Rolling resistance is a poison that burns your lungs and drowns you quads in lactic acid. In that spirit we offer the Mythos XC Slick, a low profile, speed-inducing elixir that eliminates rolling resistance as quickly as it eliminates other members of your XC field. Includes the flat-resistant PFR System, light but strong CAF Casing and ground grabbing Hybrid tread compound. Click on the image to the left for an enlarged photo showing tread detail and related product specifications
Submitted by
javier
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas, Venezuela Date Reviewed: June 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Cheap, relatively light
Weaknesses:
Vibrates when ridden on pavement, unprecise cornering on the road
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC II, WTB Velociraptors, Kenda Kharma & Klimax
Bike Setup:
Cannondale f700sx, XTR drivetrain, lefty
Bottom Line:
Although it should ride smooth, it vibrates a lot on pavement when compared to other 1.95 wide tires (I use 40psi) and the tire looks square when looked at when ridden. Perhaps higher pressure could round the tire a little and run smooth.
Cornering on pavement is scary. The high lateral knobs is problably the origin of such road instability. Be careful when cornering on pavement.
On the other side, those high lateral knobs make the tire perform surprisingly well for a semi-slick on hardpack, whether you are climbing or descending.
Bottom line: good tire for hardpack, not so good tire for pavement. Value rating based on cheap price. Otherwise it would have been 3.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wv_bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Almost Heaven Date Reviewed: March 31, 2009
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Price Point twofer d
Strengths:
Cheap, light, fast rolling
Weaknesses:
Some buzz
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey SpeedMax
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Single Speed conversion
Bottom Line:
I hope I'm not jinxing myself, but I've put about 200 miles on these tires and they're working fine for me. No sidewall blowout, no unexpected breakaway when cornering. I admit, I got them to break loose once, on grass, but I had to try to make it happen.
If you're like me, riding a combination of pavement and smooth dirt, these tires are worth a shot, especially at the pricepoint twofer price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cpad007
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: September 12, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Priceline
Strengths:
Nice rolling on pavement/asphalt/hardpack gravel
Weaknesses:
Cornering!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hemisphere, IRC Mythos Slick
Bike Setup:
2005 Trek 6500 and 6700
Bottom Line:
I'm a pure commuter on my MTB and 2/3 of my commute is on paved trails and 1/3 is on hard-packed gravel. I like the speed (i.e. low rolling resistance) on the street and hardpack but the knobbies also come in handy on the hardpack where the gravel/dirt piles up here and there and they also work well in the rain on the hardpack. I've read about side walls blowing out on these but I've used these tires for 3+ years and have never had such a problem. I've simply worn them out and am on my 4th or 5th set. I do about 6000 miles per year. I love these tires and Priceline's 2 for $20 is a fabulous deal although lately, the price has been bumped to 2 for $30.
Yes, cornering is BAD with these on the street. Don't take it too hard or you will lay down when the rear wheel breaks free on you. You just need to learn the limits and you'll be fine. Of course, full knobbies are just as bad on the street, too, so this shouldn't be a shock to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave S
a Weekend Warrior
from Franklin.NH, USA Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Winnepesaukee River Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Inexpensive; didn't get a chance to check out the actual funcition
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls. Mine ripped open while inflating it, which also ruined the tube. It wasn't even up to 40 psi yet!
Bike Setup:
Elderly full suspension Mongoose.
Bottom Line:
I needed new tires and couldn't resist the "twofer" at Price Point- two Mythos XC Slicks for $24.98. Take it from me: Resist the twofer. The sidewall ripped open with an odd "skraunnch!" noise while inflating it. It hadn't even reached the minimum pressure of 40psi. The damn thing took my new tube with it when it decided to commit suicide. I'm a heavy guy and what if this tire had let go on the trail instead of on my front porch? I'd have certainly endoed and might be typing this from a hospital bed!! A crappy product and a crappy value. Next time I'll spend the bucks at my LBS for a tire that can actually be looked over.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: April 1, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance. Fairly quiet and smooth on the road. Light. CHEAP as heck. $25 for two.
Weaknesses:
Makes me nervous cornering on the road, tires had a weird whitish look.
Bike Setup:
Specialized
Bottom Line:
So far I like these tires. I upgraded from worn out Hutchinson pythons. These have less rolling resistance and do not vibrate as much as the pythons. I primarily ride on pavement however, and these tend to seem shady when cornering. It feels as if I am going to slide out which is scary, but I haven't. I think the large knobs on the side are the reason. If you are looking for an off road slick, these are great. If you are looking for an on road slick, make sure you consider the cornering habit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra Date Reviewed: December 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Majura Pines
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Note - this review is for the Japanese made tyre with red sidewall - not the cheapie black sidewall Taiwanese tyre.
It is fast on the flats and climbing when seated. Very predictable cornering.
Weaknesses:
It is narrow for a 2.1 and slips a bit when climbing out of the saddle.
Trek with Easton, Salsa, WTB Devo, Reba Team and Crank Bros.
Bottom Line:
This tyre is best described as a hardpack rather than semi-slick tyre. It works well in those conditions.
Get the Japanese made (red sidewall) tyre, use it for hardpack and loose over hardpack and you will love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wull
a Racer
from Hollywood, FL, US Date Reviewed: September 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, low price
Weaknesses:
Quality control -- defective sidewalls.
Nonexistent customer support
Similar Products Used:
Velocipraptors, nanoraptors, Kharsima Lite II
Bottom Line:
See earlier review. Sidewalls failed twice on road when new. Since that review, circumstances led me to put one of these I already had on the bike. Sidewall failed in first 10 meters of riding. It was on level, clean pavement.
I AGAIN tried customer service -- emails to address I was given bounced and the company rep at the original email address ignored my requests for an up to date email address. Pathetic
I will keep two chilis for value just because they are quite inexpensive, but that is being generous given the failure rate I have experienced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
specterss
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovenia Date Reviewed: March 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
avoid any trail with these ...
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
came with the bike
Strengths:
Well they are not loud and you can ride economicaly when profile goes off. Aint heavy. It feels very good when you throw them in trash.
Weaknesses:
- not for downhill roadrunners or cross-country (will cost you life!) - not for hot weather/road (becomes too soft and loses air) - not for rain conditions - not for fast manevours - not durable - vibrations when new, a little better when profile goes off, but then it soon feels like riding on eggs or on ballon. Helps if you inflate more, but then it loses air. - only up to 4BAR. - bad brakeing and looses ground - DON'T brake too late or look where you will fall. - take corners at least 10km/h slower than usual. You can catch up driving uphill or on straight road.
Similar Products Used:
By category, they should be similar to other slicks (Michelin WG Sprint, Jet/XC, some no-names), but in praxis.. F-
Bike Setup:
Wheeler 4900 2001, deore complete and cheap RST front suspensor. (yea I lived with them for 4 years, but this bike was my second bike for 3 years).
Bottom Line:
The first ride with new bike with this s**t on 2km hard road. On first 90degree corner, i almost lost the road... Thanks god noone came around. On second day I push a little harder on downroad, 150 degree corner and make it only 30 degrees and ended in F**king bushes!!. There were some time I forgot that I didn't have good old WG Sprint which never failed me on these usual "test" routes. When used for XC, well they go until there is a little wet or you push a little more than slow, you won't be happy. And don't brake hard. Try to avoid racing with this s**t.
If you can choose, don't buy these. They are the worst tires I use since baby bike. This thing is for: 1. those who have a bike and don't ride it (and don't have white walls) 2. maby for those who are making easy ride on county side on perfect weather conditions. 3. for suicide missions (don't blame me)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida, US Date Reviewed: December 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Low price, low rolling resistance but still ok in sand
Weaknesses:
Sidewall. Durability
Similar Products Used:
Nano- and velociraptors
Bottom Line:
I am an adventure racer who does longer (12 hours and up) events. In those races, hardpack is the majroity of the biking, but there is plenty of sugar sand and often some pavement, with perhaps 8-10 miles of single-track thrown in, so I want a tire that is efficient where I will be spending most of the riding time and will not get me killed on the technical stuff. This tire does strike that balance well. That is why I have been using this model for over 2 years. However, I have twice in the last few months had the sidewall on a new tire fail while simply riding on level pavement. I notice that the reviews from 2006 are not very positive. I tried to contact the company, was told to e-mail them in Japan only to have my e-mail bounce. I am hoping that the company will fix this problem as I liked the product a lot before. Although price is low, having to walk home dampens my enthusiasm a lot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Oneonta, NY Date Reviewed: November 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Absolutely nothing!
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats, loud vibration, doesn't hold air.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Trek 3700-Easton bar, Sette stem, Deore rear derailleur, KORE pedals, Richey grips, Bontrager cmz saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is a warning. This tire sucks. It vibrates like crazy, doesn't hold air, and flattens if you look at it funny. I used this tire once and wound up walking home. Took it off and put my Bontragers back on which have huge knobbies but still roll better. A bad tire. Because of this experience I'll never buy IRC products again. They should be embarassed for selling such a crap product. Complete waste of money. If you like it it's because you've never rode on anything else. You've been warned. Learn from my mistake. Avoid this tire and IRC! ps: I'm not one to usually bi@#$h like this but I really do feel totally ripped off, even for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mak
a Weekend Warrior
from Longmont, CO Date Reviewed: September 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
PWS - secret spot
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Cheap and very light weight.
Weaknesses:
Everything else. I bought these tires to replace the stock Kona knobbies, thinking they would ride a little smoother. WRONG. The vibration is terrible on the street, way worse than my offroad tires. Further, I have had 3 flats in a month with these (all road riding, just the occasional goathead). Taking the same route, I have NEVER had a flat with other tires. I am ready to throw them in the trash.
Similar Products Used:
Kona stock tires.
Bike Setup:
Kona Caldera 2000, pretty much stock.
Bottom Line:
Don't waste your money on these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Bismarck Date Reviewed: June 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
MDH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Weight, smooth rolling
Weaknesses:
narrower than expected
Similar Products Used:
michelin semi slick
Bike Setup:
kona four bar with mostly xt, rhino lite wheels
Bottom Line:
If you ride in areas with dry packed trails, yuccas and sage brush this tire will make you smoother and faster than a typical knobby. If you have moisture, rocks and diagnal roots this tire will get you hurt. These climb much better than I expected and roll so nice. I would highly recommend this tire for predictable conditions in the middle of summer when it is dry and buffed out, but I am also anxious to try them in adverse conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Holland
a Cross Country Rider
from Essex County, NJ Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Nasbar.com
Strengths:
Excellent slick, bought for a sponsored road ride of 60+ miles and rode against other rode bikes with ease. Also still look like mtn tires so look good
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
used specilised fatboy skiiny tyres for same road ride last year and whilst no rolling resistance they were too skinny (looked stupid) and no good in wet as no tread
Bike Setup:
5 year old hand built aluminium with shimano stx and mavic rims
Bottom Line:
Excellent, highly recommeded for any mtn bikers thinking of using their bike for some road riding
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Town Park (an urban jewel)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Best all-terrain/pavement tire I've found, smooth riding, fast on hardpack, doesn't wear out quick on pavement
Weaknesses:
Minor stuff- could have lower rolling resistance on pavement, not the best in mud- but won't leave you stranded either
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor, Bontrager semislick, other generic stuff
Bike Setup:
Haro V3- RockShox seatpost, other goodies
Bottom Line:
While I love my WTB Velociraptors for the trail, they are so rough on pavement they will stress the fillings in your teeth. I wanted an all-terrain tire I could ride 4+ miles on pavement to the local MTB park, hit the trails hard, & ride home again. This XC Slick hit a home run for me. Great speed & grip on hardpack, with reasonable traction in other conditions. Although this is not a mud tire, these babies gave me decent grip during a recent ride on an unexpectedly sloppy singletrack which left another rider's semislicks screaming for their Mommy. (Translation- I rode while they mostly walked & constantly grumbled)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland Date Reviewed: June 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
durable, light
Bottom Line:
The tire has lasted well. I haven't used it exclusively over the past two years, but I've used it in cross country and road. It does exactly what it's described as "semi-slick". I find it to be a good tire if you are on the road and dirt a lot, preferably semi hard pack.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Stonington Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Someone here earlier wrote that these tires allow you to climb like a scalded monkey...I'll second that! Just got back from a week in Moab, bought these specifically for the trip. Never missed a move because of tires breaking out. They stick to the rock, and in hardpack very well. In sand, if you can drive them in the middle ring, you can fly, until your legs give out.
Weaknesses:
They will really wash out on you quick if you hit a loose patch at speed; not so good on small gravel or loose cobbles.
Bike Setup:
Proflex 856, Marzzochi fork, various Shimano hardware.
Bottom Line:
Rode the whole week with them in Moab. Held up very well, no flats, no tires breaking free, little slippage breaking downhill. I'd recommend them, especially for those who are on the lighter side (<150 lbs).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
billy smith
a Cross Country Rider
from renton Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
forplay
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
a horrible bike shop
Strengths:
soo fast, very light weight, handle compact stuff very well, i havent tested them in the loose but they hold well in high speed
Weaknesses:
side walls are thing to save weight bad for pinch flats, uness your running tubless
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire sc pro
Bottom Line:
gooo tires, especially if your looking for a semi slick, seem to handle really well havent ridden in wet stuff yet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: April 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
One I'm on
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on Bike
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance. Light. Great on hardpack. Strong enough to withstand fair pounding from roots and rocks.
Weaknesses:
None.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail
Bottom Line:
These tires work great for what they're made to do. I ride a lot on a nice hardpack trail and, when it has rained and I don't want to mess up the trail, I ride on a paved bike path for exercise. This tire is a good compromise that works well on both. I weigh about 190 lbs. When on the paved path, I inflate front and rear to 60 PSI. When riding the hardpacked singletrack, I let the PSIs down to about 50 in the rear and 45 in the front. I've had no problems with these tires other than occassionaly picking up a piece of glass on the paved path. I travel to Colorado a couple times a year for mountain bike "vacations" and switch out to a heftier tire when I do, but when I get back to OKC, I put the IRCs back on. Bottom line - use tires for what they're intended. It's okay to own several sets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
barrie mcdonald
a Cross Country Rider
from victoria bc canada Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
the galloping goose trail
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
chain chain chain victoria bc
Strengths:
this tire is a grate one!i have them on for 3 years.thay are a all year tire.allso grate for singel trak.hey alisen sidor won the 1997 catis cup on them!its the best on hard pack.
Weaknesses:
the only bad expirance is that blakberry thorns are its only nemise.
Similar Products Used:
continentels leader pro and gollieth.
Bike Setup:
1996 kona fire mtn,race light.xc shram brake leavers and liner brakes. no suspention.24 lbs total.
Bottom Line:
if you like too go fast,these are the one.im 165 lbs so i enflate them too 45 front and 47 for the back. i have geat time on the tires.im on my second set and the side wall is black insted of red.so they look even kooler.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Rapids, MI Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Good multi-purpose tire. Works well on paved trails and dirt - just change the air pressure.
Weaknesses:
None yet.
Bottom Line:
These tires came on a bike I bought and I couldn't be happier. I figured I'd have to replace them because I didn't think they's hold up on rough trails, but I was pleasently surprised at their performance and durability. Just add some air and they work great on paved bike paths and the road.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gena Crocodile
a Weekend Warrior
from Castro Valley, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lake Chabot Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Light, low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
One or two flats each ride. These things pick up thorns like you wouldn't believe. I've been through four sets of tubes with these tires and I'm done with them. I;ve used several other dual-purpose tires, and while these do perform well in the dirt, I spend more time fixing flats than I do riding.
Similar Products Used:
Avocet ATB semi-slick, CyclePro Kevlar slick.
Bike Setup:
Mongoose with AMP suspension.
Bottom Line:
Don't buy them. They're being discounted in a lot of places, but you'll pay back everything you save in new tubes and aggravation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
pp
Strengths:
cheap, rolls
Weaknesses:
everything
Bike Setup:
Access,Pyslo,XTR,X317
Bottom Line:
Do not buy these tires if you are a bigger guy. They flex, almost coming off the rim, under hard cornering. The only way to correct this is by cranking up the air pressure, putting your rim in jeopardy. I know this may be a result of the 1.9 width, but you shouldn't crap your pants when going through corners. If you weigh 200+, dont buy them.
value-1 for crappy flex; overall-3 for cheap price, maybe good for smaller,softer riders
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Feragola
a Cross Country Rider
from Orange County (NY) Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
El Diablo de la Bosque
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Wear quality is excellent, Good traction in any condition, Look good, Cheap, The perfect compromise between Pavement and Dirt.
Weaknesses:
For what they are intended for these tires do the job as well as any other Semi Slick I have seen.
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Pro Zero G2, XTR Chain movers and shifters Mavic 223 disc wheels, Deore Mech disc brakes, Race Face Turbine crank, Fox R lockout rear airshock.
Bottom Line:
If you ride Mostly in the dirt but somtimes venture onto paved ground, these tires are for you. If you ride mostly on paved ground but can't help getting down in the dirt once in a while then these tire are for you. If you never, ever leave the pavement then you still wont be disapointed but would be more satisfied with a slick tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnny_boy
a Weekend Warrior
from Reading, UK Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone
Bottom Line:
These tyres have really impressed me. Good speed on hardpack/road, predictable handling and they seem reasonably tough too. Even in mud I get surprising amounts of grip out of them. Probably better for the back wheel than the front though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Brampton, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hardwood Hills, Caledon Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Great rolling resistance, smooth ride, great handling, awesome traction considering they're semi-slicks
I purchased this product in August on the recommendation of a LBS, and I intended to use it strictly for races. I liked the tires so much that I only took them off in mid-October because the trails got too muddy. They handle great in all the conditions that I've used them for - hardpack, loose stuff and even sand. So far I'm very impressed with IRC's products. I'll be likely purchasing IRC's mud tires as well, since my Panaracer's don't work at all for me in muddy conditions. I would definately buy another set when my current ones wear out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from North Richland Hills, Tx. Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Grapevine Bike Center
Strengths:
Great at everything, corners better than my Conti Explorer Pro, much faster, excellent climbing ability due to the design of the "scoops" of the middle tread if reversed for the rear. Up Front, Very trust worthy tire, brakes well, and of all the other tires I've tried, these are the best I've tried so far.
Weaknesses:
wears quicker than normal if ridden to work everyday, but that's going to happen to anything, except a full Slick
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Mt. Baldy.....save your money on this one Ritchey Speedmax....not enough traction where needed
Bike Setup:
'01 Sugar 1 frame, Bontrager Race lite Tubeless wheels, Race Face Cranks, BB, Time Pedals, CT-2 H-Bar, IRC Mythos Slick tires, XTR everywhere else, SRAM 9.0 SL brake levers...very sweet, cheaper than XTR and work just as well.
Bottom Line:
This tire has my full attention on everything, there is only one place where this tire sucks... which everytire I know of would suck here and not have traction.. Wet Limestone and wet roots, everywhere else.. this tire rocks, it's not a superfast semislick that sacrifices everything for speed, it's got a little bit of everything, high side knobs for cornering lo profile center knobs, if reversed the center knobs have tiny "scoops" to rip apart any terrain you throw at it. Go Ahead, Show this tire what your made of, It'll show you it'll take every little bit you have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
choking victim
a Racer
from canada Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
traction (for a slick)
Weaknesses:
speed (for a slick)
Similar Products Used:
ritchey speedmax hutchinson python michelin sprint/comp s
Bike Setup:
99 specialized s works M4 sid SL 517s XTR
Bottom Line:
i hate to contrast with some of the glowing reviews below....but there is nothing really exceptional about this tire. It is horribly slow (for a semi slick) on real hardpack. just roll the bike along some pavement and feel the vibration. I find my ritchey speedmax much faster and it dosn't give up anything in real semi slick conditions. In conditions where this tire shines-there are few-like dry packed loam..a tire like a python or a comp s will destroy this tire. I can only see this tire excelling as a general purpose slick if there is such a thing. and thats only compared to other semi slicks. if you want a speedy ride everywhere and decent traction(everywhere) as well check out a python or michelin comp s.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dean
a Weekend Warrior
from Charleston, SC Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Its an IRC. With over 4000 miles on IRC tires I have been very impressed at the longevity and handling of them. This is my first experience with the slicks and I am still very impressed. They do hold tight and have sufficient tread for gripping dirt climbs.
Weaknesses:
Don't know yet.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC pro
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super V, Headshock Moto Fork, Cane Creek AD-10 Rear Shock, XT drive train and brakes, Time Atac Alium pedals, Monkey Lite CT-2 Riser Bar
Bottom Line:
Awesom
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BikeFab
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, sheds mud fairly well. Insanely fast on hardpack.
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats routinely. I won't ride across the street without a spare tube and patches. Performs very poorly in rocky conditions, which is mostly what Colorado trails are like, here
Similar Products Used:
IRS Mythos XC, Continental, Panaracers
Bike Setup:
Independant Fabrication
Bottom Line:
If you ride mostly (read: exclusively) hardpack conditions, this tire screams to be used. I've only ridden it in the rear, but have seen others running a pair in front and back. Again, hardpack only. It tends to slip off of the side of really abrasive rocks and flats constantly in rocky country, regardless of PSI. If you ride rocks (or mud, control is a fantasy with this tire in mud) look for something else like the Kujo or the Mythos XC. Five for the value, five for the performance. It's not the tires fault I favor the hard stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Warren G
a Racer
from Perth West Oz Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
There all favorites
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Wembley Cycles
Strengths:
I'm reveiwing the 1.95 version. Light weight (495 grms) on my electronic scales. Unbelievable drive speed with such low rolling resistance. I havn't had any problems with pinch flatting to date (I'm racing this tire at 40-45 psi) Surprisingly good traction for a tire with so few knobbies.
Weaknesses:
This product has no weakness when used for its intended purpose.
I'm surprised this tire dos'nt feature more prominately at World Cup level. Certainly the fastest tire I have ever run.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric K.
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN. USA Date Reviewed: December 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Bloomington River Bluffs
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
City Cycle (out of business)
Strengths:
I purchased these tires for mostly hardpack sand/dirt since most of my riding is near the Mississippi river. The nice thing about them is that they can't load up with sand or mud. They feel extremely fast on hardpack. With the rust wall, they really look cool on my bike! I ride the 2.1 version.
Weaknesses:
Unfortunately when you run them at 50psi like I do, you tend to experience unpredictable slippage through cornering. I've never had any pinch flats though. I purchased mine through a bike shop a couple years ago and felt they were a bit expensive at $50.00 per tire. I will say though... they appear to be one of the best semi-slick tires available with the most traction.
Bike Setup:
AMP Research B3 F4 combo. Chris King headset. Raceface rings on LX components. Gripshift with Avid Arch Rival brakes. Lots of Ti and Aluminum fasteners. 23.8lbs.
Bottom Line:
I feel they are the best semi-slick tire available. Even though unpredictable for me under heavy cornering, I believe a lower tire pressure would correct the problem. I just like to have as little rolling resistance as possible with as much grip as possible. I've had no problems climbing with these tires. I've even out climbed others with nobbies. That may come from my seat being 3.5 inches over my bars though. I strongly recommend these tires more so for the current prices in mail order. Even without the lower price.... I would still buy them again.
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Submitted by
Jan Myburgh
a Weekend Warrior
from Pretoria , South Africa Date Reviewed: November 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fairly good traction for a semi slick; Good stopping power; Very good on hardpack;
Weaknesses:
Scary in high speed rocky corners (you could have guessed that one); Snakebites quite easily
Diamond Back Vertec Comp; Judy XC 100 mm; Magura Clara disks; USE SX suspension post
Bottom Line:
A good semi slick . Run a high pressure to prevent snakebites .
They pack up a lot less with mud than the Pythons or the Revolts . They actually fare OK in mud , as long as it is not combined with roots and rocks . The Revolts corner much better at high speeds , but they have more rolling resistance .
In the mud and on hardpack , I prefer the IRC's . In rocky situations , I prefer running a Python at the back combined with a Bontrager Revolt up front .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Thilmany
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago, IL, USA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
North Shore Bike Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Rolling resistance, ability to corner even on wet pavement.
Weaknesses:
Pinch flats, punctures, cracks in the side walls of the tires.
These tires do what they are suppose to do, reduce rolling resistance. I have never had so many pinch flats and punctures with any other tire. I ride these tires 5 days per week to commute to work and seem to always get flats even with slime tire liners. This is the second pair of tires from IRC. The first ones developed cracks in both the front and rear side walls after only a few rides. Called IRC and they replaced them, only to have the new only do the same thing. Have a friend that bought the same tires and the same thing happened to him. Just seems as though the tires should not develop cracks in the side walls that soon. Gives the feeling that the tires will give out at any time. Probably the last IRC tires that I will buy.
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Submitted by
Jason McCartney
a Racer
from San Diego, Ca Date Reviewed: July 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
good traction for a semi-slick, full size cornering knobs inspire more confidence than most slicks, so far they seem to be wearing well(and I ride alot)
Weaknesses:
not a lot of braking traction, could be a little bit lighter(not heavy, just not as light as some others), when alls said and done it's still a semi-slick
Similar Products Used:
Conti doublefighter(good tire too), WTB racingraptors, Conti X countries 1.5
Bike Setup:
Yeti A.R.C. w/ full XTR, RS Sid SL, raceface goodies, and bontrager racelite wheelset
Bottom Line:
So far these are the best slicks I've ridden, they roll well, wear well, and hook up in all but the loosest rocks and gravel. I'm running this tire on the rear w/ a IRC Mythos front and it seems to be a good combo for SoCal trails. I've actually been able to stand and climb just about anywhere I've tried without losing traction and they roll really fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a
from new jersey Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The semi-slick works great. Low rolling resistance made road riding for the Bike NY tour a breeze. Got them cheap on closeout from C.B.O. or Pricepoint.
Weaknesses:
No sidewall strength at all!! Just laying them over and cutting corners turns the tire into mush. This past weekend I hit a rock and got a major pinch flat, shredded the tube in 2 places. I saw the tire bend inwards and contact the rim. Even though I was running 55 psi! Never had that problem with the Specializeds!
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team Edition, Michelin Wild Grippers, Contis, Ritchey SpeedMax, etc.
Bottom Line:
These tires blow. Maybe I'll save them for next years Bike NY tour but I'll NEVER use them for XC again. Not even as light as the Specializeds, or as strong. Weak sidewall, what pinch flat resistance??!!
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Submitted by
Adam
a Racer
from Asheville/Chapel Hill, NC Date Reviewed: May 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
low rolling resistance decent weight cornering pinch flat resistance durability
Weaknesses:
wet traction mud traction
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer 2.1/1.8 Schwinn Moab crap
Bike Setup:
98 Schwinn Moab 1, Time, Raceface bar, Easton CT2 post, Judy XC w/85mm Englund TAC's
Bottom Line:
For a slick, these have great traction. The side knobs allow pretty aggressive cornering and the center pattern will actually climb as long as it is not too technical or wet. Yes, knobbies have better traction, but this IS a semi-slick. As such, there is a dramatic reduction in rolling resistance. These are not very lightweight tires, but they are respectable (560 claimed) and the pinch-flat resistant sidewalls seem to have worked so far.
I mostly use these for putting in distance on fireroads, but about 1/4 of the miles have been commuting to the trails on pavement. The tires show remarkably little wear, especially for all the pavement.
Buy these if: you want a fast rolling tire that's not too heavy and has decent traction. Last time I checked, Performance had these (kevlar bead) on sale for $19.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Ridge, TN Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Low weight Low rolling resistance Great traction for a SS
Excellent semi-slick. The weight savings and low rolling resistance instantly increase your speed, and they have GREAT traction for such low resistance. I definately recommend these tires for everything but mud and wet rocks/roots.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SLICK
a Cross Country Rider
from EDGEWOOD, NM, USA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance IRCs new sidewall
Weaknesses:
Hey it's a slick, what do you expect
Similar Products Used:
Specialized: Ground controls, Nimbus, and Crossroads Panracer: Smoke, and FireXCpro
Bike Setup:
Raliegh M800
Bottom Line:
Hey it's a slick, what do you expect from a slick or semi-slick, excellent traction in the loose or wet stuff? This is a LOW rolling risistance tire and is great for hardpack dirt roads and single track. It even works for easy technical stuff so long as you remember the kind of tire you have on. I have used Mythos's on some major climbs, both single track and dirt road without any complaints. Even raced the Leadville Trail 100 and it worked great. Oh, yeah and it wears well too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Apex, NC, New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anyone where horses are ILLEGAL
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance Weight
Weaknesses:
Traction in loose, gravelly conditions Cornering in wet conditions (duh..) Traction on smooth logs (another "duh..")
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude
Bottom Line:
Not a lot to say here, the tire does basically what it's expected to do as a semi-slick: Provide adequate traction in most conditions and really reduce rolling resistance compared to a full knobby. I usually ride this tire on the rear, but I'm sure it can be used up front if the conditions are VERY dry and hardpacked. I've actually been surpised by how well this things climbs, even in semi-muddy conditions. As long as you pick a "clean" line and stay away from wet roots, this thing reall allows you to shoot up steep climbs. I've raced it recently in semi-wet conditions and it got kinda sketchy on the fast downhills and tight turns, but that really wasn't a shock. The bane of this tire (and most all semi-slicks and slicks I imagine) is wet, smooth log crossings. Look the hell out when you attempt such maneurvers - again, no real surprise for a semi-slick. I wasn't reall happy with their traction in loose, gravelly climbs, but I may be expecting too much from them in this case. Ignore the rotation arrow if the trail conditions don't require a lot of steep climbing; the reverse direction seems to improve braking.
Overall I've been very happy with this tire. I'll come back and give 'em 5 flaming droppings if I win my next race...
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Submitted by
Otis
a racer
from Shippensburg Date Reviewed: December 1, 1998
Bottom Line:
Incredible tire! I changed to these from WTB Velociraptor Wire beads, and I'd never go back! Not only are the weight savings amazing (something you can feel right away), the IRC's offer comparable traction to the Raptors in almost every situation. Of course you have to be careful on wet, smooth stuff, but everywhere else makes up for it.
Overall Rating:
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