The scorpion's aggressive profile is ideal for soft, wet and muddy conditions. 127 tpi casing with black sidewalls and folding Kevlar bead. 26 x 2.0, 585g.
Front and Rear use.
Submitted by
aliased
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth Date Reviewed: November 17, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
- Lightweight and easy to put on the rim.
- Smooth rolling on hardpack.
Weaknesses:
- Goes from positive traction to nothing on loose surfaces without any warning.
Bike Setup:
08 Giant Alias with RS Tora 318
Bottom Line:
Ok for hardpacked, smooth trails but definitely not the choice for loose stuff. Washouts are common and oversteers like crazy on tight corners. Had one too many washouts and now have 6 weeks off my bike to find some alternatives as these just aren't right for our local conditions.
Ran them at low and high psi in the loose stuff. High psi is like riding on ice. Low is baggy and vague and not very responsive. No pinches though which is a bonus I guess.
Gotta wonder why Giant would fit these as standard in one of the driest countries around. Musta been cheap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Lawrence
a Weekend Warrior
from London, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
the one I'm riding on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$89.00
Purchased At:
Eccelstone Bike Shop
Strengths:
Sheds mud well, light weight, smooth rolling for a mud tire, would make a good racing tire
Weaknesses:
weak sidewalls, not for VERY Rocky terrain like the packaging says, ok grip on wet rocks and roots, not for epic rides or heavy riders
Similar Products Used:
Michelin all terrain, Michelin XR, Bontrager Revolts, Bontrager Jones AC, Mythos IRC
Bike Setup:
Stock Trek Fuel Ex 9 and a Specialized rock hopper with XT componetry
Bottom Line:
I bought some Michelin AT's and my brother bought the Scorpions, when we looked at the size we decided to put the same set up on both of our bikes, the michelin in the front at 26x2.2 and the scorpion on the back at 26x2.1. We filled the fronts to 35psi and the rear to 38psi. I'm 207lbs and he is 238lbs. We didn't even make it thirty kilometers and we both managed to get a tear in the sidewalls of the Hutchisons. Both hutchison tires were now useless. (The Michelins held up great not the best traction on the rocks but great in the mud.) $200 for a set of tires to go thirty km's. That's alot per km! In seven years of riding this trail this is the first we've experienced this and it's both tires! We returned them to the bike shop and had to argue to get a store credit. It's one thing if it happens to one tire but both! Come on! Buddy tried to get us to take a new set of the same tire. After an experience like that I'm staying away from the Hutchies! They may work well for racing in muddy conditions with a few rocks but not very muddy conditions and nasty rocky terrain! But hey, it's just my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Rainy Pacific NW Date Reviewed: January 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Inca Trails - SA
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
Light and Grippy, sheds the mud well, grips well on wet rocks, roots, rails corners well.
Weaknesses:
Not for huckin, jumping etc. Use this tire for what it was designed for, wet, mucky trail riding where it excels.
I use the Scorpion 2.0 on the front when racing, switch to the 2.3 for general trail riding. This is a light low rolling resistance tire that grips well in the wet muck we have in the Pacific NW (yes it rains here). Sheds mud well, rails on the corners very well, has no problems with roots/rocks. Riders looking for a light tire that grips well in wet conditions would like this tire. I had my doubts about using a light tire such as the Scorpion but those concerns faded fast and now it is my preferred front tire on forest trails, muck, mud. For hardpack I might use something else, but here in the muddy NW this tire excels. Use it for what it was designed for and enjoy! Gave 5 chilis for value since they are sale Gave 4 chilis overall - No tire does it all
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Curtis-Cody
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: December 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
QCT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I fitted a pair of Scorpion Airlights to my Kona Kula Delux for the Karapoti Classic. For those who haven't heard of this race it's 47kms of rocks, roots, sand, gravel, ups, downs plus a few hard bits! These tyres were awesome. Fast on the fast bits and grippy on the grippy bits. I noticed they did slide n' drift before gripping when cranked over they never let go.
Weaknesses:
High rate of wear.
Similar Products Used:
Pythons, Spiders, High Roller Exception
Bike Setup:
2004 Kona Kula Delux, Z2 Atom race, XT/Sun DS1, XT/XTR, RaceFace
Bottom Line:
I found this a great tyre for loose n' wet conditions. High rate of wear. The Airlight is a lightweight XC tyre. It's not going to last long on the road or riding on hard rocky trails. Buy the right tyre for the job!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas Rickabaugh
a Weekend Warrior
from Winston-Salem, NC, USA Date Reviewed: December 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hobby Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Paceline Bicycles
Strengths:
Good on the road.
Weaknesses:
Not much grip on anything. Mud, harpack, rocks, etc. It cant grip very well. First tire that I ever used when I started getting into Mountain Biking. Lasted for a while, however as said above, not very grip. Im only 16 but I ride alot eventually had to replace my rear tire.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Ignitor (on other bike), Bontrager Jones XR
Bike Setup:
2004 Cannondale All Mountain Jekyll 600
Bottom Line:
Good for riding on the road. However doesnt grip very well on mud, hardpack. Everythin explained above.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nabil
a
from State College, Pa Date Reviewed: June 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Rothrock State Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Online Store Cheap
Strengths:
Decent grip, light weight, price
Weaknesses:
THIS TIRE STINKS! Its not durable at all. I only rode it about 4 times and two holes in the side walls and the tires are done. If you plan on doing any hard riding at all (rocks, roots, etc.) this tire is a waste of money. Get something more durable
Bottom Line:
If you do easy riding this tire may be good but if you do hard riding forget it. It won't last get something more durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Walker
a Cross Country Rider
from La Grange NC USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Wayne Nat'l Forest OH
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
Traction in soft, wet, sandy conditions. Cornering in soft, wet, sandy conditions.
Weaknesses:
Wears fast on hard pack/pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
2001 Jamis Dakar Pro XTR/Avid disc XT hubs Rhyno lite wheel set
Bottom Line:
These tires are awesome if you use them for what they are made for. They aren't made for MOAB, unless you can afford to swap them out regularly. I have had mine on the bike for four years now, granted I don't get to ride as much as i like, but in the leg burning soft sandy swamp trails of southeastern NC, these tires shine, they shed mud, they corner in soft wet sand, and since I got rid of my narrow Mavic 317 rims and put them on some Sun Rhyno lites, they haven't pinch flatted. I'm a Clydesdale, 215 lbs.
They do wear quick on pavement, i have to ride onroad to get to my fav off road trails.
I LOVE these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Bordignon
a Cross Country Rider
from Ivanhoe, VIC, Australia Date Reviewed: May 12, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came new on the bike
Strengths:
Great tyre for wet, loose, rocky terrain. Puncture resistant.
Weaknesses:
Slow in a straight line on hard packed terrain. Tends to slide a little through hard conering until you tip it over a little further onto the side knobbys, then they grip very well.
Bike Setup:
Giant Alias 2007, SPDM540's.
Bottom Line:
I have used these tyres for the past three months and came with the bike brand new. I ride them to work every day on the road, one night a week on trails and every weekend on varying terrain. So far they have been a fantastic tyre. I am not particularly heavy (75 Kg) but I do ride pretty hard and the tracks I ride are usually hard packed with loose soil on top with lots of rocks. I am yet to have a flat. They also seem to be wearing quite well. I run the front at 38psi and the rear at 36psi and would easily have 70% of tyre left after 1200km. I think the biggest let down is the straight line speed, but they are a soft terrain tyre. Reccomended pressure is 29 psi, I personally think that this is too soft for the terrain I ride. Maybe more suited to very wet, softer trails at this pressure. I would buy these tyres again for winter, think i will try something a little harder for summer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jarred
a Cross Country Rider
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast on solid ground/road, really fast whilst new.
Weaknesses:
Bald within 2 months, although i probably rode them hard.
Bike Setup:
Giant Yukon
Bottom Line:
Don't waste your money. They just wear out too quickly
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Wayne, IN, USA Date Reviewed: January 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the next one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
freebie from buddy
Strengths:
wider than rated, easy to mount, UST and still fairly light
Weaknesses:
buzz at slow speeds
Similar Products Used:
Pythons, Gators, IRC Mythos, Kendas
Bike Setup:
Weyless SP, Black Sport, Hayes HMX, x.7
Bottom Line:
since these were free from a buddy who races & hates them, i figured i'd roll them through the winter; they'd last until i could get a set of new tires for the spring. now i'm looking at getting more of them, i like them so much. a new years' day ride took me up a short/steep grass slope in a local park (polar bears dunked, we watched), and these tires hooked UP! as long as i maintain a decent speed, they roll well, no buzz or vibe. swore off Hutch after the Alligator disaster (lasted 2 months), but they may have me back w/ these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike purnell
a Cross Country Rider
from camarillo, ca, usa Date Reviewed: November 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim, Moab, UT.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light Weight, Work well in sand when new
Weaknesses:
WEAR!!! This tire (rear) wore out in the 1st 150-200 miles. Center tread is junk, spins like mad on techno ups.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire Pro XC, Kenda Nevegal
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Epiphany, Sram XO
Bottom Line:
Would not recommend or purchace again. I only bought them because they came w/ the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Desmond
a Racer
from Texas Date Reviewed: September 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Womble
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Hooks up well on the side knobs in sharp corners, good in sand and loose rocks. Lasts forever off road.
Weaknesses:
Have not really found any, but I would imagine it would be a bit dicey on the road in the wet.
Similar Products Used:
All kinds
Bike Setup:
Macalu titanium hard tail, Rock Shock Sid Team, Sram Grip Shift, Race Face cranks, LP bars, Thud Buster post. Velocity rims, Time pedals.
Bottom Line:
I was not going to post on this subject, but there is a lot of negative stuff being said about this tire. For my money it's one of the best front tires I've ever used. I just realized It's been on my front wheel for almost three years. I don't ride it on the road very often, but it has survived three years of racing and riding on all kinds of terain, in all kinds of weather, and has saved me from loosing it at the last minute many times. The tire will start to slide, and then grab on the big side knobs when you get over at a steep angle. It has only gone flat on me once, and that was my own fault. I run my tires on regular Velocity rims, with Stans rim strips and Stans sealant. I have a Python Airlight on the back, and looking around the race meetings it seems to be a common combination. I put the Scorpion on for a mud race originally, and never took it off. I guess it really is time to replace it now though. If you want to ride on the pavement with your mountain bike, get a tire that's suitable. Max Chillies for this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Broken Pencil
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkshire, England Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Swinley Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with NRS4 bike
Strengths:
Fast, very fast. Front and rear slides, all the time (whoo-hoo).
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats every other ride! Poor wear. Vague steering. Front and rear slides, all the time (gonna-die,gonna-die,gonna-die).
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Stock Giant NRS 4
Bottom Line:
Came with the bike, reasonable grip when new but wore out fast with over 20 pinchflats in 6 months and 300 miles. Zero tread left on the rear apart from the side knobs now. Vague steering (understeer) from front on downhills. If one ignores both front and rear sliding, which can be scary especially on rooty decents, and pedals harder instead of backing off, they can be lots of fun. I would not recommend this approach for anything loose though as this will virtually guarantee an off. Who should buy? - people who like going really fast over any terrain, have body armour and don't care about longevity. Who shouldn't buy? - people who fix their own punctures (unless this is a source of enjoyment for you).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Ohio Date Reviewed: July 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Marty's
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
this tire wears so fast. don't waste your money on these tires.
Bike Setup:
Giant Yukon
Bottom Line:
THIS TIRE WEARS SOOOO FAST. These tires came stock on my bike and at first i liked them until they started to wear. They are almost bald.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jody
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Giant Alias 2006, Shimano SPDM520s, Onza Porcupine on the back!
Bottom Line:
Came with my bike. Rear lasted 100km! The thing simply melted! Replaced with a Porcupine. Front provides little security at speed. Not to worry, it appears to be wearing rapidly also! Will be replaced shortly with something with more lateral grip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a
from Tennessee Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
stock
Strengths:
Grips very well. Light. Much bigger than claimed.When used appropriately, a great tire.
Weaknesses:
At high tire pressures performance really goes down. otherwise, great tire. Wear, but they are soft and grippy. Low cost makes up for it...
Similar Products Used:
WTB Weirwolf, Conti Survivor, WTB Velociraptor, Kenda Kharisma, panaracer fire
Bike Setup:
Spot with XT stuff
Bottom Line:
I was not very pleased with these tires until I paid attention to the directions - use 29 lbs pressure, and these become great tires. At 35-40 lbs, they bounce around and basically suck. These are also a lot bigger than claimed - my 2.0 are actually 2.17 - which I like. For an all-around xc-trail tire, they get 5 chili's. I suspect those who did not like them used a much higher pressure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Northeast Ohio Date Reviewed: April 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Marty's Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great in wet conditions and muddy. The tire is light and performs well on diverse conditions and also pavement.Great tire overall. You shouldn't buy this tire if you do downhill or free ride. It is more of a cross country.
Weaknesses:
Wears fast but thats what you get with a soft rubber. The tire is not the best with gravel and what not.
Bike Setup:
2004 Giant Yukon. Hayes 6 inch rotors with MX-1 calipers. Shimano deore in rear and Shimano Acera in the front.
Bottom Line:
This is a great all around tire. It performs its job well. No major complaints.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern VA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
jenson usa
Strengths:
light weight, sticks like glue
Weaknesses:
not the best in really loose sandy conditions... but who cares im not in a desert
Bottom Line:
i picked these up dirt cheap on closeout from jensons cause i wanted a wider tire, ive been running 1.9s in the past and needed more tread on the ground. i dont understand the negative comments that some of the other reviewers have. you slipped on pavement?? you slid out of a turn??? christ... i put these on, and i instantly noticed how well these things handled. learn how to ride first, then save yourself money and buy another set of these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: March 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Gap Creek Reserve
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good light weight xc tyre. Good traction on climbs on hardpack or loose gravel.
Weaknesses:
Very ordinary front tyre, zero confidence under hard braking. Compound too soft
Similar Products Used:
IRC serac, maxxis larsen tt
Bike Setup:
stock '06 yukon
Bottom Line:
Not a bad tyre for light trail and xc riding but I find the front end to be a bit too unpredictable with scorpions fitted, especially under heavy braking. they are good as a rear tyre though, if only a little too soft.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan
a Cross Country Rider
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Luge - Mt wellington or Glenorchy Bike Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Good allround tyre. Only 1 flat in 6 months. Performs very well on compact or damp/wet conditions.
Weaknesses:
Wears quickly due to soft compound (but what do you expect) not well suit to loose conditions (soft soil/sand)
Similar Products Used:
Vittoria Geax and Outback
Bike Setup:
Stock Giant Yukon 06
Bottom Line:
As this was a stock item on my new bike I was fairly impressed as I thought this was something I'd need to replace straight away. After reading some of the negative reviews I returned to my Vittoria's and found that in comparison the rear tyre wouldn't hook up and suffered pinch flats that I hadn't gotten with the Hutchy's! When returning to these tyres I could really notice the extra grip and climbing ability, however with this particular machine they do suffer in loose/dry terrain as demonstrated recently after riding a new trail in loose soil I did have front end wash out issues. They do wear quickly as noted due to the soft compound and as I do slide the rear end a lot have chopped up the rear but this is an acceptable price to pay due to the grip it offers. Overall a good quality tyre that it suited to all but dry/loose conditions
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff smith
a Cross Country Rider
from kentucky Date Reviewed: February 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
caesars creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
light and fast
Weaknesses:
idiots ride them and complain about it
Similar Products Used:
hutchinson, wtb, panaracer, michelin,
Bike Setup:
yeti arc decked out
Bottom Line:
i have to stick up for hutchinson here. this is a LIGHT WEIGHT cross country tire! not a free-ride huckin stair jumpin urban assault tire. i see a lot of cannondale and GT riders slammin these tires. if your riding a cannondale or a GT then your judgement is questionable to begin with. use the products in the manner in which they are inteded and you will achieve the intended results. hutchinson makes awesome tires if you suit your riding style to the appropriate tire. you cannot ride these at 20psi on the freakin pavement. i'm 6'1" and weigh around 190lbs and i run several hutchinson airlight tires on a hardtail on some pretty varied terrain. with 38psi and specialized turbo tubes i get incredible traction and very very few if any punctures and no pinch flats. don't diss a tire because you can't pick a line and you require a 900 gram downhill tire to ride down the street. damn!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mario
a Cross Country Rider
from NorthEast USA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
great grip/traction. Light and fast. wire-bid system really works and give you lots of confidence on wet and muddy surfaces. decent tire all around except from on pavement. its a mountain bike tire anyway, so it should not be that good on pavement. thats the whole point. and dont complain about rolling resistance, its a given with a type of duty this tire is suppose to perform
Weaknesses:
NONE wahtsoever. does its intended job really well.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Cinder, WTB Velaciraptor and Motoraptor, some Specializeds, Hutchison Spyder
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche 0.5 hardtail with XT drivetrain and shifter. Marzocchi Bomber Fork (120 travel), clipless, Easton bar, seatpost and stem. mavic rims, Avid BB7 mech disk brake.
Bottom Line:
Scorpions do its job perfectly. on wet and muddy conditions it is one of the best tires I have used in a long time. for best result I use Scorpions in the front and WTB Velaciraptors in the rear. works great. All Scropions is also great.
good traction decent rolling resistance (not too much, not too less) nice cornering nicely designed wire bid system
the only minor down side is that it grabs mud more so than other more expensive tires (like Cinders)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Seth
a Cross Country Rider
from Eastern MA, USA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great overall performance. Medium lug height. Good wet performance. Great for changing and diverse conditions. Low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
None for me.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Karma Stick E, IRC Mythos, Maxxis Ranchero, Panaracer Dart, Panaracer Smoke, Panaracer Trailblaster, Specialized Team Somethings, Tioga Psycho K, and others.
Bike Setup:
2004 Santa Cruz Blur, XT integrated disc.
Bottom Line:
Tires are very condition/terrain dependent. Keep in mind that a tire someone else may rate as poor you might find very good (and vice versa). As a technical cross country rider in New England (6 states) I ride on a wide variety of conditions and terrain. I was looking for a fast tire, similar to my Kenda Karma's, but with better side lug performance for cornering, wet roots, and rock fields. I find this tire a great all around tire. It has lower profile central lugs (like the Karma) so it doesn't have the loose topsoil and screaming downhill grip of some tires. Out of all the tires I've listed above these are my favorite tires yet. I am 6' tall, 165 lbs. and I tend to work WITH my equipment when riding, rather than against it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Netherlands Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hilly
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
E-bay
Strengths:
Light?
Weaknesses:
Wear off fast at the back They grab mud They dont have much grip on the side
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC
Bike Setup:
Stock cannondale jekyll 800 from 2004
Bottom Line:
These tyres aint much good , I lost grip twice with them and fell within half a year. With the cheaper IRC mythos I didnt fell at all during 1,5 years. As a back tyre they seem ok though they wear off fast, as front tyre they suck. I wouldnt buy them but they came on the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nicholas
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Date Reviewed: September 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
local
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on Giant Rincon
Strengths:
VERY LIGHT
Weaknesses:
tread wears out when riding street a fair bit, Slips on climbing.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis Holy Rollers
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Maxxis Holy Rollers
Bottom Line:
There tires are ideal for a weekend cross country rider who wants the lightest tires at a reasonable price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pyro
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: August 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Gap Creek
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
with 2004 Giant Iguana
Strengths:
Capable off-road performance with good edge grip
Weaknesses:
Wears relatively quickly, bit shoddy on gravel which is not to unexpected.
Bike Setup:
2004 Giant Iguana
Bottom Line:
A decent tyre to come OEM with the bike. Seemed to work fine - although rear tyre was wearing rapidly even with little rear wheel skidding. Kevlar bead is good especially since no tire levers needed. All was well until a huge blowout on a down hill... 5mm hole through the middle of the tread - was flat before i'd hauled it to a stop. Replacement tube lasted about 40 minutes (reenforced around hole with old tube and electrical tape) until another huge blowout - flat in 2 seconds. Don't think I can fault the tire for this but I'd sure love to know what I hit...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lysterfield
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
This tire has very soft rubber, so its only good with dirt and mud etc. It can be good with pavement, but it wears.
Weaknesses:
Pavement, Asphalt, road.
Bike Setup:
05' Giant Yukon
Bottom Line:
Great tire for going off road and out to your local trails, its not a tire that is sutible for road riding. I've had the tire for more then 8 months now and i ride on road everyday, and they are still working well. By the end of this year they will need to be replaced.
These tires will last longer if they are only use on dirt, mud etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arni kjaernested
a Downhiller
from Iceland Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Icelands montains
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on my bikes
Strengths:
I have worn out one pair of those tires and I have tried them on all condictions and I like them. I´ll give them 9 for overall
Weaknesses:
they don´t grip well on an hard area like on an cliff rock an they do last a litle shorter than I thougt they would
Similar Products Used:
many other
Bike Setup:
jamis komodo hartail dirtjumper and an jamis dakar and an jamis dakar xlt 1,0 2004
Bottom Line:
overall realy good tires for xc riding and wet or soft condictions looking forward to try them in the snow in november
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob Johnson
a Racer
from Indiana Date Reviewed: July 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
light weight
Weaknesses:
There trash
Similar Products Used:
Many other tires
Bike Setup:
VT2
Bottom Line:
I dont know what you people are smoking to give this product 5 chilis! These tires s**k! They wash out very easily, dont grip for climbing, and definily dont stop well. I am writing this review in hopes that no one wastes their money on hutchinson tires. They came stock on my bike and after the first few accidents were thrown in the trash. Save some skin and invest in some conntinental vertical pros. These tires shold get zero chilis. Riders who like these tires must be very slow or unexprienced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Concord, Ca, USA Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything technical and singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Refer to previous review
Weaknesses:
so confidence inspiring, hard to find a rear tire to match the Scorpion's incredible cornering ability.
Similar Products Used:
very, very many tires used!
Bike Setup:
Jekyll 800, carbon seatpost
Bottom Line:
this is an addition to my previous review -- which indicated the stellar ability of this tire. The Scorpion is hands down the best front tire I've had. Point-and-Shoot directability; it is Extremely rare for this tire to slide out, and when/if it starts it's not over . . .the tire actually gives you time to clip out and make it through. The only difficulty I have had with this tire is that, w/o trying another Scorpion on the rear I hadn't found a rear tire that could keep up with it. Now, I have an incredible set-up with the 2.1 Scorp. in front and a 2.1 WTB EpicWolf in the back. From the S.F. E. Bay hills, to the Santa Cruz Mtns. to Downieville downhill, these tires instill complete confidence, and take hits w/o puncturing!!! Find the right psi, learn how to ride, and these are the best front; you just have to match it's ability in the back.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray
a Racer
from Brevard, NC Date Reviewed: June 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
PNF and DuPont
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good grip in all conditions. Light weight. Fast rolling. Supple casing.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Python Air Light, Mythos XC, Panaracer Cinder, WTB MutanoRaptor 2.4
Bike Setup:
Stock Giant VT-2
Bottom Line:
I have the Scorpion Air Light in 26x2.0 size.
These tires are fast and have outstanding grip when used as an agressive XC tire. They easily shed mud, float through sand, and take impacts from nasty rocky and rooty terrain without flatting. This tire will make you faster in all conditions.
If you are a smooth XC racer, or just a fast XC rider, ignore the negative reviews of this tire. This tire was made for you, not them.
I made the mistake of believing the negative reviews about poor grip when I purchased this bike and took the tires off when I got the bike home. I've been a Python user for years and years, so I put some Pythons on. Eventually, they wore out. I put these back on just to see "how bad" they really were based on what I had read on this site. Well, they hooked up so good in all conditions (including mud, which Pythons don't do so well) and rolled nearly as fast as the Pythons, that I have had no reason to take them off again, and I have just about worn them out.
I ride some of the most unforgiving trails in the USA here in the Pisgah National Forest and DuPont State Forest. The trails have mud, sand, rock gardens, gravel roads, permanent wet areas, hardpack, loose over hardpack, slick rock granite, etc. You name it, we've probably got it.
Bottom Line: This tire performs great in all conditions for me and for my style of riding. If you are an experienced XC rider/racer and already know have to "carve up" a trail give this tire a try. It is very "grippy" for such a fast rolling, high volume tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta Date Reviewed: June 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Game Trails anywhere....
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on Bike
Strengths:
Struggling here.... let me think.... it some dry conditions they are "passable" for climbing. That's it.
Weaknesses:
First and foremost - absolutely brutal conering. I mean BAD!! I have been petrified lately to lay it over on corners due to these things sliding out on me countless times. Quite dangerous actually. Unless you like doing 2 wheel powerslides in your corners while you're clipped in..... yikes... this also translated into terrible tracking on off-camber trails - the tires were always sliding out right since new. They really do wear quickly, although I would have forgiven that if they could have done anything else well.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal Lite Stick-E, Specialized Ground Control
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll 600
Bottom Line:
These tires came on my bike from new. I had my suspicions they were bad right away, but since it was a new bike... wasn't totally sure what was the culprit. It got to the point where it was just so obvious that the tires were the problem, I had no choice but to replace them. You know when you get that feeling of total non-confidence due to slide-outs in the corners?? This was it. In reading all the other reviews here, it looks like most everyone has had the same issues that I had.
Then after I just couldn't take it any longer.... changed both the front and back to Kenda Nevegal Lite Stik-E 1.9's and WOweeeee!!! what a difference!! I can rail corners, and they CHEW into the dirt for traction. My confidence into corners has gone up now 300%. Those silly scorpion tires actually had me starting to get numb to the effects of really bad tires - Then I put on the Nevegals and holy smokes - the difference was so huge in every aspect, I could be here for hours going through each case. Suffice to say, I'm actually angry now that a great new bike comes with these brutal tires, and that I spent my first 6 months on my new ride with these poor excuses for rubber bands on my rims.
If anyone is thinking about getting these tires, don't bother. I had no idea Hutchinson wanted to much money for these things.
The young kid down the road from me has a K-Mart bike, and needed tires, and I couldn't even bring myself to give him my old Scorpion tires for fear that he would hurt himself going around a corner and I would have that on my conscience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Concord, Ca Date Reviewed: May 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tahoe technical trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Point & Shoot directability; total cornering confidence
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
many, many tire samplings
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll 800
Bottom Line:
Bottom line: I turned a Very respectable 1:35 @ this year's Sea Otter Classic and took a 2nd place @ this year's Shasta Lemurian. Between the two of them, all terrain was sampled, experienced, and confidently raced through with the Scorpion up front. It seems strange the last two reviews were from Giant V something riders and these tires may not work well with either the bike, or the type of rider who purchases such a bike. On the Jekyll, on the front, these tires install more confidence than any other tire tried to date. On my Cannondale 1FG Ultra, the OEM Maxxis HighRollers are very, very good, and I may try them on the Jekyll, but probably just the back -- I've found the Perfect front for the Jekyll in the Scorpion. As for the pavement rollers: these are mtb tires, NOT road tires. Hutchinson makes Very soft compound tires, guys. You're going to ruin really good tires in no time flat, and the ratings for this tire are suffering because it's being used in mysterious ways. Eventually, I'd like to try slappin' a Scorp. on the back and see how that hooks up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Davies
a Weekend Warrior
from Lehi, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
I honstly couldn't find one.
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewall, pathetic lateral traction on anything but pavement
Similar Products Used:
Continentals, IRC Trail Bear, others
Bike Setup:
Giant VT-3.
Bottom Line:
The first time I rode the bike that I eventually purchased with these horrible tires on it, I pinched the tube right in the parking lot of the bike shop. My first clue. the first real ride on the bike was around the Porcupine Rim in Moab in early spring. Two more pinched tubes and the realization that trying to go fast on these tires was a life-threatening adventure. The bottom line is this; they stink. No traction on anything that is at all sandy, rocky, muddy, or in any way less than perfectly hard and clean. Stay away from these unless you never go off the pavement. And even for that I'm sure there are better choices.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamal Shovelbreaker
a Weekend Warrior
from Cazenovia, N.Y.,U.S.A Date Reviewed: May 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Highland Forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Came with my bike
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Everything!!!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Giant VT3
Bottom Line:
These tires don't grip in any surface, especially on corners. They absolutley stink at shedding mud, and they wear after the first few rides. If you ride roots and muddy trails these tires are not for you!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Racer
from concord, ca Date Reviewed: March 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
tahoe rules
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
point and shoot, rock-solid cornering; total confidence inspiring.
Weaknesses:
not as good as WTB EpicWolf in sand
Similar Products Used:
i like trying new tires; many, many tires ridden
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jeckyl 800
Bottom Line:
see above. before putting this tire on the front,my fav. race tire was the WTB EpicWolf, which could handle almost anything well. but this Scorpion is absolutely confidence inspiring with it's cornering ability. I've never had a front tire that is so solid in the corners; fantastic for fast, twitchy singletrack and fast, hard, tight downhill cornering. now i need to find a rear tire that can keep up with this sucker!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: February 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bell Bird Dell
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Good all round tire. Works well in mud, dirt, pavement/road.
Weaknesses:
Does wear a bit on pavement/road.
Bike Setup:
Giant Yukon 05 Satin Black Hutchinson Scorpion Airlight 26x2.0
Bottom Line:
As i said before, great all round tire, just wears a bit on pavement and road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: February 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
great on loose stuff, loves the sand, grips well on trails both wet and dry and can take a battering
Weaknesses:
easy to lock and slides around on the road, slow down extremely fast when taking corners on wet concrete, seriously, i've stacked about twice already in the wet.
Bike Setup:
giant yukon 05'
Bottom Line:
pretty good tyres out on the trails but not much good when on road in the wet. Big knobs on side provide good grip when going down rocky slopes. If these tyres are the only option you have, then it's a good buy but have a look around 1st.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Atpaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Newcastle, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: October 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
It's been bucketting rain in Noah's-arc-environmental-disaster proportions here for the last week, non-stop, so I figured I'd give these tires another go now that the usual dry, dry hardpack has given way to slick, thick, slippery clay and mud. It's only fair that I try them out in what they were apparently designed for. :)
The rear end was skittish and all-too-keen to lock up on the slightly-downhill clay hardpack which had already dried out a little from the break in the rain. So far, not so promising... Roots and rocks were similarly good lock-up fodder.
Once I found some deep, thick clay/mud, I must say these tires really shined. They didn't flick (much of) it up at me, and they provided really outstanding traction, without getting caked up in the stuff. This clay usually ends up sticking so much that it gets scrubbed from your tires by your forks and frame, so that was a promising sign.
Low-speed climbing on wet, slippery mud surfaces was also remarkably confident-feeling.
So... Yeah, I kinda take back what I said before, though: (1) it's still not very good on anything which isn't thick mud, and (2) just what possessed Giant to select such a specialised tire to put on an off-the-shelf cross-country bike?!
Four chilis for its mud performance, I guess. The 1 chili in my old review is for the dry, loose sorta stuff. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david gray
a Racer
from Plano Texas Date Reviewed: October 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Johnson Brnach
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I must be odd man out based on previous reviews. I think this is one of the best tires I've run. Superb hook up and grip. I like the fact that they are fat which allows the use of lower air pressure making them both comfortable and sure gripping. The out side row of knobs are perfectly placed. I have been through several sets and are my hands down choice for an all around XC tire. I prefer running them tubeless. The soft rubber compound makes them grab on just about anything. They really shine in rock gardens.
Weaknesses:
Soft rubber does wear fast, an unfortunate trade off for sure footed grip. If you want a high mileage tire this is not it.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Kenda, IRC.
Bike Setup:
SFR xc.
Bottom Line:
I love the performance of these tires which I attribute to the soft rubber compound and perfectly placed far out side row of knobs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrae farr
a Weekend Warrior
from colorado springs, co Date Reviewed: September 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
several
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Stock tires on bike at time of purchase
Strengths:
Wet conditions were incredible especially cornering.
Weaknesses:
Wears to fast and very noisy on pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Continential Pro
Bike Setup:
Giant Rincon
Bottom Line:
Ive owned my Giant Rincon about 1 month and I do not like these tires. Ive ridden my bike about 50 miles within a month. The roaring sound is terrible on pavement. I almost wiped out going downhill on pavement. Speeds are not great either. Im ready to replace these tires. I do not recommend these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Harris
a Cross Country Rider
from Harrow, UK Date Reviewed: September 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any Chiltern hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Fitted new on Giant XTC2
Strengths:
Nice and soft over chattering rocks. Fat tyre & widely spaced knobbles gives quite good grip when you're sinking in the soft stuff, sheds claggy mud well. Not a bad back tyre.
Weaknesses:
Too soft over everything else, tread wears alarmingly quickly. All the problems seem to be at the front! Not bad on tarmac but heart stopping over white lines. Scary skating over wet roots! Impossible to pick a good route through the nadgery bits as the soft knobbles do the steering for you!
Similar Products Used:
Michelin WindGripper, Conti's, Vredestein, all cheap & cheerful stuff.
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC2 Axel Elite's, nicely balanced bike & I'm quite light. Tried one on my John Whyte JW2, same result.
Bottom Line:
I turned the front round so it rotated the 'wrong way' and front end grip improved - is this really just a back tyre?? Eventually I got so fed up I stopped I swapped the 'no make' front from an abandoned bike & it was better!! Probably fine for novices or casual cross-country tourists but well worth ignoring if you plan going airborne & getting home in one piece!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Atpaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Newcastle, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: September 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Glenrock Lagoon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Hadleys Cycles
Strengths:
Grippy on tar or clean, smooth hardpack Swims well in sand or mud-bottomed pedal-deep water
Weaknesses:
Waaaaaaaaaay too soft. Super-draggy. Wears too quickly. As soon as something loose (like a thin, harmless layer of dirt) gets between your tire and the hardpack, you're gone. :P
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC3 2004 w/ stiff spring kit
Bottom Line:
They came with the XTC3 I bought just recently, so no idea how they are for value for money. I've done 350 kilometres on these, about 100 of that offroad.
On road or clean hardpack clay/dirt with no loose material on top, they grip fantastically. Great control, even on wet roads. Just as grippy as my slicks. Unfortunately they're so soft that they're veeeeeeery draggy and slow, whereas my slicks roll like silken angel wings.
Unfortunately, off-road with a loose surface or very dusty conditions, they have about as much grip as my slicks would, or worse. :P Even small patches of dust on the tar bikepath will have you trembling in fear as your bike tries to low-side you time and time again.
Nice on grass or for "swimming" through sand-bottomed creeks. They grip submerged logs pretty well too.
But let's be realistic. If I wanted a good road tire, I'd use my slicks (and I do). The only place I won't find loose dust or gravel on a hardpack surface is the local velodrome. And after just 350 kilometres, my rear tire is bald in the middle - and it has -never- been skidded.
Wah. Good thing I didn't directly pay for them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Light weight, easy to get on/off rims.
Weaknesses:
Just about everything else. I haven't rode in mud with them, so that may be another strength.
Bike Setup:
Heckler
Bottom Line:
These stupid things don't grip for the life of them. They seem to wash out on every corner I go around. I have to step lightly to keep from wiping out. On uphill the rear tire spins like crazy (maybe because it wore out in a month) to the point of me having to get off the bike and walk. Don't buy these weak, piddley rubber bands.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach
a Cross Country Rider
from MD Date Reviewed: August 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
They came with my bike, so they were free. They shed mud well, into my face. They are somewhat grippy and seem to have a low rolling resistance. Easy to seat, at least on XM117 rims
Weaknesses:
I had 2 flats with these tires, both puncture type, probably due to the thin rubber and low knob height. They vibrate terribly when on any paved surface or even hardpack dirt. Poor grip on wet surfaces, hardpack, roads.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones AC (on my HT)
Bike Setup:
Stock Jamis Dakar XLT 1
Bottom Line:
Ok mud tires, other than that steer clear. There are better tires for $40, and even for half that. I'm giving it 3 chilis for value only because the tires came for free on my bike. Its sad that such an expensive bike comes with such crappy tires.
Don't try to use these tires on the road, the vibration is friggin annoying.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will T Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Valparaiso, IN Date Reviewed: August 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Outback @ Imagination Glen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Zim's Bike Shop
Strengths:
It clears mud well. On the front it seems to track well in wet to moist conditions.
Weaknesses:
They wash out easily on the rear and have ZERO grip on paved surfaces.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Stick-E, Panaracer Fire XC
Bike Setup:
Giant Yukon Disc
Bottom Line:
The tires came with the bike. I took them off almost immediately as they were washing out over pretty much anything. In fact I wiped out when I took it for it's first test drive at the bike shop.
I've given them a second chance as mude tires. And they do a decent job in slop. Though, in "just moist" conditions, the Stick-E on the rear works better.
I wouldn't buy these tires unless they were on closeout for $10. The listed price for this tire is absoluetly outrageous. Look for it to be included on a LOT of discount bikes just so Hutchinson can get rid of them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wild Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ute Valley Park, and Capn Jacks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came stock on Bike
Strengths:
None, other than it did not cause any pinch flats.
Weaknesses:
Tread wore out in less than two weeks (six rides) Terrible traction, control etc...
Similar Products Used:
Paneracer Fire XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Giant Rainer
Bottom Line:
This is absolutely the worse tire I have ever had. It's even worse than the used "no-name" chinese tire I got for two bucks while in Africa . What else can I say?? If this came stock on your bike then immediately replace it. I was very surprised with the poor quality of this tire. As a long time road bike rider, I always felt that Hutchinson made some of the best road tires on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip Mc
a Weekend Warrior
from Fremantle, WA, Australia Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Mt Gungin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Fleet Cycles
Strengths:
They're light. Roll fast.
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats to the point of being useless Poor grip in all conditions
Similar Products Used:
Pythons Specialised Roll-X Pro (great tire) Tioga Factory XC
Bike Setup:
Giant VT3
Bottom Line:
The tires came on the bike. I had them off within the first week. They're absolutely hopeless. I had a pinch flat on the ten minute ride home from the shop, then another two next day on a ride where I normally have no problems. And then yesterday, yet again another pinch flat. I have changed to Specialised Roll - X which I had on my last bike. I had Hutchinson Pythons on my last bike (XTC2) and I couldn't get them off quickly enough either. I've had nothing but frustration from these products. Try Specialised or Michelin. Also, when I get the tires off first time I notice Giant has put on the lightest and thinnest tubes known to man as stock. On a bike meant for pushing your limits. That's just pathetic, and really disappointing given how good the rest of the bike is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate Thibodeau
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint Louis Park, Minnesota USA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Blacktops
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bikemasters
Strengths:
Not Sure
Weaknesses:
Seam to wear quickly.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Giant Rincon '04 Summer Ed. Stock + cyclocomputer
Bottom Line:
These came on the bike. Iv'e had the bike for about 2 months and have put somewhere between 60-70 miles on it- 98% of the time on paved bike trails. They already show some wear, (more than I thought for such a new bike) but they look better if they are cleaned off with a wash rag. With all tires, more air makes it eaiser/faster on pavement. I have them at 75psi- max is 80psi. They do have a vibration and make noise on the tar-so their is a bit of resistance. They do very good on grass and regular(Moderiate) dirt. But on pavement, it takes more effort to get moving than it would if you had a tire that was meant for the road. Oh well. More effort means more exercise-which is what I REALLY need. As you can probably tell, I rarely ride on anything but pavement, but I got a MTB because I wanted the cabibility to go off-road if I found the cance and not be left out. Plus, you get much better/stronger components for your money. But like I said before, you get more exercise. Anyway,there just fine for someone like me and when they wear out, I'll simply get the best tire I can afford, or maybe the same ones- Who knows. Iv'e rated the VALUE as 5 Chilis because they came with the bike (I didn't have to buy them seprately)and 4 Chilis for OVERALL because my only concern is the wear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
oleg babich
a Weekend Warrior
from hightstown nj Date Reviewed: July 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
dirt and lots of it
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
holter cycle
Strengths:
they suck. made in france, those frogs. why cannondale puts them on their bikes is beyond me. they have no grip on any surface. given you do get use to them after 10 hrs. on a new bike, but they slide all over the place, no matter what the condition of the trail is. i like to go fast and the ruts that are left after the wet season are murder on the line of your choice, like fly out and land upside down on a part of the trail that i usualy fly through.
Weaknesses:
everything and they're made in france!!!!!!! they love to hate USA.
Similar Products Used:
tires that cost1/2 as much and perform a lot better
Bike Setup:
cannondale jakell 1000 stock, sweet ride
Bottom Line:
came stock on a bike. i would never by enything else from this company. got my first flat after 4 weeks of riding and i'm glad, now i can replace the tire without feeling bad about spending $ for a new tire before the old one is worne out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Grove , NY Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
NONE!
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING!
Similar Products Used:
Michelins, WTB, various models
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain ETSX-70
Bottom Line:
These are the worst tires I have ever used. I felt like I was riding on greased ice. Absolutely no control or tracking ability in any conditions. Hutchinson tires should consider recalling these tires for safety related reasons. I Came home from my first time out with the new bike and the next day found the front tire flat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray McCullough
a Weekend Warrior
from orillia ontario Date Reviewed: July 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
NONE
Weaknesses:
FLATS, ive have the tires for about 6 months now and used them for about the past 3 in my first ride i got a flat, and within the next 10 rides i got another 4 flats
Bike Setup:
2003 giant VT 2
Bottom Line:
These tires are crap i would not put them on my brothers kmart bike. Dont spend the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a Cross Country Rider
from Wpg Date Reviewed: June 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
None, perhaps looks.
Weaknesses:
They are loose in all conditions. You can light them up on pavement, they skid on hardpack, rocks make them shiver, and they don't do nearly what they claim in the mud.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC's, Smoke/Dart, Spec More Extreme, various others
Bike Setup:
2004 Jamis XLT 1.0
Bottom Line:
These are the OE Tires that came with my bike, don't waste your time buying them - they are junk.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Oceanside, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake, MI
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
???
Weaknesses:
Terrible. The rear cannot track a straight line. I have been riding hardpack and sand, and it can't handle it. The front gave me a flat on my third ride.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, Tioga Psycho
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock Jamis Dakar Comp
Bottom Line:
I am changing them as fast as I can. I am willing to put my 8-year old Tioga Psycho on my bike just to get some rideability. I will change the front when I get around to it, which means as soon as I get a second flat, if not sooner.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Ding
a Weekend Warrior
from colorado Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
a good one
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$8.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
Zero grip Wear out very fast Extremely noisy on roads
Bottom Line:
These tires are awful, I nearly died when cornering on a loose curve that I can normaly cruise through no problem with my other tires. I enjoy giving these tires a poor rating as they are CRAP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: May 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything off road
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
bought with bike
Strengths:
they keep the rim off the road/trail light rolls fast
Weaknesses:
noisy flats terrible squirm on the road poor grip in sydney conditions $$ flats
Similar Products Used:
tioga psychos, just bought some mutanoraptors for the rear
Bike Setup:
stock Giant VT3
Bottom Line:
don't buy these, they are CRAP! on road, they are noisy and i managed to get a flat!! on the trail, they bounce all over a rocky trail.... and once you let down the pressure, you get pinch flats they grip OK up hills no wet conditions here, so i can't comment they are wearing FAST! the worse thing is the instability on roads even at moderate speed... problem that translates to the hardpack... freaky! never experienced it to avoid wasting them, i'm using them on the front only... wish me luck
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chili B
a Cross Country Rider
from Seoul, Korea via Fl Date Reviewed: May 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything I can put my bike on
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
thye look cool. Roll well on asphalt, dirt.
Weaknesses:
Not good in sand, loose stuff or rock/gravel
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Giant AC3, stock except for Lizardskins protectors, and the Scorpions I just replaced.
Bottom Line:
These tires, don't last long. It been 2 months since i've had my bike and they have worn out. As one person said, alot of nice bikes are coming with these useless tires on them. Bottom line, if you purchase a bike and it has these on them, replace them BEFORE you leave the shop. They get 4 chili's for saving me money when I brought my bike (had to pay enough for my bike), and 2 chili's for holdingup till I got some more money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Trimble
a
from Houston, TX, USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
RHR or Reimer's Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Bike Nashbar
Strengths:
I put these tires on for a long cross country race in extremely wet, muddy, thunderstorm conditions at Rocky Hill ranch near Austin, TX. I was amazed at how well these tires performed under those conditions. I had amazingly good control on downhills and could climb very slick, muddy hills. Much better than other competitors with dry condition or dual purpose tires. They also didn't pick up the sticky, tacky mud that was there before the thunderstorms hit. I had no problems with flats running with normal tubes at 35 psi.
Weaknesses:
These are single purpose tires - they are not going to handle or wear well in dry conditions. They have a very noisy ride on hardpack or pavement.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchison Pythons, Continental Twister Pros, etc.
Bike Setup:
Giant MCM carbon dual suspension w/XT
Bottom Line:
Put these on when you have to race or ride in wet, sloppy, muddy conditions. Take them off as soon as it drys out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua Tree
a Cross Country Rider
from Joshua Tree, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Any climb
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came on Giant VT3
Strengths:
Fast on trails and roads.
Weaknesses:
Not aggressive enough for sand. While in sand the front tire will not steer and the back tire will not grab and power you through it. While riding hard pack, the front tire breaks free on fast coners, but then the large lugs on sides of the tires grab to stop your fall if your lucky. Spins out easily on gravel.
Similar Products Used:
None. Only large lug tires work on our dry loose terrain.
Bike Setup:
Giant VT3 Stock. Except replace these tires with IRC TrailBears and then WTB Motoraptors. These work well in sand and rock.
Bottom Line:
Rolling fast is of no value if there is not enough traction to keep a bike upright and moving. Very bad in sand. Weak cornering on hardpack at high speed. Spins out in loose rock. Broke a rib due to a spinout on a climb that I can always make and have ridden over 50 times. But, these tires were fast. Not recommended for areas where sand is unavoidable and high speeds are attainable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin Duckitt
a Cross Country Rider
from SAN SEBASTIAN Date Reviewed: April 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
ALL over SPAIN
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Stock
Strengths:
Good on rocks for climbing not much else
Weaknesses:
Does not do anthing for wet or mud as said broke my leg in a corner on a wet dirt road
Similar Products Used:
wet tires none
Bike Setup:
Connondale jekyll
Bottom Line:
Dont know what these where designed forI still dont know keeps mud and clogs up my chain with it really bad design does not work only to collect mu and only shed mud once you hit tarmac pretty useless. Dont buy thes tires look for something else if you are looking for mud tires conering non existing not even in dry conditions dont know what hutchinson was thinking with this tire first time I had problems with hutchinson. Will try the Spiders for all terain and send review as well as the continental sport tac for city riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tyler
a Cross Country Rider
from California Date Reviewed: April 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
China Camp
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Great uphill traction, good looks
Weaknesses:
below average cornering, horrible wear
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockster, Specialized Roll-X
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardrock Uno
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is this: Get these tires if you are racing uphill or that is mainly what you do, and you have money to burn. For everyone else, look elsewhere. So far, I've rode, maybe, 200 miles , and the rear tire is already almost useless, ground down to a pulp. Also, on tight turns, these tires can wash out pretty quickly
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew Protacio
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodbridge, VA Date Reviewed: April 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
stock on bike
Strengths:
they roll
Weaknesses:
traction, durability
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Scorpion, Panaracer Dart/smoke
Bike Setup:
2004 Jamis Dakar XC Comp
Bottom Line:
These tires really are for crap. They do not inspire any confidence in any riding condition. The second time I rode these tires I got a flat; after going 6 months on the Panaracers not getting a single flat. The one interesting thing about these tires is that they seem to come stock on some pretty nice bikes. Look through the reviews and most everyone has a really good ride. I guess the bike companies have to keep prices down somehow. Bottom line: If they didnt come on your bike, don't put them there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Kline
a Cross Country Rider
from Elmora, PA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The Earth and all on it
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Light, Mad traction.
Weaknesses:
Wears quickly. You'd think that if you can spend 40 dollars on a car tire and its rated for 50,000 miles, then why are these MTB tires retailing between 25 and 50 dollars not lasting a tenth of that. I have 500 miles on my scorps and they will last perhaps 500 more. Thats about 1000 miles for 40 bucks. No good tire manufacturers. You all need to do better.
Scorps are decent tires. Stans no tubes makes them better than most. I still have a problem spending big bucks for products that last only a few hundred miles. My raptors lasted about half again as long as these scorps. Unfortunatley, though, they are hard and unresponsive. As far as I'm concerned mountain bikes are high quality machines. With great value, and longeviety. What's up with the tires. Can anyone produce a supple long lasting tire. So far, No. I'll never pay retail for a mountain bike tire. Five bucks a tire is all any of them are worth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cory Sarafinchan
a
from Toronto, On. Canada Date Reviewed: March 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Don & Zoo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
NONE. They sound neat.
Weaknesses:
80 feet on muddy trails and I rip a 1 inch hole in the rear. Something cought a knobby and tore it from the tire.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Motoraptors 2.2
Bike Setup:
Giant VT2 With out the Hutchinson Scorpion Airlights.
Bottom Line:
These came with the bike. I rode home on paved roads. got out two day later to ride the trails. bike to the trails and get 80 feet into the muddy path. tore a hold in the tred. I scoured the area for anything sharp. nothing. Do not trush these tires. My LBS is ordering some WTB Motoraptors 2.2 like I had on my Warp. Thoes things lasted forever. *hopefully they fixed there sofe sidewall problem*
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ricci
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight, nice side graphics
Weaknesses:
Too lightweight
Similar Products Used:
Kenda
Bike Setup:
These tyres came stock on my Giant VT2 so I did not select them personally.
Bottom Line:
I must admit I have not noticed the poor traction as presented by the previous reviews but I certainly have had a massive increase with punctures, no matter what pressure I set in the tyres I get snake bites. Unfortunately Hutchinson tried to be too cutting edge with their technology and forgot the fundamentals that are important to most riders - to win first you must finish, or at least, the last thing I want to do is spend my time repairing flats.
I am definetly not purchasing these again I will look for something more robust like maxxis bling blings, I'm not too fussed if my bike gains a few more grams.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovenia Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with a bike
Strengths:
None!!!
Weaknesses:
Everything!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z-max
Bike Setup:
C-Jekyll
Bottom Line:
When I saw what tires are on my new bike, I already knew that I am going to change them as soon as possible. But I gave them a chance for couple of rides on all kind of terrains. What a horrible tire this is. Absolutely no grip on gravel and mud, easily slips on even soft snow. Not to mention that I have a lot of problems keeping the bike straight during higher speeds. Already changed with the same type of tires that proved to be very good on my previous bike, Ritchey Z-max.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Absolutely none!
Weaknesses:
Absolutely everything
Bike Setup:
2004 VT2
Bottom Line:
UNLESS YOU LIKE THE TASTE OF DIRT DON'T BUY THESE TIRES!!! Thankfully I didn’t buy these tires, they came with my VT2. Andy, don't waste your time waiting for mud! The first track was muddy and I had front and rear slides, at the same time, on a flat track. Next ride was a damp hardpack trail - lost the front going down an average slope more than once. I thought they were ok in the dry but was proved wrong yesterday. Fast descents down gravel fire trails feels like riding on ice with a slick - I was temped to chuck the tires and ride down on the rims for more grip.
Tried different pressures but doesn't help!
Bottom Line: Can't wait to get them off, glad I didn't (directly) pay for them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Perhaps mud?
Weaknesses:
Extremely POOR grip in any type of loose situation.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory XC, Panaracer Fire XC 2.1
Bike Setup:
Giant VT
Bottom Line:
These tyres came stock on my bike when i purchased it. After reading the poor reviews of this tyre in here i was tempted to immediately change them but decided to give them a chance and see how they performed. My greatest concern with these tyres is how quickly and unpredictably they break loose on any surface that is remotely loose. I have tried these tyres across a course i have raced on before using the Tioga Factory XC`s, and let the Hutchinsons basically oversteered and understeered all over the place, whereas the Tioga`s maintained a firm grip in all areas of this course. At low speed whilst negotiating corners i found the Scorpions to just break traction suddenly and before i knew it was cuddling the dirt. Different tyre pressures seemed to make no difference to the unpredicatability of these tyres, i`ve tried them from 30psi to 50psi and still havent found the grip to be any better in them. Hutchinson`s website claims these are mud/wet tyres, so perhaps in a muddy situation they may be okay, but in a country like Australia muddy trails arent that common so i cant give any rating on their wet/mud performance. 1 chilli each for these tyres... theres definitely much better tyres out there than these!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: November 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
(UST). Look great, nice colours, good traction on mud and rock when run at arount 32-35psi
Weaknesses:
Too thin, this is the only UST tyre I have managed to snakebite. Very weak at the rim, any damage or impact rights the trye off - I have put 2 out this way
Similar Products Used:
Continental Explorer UST, Vertical UST
Bike Setup:
Used on Intense Tracer with Marzocchi forks, now running VT with Fox and Continental
Bottom Line:
Avoid. Over priced underperformance. Too much attention has been paid to reducing weight rather than trying to create a robust, performance tyre
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Harris
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Marin, Wales
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Wiggle
Strengths:
Good cornering in packed sand
Weaknesses:
No traction in any other conditions
Similar Products Used:
Python's
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Toccoa, Fox Float fork
Bottom Line:
A real disappointment, as there was no grip over loose rocks or gravel. The tread also wore very quickly, which is poor for a premium tyre.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gee
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
The logo on the sidewall is cool looking!
Weaknesses:
Bad in mud, lets go easily in loose stuff, poor cornering....it's just a poor tire.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1
Bike Setup:
Jamis XLT 1.0
Bottom Line:
They do not shed mud and I swear the knobs on the lateral aspect of the tread have been placed too far out. Meaning, by the time the tire is in position to use them for traction it is too late....you are pushing that thing in most turns in any condition. I switched to the Panaracer and the difference was incredible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimmy T
a Weekend Warrior
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Conyers IHP
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Slip Easy, no traction in the sand or mud. Wear Easy. Wet roots will eat you.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory XC
Bike Setup:
Giant
Bottom Line:
I'm a hard weekend rider and I don't really care about weight, racing capabilities and all the other crap. The things really stink. I have had a bad experience every time I've gone out with these things. Buy anything else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a
from Hudson, Massachussetts Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Difficult to find any strengths in this tire.
Weaknesses:
Sidewall on both front and rear tires tore holes with minimal use. Front tire seems to push through any turn no matter what the conditions are.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, Michellin Comp Lite
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar Expert
Bottom Line:
Do not buy these tires. They came with my bike setup and I have never riden a tire with such poor construction and handling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JON
a Cross Country Rider
from TULSA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
WINDSOR - SANTA FE / TURKEY MTN TULSA,OK
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
***THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE UST**** LARGE VOLUME FOR ONLY 50 GRAMS MORE THAN THE AVERAGE - ALLOWS HARD IMPACT ON ROCK TO BE SOFTENED
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!NO TRACTION AT ALL, CAN ONLY USE AS A FRONT TIRE AND FOR RIDING ON ROCK - USELESS ON SOFTENED HARD PACK, SAND AND MUD (SHICH IT IS DESIGNED FOR)-***TREADS IS RIPPED APART AND ALL JAGGED FROM REGULAR ROLLING
Similar Products Used:
CONTI EXPLORER, PANARACER TRAILBLASTER (SEE MY REVIEW ON THESE) BONTRAGER JONES AC, BONTRAGER REVOLT - ALL THESE ARE TUBE TIRES
Bike Setup:
NRS WITH XT DISC AND ALL XT SET UP, MAVIC 3.1 UST RIMS
Bottom Line:
DO NOT WAST YOUR TIME - THESE ARE POSSIBLY NOT EVEN WORTH THE 25 BUCKS (HALF PRICE) - I REALLY CANNOT SAY ANYTHING MORE ABOUT THESE - THER IS NOTHING TO ADD - WELL, OKAY, THE GRAY STRIPES LOOK AWESOME - THERE'S SOMETHING NICE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rog
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Sotck on Jamis xlt 1.0
Strengths:
COmes on a great bike, fat
Weaknesses:
Bad gripping, washes out easily, I hear it wears down easily
Similar Products Used:
velociraptors (raptors are much better
Bike Setup:
Jamis xlt 1.0 (stock)
Bottom Line:
The tires are OK. Nothing special. I'm getting new ones soon cause these aren't too good. But hey, the get the job done. They do skid pretty easily, I really wouldn't suggest these. But on my bike these tires aren't even close to enough to ruin the Jamis's performance
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
simon wharton
a Weekend Warrior
from nottingham Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
coed y brenin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
grip on rocks, forward traction in mud
Weaknesses:
lateral traction in mud, punctures, fast wear rate
The soft compound is the key here I think. It provides great traction but ensures that they wear really fast. They drive the bike forwards in mud brilliantly but are hopeless at controlling lateral slide. They fell pretty light but I have had more thorn punctuers with them than in hte rest of my biking career to date - 7 on last Saturdays ride alone. They came free with the bike and I will not be buying another pair. The value rating below is if you have to pay the full asking price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Westridge Singletracks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Fast--good for straight fire roads, if that's all you ride...
Weaknesses:
Flats, flats and more flats. Corners poorly in loose stuff--sand, gravel, etc.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team, Panaracer Fire XC
Bike Setup:
'03 Giant NRS 2
Bottom Line:
I wanted to like these tires. I do believe that overall, Hutchinson make a good product. but their claim that this is a good all-around cross country tire strikes out. Inflate hard, corner fast and your front tire WILL slide out--I had to take loose or off-camber turns VERY carefully. Inflate soft for better grip and the first rocky section you hit--pinch flat. I must've flatted every two-of-three rides from pinching or from small thorns piercing the thin casing. That gets old really fast. Considered using tube protectors or Slime and then just decided, if I'm going to spend the money, might as well go back to the Panaracers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R.
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island N.Y Date Reviewed: August 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Ones with dirt & trees on them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Jenson.com
Strengths:
Light tire adds virtualy no weight and deos not effect the rims rotation at all, Decent in hardpack dirt normally found on well worn trails.
Weaknesses:
R O L L I N G R E S I S T A N C E!! big time you can feel them buzz as you ride, even in dirt they have high rolling resistance. 2.0 my a$$ these things are more like a 2.3 they are a tight fit on my rear chain stays. French need I say more. Very expensive As for the performance see below for the details :(
Specialized StumpJumper FSR XC With: Easton Ea 70 bars, Easton Ea 50 Stem, Mavic F219 Rims, curetly using WTB Weirwolf tires for severe conditins and Maxxis Mobster Front and Maxxis High Roller rear for general conditions, Thomson Elite seatpost, WTB Rocket V Race saddle, Shimano XT Cranks, Timae Attac Almin Pedels, and an XTR Rear Derailer to name a few.
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this, I can't find a use for these tires and I will soon try to sell them. They don't do what they are advertised for (DAMN FRENCH) they are not good in wet conditions and are pnly ok in dry. Dry means hard packed dirt not loose and loomy conditions I normally ride. For the name Scorpion they really suck in sand and for there side wall knobs they don't inspire to be ridden like my Maxxis's of my WTB's. As for there sizr these things are more like 2.3's than 2.0 and they are a tight fit in the rear on my bike. This makes it a very bad mud tire and as for mud they clog up and do not realese until they clear the muddy area itself and are back on fimilar terrain hardpack. Makes them not a very good all terrian tire like they are advertised on Hutchinson's site. Maybe Hutchinson should stick to road bike tires because what I can see from this site they aren't that good at Mountain Bike tires at all. I have had some pretty bad wash outs with this tire and would not reccomend them to anyone who wants to try something fun. All together between the rolling resistance, Bad traction, and an overly high price per tire they make it not worth the time and money. PEACE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clay Travis
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver,B.C.,Canada Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The Abyss
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
No tread life,crap in wet,horrible if you ride in rooty wet conditions or do any free riding.Outrageously expensive
Bottom Line:
They came stock on my Cannondale Jeckyll 1000.Tubeless rims need tubeless tires.Get a set of kevlar anythings, and some tubes.These are not worth it.If you can't afford to take a car ride to the trail, don't buy them.I got a combined 150km's out of my rear tire.Racer specific tire.Let someone else buy them for you.Or if you live in the desert.The North Shore Trails in Vancouver laugh at them
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: July 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Chi Ma Wan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with Bike
Strengths:
Not crazy about this tire at all.
Weaknesses:
lack of grip, really quick wear
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XCPro
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur, Full XT, Scorpions rubber front and rear
Bottom Line:
Although the front does alright, the rear just does not complement the ability of the bike to climb. It easily loses grip on grinding climbs. The wear on the rear tire has been surprisingly quick. Finally, this may be my own set up issue, but on pavement, there is a huge rolling resistance with the vibrations being felt through the bars and seat... not comfortable at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach
a Racer
from Port Hope,On,Canada Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hard Wood Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Bay Cycle
Strengths:
Fast on hard pack surfaces and grips really well in damp conditions.
giant xtc se 2 with time atc pedals,giant carbon seatpost, zoom carbon bars and 1.75 hutchison scorpion tires
Bottom Line:
Really fast rolling and grip really well in all conditions except lose sand
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Island, NY Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Pandora, Greenbelt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Decent tread design, Not too in wet soil and light mud, not total slop. Above avarage side wall knobs, No punctures so far.
Weaknesses:
Tire does plug in complete mud, does eject mud but you must be on hard pack or wet soil but will not eject in mud. Tire does slip in extrmely wet soil but no slid outs yet just have to know there limits.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Control, Team Master, Rockster pro, WTB Velicoraptors, Primal Raptors, Mutanoraptors (best dry soil tire so far) Panaracer Fire XC Pro.
Bike Setup:
02 Specialized StumpJumper FSR XC, W/ Easton EA50 stem, Easton EA70 Flat bars, Time ATTAC Almni Peds, Thomson Elite Seatpost, & all kinds of WTB And LizardSkin Goodies
Bottom Line:
This tire has it's place, it is NOT an all around tire as advertised by Hutchinson in their uses catagory (Damn French). First off I Am A big fan of WTB My favorites so far are the MutanoRaptors for dry condition of any type thes hook up like crazy. I started off looking for a good mud tire and everywhere I looked the Weirwolf 2.14 was sold out, With a spell of extremly wet weather coming to Long Island I felt I needed a good wet weather tire and the Mutano's are not very good in wet (too closely spaced knobs) One of the guys I work with told me these are not too bad around here, Well they aren't that bad if you use them right: First they are a wet soil tire NOT A MUD TIRE if your looking for a mud tire look elsewhere like the Maxxis Swampthings. They will plug in mud but will shed it once they are out of the mud not while in it. Two they must be inflated to the right pressure use about five to ten pounds lighter than normal use your wieght ase the decision on how soft to avoid rim damage. Thre and finally Mud is softer and harder to get traction unless your using a full mud tire and not one designed for wet soil you will not get the optimal traction your looking forIf you looking for a tire to run in mud all the time look to Maxxis and WTB Either the swampthings of the weirwolves for wet soil and some mud not slop but light mud these are good. Three chil's for value due to the fact I got em on sale and they are decent but do not do what they are advertised on Huchinson for Three chli's PEACE!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matjaz
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovenia Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Couldn't find any
Weaknesses:
On rear wheel it has no grip no matter what kind of terrain I'm riding: hard ground, dry roots, wet roots, rocks, snow, mud. On front wheel it couldn't keep direction in hardpack snow. WTB Velociraptor was 10 times better in the snow. Wears out very quick.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory XC, Hutchinson On The Rocks, Michelin Wildgripper, WTB Velociraptor
Bike Setup:
Stock on Giant NRS 4
Bottom Line:
I don't know, what terrain would be suitable for these tires. These are the worst tires I ever had. Bad grip and bad traction. After 500 km rear tire had lost almost half center knobs although there was almost no riding on pavement, mostly forest, and no skidding. I switched these tires for Tioga Factory XC, which perform much better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
trevorM
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
- Good front tyre no matter what the condition. (Pair up with a python in the rear and you have a fantastic combo. - Big ass volume and tread
Weaknesses:
- 2.0 Version measures a 2.2 which is no good for mud - Not very inspiring at all
Similar Products Used:
Python Airligh, Python UST
Bike Setup:
2002 Giant NRS 2, XTR Cranks, BB, Cassette, Rear mech, Levers, XT Fron Mech, Hayes Disks, Answer Hyperlight Carbon bars, American Classic Hubs, Stans No Tubes
Bottom Line:
I am very confused with this tyre. I can never gain a good insight as to whether or not this is suited to dry hard conditions, rocky terrain or wet conditions. I love it as a front tyre with a Hutchinson Python in the rear but when I am running two scorpions I am very unsure. The rear tends to feel like it all over the place - even in mud. Just doesnt inspire to go as hard as fast as possible.
I am going to give them one more chance running a pair of them on my bike - otherwise I think I will keep them as a front only tyre and run them as I have done in the past.
On other thing to note is that they run with Stans system very well indeed. No need for an air compressor - just slip them on with a little latex inside - some soapy water on the rims/tyre bead and pump up to 23-35psi and your set.
Price in Australia for the Gold Elite version is downright awful ($50us) So not the greates value. Overall rating is mixed but I think I will meet half way on this one as it is a GOOD front tyre
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devin
a Weekend Warrior
from Arvada, CO Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
hall ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
width
Weaknesses:
poor grip on fast cornering or on loose climbing
Similar Products Used:
wtb
Bike Setup:
jamis xlt 1.0 full xt drivetrain
Bottom Line:
this tire doesn't instill confidence on fast turns and doesn't grip especially well in loose dry dirt on climbs. it also wears kinda fast. i've ridden around 100 miles, all trail, and there's quite noticeable wear on the rear knobbies, athough no pinchflats yet. still looking for a good light fat tire . . .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Powderface
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came on the bike
Strengths:
seem OK on Hardpack and rocks, light
Weaknesses:
horrible in mud
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Jamis XLT 1.0
Bottom Line:
I havent had an opportunity to test these tires out on a lot of hardpack and rock but I am taking them off anyway. Conditions are wet right now (spring) and a little icy in spots. These tires perform very poorly in mud and when there is a little mud and logs, or branches to tackle they are useless. I cant hook up on muddy climbs, and the front end plows through the mud instead of rolling. They also didnt shed the mud well.
IRC Mythos are much cheaper and perform better all around. I'll be putting on the Panaracer Fire XC, they last longer than the IRC and are a better all conditions tire than the Scorpion, but the IRC are still an excellent choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas Date Reviewed: June 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any and all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Great traction on hardpack and slickrock, light weight
Weaknesses:
Durability, puncture resisitance.
Similar Products Used:
velociraptors
Bike Setup:
2k2 Jamis Dakar Comp (stock)
Bottom Line:
Bottom line depends on where I'm riding. When I was on the slickrock of Moab these things rocked! They grabbed onto that sandstone and didn't want to let go. Back home in Texas is a different story, they are great as long as I'm on hardpack, but I have had several puncture flats in the short time I've had them, highly annoying. Switching back to the tires on my old hardtail. I'll keep the scorp's for urban riding, but if you ride anywhere with lots of thorns or small sharp rocks make sure to carry and extra tube and patch kit. 3 Chilis overall, 2 chilis for Texas, 5 for Moab, but since I live in Texas 3 overall
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from VT Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
www.velostore.com direct from France
Strengths:
This review is for the 2002 UST model. UST holds air well, open profile sheds well.
Weaknesses:
Round profile, skiddy cornering, a little 'seeky.'
Similar Products Used:
Nokian boazobeana, many, many others
Bike Setup:
Very nce I drive, full custom part kit.
Bottom Line:
This Scorpion is OK. I went to this from a Nokian boazo, which was a tough trade...UST for the superior design of the Nokian. The Scorpion has a noticable rolling resistance, and since it's profile is very round, it kind of boinks off things easily (seeks). I can correct for this w/ my shock, but should not need to. While it does not inspire confidence in cornering (the nokian really does), I have yet to have it totally blow, so maybe it's not all that bad. I am becoming accustomes to sort of a controlled front/rear minor skid thru corners on loose terrain. The thing holds air on my Crossmax's like you would not believe though. Amazing. Good price...$25 from France direct. Check out Franck@velostore.com for superior pricing on French equipment (like MAvic wheels...).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any cow path will do
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
$40.00 at Ride-a-Way Bikes
Strengths:
Straight off, I couldn't believe how well they rolled, Unbelievable. They also dig in and climb, not to mention cornering and overall control. I'm pleased. The lite weight side wall seems to flex and help the tire bite and corner.
Weaknesses:
I suspect the tire will wear; however I don't really care as long as it performs and lets me ride to my potential.
Similar Products Used:
The bike came with Tioga Factory XC 1.95,s
Bike Setup:
Kona Cinder Cone. Mostly stock but with a new XT derailer and Time ATAC pedals.
Bottom Line:
I don't have years of experience in Mountain biking, but these tires have improved my capabillities as a rider in the short time I've owned them - better than the Tiogas. Don't under estimate the importance of tires and proper inflation when choosing a bike or determining its' setup. Perhaps they are one of the most important things.This is something I think every rider has to learn for himself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: April 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything with lots of rocks/drops
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
hammerheadbikes
Strengths:
traction, fast rolling, fat
Weaknesses:
wear fast
Similar Products Used:
all
Bike Setup:
Hammerhead 100x
Bottom Line:
very, very nice tires.. fat, roll fast, hook up great in a variety of conditions only downside is that they don't last a long time, no ripped off knobs but just wear.. but that's the price you pay for such a tacky compound.. you want it all eh? light, fast, traction, float? well, you gotta pay for the increased traction with relatively low knob height with a tacky compound think of a race car with low durometer tires... they stick but they won't last all year...
great tires
Charles Hammerheadbikes.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm Date Reviewed: April 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, good side grip and they work in the mud. Low weight
Weaknesses:
Have had one pinch flat after 150 km, but after that everything was OK
Similar Products Used:
Tioga XC
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F800 with Lefty fork
Bottom Line:
A very good low weight tire with low rsistance and grip when you need it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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