel and unconsistent terrain; you always feel you are loosing your front end
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Wtb Motoraptor, Panaracer Mach, many others
Bike Setup:
Paduano Ltd, italian custom made frame with Columbus Ultra foco tubeset, Xtr, Syntace, C.max
Bottom Line:
Can't understand the entusiast mag rewievs (even MB magazine) about this tire; it may be a good rear tire for racing (it rolls well and is more difficoult to pinch flat the tire); but don't use as a front tire if you like to ride fast difficoult terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mac boiley
a Cross Country Rider
from p-town IL USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
yo momma
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$9000.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
UST tread
Weaknesses:
wash out in corners, slip on steep climbs, thin thin!!! tread...
Similar Products Used:
your momma
Bike Setup:
junk
Bottom Line:
i've been riding on these tires for about a month at the most and some how ripped or sliced or something the tread and now the rear tire is junk. i need a new rear tire!! these tires are weak to say the least. besides that, they really never hooked up all that well in corners or on steep climbs. i'm going to invest in a tioga rear tire now. i've had good experiences with their products. anyway, thats my two cents, take it for what its worth. P.S. your momma sucks to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elvis Karate
a Cross Country Rider
from Kalamazoo, MI USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with NRS UST
Strengths:
Roll well. Mount easily
Weaknesses:
every thing not listed above
Similar Products Used:
Everything. Larsen Mimos are a favorite
Bike Setup:
NRS
Bottom Line:
These UST tires came with the bike. They roll well even at lower pressure than I normally ride. They do not do anything else well. Climbing is not good as the rear wheel breaks loose to easily. Both tire wash really bad when cornering on hardpack or loose. I have never ridden them in mud. The tires do not hold air well and need to be pumped up daily. I really wanted to try and like these tires but could not recommend them for serious riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
wheel world, culver city
Strengths:
Great for street. Great for cruising on the beach. HA!
Weaknesses:
The tire tread is crappy, and the sidewalls blow. Do not buy these tires unless you like to cruise on the beach on Sunday afternoons.
Similar Products Used:
IRC, panaracer non-tubless tires.
Bike Setup:
NRS1 stock from dealer.
Bottom Line:
*DO NOT BUY THESE TIRES* I just bought my new NRS1 with these tires and was skeptical about tubeless from the start. I was convinced from the sales guy at Wheel World in Culver City, CA that I could patch these from the inside and ride 'em. He also told me that I could ride these flat! What a joke! My tire flatted twice on my first ride, and was laughed at by my friends. New bike, horrible tires. If you buy a new bike insist that they replace the tires before you get it. I love my new bike, but hate these garbage tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from kansas Date Reviewed: March 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
performance bike & LBS
Strengths:
Good traction and cornering, easily mounted to the rim
Weaknesses:
softy sidewalls that rip just by looking at a rock
Similar Products Used:
kendra kharisma
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight with Mavic Crossmax UST rim
Bottom Line:
After going through 3 tires in one year, all with blown or ripped sidewalls, I can't recomment them. After bragging about the advantages of tubeless systems to my friends I now get laughed at when my tires blow. I tried the Kharismas but was not happy with the traction. Guess it's on to Panaracer trailblaster or something else......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FritzMan
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great all round performer, if you have to ride only only one tire year-round, this would be it.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Michelin tubeless
Bike Setup:
SantaCruz Superlight, SRAM brakes and shifters, Mavic UST, Raceface
Bottom Line:
I don't know if I've reviewing an older/stronger model of the Python UST (I seem to remember the advertised weight being 760g but now they're 730g), but my tires rock! After a year and a half, and literally thousands of kilometers of riding (5+ enduros, and 7+ hrs a week of training), these damn tires show enough tread for another season! My friends can't believe how well they've held up. I don't hold anything back on them either in technical sections, I've beaten the sh$t out of these tires on rocky trails, and the only resulting damadge is that the ceramic coating on the Mavics are chipping off. There have been many times I thought I'd rip the side right off the tire, but instead it will make a really loud TWANG noise (friends will stop thinking I just had a major tire blow up), and the damn tires keeps rolling like the Energizer bunny. Frankly, I'm shocked at it's durability. I'm 175lbs and ride an even 30 psi. NOT ONE SINGLE FLAT IN THE YEAR AND A HALF THAT I'VE OWNED THIS WHEELSET. The only thing that sucks about epic outings with friends is waiting for them to change their flats on conventional tires...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Silver City, New Mexico Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
CD South, Gomez area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Rolls well No pinch flats at low pressures (35 psi) Good traction Shelf-sharpening cornering knobs
Weaknesses:
They will washout while cornering in loose stuff (sand or rock). They wear out fairly quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin UST, Michelin Jets
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Tanasi, XTR group, Mavic Crossmax
Bottom Line:
I haven't had any pinch flats with these tires, but I don't run less than 35 psi. Depending on the ride, I'll run as much as 45 psi. I haven't cut the sidewalls on these tires, but have cut sidewalls on Tioga Factory XCs and Michelin Comp S. I've had punture flats, sometimes without the tire going flat until the next day. Glue-on patches work for puncture repairs from the inside of the tire, after you get out whatever made the puncture and sand the surface. I've had two sets of Pythons at $25 each, which is a pretty good price. The tires aren't perfect and I plan to try the Panaracer Trailblaster USTs next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lucas barth
a Weekend Warrior
from decatur, GA Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
east west loop (fort mountain)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
better traction on climbs due to being able to run a lower air pressure than conventional tube tires
Weaknesses:
Let's see. So many from which to choose. the front tire has a tendency to slide out from under you around corners unlike any tire i have ever used. the rear tire has given me about four flats, all of which were pinches, which i thought was the idea behind tubeless tires, that they wouldn't pinch flat. I have gotten more flats with these in 3 months than i have in a year with previous tires. the rear tire has gotten
Similar Products Used:
first ust tire, conventional michelin wildgrippers, and kendas
Bike Setup:
2002 giant xtc nrs 1 - upgraded to xt shifters and xtr rear der.
Bottom Line:
these hutchinson tubeless tires stink it up big time. The whole point of tubeless was not to have flats. I have seen better reviews of the kenda kharismas and probbably will try those and let you know how they turn out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco Date Reviewed: November 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
skeggs point
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$49.00
Strengths:
Nice grip on hard pack with the UST tubless tire system. Rolling resistance is superior.
Weaknesses:
Weak as hell. Side walls are too weak. Washes out on loose stuff.
Bike Setup:
GT I-drive 1.0 factory stocked
Bottom Line:
I thought UST system would help eliminate the pinch flat problem, but all it did was change a $5.00 innertube repair to a $50.00 tire replacement. I now have 3 Hutchinson Python tires in my closet which are either ripped on the side wall or pinch flatten on bead which is non-repairable. These tires do roll nicely on hard-pack, and I suppose is the reason why I bought 3 of them, but now I have a hard time throwing away another $50 on a tire that will rip in two rides. Buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Farmington, CT Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Case Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Biker's Edge
Strengths:
I have the UST's. They hook up pretty well for semi-slicks, and have a lot of air volume that adds to riding comfort. I like tubeless tires, but not these.
Weaknesses:
I CAN ONLY GET ABOUT 4 RIDES IN BEFORE THE SIDEWALLS CUT. I went through 4 tires this summer. At $45.00 each, should of learned my lesson after the first one. I ride in the Northeast and these tires cannot handle the sharp rocks. There's no thread to protect the sidewalls. Save your money!
Similar Products Used:
My first UST's.
Bike Setup:
Moots YBB - XTR - Crossmax - X-Fly
Bottom Line:
I like tubeless tires and think they are the future. The Python's might be great if you live in a area without rocks. I can't recommend them for riding here in the Northeast. Save your money and wait for something with more thread come out. I just got the Kharisma tubeless by Kenda, look for my review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ben
a Racer
from boulder Co usa Date Reviewed: September 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
great dry traction, fair wet traction and predictible release when over leaned. exelent rolling
Weaknesses:
they break. if you value your ride you will not use these the side walls are very weak and tear and pinch very easy.
Similar Products Used:
specialized ust mt. baldy, rockster
Bike Setup:
s-works mountain
Bottom Line:
These tires are great. Not because of the tread design but just because of their being tubeless. I have tried multipul tred patterns in tubeless and all give exelent traction and rolling resistance. The patern on the tire seems to make little difference.
these tires are crap. The side walls on them seem to be very weak i have torn three. The rfirst was maby because of me. I tried running 20 psi. and pinch flated. The second and third were run at or above the recomended minimum. They both pinched in the same way. The hole in the tire was right at the bead and was impossible to patch.
I tired for "fun" to put a patch on the inside of the tire to see if it would stick. It didnt. Hutchinsons are made of natural rubber, unlike tubes and will not hold a patch well enough to do anything but get you home. maby.
Some people have said that tubless is not ready for market. I think that this in not the reason that these have trouble. The system seems to work incredibly well and my specialized tires have had no trouble even when abused at 15 psi. They are made of the same stuff a normal inertube is and seem to not leak as much air. Tubless is a huge improvement over the tube system and will be the future of bicycles.
These tires work exelently when compared to tube tires, however compared to other ust they are average, thus my rating.(they flat very easily)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike R
a Cross Country Rider
from Fountain Hills, AZ USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
SuperSlow
Strengths:
These tires are great for hardpack/dry riding conditions and they aren't 'too bad' when the going gets muddy. You will corner better and faster than your counterparts riding non-tubeless tires and because you are running a lower air pressure your bike will ride a little 'softer'. These tires are also very good on slickrock.
Weaknesses:
I ride in the desert and the thorns just chew these tires up. There is NO good way to seal these tires against thorn punctures. Putting slime tubes in them kind of defects the purpose of running tubeless in the first place but that's what I have had to resort to to get them to work. "Hopefully" someone will come out w/a sealant that will work w/tubeless tires. If you live back east I would reccommend these tires...they work great in a less hostile...a.k.a. non-desert environment.
Similar Products Used:
A bunch in years of riding.
Bike Setup:
Nice.
Bottom Line:
If you live in an area where your chances of running into thorns is small I would definitely buy these tires. If you live in an area like me w/there are lots of thorns then I would buy them until Mavic or someone comes out w/a sealant so you can run these tires in a 'thorny' environment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard T
a Weekend Warrior
from Soquel CA. USA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Most of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great traction and handeling on all "dry" conditions tried so far.
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats.
Similar Products Used:
Many over 15+ years of Mtn biking
Bike Setup:
2001 Giant NRS XTC AIR
Bottom Line:
Great traction in dry dirt and rocky conditions (just got back from 3 wks in Colorado). The hype about these things (UST Tubless) being pinch-flat proof is bull as I found out while in Fruita CO. Also I found it pretty difficult to get a patch to adhere (probubly due to the seating compound used to seat the tires by the manufacturer) but with agressive sanding I was still only sble to get a very marginal patch bond. I was told by the LBS that once you get a pinch flat in these tires that thay are pretty much toast as the bead is significantly weakened.
Overall a nice ride and I was pleasantly suprised buy the excellent traction characteristics but I'm not impressed by the durabillity factor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricksom
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: August 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
- Innovative Hutchinson design - Great racing tire with TRACTION - Light but large volume (for added control)
Weaknesses:
- not an all-round tire - not at home in the mud or in loose conditions - could pinch-flat easily for some heavy weights - tread wears faster than average, don't ride on road
The most innovative tire I have ever ridden. After being brain-washed into thinking there is a big difference between tires with all sorts of slightly different tire knob designs (which all ride about the same in the end), I got tired of hearing a polygon shape knob is better than a square knob is better than a lug (rectangular knob) is better than a non-stepped knob is better than a flexy knob is better than closely spaced knobs is better than tall knobs....etc.
Forget the knobs! This tire has no knobs or lugs. It has CLAWS! My bike shop introduced me to this tire, and I was skeptical. What, no knobs or lugs. Where do you get traction?! I don't even like semi-slicks because where I ride I need traction most. They said a lot of our Canadian pro teams use this tire now. O.K., I race, and I race where I need traction. So I gave the Pythons a try.
Holy cow, this tire is really different from all the rest! At first it took some getting used to. It rolls very fast (you feel like you have fresh legs), and when inflated to the recommended pressure of 35 lbs, holds to the dirt really well. It doesn't feel sure footed all the time, and sometimes feels like it is fading when pushed into corners too hard, but in the end it rarely washes out without giving you a nice and slow sideways warning skid. It has lots of volume, and at the recommended pressure gives you some nice bump suspension.
The front tire has the braking traction, and the back has the climbing traction. Therefore, the first thing you notice is a major loss in rear braking traction. However, if you are an experienced racer, you use mainly front brake anyway.
It has traction on hard pack, rocks, roots, clay, and loam; wet or dry. Not so good in sand and significant mud.
Overall, a great tire to have in your collection, and significantly different from all the rest. Definitely worth a try for racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Catonsville, MD, US Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gambrills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Fast rolling and overall good handling
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls and poor traction in mudd.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS1 stock except for seat and riser bars
Bottom Line:
I was very impressed with the grip and handling of this tire in dry conditions. They definitely increased my ability on twisty single track. However, I have torn sidewalls on both the UST and tube versions. Its not a good feeling when I always have to worry about blowing a tire any time the trail gets rocky. I've never had this many flats with other tires. Great performance ruined by thin sidewalls.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
smith
a Weekend Warrior
from boise, idaho, usa Date Reviewed: August 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Moo Cycles
Strengths:
light, supple, low rolling resistance --> fast tires! reasonable grip as a rear tire
Weaknesses:
kinda lame as a front tire. not very predictable. could be due to its more rounded profile. tracks through sand poorly at speed, cuts loose too much.
Similar Products Used:
many other tires; none that were as light as this
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight / Fox Float R / Sid SL i weigh about 145 - 150
Bottom Line:
good rear tire, but it kept cutting loose and drifting through the sand traps, so i moved back to an old Psycho II wire bead that is heavy but tracks much more predictably
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RobG
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, CA Date Reviewed: July 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything not paved.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came on my bike.
Strengths:
Very fast, lightweight tire. Low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Lightweight, thin tire. I had a small thorn puncture before my bike was a full day old. Puncture-resistant these things are NOT.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Kharisma UST
Bike Setup:
2001 Giant XTC NRS 1, stock plus bar ends and a SelleRoyal gel seat. Rider weight approx. 165 lbs loaded with CamelBak.
Bottom Line:
If you can get 'em cheap, try them and see if you like them. I didn't care for them, so they were replaced with a set of Kenda Kharisma USTs (see my review of those for details). The Pythos did nicely on hardpack and shallow loose dirt/rocks, but anything more than that and they aren't up to the task. Heck, mine have less than 25 miles on them, and are in a box in my closet. Email me if you want a deal on them. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slugsmasher
a Weekend Warrior
from Pacific Northwest Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
High grip, low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls blowout easily.
Similar Products Used:
First UST tires I've had.
Bike Setup:
Jamis Komodo, Mavic Crossroc disc wheelset.
Bottom Line:
These tires are suprisingly agile and grip very well on most DRY objects. These are average in the serious goo and wet logs/trestles. I weigh 150 and run at 2 bar (29psi). The sidewall is definately a problem as mentioned by others. I blew out mine on a typical jagged rock. I used a glue patch, cut up tube pieces and duct tape to seal the tear. I put a regular tube in it and it has been ok so far but I'm sure it will blow out again. This is not a good feeling in the back of your mind when dropping off logs and rocks into the next heinous stunt. If I have to put in a regular tube in every two weeks then these tires will have to go, defeats the purpose of UST. All UST tires are rather expensive to replace right now also, which really sucks. Duct tape is your friend and keep that extra tube in the pack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose Spanishgoat
a Cross Country Rider
from Seville, Spain Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Pastcherkofel (Igls, Austrian Alps)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At:
Local Dealer
Strengths:
tremendous all terrain tyre (sand, hardpack, rocks, loose stuff, singletrails, even not very thick mud),very very fast, excellent grip (much more than other knobies like the IRC mythos), very low rolling resistance, lighweighted.
Weaknesses:
they don´t cope well with heavy mud and, the most important, the sidewalls are very very thing
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500 with 2001 Bomber Z5. The rest, it doesn´t matter
Bottom Line:
this should be the best cross country all terrain tyre if not for the crapy sidewalls. I was amazed about the grip it offers to you, even standing on the bike in the steepest uphills and with loose terrain. No, don´t get you wrong thinking about their tiny knobs and their semi-slick appereance. It performs like a knoby in the worst surfaces but like a semi-slick in hardpack and in asphalt (in case that you, like me, have to made some road cycling to get to the trails). And yes, it performs well as a front and rear tyre, i´ve tried them both ways.However,the ugly surprise is the sidewalls. I can not understand the poor quality of the sidewalls in such a wonderful tyre, and it´s a pitty. After 3 months of normal riding, 4 nusty cuts and several tears appeared on my rear tyre. I changed the tyre to the front and it lasted 1 month more. So they were the best tyres till they lasted and I recognise they deserve another opportunity, maybe changing the psi levels to avoid these nusty tears, but first I´m gonna try the conti explorers.I would give them 10 chillies without the sidewalls, only 3 with them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington, VA Date Reviewed: April 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Snowshoe
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Strengths:
great performance. See all positive feedback above.
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats at recommended psi (about30). This tire is too expensive to have blown on the fourth ride!
Similar Products Used:
No other tubeless ridden
Bike Setup:
F3000, Crossmax UST
Bottom Line:
Don't believe the 'no pinch flat' claims. I'm only 168 lbs and I destroyed the rear tire on a fast, rocky downhill section at Gambrill, MD, (the section below the M-wave tower on the yellow trail), while running at rec. psi. I could not repair with glueless patches. Much disappointment with the weak sidewall/bead area, but otherwise, love the tires. Performance in dry conditions is the best I've experienced. Don't leave home without super patches and maybe something else I don't know about yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
smokey
a Cross Country Rider
from gilliam, MO USA Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
just like riding all of them
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
bikeworld
Strengths:
traction on almost all surfaces(don't ride in heavy mud due to trail damage). can be ridden at 35 psi due to high air volume. ride- feels like they add an inch of suspension, even on a hardtail. no flats so far(with mr. tuffy liners). very good tread life.
Weaknesses:
none found so far.
Similar Products Used:
michelin sprints(good tire, too, a little faster on hardpack but not as versatile overall).
the pythons give you one of the big advantages of the new tubeless tires; the ability to run lower air pressures without pinch flatting. no need to buy different wheels or problems fixing flats on the trail(although i have had no puncture problems so far). tread life has been excellent, even though my tires see a lot of gravel riding. running 35 psi is like getting free suspension. the tires soak up a lot of the small stuff and stutter bumps. i do a lot of riding in the missouri river bottomland around here and the roads and trails are often cut up with tractor and bulldozer tracks. i have four bad lumbar discs and wouldn't be able to ride them without my pythons and moxey seatpost. i would recommend these tires to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad
a Racer
from Prescott, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
oh I don't know
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Strengths:
Durability, Hardpack, Racing, all-around
Weaknesses:
pricey to replace tubeless tires, not a problem unique to these tires. They don't shed mud very well.
Similar Products Used:
nothing comes close.
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC SE1, XTR, Manitou Mars Super, Tubeless Crossmax UST
Bottom Line:
When I got these tires (on the Crossmax UST wheels) I thought I had died and gone to heaven. I weigh 180 and run 30 lbs. They stay on the ground in corners long after any other tire would have let go. I no longer had to worry about slipping in corners, these things are like velcro. I used them until they wouldn't hold air any more, then put tubes in them and ran them until the tube popped out of the sidewall (actually it popped out in 3 places simultaneously). Their performance didn't decrease much with wear. I used the crap out of these things, they're great. You need these tires!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josef Rocha
a Racer
from Milpitas Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Grant Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Reed's Sport shop
Strengths:
Light weight,fast rolling and long wearing tread.Great almost all-around tire.Price is better then most tires out there.The Golds are great rain tires.The Airlights are my favorite.
Weaknesses:
Does hook up on muddy conditions but does not shed mud very well.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson's Mosquito Airlights and the old Specialized Ground Control Extreme tires.
Bike Setup:
Wild West 6 Shooter Hardtail,Schwinn M3 Hardtail and '93 Specialized Stumpjumper Team rigid MBT.
Bottom Line:
Since discovering Hutchinson Tires,I haven't really used anything else that compares to them,except the old Ground Controls and Ground Control Extremes I've used in the past.I tend to stick with what works and Hutchinson tires are what I'll be using in all my bikes. I do wish they make the Mosquitos a little more long wearing like the Pythons and in all black.The Golds are great but they tend to make my bikes stand out too much.Too many bike thieves out there.Some guy thought I paid $1500 for a '96 rigid Rockhopper just because of those tires.Highly recommeded tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Traverse City MI Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent traction great at low psi fast rolling
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Lots of tires
Bike Setup:
Trek 9.8 Sid race full XTR Crossmax UST King
Bottom Line:
This is a review for the UST pythons. I have used botht he UST and standard versions of these tires. I absolutly love them, I run the UST tires at only 30 psi. They roll fast and have awesome traction both front and rear. I have done seven races on them this year,(3000 miles total) and they are just about worn out, but a year is pretty good for a set of tires. I love the way they feel and how predictable they are. They are a little heavy in the UST version, but well worth the extra weight for all the tubeless benifits. Even when i had the tubed version I loved them. Only problem is mud, but there not a mud tire. For everything else in michigan there great Five huge flamin piles of poop
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Booth
a Weekend Warrior
from France Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$24.00
Strengths:
Weight, grip, comfort
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
hardtail
Bottom Line:
I don't know how long these tyres (tires) have been available stateside, but here in France I've been using Pythons for 4 years now. They are beyond doubt the best tyres I've used in 12 years of pure off-road riding. The riding conditions here in the Corbières mountains are generally dry and stony. The large section, run at 30 PSI for my 165 lbs, helps with the hard stony tracks around here. They grip like nothing else I've ridden. They roll faster than any other tyre I've used (not tried slicks). They are also excellent in the wet, and to be honest we don't get to much deep mud here. Over here they cost 160F, about 24$. Worth every centime / cent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo Medellin
a Cross Country Rider
from Chihuahua, Chih, MEXICO Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Plaza Hollywood
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
They came with my Sunn bike
Strengths:
Great all around tire, low rolling resistance (fast as hell), climbs really good, cornering is not an issue (unless the soil is lose/marble like)
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer FireXC Pro, WTB Enduroraptors
Bike Setup:
Reynolds 853 Sunn frame, XTR/SRAM ESp 9.0sl, Ritchey BB and headset, SID XC Fork... the works!
Bottom Line:
Great tire!, you won't be disappointed
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenixville, PA Date Reviewed: January 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Red/White - French Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Hooks up on almost anything! I've ridden them in dry, rocky, rooty, rainy, snowy, icy, and muddy conditions, and continue to be impressed. Looking at the tread initially, I had my doubts, but I stand corrected. Great tire!
Weaknesses:
A tad pricy, but seem to be worth it.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Michelin WildGripper Comp, WTB Velociraptor
Excellent tire. Killer combo with my Mavic UST wheels.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trailblazer@usa.com
a Cross Country Rider
from Connecticut Date Reviewed: December 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the treasure trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Don's Cycle Shop, Fairfield CT
Strengths:
Great ride...I sometimes think I'm actually riding on marshmallows
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
IRCs, Panaracers
Bike Setup:
Indy Fab Frame, Mavic rims
Bottom Line:
These are terrific tires! They're soft and poofy, reminds me of your girlfriend's bottom, actually. They're only average in extremely muddy conditions, but they're a prize on the knotty rocky New England trails. I notice they perform best at a slightly flat pressure, and spin on occasion when firm in slimy conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from OC Ca. Date Reviewed: December 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Joplin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Incredibly predictable, hooks-up everywhere in any condition and super fast
Weaknesses:
No shops carry them, a bit difficult to find
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Revolt super-X, Michelin Wild Grippers, Hutchinson Aligators and Mosquito Assorted Specialized team tires
Bike Setup:
Cracked out CAAD-5
Bottom Line:
Best tire I have ever tried, hands down, far and away
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Solo
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Oaks
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great overall tire, light, rolls fast pretty stable on corners
Weaknesses:
Not really designed for heavy muddy conditions. Tad expensive
I find the tires are great in most conditions I do alot of road and off road firetrail riding. I blew my back tire (due to wrong tire pressure) but the front has never been changed. For the rider who wants a compromise between on/off road these are perfect. Will purchase another set when these need replacing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zinhead
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: July 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kettle Morain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good all around traction from fast tire. The supple ride is an added bonus.
Weaknesses:
Lugs aren't deep enough for deep mud and don't self clean mud very well. Not a problem for me.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Wanga
Bottom Line:
I bought these tires based on the reviews on mtbreview and have been very happy with them. They replaced a set of Bontrager Revolts that were traction inhibited to say the least. The Pythons are low profile knobbies that combine the best features of semi-slicks and full knobies; traction with speed. They hook up well on the climbs, and the fronts grab well on the twisties. Very predictable tires that go where you point them. No pinch flats or other reliability issues. An unexpected bonus is a much more supple ride than other mtb tires I've had. Hats off to Hutchinson; they have a real all around winner in the Python.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Webb
a Cross Country Rider
from Paint Rock, TX, USA Date Reviewed: June 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
light, great all around tire
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Name it and I probably tried it.
Bike Setup:
GT Karakoram - LX/XT Manitou SX-R
Bottom Line:
The Python is, without question, the best all around tire that I have used. I have been riding off-road for several years (my first bike was a Schwinn High Sierra) and I have tried several brands of tires in those years. The Pythons are light, handle hardpack with aplomb, float over most loose stuff, and do fairly well in mud. This is the first tire that I have owned in which I do not feel that I have compromised one tire quality for another. When it comes time to buy another set of tires, I will buy Pythons and I have never bought the same brand of tires back to back in the last twenty years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Rishel
a Racer
from Mobile, Al. USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I am running the Python Airlites and they are just that-very light for a full knobby. Excellent rolling resistence and velcro like cornering.
Weaknesses:
It has only been a few months so I cannot be certian about how these things will last. Kind of over priced at my LBS, but compared to every other tire I have tried- well worth every penny. They pack up in the mud.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, Michelin Lite S , Kenda Kosmic Lites, Michelin Comp. Panaracer fireX pro
These are the best tires I have ever tried bar none. They work on hardpack, loam , loose over hardpack and even in deep sugary sand. They roll fast and are light. The only time I will take them off my bike is to put slicks on for pavement, or in the mud (Michelins of course). I may run a Kosmik Lite in the back on some courses, but that sweet Hutchinson is staying up front. With so many tires out there it's easy to screw up and get the wrong ones, you cannot go wrong with these things in almost any condition. Buy these tires, you will be doing yourself a favor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim
a Racer
from medina Date Reviewed: May 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
vultures knob
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
great traction on and off the saddle. Excellent for dry, hardpack.
Weaknesses:
susceptible to pinch flats if your a heavier rider. (unless you adjust the psi levels)
Bike Setup:
Giant SE1, Crosslink disk wheelset, SID sl forks, Hayes disk brakes
Bottom Line:
The recommended pressure is 25 to 35 PSI. I was running around 33 or so for the last review, which is why I got the pinch flats. I've since raised the pressure up to around 40 and haven't had a problem since. I weigh about 168lbs. So far, I've put around 80 or 90 miles on these babies and haven't had a problem. I still stand by my first posting, " I've never had a better tracking tire for dry conditions". They're great tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim
a Racer
from medina, oh Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
vultures knob
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
unbelievable traction, even when standing. I've never had a better tracking tire for dry conditions.
Weaknesses:
I blew both the front and the back tires on my first 2 hour ride!
Bike Setup:
Giant SE1, crosslink disk wheelset, SID sl forks, Hayes disk brakes
Bottom Line:
The tire weighed 16.5 oz (468gm) out of the box. It seemed pretty light (and pretty flimsy). I've always been skeptical about lightweight tires, and these (so-far) have proven my skepticism correct. These tires give you excellent traction on dry dirt, but I don't think they can take the pounding of race conditions. I'll post again after some more testing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Weekend Warrior
from MA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-light -fast rolling -stick to the trails like glue -great cornering
All tires should be maded like the Pythons. There is no tire that can even be matched to these in all the applications they haul in (at Killington Race I saw 2 people racing slalom on these tires). I'll never buy a tire made in the US or Taiwan again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles
a Weekend Warrior
from Monterey, CA Date Reviewed: January 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fort Ord
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
I'm using the new Python Air Light. These tires roll waaaay fast and they pedal easy. They have as much, if not more traction than a full knobby. They lean in a corner smoothly and if the do break, they break controllably. They have excellent traction in loose hardpack, dirt, and gravel. Not too bad in sand either.
Weaknesses:
NONE WHATSOEVER
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, Tioga XC, WTB Primal/Veloci's, Team Control/Master.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight with Fox Vanilla RC, Rockshock SID XC, Bontrager Valiant rims.
Bottom Line:
The Pythons are the BEST TIRES I'VE RIDDEN!!!! Waaaayyyyy fast and lots of traction. I didn't realize what I was missing.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan. K 1
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lyons, CO Date Reviewed: January 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
all of Rocky Mt. frontrange
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
large for 2.0 gives u free suspention, nice rounded profile corners well in most conditions
Weaknesses:
heavy green tubes u need to run to get benefit of low pressure
Great tire and tube system, but added an honest half lb. over other tires w/xtralight tubes. The free suspention u get is great and grips better then anything I've ever used. The feel is inspiring, but the weight gain is noticable.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LaunchPad
a Cross-Country Rider
from Boston MA Date Reviewed: August 23, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Rolls REALLY fast! Quiet, smooth ride. Low pressure offers some degree of suspension. Better than average traction. Front floats over and through mud.
Weaknesses:
On the front, not the best cornering tire I have used, but not too bad.
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
Rigid (no suspension) steel frame.
Bottom Line:
If you don't mind the feeling of riding with squishy tires these are great. (you can pump them up to higher pressures, but then what's the point?) Good traction, REALLY fast smooth rolling tires that offer some degree of suspension when run at the recomended low pressures.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M.A.B.M.Z
a Weekend Warrior
from Penang.Malaysia Date Reviewed: July 6, 1999
Favorite Trail:
single/fire tracks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looking at the profile one would think that the tire doesn't corner well. Surprisingly it does! Very quiet on/off road. Properly inflated, mine at 42 P.S.I the tyre roosts! Supposed 2 b dry cond only tire but have performed well in most conditions.
Weaknesses:
Perhaps 2 nit pick, I rode it at a single track after a heavy downpour, over tree roots the tyre slipped a couple of times. It is a dry cond. tire anyway..still a good all rounder.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer XC Fire-pro,Tioga XC,WTB's velociraptors/enduroraptors,Continentals X Country/Navigator pro,Hutchinson Chameleon,Specialized team/ground control comp.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Atlanta. DD60 Headshok. Specialized S-works FSR XC. Manitou SX Ti 80mm & Fox Vanilla FLOAT RC.
Bottom Line:
I fitted the python up front & the chameleon at the rear. I find this 2 b a better combination than using both Front & Rear pythons. The chameleon is another good tire from hutchinson. I'm surprised there's no review 4 this remarkable tire. It is as good if not better than the Conti's X-country/Navigator Pro set up I used. Have been told the python/chameleon wear out quickly, so far no sign of heavy wear/tear.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FredV
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lyon, France Date Reviewed: May 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Technical
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light, comfy, low rolling resistance, better traction than a true semi slick.
Weaknesses:
Mud, especially for the front tire, but it wasn't designed for that.
Similar Products Used:
Semi slick
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F2000
Bottom Line:
The best tire for dry trails ! Provides better control than semi slick : if its a little wet with SS, you're dead, with these you can survive. The 127 TPI casing and the big air volume provide lot of comfort. The new gold version with its yellow sides looks great.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon @ spinwheels.com
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oceanside, CA Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
This tire is awesome! sticks like glue to so-cal trails. Soaks up bumps give great feedback.
Weaknesses:
nope
Similar Products Used:
wtb,michelin,
Bike Setup:
Marin full susp. manitou x-vert, hope disc brakes
Bottom Line:
This is the best tire I have ridden in some time. perfect for the conditions in so-cal. Did i metion this tire is sub 500g?
Overall Rating:
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