The Mythos XC was developed specifically for IRC-sponsored athletes competing in the Atlanta Olympics Games. With the national pride at stake, this tire was subjected to an R&D effort more reminiscent of the Pentagon than the Peloton. The front provides spot-on steering and braking capability. Includes ultra light CAF casing and course-hugging Hybrid Tread Compound. A world class XC race tire. Click on the image to the left for an enlarged photo showing tread detail and related product specifications.
Submitted by
slomyro
a Downhiller
from Milwaukee WI Date Reviewed: July 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
petrifieing springs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
patio bike shop
Strengths:
keeps me on the bike more than i can say for the bontragers i had on did
Weaknesses:
they tend to hold on to the mud but i haven't come across to many tires that are a whole lot better either
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager, v raptors
Bike Setup:
Trek 4500 converted to solid front fork running all shimano deore LX and STX
Bottom Line:
overall pretty happy with the tire. no tire is perfect they all have plusses and minuses. for the price i paid im not complaining at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
davie
a Weekend Warrior
from Redwood City, CA Date Reviewed: July 9, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Waterdog
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
Cheap
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor Tire
Bike Setup:
Trek- Hardtail.
Bottom Line:
These tires suck. Do not waste your money or your time. The rear tire split after a 3 mile ride. Yes 3 miles! I emailed IRC twice absolutely no response at all. Not only do they make crap products but they don't have any customer service at all. Returned them to Perfomance no questions asked they replaced with WTB Velociraptor Tire which work great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SKV
a Cross Country Rider
from Fair Lawn Date Reviewed: June 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Ramapo/6 mi run/Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
Campmor
Strengths:
Looks cool
Weaknesses:
don't hold on rock... Don't hold on loose soil... Just don't hold...
Mythos has medium size pattern that tends to accumulates mud. Once stuck with mud tire becomes useless.
Similar Products Used:
IRC TrailBear, Panaracer Fire xc pro, Panaracer Dart,
I ride every weekend in New Jersey My favorite trial are:
Ramapo, Ringwood and '6 mile run'. Like most NJ trails they are rocks, loose gravel soil, some mud, roots. Over years, I went through many IRC Trailbear and decide to try Mythos XC.
While riding across the slope Mythos tends to slide down. It also gets stuck with mud and slides on big rocks. While climbing wheel sinks in loose soil. Only on mud wheel finds some traction. I am 180 lb, so it is not about my weight.
I am back to Trailbear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
driscoli
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida Date Reviewed: June 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Hannah Park, Jacksonville, FL
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Gator Cycle
Strengths:
durability, good mud clearance, good cornering
Weaknesses:
weight, sand performance
Similar Products Used:
bontrager, kenda
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Marlin
all Shimano Deore
IRC Mythos XC
Bontrager wheels
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on my bike when I bought it. I thought about switching them out but decided to try them. They've handled great for several years. I mostly ride hardpack, some sand, some rooty trails but minimal hills since most of my rides are in Florida. They corner great and work well through the mud. I've had a few thorns, etc but nothing that caused major damage, although it's only a matter of time before any tire finds a thorn or rock ro gravel piece that ends it. I usually run 40-45psion both the front and back. I'd recommend these to anyone who rides cross country, expecially int he mixed terrain of the southeastern states.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Armstrong
a Racer
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: March 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Buena Vista
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
US Olympics Team Dea
Strengths:
Everything imaginable!
Weaknesses:
Gets flats when you ride through cactus. That's about it.
Similar Products Used:
You name it, I've tried it.
Bike Setup:
Custom made Olympics bike cause I ride in the Olympics all the time.
Bottom Line:
This tire is awesome but I rode it through a cactus and it popped. I like to ride through rivers and washes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lawson Raider
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawson, MO, USA Date Reviewed: January 26, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Smithville MTB
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$26.00
Purchased At:
Santa Fe Trails and
Strengths:
Durability, traction
Bike Setup:
1999 Specialized FSR Ground Control
Bottom Line:
I have never noticed any issue with traction on these tires. I have ridden on snow packed trails with these and had but a minute slippage taking a curve fast.
If you ride sensibly, these tires do a wonderful job at keeping you on the trail. I have ridden these tires on flat and very steep terrain, very curvy terrain and for the most part, the tires did their job as well as can be expected.
In two years with running these tires, never (knock on wood) had a puncture but hoping I don't find out the hard way on how susceptible or not these tires are to punctures.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barkleyfan
a Cross Country Rider
from Date Reviewed: October 26, 2008
Not the best tire I've run. Slides are predictable and easy to maintain. They are also inevitable. Tire packs with mud at low speed, and kills low speed climbs with spinning at the wrong time. My Giant Rainier has old worn, semi-slick Hutchinson Mosquitos that get better traction on climbs and in the corners. I do have to give the braking to the Mythos, especially in mud.
Bottom line is on dry hardpack, they rock. Throw anything else at them, they are disappointing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justjoshnya
a Cross Country Rider
from Lake Ozark, Missouri Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Four Winns, Lake of the Ozarks State Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Oz Cycles
Strengths:
Pretty Durable, Light, good hookup front and rear in most conditions, fairly flat resistant. Tall knobs appropriately spaced. good all around tire
Weaknesses:
Must get psi just right see below
Similar Products Used:
WTP Velocity raptor, other wtbs, tiogas
Bike Setup:
08 Trek Fuel EX Custom build
Bottom Line:
I have used these tires for 10 years and love them. They are a great priced, light weight, fast rolling, good all around tire. Great hookup in all conditions. I've used them in desert, mud, hardpack, rooty. I live in the ozarks where it is mad rocky and they do well. I work at a bike shop and we have a mtb club of about 40 riders and I have observed for years that these tires last longer with less flats. I recommend running Panaracer Flat Away Kevlar Liners inside, they are super light felt (30g) and stick to the inside of the tire and stay put and virtuerally eliminate all flats. I weight 170 and like 45psi up front and 50 rear(full suspension) I find the right psi is crucial with these tires due to the tall knobs. Too high and the tires wash out on you in fast corners.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
selvanthos
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: October 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Daisy Hill national park trails
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
I have been running these for a very long time and they are still going. Good grip
Weaknesses:
Heavy compared to race tires
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis
Bike Setup:
Titanium frame. chris king wheels and head set. carbon bars. XTR
Bottom Line:
I am happy with my IRC's and would deffinetly recomend them to someone who just likes to get out and ride but if you are looking at racing i would havce a closer look at maxxis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
irony
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: July 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
South Downs
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Merlin Cycles
Strengths:
Look cool.
Weaknesses:
Anything will puncture these tyres.
Bike Setup:
Rock Lobster Team Tig 2001
Bottom Line:
Good for getting punctures, even with a puncture strip installed they will get punctures.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim R
a Racer
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Amasa Back
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Great value for the money! Wears well. Reliable. Light for it's tread pattern. Easy to mount/remove.
Weaknesses:
seems like it doesn't climb/brake as well in loose conditions -- but I have not personally ridden anything significantly better.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Serac
Bike Setup:
high-end full suspension
Bottom Line:
Used the rear tire only. Just a great value tire, works well for all ability levels, though racers may want an even lighter tire. For reviewers who complain about blowouts or sidewall cuts -- learn not to lock up the rear tire when riding over sharp rocks. Never had a sidewall cut in 4 years, and I ride/race some extremely rocky terrain (WP, Double Top, Teocalli, Gambrill, etc). Average number of pinch flats. (my 2.4 Motoraptor front tire has NEVER pinch flatted in 5 years, at 32 psi)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from melbourne, australia Date Reviewed: March 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Olsen Bagge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
Goldcross Cycles
Strengths:
Reasonably light, rolls well, cheap, lasts well, corners brillinatly on hard pack, dirt, loose gravel and still ok on dry roads.
Weaknesses:
no puncture protection, lacks grip on wet leaves/dirt.-Frotnt tire.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized roll x sport, fast trak, cheng shu, michelin at's and hutchinson bulldogs.
Very nice tyre for my riding needs. worked extrmely well on loose dirt and hard pack at lysterfield- the bulk of my mtb-ing.Had supreme confidence in the front and never felt it slipping out from under me. Lost grip in wet situations and i was unable to descend with extreme confidence and had to brake bit earlier. *works well in dry conditions-could do with beefier side knobs for wet conditions*
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from RI Date Reviewed: September 12, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
XC aluminum hardtails 80-100 mm front travel
Bottom Line:
I had been running the IRC Mythos XC aramid blackwalls for years on all my bikes and found them to be great overall performers. I ride during the winter and they really cut through the snow, slush, and mud. Also I do some beach riding and they get me through all but the loosest sand. At replacemnt time I switched to the rustwalls and within weeks all of the rears had sidewall blowouts on six different tires. I run the pressure according to manufacturer recommendations and check them before each ride. I contacted IRC and they told me to return them to the retailer. Since I bought them online, the shipping charges made that cost ineffective. I have since switched to the WTB Velociraptors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marquis
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
The one no one else rides
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Excellent traction in most conditions, light enough. Always on sale somewhere for cheap. Good tread life.
Weaknesses:
Easily punctured by even small thorns.
Similar Products Used:
Various Specialized, Hutchinson, Michelin, etc., etc.
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar LE frame, XTR and SRAM
Bottom Line:
I've used these a couple years now on a couple of bikes. I initially liked them a whole lot, especially as cheap as they are. Then goat head thorns started puncturing the Mythos on almost every ride, which is no fun at all. I switched to Specialized Roll-X Armadillo, which are like armor plate, both in function and weight. No more flats, but the Armadillos also didn't handle lots of common XC conditions very well (sand, thin mud, etc.). I put the Mythos back on with Slime tire liners. No flats, still lots lighter than the Roll-X Armadillo, and much better ride quality/performance.
When I put the Mythos back on I decided to try a tip I saw here and elsewhere - mount the rear tire "backwards", rolling opposite of the the direction shown on the tire. Now the damn thing REALLY hooks up great on almost any surface. Pretty cool for a tire with 700+ miles on it.
I have used a lot of tires. None are perfect. I don't like having to use liners, but it's a reasonable compromise for these tires. If thorns aren't a problem where you ride, these tires are excellent. If thorns are a problem, get liners or get Roll-X Armadillos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh,NC,USA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Paris Mtn. Firetower/Sulphur Springs
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
stock with bike & blueskycycling.com
Strengths:
grip (especially when climbing), not too heavy, rolling resistance isn't too bad, rear specific tire is GREAT for climbing, great for hardpack, great at shedding mud, price
Weaknesses:
durability, doesn't hold up well in rocky conditions
Similar Products Used:
Continental
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Super v400 (stock)
Bottom Line:
These tires aren't bad. The only complaint I do have is durability. These tires came factory on my bike and I rode it on some light stuff back home then the bike sat for a couple of years. I recently moved and the trails around here are much more intense so I decided to get a new set. Plus my back tire was worn almost flat from skidding on pavement (dumb). I originally had two of the fronts on the bike, for whatever reason thats the way it came so I can't speak for how well the front works on the rear of the bike since I never rode much hard stuff with it. I can say that the rear specific version of this tire climbs like crazy. The trails I've been riding recently are hard climbs and long downhills and the tires are amazing going up even with my bikes VERY loose and not very adjustable rear suspension. Coming down I have no complaints from the front tire (except in sand where I'm not really comfortable enough to push them). The tire usually grips the corners with the exception of VERY fast, VERY sharp turns. No problems for me with the sidewalls or thorns (like I've read on here) I run them with a little over 40 psi and have never had a flat. It's pretty much constantly wet around here in the summer. In fact today I got poured on coming downhill for about 15 or 20 minutes straight. My brakes (not disk) didn't do too well towards the end but the tires were great. Not a speck of mud anywhere on them... they look like I just hosed them down even though theres mud all over the bike and up my back and not any loss of traction even as the ground was completely saturated and I was hitting pretty deep puddles by the time I got back to the bottom. The only complaint I do have about these tires is durability. I've had the rear specific tire for about 3 and a half weeks and although I've run these tires for a while this one for whatever reason has already started to show significant wear (chunks out of the tread). To be fair I've ridden about 4 or 5 days a week on some pretty rough stuff since I got them but I still think the wear is a bit much considering I've avoided pavement and try to brake in the flats and not over the rocks and stumps. Regardless of the wear factor these tires are a great value... picked mine up cheap enough that replacing them every now and then wouldn't really be a big deal. If you're looking for a cheap/good grippy tire and you only ride once or twice a week, I'd seriously consider these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kim
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: June 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Palmer Park, Tie Hack Trail, parts of Santa Fe
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
McGhies in Las Vegas
Strengths:
grippy, great in all kinds of dry conditions--sand, loose dirt, rock, gravel, scree, hardpack, slickrock... Long lasting.
Weaknesses:
Not great in mud and wet stuff. I get lots of slow leaks from thorns...
Similar Products Used:
Michelins
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F-400, headshock, XTs, Time pedals
Bottom Line:
I really like these tires, I may have to pump them up a little more often but they have worked with me for the past 5 years. They are just starting to wear and I'll probably replace with the same ones. I'll probably put a liner in them to minimize the slow leaks, that should solve my only real issue. I love the way I can barrel through sandy, loose stuff faster and further than anyone else. They climb well and descent reliably. These tires work well for where I live--dry, rocky and deserty. I took off one chili for the slow leaks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wusley Littleman
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA Date Reviewed: June 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Auburn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$16.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycles
Strengths:
light and inexpensive Seems to be designed for general offroading use.
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls...weakest I've ever encountered. Grip is not spectacular as I get a lot of washing out on loose dirt over hardpack.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Bontrager Revolt, Panaracer Smoke and Dart Classic.
Bike Setup:
1998 Ground Control FSR LTD
Bottom Line:
Great for beginner-type rides where you're not really pushing the tire hard. The sidewalls are so weak that once you start doing more aggressive XC or all-mountain riding, you could blow out the sidewall. I've gotten pinch flats on other tires before, but never a blowout. Upon inspecting the failure, it appears that the sidewalls are minimally reinforced and thin. It's no wonder that these tires are so light (~565 grams). I won't buy these again because if it wasn't for someone on the trail equipped with a tire patch, I would have been stranded 13 miles from my car.
I've give this tire some chilis for being light and cheap, but overall, it's not very reliable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Weekend Warrior
from Zionsville, IN Date Reviewed: June 16, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
good climbing traction, rolls pretty good, holds a straight line easily
Weaknesses:
a little twitchy in tight corners, pushes easily in loose stuff, durability is dismal.
Similar Products Used:
Lots, currently running WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4's
Bike Setup:
Maverick w/Talas and Mavic 317's
Bottom Line:
Been sitting the the basement fo a couple years so I put em on some spare wheels to see if I like them over the WTBs. First ride out the side wall on the front tire split and bulged big time. After reviewing the construction it was clear why. Side wall reinforcement is a single layer kevlar on the exterior side wall with NO protective covering. I must have scuffed them on a rock or branch and cut the reinforcement. I'm a old man, how hard can I ride? I'll stick w/my 2.4's, never had a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Cross Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
OEM on bike
Strengths:
Good traction initially, good cornering. Good compromise tread for a variety of conditions.
Weaknesses:
Not very durable. Prone to flats & cuts.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Warrior hard-tail
Bottom Line:
I liked the way these rode before the rear tread wore down. I also experienced a mild side-wall cut & a couple flats. It gripped well in mud & didn't stay clogged with mud. It also did OK in loose or firm soil. Pretty grippy on hard-pack, rocks, or pavement. But the tread durability is sacrificed to get this grippiness.
The center knobs on the tread are fairly broad. This is supposed to make them more durable & reduce road noise & vibration on pavement. It does reduce the road nois, but they're still not very durable.
I have a 1-mile ride on pavement to get to my favorite trail-head. I also sometimes go for short rides with my kids around town. So maybe about half of my riding is on pavement. The center knobs on the rear are about half gone in only 1 year. I ride about 2 or 3 times a week - didn't ride at all mid-January to mid-April. I think the tread should have lasted longer. I'm replacing the rear with a WTB Velociraptor. The front is still good & I'm pleased with its handling.
I considered replacing the rear with another Mythos XC because I found a really good deal. But the Velociraptor is only a few dollars more, so I'll see how it compares in durability & performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DJ Cordes
a Cross Country Rider
from Nashville, TN Date Reviewed: March 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
LBL
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Wood N Wave
Strengths:
Excellent on Rocks Killer braking performance Literally will climb a wall if you can keep the front wheel down
Weaknesses:
Have had one thorn flat, but then I had them with my Fire XC Pros I ran on the front and back prior to me buying this for the rear.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor on hard tail, Kenda Karma Lite, Panaracer XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur, SRAM X.O. (love it), IRC Mythos XC rear, Fire XC Pro front, Fox F100RLT, Specialized Rival SL saddle (love it)
Bottom Line:
I had a flat while on vacation requiring me to get a new rear tire. I bought this tired used from a local bike shop for cheap so I could get home and order another Panaracer Fire XC replacement. Little did I know that I would love this tire. This thing just never looses grip. My local trail Hamilton Creek is the most rock nasty trail I know of. I honestly can't remember the last time my rear tire spun out. Everyone I ride with including me used to spin out on rocks climbing. The rough center tread between the paddles just grips. It also works great on neighbors lawns who don't take care of it b/c it really rips out their grass. Oops not so neighborly, but then I had spending money on lawn products to combat their neglect it is worth it.
The side treads are also superb in the corners. I almost almost never hit my brakes b/c it always hooks up. If you are looking for a tire with insane grip this is it. I am going to place an order tonight for 3 more from Performance on sale becuase this will be the only rear tire I will ever need to buy. I am going to put it on my wife's bike too. The Panaracer will stay on the front. Also they are almost always $14.99 at Performance. Now that is value b/c I'd pay $50 for that performance easily. $15 is icing on the cake.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cross-country rider
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro, NC Date Reviewed: November 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
great grip, esp on mud and wet leaves/roots
Weaknesses:
weight, maybe?
Similar Products Used:
IRC Serac XC, IRC Trailbears, Bontrager Jones
Bike Setup:
2005 Ironhorse Maverick Disc, stock except for pedals
Bottom Line:
I had these on my last bike, owned a year, and these tires were great. I used them for free-ride/dirt jumping and cross-country riding and never got a flat. I also ran them at about 34 PSI which seemed to be the best pressure for maximum grip. I was able to scramble up hills with wet leaves and loose rocks and dirt without any trouble. they also shed mud really well. for an "entry level" tire, they're really hard to beat. overall, they're great for climbing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: November 12, 2006
if you never touch any trail with thorns and run your tires at 50+ psi, you will like these... otherwise thorns go through these like they were tissue paper, i always carried $10 for new tubes every ride, until i got some self sealing tubes... also, while riding round a school with my friend, i hit a curb kinda hard, probably pinch-flat candidate, but not only did it give me a pinch flat, the rim punched a hole in the tire... I've hit squarer corners harder on other bikes and tires, and I've had pinch flats, but this was something new
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: November 12, 2006
if you never touch any trail with thorns and run your tires at 50+ psi, you will like these... otherwise thorns go through these like they were tissue paper, i always carried $10 for new tubes every ride, until i got some self sealing tubes... also, while riding round a school with my friend, i hit a curb kinda hard, probably pinch-flat candidate, but not only did it give me a pinch flat, the rim punched a hole in the tire... I've hit squarer corners harder on other bikes and tires, and I've had pinch flats, but this was something new
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marquis
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one without thorns
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Perfromance
Strengths:
Good enough traction on most surfaces, though considerably less grippy after they wear in a bit. Light and easy to mount/remove (folding version), which was good since they flatted about every other ride.
Weaknesses:
Extremely susceptible to thorn punctures. Rode these for several months starting in winter without any problems. Then the thorn bushes bloomed, dropped their payload on my trails, and the Mythos flatted on every other ride.
Similar Products Used:
Various other Specialized, WTB, Hutchinson.
Bike Setup:
Self-built hardtail
Bottom Line:
I liked these tires at first. Then the thorn flats started. I tried to make them work - used tire liners and thick tubes, but the Mythos still allowed even very small thorns to easily puncture the tube.
I switched to Specialized Roll X Armadillo, which is a much better tire - more expensive, but well worth it. Not a single flat since switching.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marquis
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one without thorns
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Perfromance
Strengths:
Good enough traction on most surfaces, though considerably less grippy after they wear in a bit. Light and easy to mount/remove (folding version), which was good since they flatted about every other ride.
Weaknesses:
Extremely susceptible to thorn punctures. Rode these for several months starting in winter without any problems. Then the thorn bushes bloomed, dropped their payload on my trails, and the Mythos flatted on every other ride.
Similar Products Used:
Various other Specialized, WTB, Hutchinson.
Bike Setup:
Self-built hardtail
Bottom Line:
I liked these tires at first. Then the thorn flats started. I tried to make them work - used tire liners and thick tubes, but the Mythos still allowed even very small thorns to easily puncture the tube.
I switched to Specialized Roll X Armadillo, which is a much better tire - more expensive, but well worth it. Not a single flat since switching.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marquis
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one without thorns
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Perfromance
Strengths:
Good enough traction on most surfaces, though considerably less grippy after they wear in a bit. Light and easy to mount/remove (folding version), which was good since they flatted about every other ride.
Weaknesses:
Extremely susceptible to thorn punctures. Rode these for several months starting in winter without any problems. Then the thorn bushes bloomed, dropped their payload on my trails, and the Mythos flatted on every other ride.
Similar Products Used:
Various other Specialized, WTB, Hutchinson.
Bike Setup:
Self-built hardtail
Bottom Line:
I liked these tires at first. Then the thorn flats started. I tried to make them work - used tire liners and thick tubes, but the Mythos still allowed even very small thorns to easily puncture the tube.
I switched to Specialized Roll X Armadillo, which is a much better tire - more expensive, but well worth it. Not a single flat since switching.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Z
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord CA Date Reviewed: October 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Great on hard pack
Weaknesses:
I've gotten waaayyy too many flats.
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse with Rock Shox 120mm travel and azonic riser handlebars
Bottom Line:
Good tire for beginners like me but way too easy for thorns and goat-heads to puncture tubes. Good traction all around except on loose gravel were it just loses it. On asphalt it's adequete, roots and trees it's great but get something that has a little better puncture resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Connor
a Cross Country Rider
from Bridgewater, Nj Date Reviewed: September 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great on wet rocks and logs, decent in loose soil and pretty good for commuting. I love the colored sidewalls too
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
just about everything
Bike Setup:
05 Giant Trance 4. BB7 front disc. Manitou Axel fork. Fox Float R rear shock. Panaracer and IRC tires.
Bottom Line:
This tire is sick for the price.. Great for the conditions i ride in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, Arizona, United States Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
unknown
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
Tempe Bicycle
Strengths:
Light weight, great traction, no flat tires in thorny terrain, rear tire is awesome.
Weaknesses:
On the front tire, the knobs on the edge of the tire get torn off.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Karma, Specialized Dirt Master (rear), and some other crap.
The dry terrain I am riding on is the rocky desert of Arizona. It ranges from soft up through abusive rock formations. I am riding on the 1.95 foldable tires. The back tire is awesome. It hangs on to every trail with hardly any wear. The front also has great traction; however, it does not hold up in these conditions. After the first ride, the knobs on the edge of the tire wear already tearing. I think the front would last much better without the rocks. Overall, I would definitely recommend the rear tire, but not the front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
roger
a Cross Country Rider
from england Date Reviewed: August 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
good grip front has never washed out. not bad rolling resistance on tarmac. light weight
Weaknesses:
very noises on tarmac and puncture easy, i had 8 punctures in one cross country ride,all small thorns, had to fit kevlar belts inside the tires.
Bike Setup:
06 marin hawk hill se..fantastic bike !!
Bottom Line:
puncture way to easy for cross country tires. but they do grip very well, there better if you pump them up to 55-60 psi
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin Shelman
a Weekend Warrior
from Wichita, Kansas Date Reviewed: July 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Millers Meadows
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Ex Change
Strengths:
nice and lite, hooks up great in loose dirt around corners, climbs well, worked alot better than i thought when they were coated in mud (still climb amazing)
Weaknesses:
they just wear alittle fast, and maybe a bigger size (2.10)
Similar Products Used:
just bontrager tires
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Marlin, Stock besides tires
Bottom Line:
Great tire that you can really tell and improvement in your bikes performances
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zeb
a Cross Country Rider
from Richmond, VA Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Buttermilk trail system
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
online somewhere
Strengths:
good traction when fully inflated, do well in good conditions.
Weaknesses:
rear tire wears quick as hell, weak sidewalls, a little loose if its too dusty or too wet.
Bike Setup:
Haro Escape 8.3 w/ Black elite fork, truvativ crank with xt/lx components
Bottom Line:
overall they do just fine as long as the trail is in good shape. if its too wet or too dry it gets loose but its not all out loss of traction. I wish that the front would wear out at the same time as the rear, but over time you work it out to 1 front to 2 rear, good thing is they are cheap and everywhere. just make sure they are at pressure or they pinch flat and lose traction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alexander
a Racer
from Washington Date Reviewed: June 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
constistently good tire. durable rubber. lightweight (folding only). easy mount and dismount. I have 1.95 size for faster terrain. Lightweight.
Weaknesses:
No mud shedding!! Slow when wet.
Similar Products Used:
Tried a lot of tires out there for 20 or so years of riding.
Bike Setup:
Diamondback xc, shimano, etc. Standard xc hardtail with a lot of upgrades.
Bottom Line:
I ride these aggressively in all kinds of conditions; rocks, loose gravel, hardpack and road. On a scale of 1-10: LOOSE GRAVEL - 7 HARDPACK - 10 ASPHALT - 6 ROOTS ETC - 10 ROCKS - 9
All around good tire for all kinds of conditions. If you can get em cheap, go for it, but get kevlar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Cross Country Rider
from Sharon Springs, KS Date Reviewed: May 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Wilson Lake Rollarcoaster
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light, hooks up well. Nice quality of tire. knobs don't squirm around (unlike an old specialized I had, blah) Rolls well.
Weaknesses:
Not offered in a wider size. Though I guess thats what the trailbear is for. Although it's heavier than I'd like.
Similar Products Used:
more than I know or can remember
Bike Setup:
It rolls on two 26 inch wheels (next up is 29)
Bottom Line:
I bought two of the front tires and installed them front and rear. I personally like the front tire in back better than the back tire in the back. A wire bead version came on my bike, I liked the front one a lot, and eventually tried it on the back and liked it better than any of my rear specific tires! I bought the kevlar versions a couple years later and have been using them with stans no tubes for the last couple of years. Though in two years I've only put in about 1000 miles. (college sucks, haha) I can't say enough good things about the front tires. They are consistent in performance and continue to perform well even as they are wearing down. I have about half tread on the rear wheel and I have no problems finding traction in the dusty and loose midwest trails. Great tire!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cookie_Monster
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, ON, CANADA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Mountain Equipment Co-op
Strengths:
Meaty tread Very light (kevlar bead) Cheap
Weaknesses:
Has a mind of its own (on pavement)
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Red Pheonix
Bike Setup:
Kona Kula Supreme custom build DS2+XC rims full XT
Bottom Line:
Ya, front tire tends to take over when turning on pavement, but is more behaved in softer stuff. Good mud performance. I can run these almost 10 psi higher than other tires and they still have a soft feel to it (easier on the butt). Very light tires with very good grip, great for XC racing. Just watch out for those sharpies on da trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathaniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Lynnfield, MA - USA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods or Bruce + Tom's
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on my bike, 2004 Marin
Strengths:
Superfast and light Very little rolling resistance slow wearing tread Looks sick and is good on super tough rock gradens, hardpack and loose stuff Does not fling horse ________ in your face Does get pinch flats if you don't have suspension and fly over roots at 15 mph.
Weaknesses:
?Not free? Weak on wet roots and fast turns on loose stuff.
2004 Marin Bear Valley w/Reba Team, Deore, Truvativ, and beatiful IRC Mythos
Bottom Line:
I love these babies. It was 4 months before I got my first flat. But, when I began riding them at freeride and AM parks, I was getting 3 flats per ride. But who the f**k cares. These super light babies grip amazingly. Possibly a wee bit weak on turns and slippery roots. But these tires are used for urban/XC/ and will be used for XC racin'. I've had the same set for over a year and still have tread. Buy em!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
austin gotcher
a Cross Country Rider
from citra,fl,usa Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
razorback
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$37.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
tire is very fast and climbs pretty good
Weaknesses:
does not do good in sand has a mind of its own very thin so it is easy to pop a tube
Similar Products Used:
wtb moto raptors
Bike Setup:
full suspention
Bottom Line:
they suck
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: December 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Light, good traction in hard pack, loose over hard pack, and snow.
Weaknesses:
Light side walls, you really have to keep them inflated properly. They hold mud in the grooves.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Mutano Raptor, Nano Raptor, and Hutchinson Mosquito
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 4+, Bontrager Speed Lite wheel set, XT drive train, XTR shifters, WTB Rocket-V Stealth Titanium Saddle, Avid SD 7 brake levers, Avid mechanical disk brakes, Bontrager handle bar and seat post.
Bottom Line:
There is a reason why these tires have been on the market so long. They offer an excellent value with a high quality product. I am very pleased with the way they handle in the terrain in Southern California. They inspire confidence in both, manuvering and braking. While stationed in the Chicago area during the winter, I even used them in the snow on urban trails with much sucess. They roll fairly fast for a cross country tire but not as fast as the Mutano Raptors. I would recomend these tires for general purpose off road ridding. You can always find a better tire that is dedicated for a specific off road condition, but you will be hard pressed to find a better tire suited for general off road use. I would definitely buy these tires again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: December 17, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Light, good traction in hard pack, loose over hard pack, and snow.
Weaknesses:
Light side walls, you really have to keep them inflated properly. They hold mud in the grooves.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Mutano Raptor, Nano Raptor, and Hutchinson Mosquito
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 4+, Bontrager Speed Lite wheel set, XT drive train, XTR shifters, WTB Rocket-V Stealth Titanium Saddle, Avid SD 7 brake levers, Avid mechanical disk brakes, Bontrager handle bar and seat post.
Bottom Line:
There is a reason why these tires have been on the market so long. They offer an excellent value with a high quality product. I am very pleased with the way they handle in the terrain in Southern California. They inspire confidence in both, manuvering and braking. While stationed in the Chicago area during the winter, I even used them in the snow on urban trails with much sucess. They roll fairly fast for a cross country tire but not as fast as the Mutano Raptors. I would recomend these tires for general purpose off road ridding. You can always find a better tire that is dedicated for a specific off road condition, but you will be hard pressed to find a better tire suited for general off road use. I would definitely buy these tires again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gavin
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: December 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
price, weight, grip
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Alligators
Bike Setup:
jamis xc pro, fox f100 rl, avid mechanical, SRAM x.0 rear derailleur, Shimano XT front derailleur, SRAM x.7 shifters, eggbeaters
Bottom Line:
This tire really hooks up on Georgia trails. Roots, packed dirt, rocks, it rides over all. Corners very well, too. Perfect for the trails I ride around GA & NC; Dauset Trails, Blankets Creek, Tsali, and such. Good buy for XC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Brevard, NC Date Reviewed: November 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Airstrip Trail, anything in Dupont State Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
Climbs Great Handles Awesome on NC Singletrack Good Durability 1 flat over 4 years
Weaknesses:
little slick on wet roots, but hey their not super glue!
Bike Setup:
02 Fisher Tassahara
Bottom Line:
I've rode in various coditions and on various type of trails here in Western NC with great confidence! I'm happy with these tires so I won't try anything else right now! Does really good in rocks, mud, dry roots, steep climbs, and fast downhill! Thought about the new Kendal Nevegals, but I'm going to buy another set of Mythos!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LuKe HrAbOsKy
a Weekend Warrior
from Mt hope WV Date Reviewed: November 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Good for any riding, inexpensive, tough & long lasting.
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors, Tioga 66
Bike Setup:
Custom hartail
Bottom Line:
I have ridden these tires off & on for over four years. I started w/them on roots & hardpack then went to urban/street/trialsy type riding, & then to rocks & now I'm rockin' them again on rooty, rocky, hardpack. By the way these have been the same pair of tires. They're still hookin' up. I've never had them in sandy soil or very loose dirt. I would buy them again but I like to try new products.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
N.B.GAS
a Cross Country Rider
from LAS VEGAS, NV. Date Reviewed: September 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
EMPTY ONES
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
PRICE POINT .com
Strengths:
TRACTION! LITE! $25.00 [front &rear]...FAST!...DOES WHAT XC RACE DESIGNED TIRE IS SUPPOSED TO!!!!........
Weaknesses:
...NONE!...
Similar Products Used:
PANARACER FIRE PRO XC [real-good]..GEAX SADONA 2.25 [real- good]..IRC MYTHOES XC SLICKS [AWESOME]!!!!!.......
Bike Setup:
05"IBEX FAME-SET: COMPLETE BUILD [READ SRAM X-9 REVIEWS] USEING MICHILIN COMP 24-1 FOR URBAN ASSULT..GEAX SADONA 2.25 TRAILS...IRC MYTHOES XC SLICKS FOR STEET AND LITE TRAILS.... IRC MYTHOES XC FOR XC RACING!!!
Bottom Line:
ALL [QUALITY] TIRES WILL PERFORM IN & ON WHAT THEY ARE DESIGNED! I HAVE NO NEGATIVE ISSUE FOR ANY THAT ARE LISTED IN [bike set up]! ALL TIRES SHOULD BE MOUNTED ON RIMS THAT ARE MADE FOR SAID STYLE!!!...[EXAMPLE] DH=DH,FR=FR,XC=XC, XC-RACE=XC-RACE!.... ENTERING THE SAME POSITIVE OR NEGATIVE REVIEW OVER and OVER ONLY SHOWS YOUR WORTH AS DOES NEGATIVE BLAH-BLAH ABOUT PRODUCTS INPROPERLY USED IN-ON-and-WITH YOUR PRIVATE STUPIDITY!!!
Submitted by
Tonto Ly
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo CA USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mathis Canyon Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
climbing,overall traction
Weaknesses:
wears out fast
Similar Products Used:
hutchison pythons poop
Bike Setup:
santa cruz heckler,5th element coil rear shock,manitou nixon super fork, avid juicy 7 7 inch rotors
Bottom Line:
nice until they where down........honestly ill never buy them again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tonto Ly
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo CA USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mathis Canyon Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
climbing,overall traction
Weaknesses:
wears out fast
Similar Products Used:
hutchison pythons poop
Bike Setup:
santa cruz heckler,5th element coil rear shock,manitou nixon super fork, avid juicy 7 7 inch rotors
Bottom Line:
nice until they where down........honestly ill never buy them again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tonto Ly
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo CA USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mathis Canyon Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
climbing,overall traction
Weaknesses:
wears out fast
Similar Products Used:
hutchison pythons poop
Bike Setup:
santa cruz heckler,5th element coil rear shock,manitou nixon super fork, avid juicy 7 7 inch rotors
Bottom Line:
nice until they where down........honestly ill never buy them again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tonto Ly
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo CA USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mathis Canyon Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
climbing,overall traction
Weaknesses:
wears out fast
Similar Products Used:
hutchison pythons poop
Bike Setup:
santa cruz heckler,5th element coil rear shock,manitou nixon super fork, avid juicy 7 7 inch rotors
Bottom Line:
nice until they where down........honestly ill never buy them again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tonto Ly
a Cross Country Rider
from Mission Viejo CA USA Date Reviewed: September 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mathis Canyon Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
climbing,overall traction
Weaknesses:
wears out fast
Similar Products Used:
hutchison pythons poop
Bike Setup:
santa cruz heckler,5th element coil rear shock,manitou nixon super fork, avid juicy 7 7 inch rotors
Bottom Line:
nice until they where down........honestly ill never buy them again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All over
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great all condition rubber and you can beat the price!
Weaknesses:
No enough marketing effort , not enough stickers on sidewall like the bigger brand , no fancy packaging !
Similar Products Used:
Hutchson pythons and mosiqto , both crap and cost three times of the Mythos .. to be fair , Pythons was great on hardpack tracks but no traction at all when it is moist .. mosiqto is simply crap from France !
Bike Setup:
Two wheels and a seat .
Bottom Line:
These rubber has been on the market for 10 years , was originally develop for the big show , if they don't hold up , I think it will be out of production long time ago.
I put these "front" rubber on my front and rear wheels but reverse the thread direction on the rear one .. learnt this from a wise man "bike mechanic" I meet on trail .. for a mere $40 bucks you got your self a great set of rubber that will handle mud , rock , clay , sand , you name it , it roll over anything with style and confident! instance traction , great cornering , a set of off top notch rubber !
Yes is from Korea not France or Japan , but its design is so ahead of its time , 10 years into the product life , they are still selling them everywhere. Give it a try , these rubber rocks !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Folsom Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bullards Bar
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Climbing and cornering traction, works well in any condition, price
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Hammer and Element with upgrades
Bottom Line:
This is a review of the blackwall version (Korea?) After trying these tires, I'm not sure why anyone would use anything else (except for extreme mud). These tires work well on: hardpack, rocks, loamy dirt, mud. They are light and accelerate well. I am impressed how well they stick on loose, dry corners. They offer great climbing traction out back, and brake and corner well, instilling a lot of confidence. I've never had a problem with knobs ripping off or accelerated wear. At $14 a pop at Performance, that's just icing on the cake. I think even one of the major magazines reviewed these tires last year and classified them as a "sleeper tire", most don't know about.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Snoqualmie, WA Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tiger Mountain
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Light weight.
Weaknesses:
Front tire washes out on me all the time at various pressures (from 37 psi to 45 psi).
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Dart Classic, WTB Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Epic / Cross Country Riding
Bottom Line:
I've been riding these tires for a couple years. I can see why Tinker tanked at the '96 Olympics on these. Even at low speeds I find my front tire washes out on me in the corners. Definitely destroys your confidence at high speeds. The back tire has decent grip and I haven't noticed any washout back there. Rolling resistance isn't bad at all. Braking seems fine on both front and rear. My only complaint is with the front tire in the corners. They are definitely affordable though. Everybody has them on sale at one time or another. I'll add a steaming pot pie for the value, but I can't go more than 3 overall for the cornering up front.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester Hills, Michigan, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005
Surprisingly was difficult to find a set. No 2 for 1 sale, but these tires themselves just don't have anything I'd call a weakness.
Similar Products Used:
Big Baha-ass square Knobby's, Specialized this, Diamondback that and some Generic Bullsheit
Bike Setup:
Jeep Commanche Sport-dass right you heard me...full suspension and Specialized Wireless computerized Odometer, IRC MythosXC 1.95 front, 2.1 Kevlar rear.
Bottom Line:
The gods have smiled upon me! I rode the generic BS that came stock on my bike for 2 yrs. Boy was I STUPID! I average 8 miles a day on my bike and after not being able to corner at all and then finally, actually losing speed (checking to make sure I wasn't actually braking) riding on gravel downhill... I decided I was going to upgrade my tires.
I saw some red-rimmed tires in a MTB magazine and grabbed a Magnifying glass to read IRC on them. Knowing that would look SWEET! on my bike, I started online research for red rimmed tires. Yes I read MTB tire reviews too. I found other companies..Kenda, Panaracer, Maxxis and Michellin (red tires? no) so finally I narrowed those down to 2 IRC models only.
What sold me was the Mythos XC was "specially designed for XC racers" who "WON GOLD!" I had to get my tires from 2 seperate companies cuz nobody had both Red-walled front and Back.
When they came it was acciental that the Front was 1.95 and the Rear was 2.1. That turned out to be AWSOME! My bike got lighter after I changed tires which was surprising cuz the Jeep is Titanium framed. At first my front tire slid around but that was only until I wiped the "newness" off..now I can lean and corner my bike at angles that shouldn't happen. Oh and I read about "rolling resistance" which I only understood in how much less effort I had to put out to ride these tires- No more thigh burn! These tires have increased my average speed from 8.5 mph to 11.2 mph on my 8 mile ride arounds. My bike moves faster on downhill gravel and yes I can still steer.
I ride a lot of city concrete/asphalt with hills everyday, and then get lost in the State park forest with steep verticals. NO TIRES can match these tires for awsomeness on EVERYTHING which I encounter on my rides. I weigh 190 and keep my tires at 55PSI. Tight enough to move FAST! on the street and soft enough to land on Hard from a trail jump. These negative reports about these tires are beyond me because if you ride EVERYTHING..There is no better tire! Sure, bigger knobby's on trail for mudd and rocks, slicker slicks for on road racing, whatever... These tires kick ALL forms of ass! When they wear out... I'll buy them again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel
a
from upstate NY Date Reviewed: June 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
local powerlines
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
icycles
Strengths:
decent traction
Weaknesses:
sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
continental traction in the rear and atlanta in the front
Bike Setup:
cannondale m500 rigid
Bottom Line:
I thought I was getting a good deal and I guess for the price I should be happy but they tore holes through the sidewalls in less than a month and I just did a little light streambed riding. TOTAL CRAP I bought them in the 1.95 size blackwall. I know they make these tires in different places so I hope the other manufacturing locations put out a better product but I doubt it. I would not recommend these garbage tires to my worst enemy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from IL Date Reviewed: June 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Kokapelli's/Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
lbs I worked for
Strengths:
Light, rolls well, hooks up well to great in most conditions, look cool for the first two months
Weaknesses:
Durability. Color fades to crap.
Similar Products Used:
Everything made out of rubber.
Bike Setup:
Salt Cycles Litech magnesium frame. Singlespeed most of the time. XTR/Mavic 517 wheels. Last generation XTR crankset (best crankset ever made, screw everything else!). Dura Ace BB. Thompson, Kore. Avocet.
Bottom Line:
A fast tire that may fail after some extensive use but has very confident and predictable handling that rolls well and grips well in all but more muddy and loose conditions (which you should just get another set of tires for).
The source of all my problems with these tires are the sidewalls! They fade and rip after time. I've had two rear tires and a front. All of them faded from a lucious red to a sunburnt skin tannish-brown within a few months. Then, after they fade, they rip. Ive gotten tears so far in my 3 tires. One was made by a rock out in Moab, the other here at home on a fricken log. The second rip renderred the tire unridable...figures. I still use the tire I ripped out at Moab.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from IL Date Reviewed: June 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Kokapelli's/Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
lbs I worked for
Strengths:
Light, rolls well, hooks up well to great in most conditions, look cool for the first two months
Weaknesses:
Durability. Color fades to crap.
Similar Products Used:
Everything made out of rubber.
Bike Setup:
Salt Cycles Litech magnesium frame. Singlespeed most of the time. XTR/Mavic 517 wheels. Last generation XTR crankset (best crankset ever made, screw everything else!). Dura Ace BB. Thompson, Kore. Avocet.
Bottom Line:
A fast tire that may fail after some extensive use but has very confident and predictable handling that rolls well and grips well in all but more muddy and loose conditions (which you should just get another set of tires for).
The source of all my problems with these tires are the sidewalls! They fade and rip after time. I've had two rear tires and a front. All of them faded from a lucious red to a sunburnt skin tannish-brown within a few months. Then, after they fade, they rip. Ive gotten tears so far in my 3 tires. One was made by a rock out in Moab, the other here at home on a fricken log. The second rip renderred the tire unridable...figures. I still use the tire I ripped out at Moab.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Estes
a Weekend Warrior
from Central California Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came stock on the bike
Strengths:
Fairly Lightweight, rolls nicely in the straights
Weaknesses:
Wears extremely fast, tire chunks if used in rocky or loose terrain. Sidewalls are very thin.
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse Warrior DS, purchased only a couple months ago so no upgrades yet. New tires really soon.
Bottom Line:
These tires have really let me down. For the price I wasn't expecting the best but they still didn't cut it. Today I went to a local trail which has dried out quite a bit since I was there last. The tires had little to no traction in the turns. I ended up eating it quite a few times. DO NOT rely on these tires to track well when you are taking hard turns.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
al
a
from Texas Date Reviewed: May 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
I've read several reviews about loose in the turns etc....
These tires will hook up on fast loose turns, but you have to run at least 45lbs of pressure.
I too went down hard on some turns in the hill country here in Texas where the front tire just washed out and I just about removed the tires from my bicycle. The higher air pressure does make them hold on in the loose corners and now I do have confidence in these tires.
5 flammers for the price and 3 for performance -peace
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN Date Reviewed: May 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Light and durable when used in cross country applications as intended. Also, the are inexpensive and widely available.
Weaknesses:
Tire traction not quite as good as I would hope for in a cross country tire.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Specialized Enduro Sport & WTB MotoRaptor
Bike Setup:
Surly 1x1
Bottom Line:
I have used these tires for 4 Minnesota seasons on 3 different bikes. In Minnesota, the trails I ride are hard packed black dirt with some sugar sand mixed in and are littered with smooth tree roots, scattered rocks and log and rock piles all surrounded by dense brush growth with trees. In these conditions, the tires have handled rather well. I am able to climb up and navigate tight and twisty switch backs with ease as the tires grip the hard pack well. I am also able to deftly maneuver over all obstacles previously listed with no problems in normal riding conditions. These tires perform rather well in standard cross country conditions. However, when having to corner coming off of a hot decent, these tires are a little sketchy. The rear end does slide around slightly from time to time but through experience I have adapted my riding style to accommodate this action and have had no problems. The only other concern I have about these tires is their handling in wet conditions. When riding through same trail condition, as previously listed, these tires do not grip or roll very well over smooth roots or the log piles. These tires also do not shed mud very well but none of the cross country tires I have used or currently use do well at this. If you ride in muddy conditions frequently, there are tires specifically designed for such applications, so this can not really be held against these tires as a negative factor or a concern.
All in all, based on price, availability and intended use, I feel these are solid cross country tires. They perform well and are rather light. I can highly recommend them with confidence. However, there are tires available that perform better than these but they can cost a little or significantly more and have greater weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ash
a Cross Country Rider
from Huntsville, TX Date Reviewed: May 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Semi-Quick Tires
Weaknesses:
Slick on dirt and gravel hardpack
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Connection
Bottom Line:
I have been using these tires off and on for awhile when I didnt have my own bike. They really wear fast especially in rocky conditions. I have shreded the sidewalls in one ride before. I road these in a race this weekend 5/01/05, and was completely dissapointed. I lost so much time around corners because i was sliding. No grip at all. The trail was harpack mixed with a little gravel at times. I felt like i was on ice. I dont recommend these to anyone unless you have a low budget. Pretty sorry tire in my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Marroquin
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas Date Reviewed: April 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Red Rock, Blue Diamond
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Just North of the border
Strengths:
There were some but not any more, maybe racing on trails with light obstacles.
Weaknesses:
Very specific to light duty, incorporating zero jagged edges not even high curbs on a street.
Similar Products Used:
hot s and trailbears
Bike Setup:
Surly Instigator disc
Bottom Line:
This is the first tire i've ever popped on the top part of the tire where the thread is. It popped on a high curb, I thought it was a side wall pinch and was upset to know it was'nt. Lucky for me I was close to home. Its a hartail bike so the back hits pretty hard but thats no excuse for this kind of flat. Its too bad the Speciallized Armadillos only come in a small width and feel like fork lift rubber.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Marroquin
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, Nevada Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Red Rock, Blue Diamond
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Finish Line bikes near Mexico
Strengths:
It has a versitile tread pattern and is great for dirt sidewalks when commuting to work and is good for staying on track when climbing.
Weaknesses:
This tire is too narrow for looser dirt, too hard for cement when urban riding or hard braking at intersections and the knobs are small for any downhilling over your trail.
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors, Fire Pros, 2.25 Trailbears, Michelin Hot S
Bike Setup:
Surly Instigator, Deore LX drive train package, Hollow Tech Cranks, Hubs, discs, everything. Salsa stem & bar, Big Cheese grips, Psylo XC fork with weighted spring upgrade.
Bottom Line:
They are good for straight trail riding on regular dirt or grass not hardpack or in wet conditions. They are good for climbing but then you need to come down and they are'nt that confidence inspiring although they do pick up speed very, very quickly. It's like a high end WALMART tire. Spend the extra $10 on the IRC Trailbear and you won't be disapointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nicole
a Cross Country Rider
from CT Date Reviewed: March 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
inexpensive ($25 per pair)
Weaknesses:
maybe the sidewall
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal 2.35, Specialized Pro Enduro 2.3
Bike Setup:
2001 Specialized Enduro Pro, Blackspire Big Ring Bash Guard
Bottom Line:
I did not purchase these tires for the usual purpose. I bought them to make them into studded snow tires. Having made them into studded snow tires, I've used them in icy, muddy, snow covered trails 6 times. They've performed perfectly for me in all these different situations.
They handled the technical stuff well. But of course the riding under these circumstances is a bit slower. There is one wear spot on the sidewall I thought I should mention. But that just may be due to ice cutting or scraping into it pretty hard.
I'm about 120 lbs but ride pretty aggressively for a girl. So far I've got no complaints for these tires for this purpose.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stevo
a Cross Country Rider
from hobart, Australia Date Reviewed: February 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
hook up well in wet and dry, fairly light. cheap - price was for a pair
Weaknesses:
sidewalls?? when they break in a corner, they break fast. so hard to drift them, but its fairly predictable
Similar Products Used:
specialized roll-x, velociraptors
Bike Setup:
specialized stumpjumper fsr comp 03
Bottom Line:
I got the black sidewall version a couple of monthes ago and run stan's in them, so haven't had any problems with flats except blew a sidewall of the rear one in a race. seems to be a problem with these going on some of the other reviews. having said that, they performed amazingly in the first two days of very very wet and muddy racing (including roots and pretty rocky sections) so i'm going to give them another try, might try and get some of the red sidewall ones... i'll give them 4 for overall just cause a sidewall went, if the red ones are stronger in the sidewall it'll be 5 out of 5
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Reding
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA Date Reviewed: January 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Foothills
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
There are 3 versions of the same tire! This review is about the Japanese made Mythos (red sidewalls), not the Korean or Taiwanese versions that use different rubber compounds. Mythos tires are directional and have different tread designs for the front and rear. They offer great value for riding in loose soil and on rock and are above average in sand.
Weaknesses:
Below average performance in clingy mud. The treads clog easily but not as bad as the Specialized Roll X. Psychos are better in mud.
Similar Products Used:
Psycho II, Specialized Ground Control, Master Controls and Roll X. Specialized Tri-cross about 20 years ago.
Bike Setup:
Stock 2004 Specialized Epic Comp Disc and a stock 1984 Stumpjumper.
Bottom Line:
Stick with the red sidewall version that is made in Japan! You can get them from Nashbar for $20 a piece. For that price you get a light tire that you can replace before they are completely worn out and enjoy a really great ride that hooks up nicely in the corners, descends like it is on rails, and climbs well with the paddle shaped nobs on the rear.
Mountain bike tires should be directional and have different tread designs front and rear. Steering and providing motive force are too different to use one design for both.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from chandler Date Reviewed: December 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
holbert
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
tread pattern looks like it should work well, cheap when on sale
Weaknesses:
Tread pattern, cornering, loose over hardpack
Bike Setup:
trek y-33, full 2003 xt equipped, marzocchi fork, fox rear shock
Bottom Line:
Every time i ride these tires i regret the day i bought them. I've never felt safe in corners, or high speeds with them. I thought it was just me being a larger rider and the tires were for lighter guys, but my 155 lb buddy rode and had the same complaints. These seem to be a well liked tire- my mechanic highly recommended them. I have a pair of weirwolfs on another ride and i never feel shifty on those so i think i'll get another set and replace the mythos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from Manassas,VA,USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike Shop
Strengths:
The front and rear specific setup is a plus. The added grip in the rear helps in climbing. The smoother front allows for easier steering.
Weaknesses:
The weight is a drawback and if your not cross-country, the width is not for you.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Ground Control
Bike Setup:
cross country
Bottom Line:
The tire is a great buy and performs adequately for amateur cyclists. Pros and racers definitley should go lighter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Weekend Warrior
from lancaster Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
backyard
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
easy to put on mavic 139's, excellent climbing in loose dirt/sand, wears slow even on pavement, and cheap
Weaknesses:
cornering in loose over hardpack, horrible in sand traps (my tires were 2.1) pinch flats, a real pain using stans no tubes kit even w/t compressor, not thorn resistant
Similar Products Used:
specialized roll pro 2.2
Bike Setup:
specialized enduro, main components still stock for the meantime. still going strong though
Bottom Line:
I've been using my enduro for alot of freeride lately, which is difficult on 2.1 XC tires. As far as XC goes they are great for the money. I have been riding hard for about two years in the Mojave desert and surrounding areas. I do not feel very confident having these rubbers underneath me. They pickup thorns and pinch flat all the time set at 40 psi, plus the cornering in loose sand is scary. But they are cheap and climb well don't know about mud or hardpack abilities we don't see much rain out here
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rosco coltrane
a Weekend Warrior
from SLC Date Reviewed: August 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
big water
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
price. install easily on bongrager rims - have had trouble with wire bead tires on these rims due to tightness
Weaknesses:
tread is weak. The nobbies have broken off down the belt after only about 10 rides on the rear tire. I read about this problem from a couple other reveiwers and it is true (although most reviewers seem to like this tire). This is either a defect in a few tires made or other reviewers are not riding rocky terrain. I would have expected about 2 seasons out of this tire and would not buy again. The front tire has held up fine so far.
Similar Products Used:
verdestein, continental
Bike Setup:
Schwinn S-10 full suspension
Bottom Line:
I would have expected about 2 seasons out of this tire. One season is unnaceptable quality. I would not buy again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabe Padilla
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Clara, CA USA Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
still looking
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Excellent all condition traction, fairly light, wears well
Weaknesses:
Not a super-fast rolling tire, not a huge amount of pinch-flat protection, 2.1" tire looks more like 1.9"
These are great tires. I was struggling for a long time for some good all purpose tires until a friend mentioned that I should just use the Mythos XCs and be done with it. I finally took his advise and put some on my bike. These are great tires. They offer fairly light weight and excellent traction. In hard cornering, breakaway is smooth and progressive so they are very easy to drift. I would not recommend these for mud or extremely loose conditions. However, for day-to-day riding these are the best tires I've ever found.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Racer
from Wilmington, DE USA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Longevity, even when I use them on-road sometimes. Stable in the corners, very rarely slip out and give you warning if they are about to, then generally hook- up again with body weight shift. Conform to terrain. Front tire shows little sign of treadwear.
Weaknesses:
Very easy to pinch flat. Sidewalls are showing signs of wearing out, but I've had them for two years. Softer compound wears easliy if you 'skid' the tires. Knobs are separating. The beads get in BAD shape quickly if you change tires often. The casing is starting to fray and I'm pulling strings off the tire.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones, Trek Connection, Generic
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 HT, XT Groupo, Mavic X517 clinchers.
Bottom Line:
I originally got these tires with my KHS FXT bike I purchased. They are 1.95 and a bit small and supple for the type of riding I do with that bike. I swapped out Bontrager Jones tires for these tire to use for XC racing. They are my 'all conditions' tires and have worked very well. They do take finesse when climbing over roots, as they will slip. Wet rocks are a no-no. Mud is OK, but they do slip a bit prior to hooking up. I am a 195 lb racer and run these as low as 40 lbs with ultralight tubes. Anything less in PSI and you easily pinch flat. The sidewalls are deteriorating, and if you ride rocky terrain a lot, these are not for you. I have a few sidewall rips, nothing serious, but definite damamge. These tires are very light, especially when used with ultralight tubes. My rear is worn down to the wear bars and diamond type tread between the lugs and I'm still getting traction. I would definitely buy these again! 5 chillies for the value- even if I did have to pay for them. They LAST!!! 4 chillies for rating, as they could be better climbers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MooX
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovakia Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
KaktusBike
Strengths:
Great Grip on hard, soft natural materials, soft side walls
Weaknesses:
gravel, road, soft side walls
Similar Products Used:
Ritched Z max
Bike Setup:
Columbus zonal, ritchey, kalloy, alexrims, alivio
Bottom Line:
Great universal tire for MT rideing. Rear Tire some times slipt on the road in the curves,'cause of soft side walls. Tires become very soft in heats, you can feel it like a flat tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Churchill
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Rapids, MI Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fort Custer
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Price, light weight, fast
Weaknesses:
May not have as much traction as a heavier tire with more tread.
These tires originally came stock on my bike, and I didnt realize how good they were until I tried "upgrading" with the pythons. Although the pythons were lighter and faster, they did not corner nearly as well. I didn't care for the unstable feeling and eventually swithced back to mythos. After doing some research, I found that these are among the lightest tires with any reasonable amount of tread. The best part is you can get a pair for 25$ at Pricepoint. Thats about half the price of most tires. These tires are a great compromise between weight and traction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Jordan
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR USA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Spring Water corridor
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
performance Bike shop
Strengths:
Very durable, great for both road AND off road, good traction, very good cornering, looks awesome with any bike, good tire for the money (Note that the price I payed is for each individual tire.)
Weaknesses:
The grip for off-road riding could be a little better, but is good enough.
Similar Products Used:
WTB VelociRaptors, Kenda Kinetics, both 26 X 2.1
Bike Setup:
1999 Raleigh M60 Mountain Sport, Tektro V Brakes, AFTERMARKET Manitou elite BLACK air fork 100/120 mm travel, Trek comfort zone saddle, 24-speed shimano Deore XT drivetrain, VXC stock rims, SKS Shockboard front fender
Bottom Line:
These tires are the best tires for a young guy like me who rides a XC mountain bike for both on AND off-roading. The cornering with these tires is very good both off and on road, the traction on road is also very good, and the material is very durable. I had a set of these tires for 3 years, which is about 800 miles I have ridden out of these tires (if I hadn't skidded with them like I used to in my young MTB days, I would of had them longer!) I ride roughly 60% of the time on the road and 40% off road. I had just purchased a new set today because I like them so much! Off-road, they can slip a bit on wet rocks but other than that, I got a good bargain out of these for only $15 a tire! Plus, they look great on a nice bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything close to vertical to climb!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Light, low rolling resistance, corners well, excellent traction.
Weaknesses:
Still trying to track them down.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Ground Control, Michelin XL, Panaracer Fire XC.
Bike Setup:
1994 Specialized Stumpjumper, Judy SL, hardtail, too many mods to list.
Bottom Line:
Amazing. The Specialized Ground Control was my reference tire for years until it finally blew a sidewall this year. It could climb, descend, corner and handle any terrain that I threw at it. Mud, sand, rocks, roots anything and it would hold. I thought I would never get anything better, but I did with the IRC.
The IRC actually seems to have a similar tread to the Ground Control which is why I bought it in the first place. The knobs are a little wider and bigger than with the Specialized, but also lower which helps with overall rolling resistance. The knobs are spaced just right so that on the trails and the terrain that I ride here on the east coast, where it is often wet and muddy, combined with loose rocks, large off-camber rocks and more roots than you can shake a stick, these tires still hold.
I admit, I'm a light rider (145lbs) so I don't put as much strain on these as a larger rider might, but I ride agressively and I will tackle any hill, no matter how steep it is. I also ride them at the lower range of the recommended PSI rating (40 out of 40-65PSI) so that doesn't hurt either. Oh, and I also only paid $35 versus the $15-20 that you see on other reviews b/c I bought the folding/Kevlar bead version. But $35 for a top notch folding tire is still a good deal versus the Conti's and the other tires on the market which you'll often see for $50 or so at your LBS.
I would highly recommend this tire to anyone and I'm almost considering buying an extra one now, just to have a back-up in case they ever stop making them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt savage
a Cross Country Rider
from bend, or Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Gales Creek
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
a shop
Strengths:
Work in any condition, all the time. Roll fast, light weight.
Weaknesses:
True, a higher pressure is recomended with these tires which can make the ride rough, but at least fast.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Control/Master
Bike Setup:
Sick
Bottom Line:
These tires are great! I've been riding them since 98 and will have no other front tire. I've since switched to a Specialized S-works Master for the rear, but the Mythos is the best front tire I believe is out there. I found around 55-60 PSI to be the best pressure for the tire, unless it's really muddy, then around 50. The sidewall gets a little squishy at lower pressures as well as less traction. These are one of the few tires where you can run high pressure and get better traction.
Buy the ones with the red sidewall. They have a better casing than the black ones.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stefan
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Rotting Motorcycle
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance Light Inexpensive
Weaknesses:
Weak sidewalls Traction is acceptable but not great Wears quickly
Bike Setup:
Hard tail
Bottom Line:
These tires are okay but not great. I ride aggressively on a combination of mud and rock and clearly these tires are meant for a different environment. I run 45 psi in the tires and still pinch flat frequently and feel the sidewalls squirming during high speed turns. If your trails are smooth these would be a good choice, but for technical trails, get something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lactic Addict
a Racer
from Upstate, NY Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Broken Thumb
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Major online retailers
Strengths:
Great all around tire - great traction, works well with Stan's, no pinch flats.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Continental Vapor Pro, Hutchinson Mosquito.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
Just because something costs more doesn't mean it's better. Case in point: I bought a Continental Vapor Pro for close to $50 at my LBS, and I've had nothing but bad experiences with it. I've pinch-flatted with it several times, it won't work well with Stan's, and it absolutely sucks in wet, slick conditions. I have since gone back to the $15 Mythos and am currently thinking that there's no reason to ever ride anything else. A fantastic value!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duane
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood, CO Date Reviewed: June 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
everywhere
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Price! Fairly good rolling resistance. Rugged trail stability.
Weaknesses:
I heard they wear out quickly, don't know.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Serac, Hutchinson, Michelin, Conti's
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz blur.
Bottom Line:
Even if they wear out quickly, they're so inexpensive you can buy 3 of them for the price of one other. I agree with the guy below, bike tires are rediculously expensive for what you get. Marketing BS. Just get a decent kevlar bead tire, and you're good to go. These tires work great, less expensive!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from w. greenwich ri Date Reviewed: April 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Providence Bicycle
Strengths:
These tires hook all the time in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Hardrock'r, Continential, Hutchinsons
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll
Bottom Line:
These are the best tires for New England riding. I've had them on my Pro-flex, and now my Jekyll. They always work great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from GTA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All over
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
traction , traction , traction ! Light weigth only 480g each so it rolls fast..dirt cheap & did I mention traction !
Weaknesses:
Becoming hard to find because it's been in the market for years..and there a reason for that too..because people keep buying them.
Similar Products Used:
Overrated Hutchson Python and Mosiqutos .. Python was $50+ EACH ! Useless tire , slipout on anything that is not bone dry and Mosiqutos $35EACH , the cheaper Mosiqutos "almost" works like a Mytho but it wear out much faster and is twice the price.
Bike Setup:
FS , all mountain rig .. I put a 2.1 in the front and a 1.95 front tire mounted backward on the rear..it works like a freaking scalded monkey , climb anything with easy !
Cut thur wetmud like a hot knife in butter.
Bottom Line:
Don't believe the hype , I was dub into buying those made in France fancy rubber, you are just paying for the fancy marketing and packaging .
$50bucks a tire ! it costs as much as a real car tire with less than 1/10 of the material in them. RIPOFF.
The Mytho retail at $15 bucks a pop , yes made in Korea , but it WORKS! For XC trails up or down , these things rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ilakano
a
from Clayton, CA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Diablo
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Longevity, versatility, Price. Just a great tire for Northern California.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python
Bottom Line:
See above. I've been using the Hutchinson's on my tubeless, but this week, Performance finally put the IRC tubeless on sale (22) and I've ordered those. Best tire for me. Highly recommend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian
a Weekend Warrior
from picayune Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
rolls very well, grips good
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
kenda's are awesome too. I got these on my hardtail years ago. And after riding them on the road a bunch they still are holding me on the trail.
Bike Setup:
I just got panaracer SMOKE for my rear tire, and this IRC for the front.
Bottom Line:
Great Front tire for me. This combo I have on my bike kicks ass. I recommend The IRC mythos front, and panaracer smoke for the rear. Awesome feel!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Hamilton
a Cross Country Rider
from Ran Santa Marg, CA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Aliso/Wood Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Price Overall reliability
Weaknesses:
Weak side wall. (Tire seems to squirm more then the Fire XC that I usualy run.)
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC,Serac,Roll-X
Bike Setup:
03 Stumpjumper FSR, Duke XC, Hayes brakes
Bottom Line:
Tire handles well overall. For the money I would say there pretty good tire. I do think that the front hooks up better the the rears does. The rear does not hook up well on climbs and is really drifts around on rocky terrain. (I would tend to think that is do to the weak side walls.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Orr
a Weekend Warrior
from Snowdonia, Wales, UK Date Reviewed: February 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Karimore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Snowdonia Surf and Mountain
Strengths:
Cheap, Lightweight, Sticky Compound, Rolls Really Well
Weaknesses:
Cheap, The side walls look too thin, It is really hard to seat on the rim, and crap at mud
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Tioga, No-name's with my previous bike, WTB Velocoraptor, which was awesome
Bike Setup:
GT i-drive, discs, mavic xc 717disc
Bottom Line:
These tyres roll really well, but wash out on corners and really dislikes the typical british mud, which in Febuary is all over the place in Wales
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Dillsburg, PA Date Reviewed: February 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
These tires are AWESOME!!! When I got my new bike (Trek Fuel 90) last spring it came with Bontrager Jones ACX tires and I quickly changed to my tried and true favorite! These tires hook up well in every condition. I've ridden in everything from dry dusty hardpack to wet muddy stuff and these tires work great! They are light and fast in the in the ups, the downs, and have amazing traction even in the really technical, sketchy stuff! Also they are long lasting.
Weaknesses:
NONE!
Similar Products Used:
There is no tire that can rightfully be comapred to these!
Bike Setup:
2003 Trek Fuel 90 with IRC Mythos XC 2.1 kevlar tires and Kool Stop MTB (salmon and black) brake pads.
Bottom Line:
These are probably the best XC tires on the market! They are light, cheap, and last forever! They have excellent traction all the time! Get 'em!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rolando
a Racer
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: January 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Bike shop
Strengths:
Light weight, soft compound
Weaknesses:
The soft compound proves to be a tad too soft at times. Some of the nobs on th e rear needed to be super glued back.
Similar Products Used:
All different sorts
Bike Setup:
Costum Orbea, Sram X.O, Sid WC, racing stuff ect...
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is this; I'm a racer of about 130 lbs. So I'm light on my gear. These tires have been both good and bad. Tire pressure must be dialed in for these things to work well. Yes I do agree that the side walls are thin, and prove to be weak, but I haven't noticed any pich-flats, And I ride some really rocky stuff (old Cenezoic lime stone that can be very jagged at times). The side walls have shown considerable wear but still are holding strong. The tire is soft so it tends to crack in the Texas heat, but once again the tire still holds up. Overall this a good tire, but I think I will be changing my meats this comming season.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Penrith Date Reviewed: January 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything with dirt and big rocks
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
good for riding on the road or concrete paths and cornering is reasonable. it is and affordable tire
Weaknesses:
have only had for a few days and have used on trails twice. i have already had a pinch flat because of the overly thin side walls. these tires are absolutely useless for trailriding with decent size rocks. you will tear them apart after a couple of rides. aren't really any good for loose fine dirt or sand. and can lockup easily under heavy braking
Similar Products Used:
haven't had anything as bad
Bike Setup:
2002 gary fisher marlin with disc brakes (great bike)
Bottom Line:
pay the extra for better tires it is worth it in the long run. absolutely useless unless rock solid 50+ psi because u will constantly have flats form the tube getting pinched because of the weak sidewalls. alrite tire for flat cross country riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a
from Dallas, Tx Date Reviewed: December 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Several on-line places in pairs
Strengths:
Fairly good performance for the price. Not too heavy. Wear reasonably well.
Weaknesses:
Thin, thin sidewalls. Tire bends under itself with a lot of pressure when cornering because of the thin sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager AC Jones, Panracer Fire XC
Bike Setup:
Al Hardtail. 2.1s.
Bottom Line:
Good tire for the price, but there is much better performance to be had with a few extra bucks. The tire is pretty flimsy at the sidewalls and does not hold up well to high stress situations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Western PA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Dirty Harry's Bicycles
Strengths:
Works well in everything, Casing, Cornering, Climbing, Steering, Braking, mounting, almost everything
Weaknesses:
Red Sidewalls are ass, they fade and threads start to show through before tread is worn.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Front S, Ritchey Z-Max, Ritchey ZED Race, Bontrager Jones.
Bike Setup:
Bluestone 19.5L
Bottom Line:
avg. lite tyre that can be put on to ride somewhere where you don't know what the conditions are going to be like. It works anywhere in anything. Size options allow you to fine tune it to your area and terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Russ Debenport
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ Date Reviewed: November 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
McDowell Race Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Cheap and light weight
Weaknesses:
Cheap and light weight. Lugs break off after very few rides. Hard to remove from rim.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Specialized, Panaracer
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR
Bottom Line:
While economical, these tires should be sold with a warning: "Do not use on rocky terrain". After about 5 rides in the Phoenix, AZ area they are thrashed. I'm a lightweight and fairly conservative on the trail, so it's not my riding style. The product is simply not built for rocky conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jacob
a Weekend Warrior
from Saratoga, CA, USA Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
skeggs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
price, weight, great begginer tire. good for fireroads.
Weaknesses:
Chips on tires on around the 17th ride! Wash out on fast cornering easier than other tires ive tried.
Similar Products Used:
Kujo Dh 2.3 and Intense 909 2.3
Bike Setup:
2003 Gary fisser tassajara
Bottom Line:
If you need an affordable tire that runs well on cross country trail with out a ton a rocks this is the tire for you. If not, go with something else that is wider and more durable. This tire is great for beginers, i would recomend it as a first replacement of tires for someone just getting into mountain biking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: November 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kanata Lakes
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Dinardo's
Strengths:
Great for all around trail riding at an excelent price.
Weaknesses:
Wet root... but what tire is good for that?
Similar Products Used:
Michelin wild gripper, Specialized Team Master
Bike Setup:
KHS FXT Comp
Bottom Line:
Wet and muddy in the spring. Dry, hard packed, rooty, and rocky during the summer. Back to wet and muddy in the fall. Needed a tire that performed well in all conditions and so far I have been happy with the IRC Mythos Front and Rear. With 600KM on the they are more of a semi slick now. Definitely going to have to throw another set on the bike.
Had one pinch flat on the rear, and I have yet to find a tire that can really hook up on a wet root.
If you need a tire that excels in most conditions of technical single track and hard packed, this is it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jdd
a Cross Country Rider
from pittsburgh, pa Date Reviewed: November 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
brady's run, bavington, hartwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Denali Cycles, Bridgewater Pa (what's up Scott)
Strengths:
tire came on my Yeti, good gripping tire. fast and corners well. rear tire 2.1 is more like a 1.95. climbs well
Weaknesses:
very weak sidewall, had to replace rear tire because the sidewall wore out in less than a year and now the front tire is starting to go. corners well but watch out for light mud, doesn't seem to get to the dry stuff underneath.
Similar Products Used:
panaracer, wtb, bontrager
Bike Setup:
Yeti FRO, Yeti's make you go faster!
Bottom Line:
if you are riding area's that aren't rocky and rooty (lack of better word) this is the tire for you. if there are alot of rocks and roots you will be replacing this tire often
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
darkmatter
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE, USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lewis and Clark Monument
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
-Appropriate price to life ratio -Perform well with high pressure, for low rolling resistance -When they do give out in a corner there is some warning, a slam can usually be avoided.
Weaknesses:
-A year of hard riding and you're on to your next rear, the lugs begin to tear off. -The front gives out way to easy in the corners. -The tires get REALLY SLOPPY at low PSI (38 and under) -
Similar Products Used:
Continental, Panaracer smokes
Bike Setup:
Trek OCLV 9900 XTR what not
Bottom Line:
These things are cheap and they only last you one season, racing and training. I'm a light guy but I've gone through two rears and one front and in the approximately 4000 dirt and some concrete miles I put on the things I only got one flat. I am a competitive sport rider who consistently places in the top quarter of the group with isolated podium spots. As for as people talking about pinch flats, put some air in the things. They perfomr great for me at 45psi, 50 if I know its a flat course with few corners. From the sound of it hefty fellows and people who want to act like they are riding tubless tires should stay away from the mythos. If don't want to play tubeless and like riding MTB tires with a little more pressure get these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffskismontana
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain Top, Pa. USA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
BikeLoft in Evansville Indiana
Strengths:
Excellent traction in Western Kentucky/Western Tennessee type conditions(packed clay). Very Light Weight in comparison to most tires. Long tread life. I utilized for 5 seasons of riding(approx. 25 rides/year)/
Weaknesses:
Little bit too light for rocky Pennsylvania conditions.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F1000, 1998 Caad 3, Stock.
Bottom Line:
Excellent tire, very light, very durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Witold Wilk
a Cross Country Rider
from Tychy, Poland Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
hardpack - maximum control wet 10~20cm grass - good control leaves - good control (front braking *EXCELLENT*) tarmac - loud, but otherwise - can roll, and with good control mud - handles well (!). I've ridden about 5km in mud, and I can say one thing - the rear had an astonoshing grip... slipped only when I used way too much momentum...
after 150km they do no signs of usage... even the needles are still standing out... and it was a mean 150km... believe me ;^)
Weaknesses:
sand - tends to go sideways (front and rear) wet tarmac (but a really slick one!) - where a 1.75 slick would hold on braking with the most possible power - the front mythos slips...
when riding low pressure - the tires tend to try to get off the rim... with high pressure - they loose their grip... everybody has to experiment with the pressures, until they are all right
26" wheels, a-head, 19" oversize giant boulder '02... most things from the original one didn't last. had this for a year, and 5500km...
Bottom Line:
superb tire. for this price it is really, really superb. I never rode something that has such a grip. furthermore, the 2.1 kevlar cost ~13$ per piece, so its a really cheap price for this tire.
there are many negative, and many positive comments. mine is positive. this tires rock... one thing - just pump the pressure, to the level the tire isn't getting off the rim while making turns at the maximum speed/angle You would be doing... and maintain it low, so the tire has excellent grip. watch out for sharp holes and stuff - thats low pressure riding for You ;^) but it just rocks. even though I have been using them for a mere 150km, and only a couple days... I already know they are the tires for me...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
#2
a Cross Country Rider
from Lubbock, TX Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
MLK Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, good grip at correct tire pressure
Weaknesses:
Not thorn-proof!
Bike Setup:
GF Marlin, LX&XT
Bottom Line:
This tire delivers exactly what it promises, its a great value as a lightweight tire for XC riders. If you plan on riding through thorns, put in tubeswith goo; if you are doing serious offroad riding then reevaluate your tire preasure. Alot of the posts seemed to blame things on this and other tires that were setup issues rather than problems related to the tires. Understand what this tire is, and if you are looking for a good lightweight XC tire or trail tire, you know how to determine the right tire pressure for your riding conditions, and you can avoid riding through thorn patches, then buy this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mihkel
a Cross Country Rider
from estonia Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
it was on my bike
Strengths:
crip,price
Bottom Line:
good at: gravel, forest, ice, mud, street, bad at: sand, snow,
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Ferguson
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary AB Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Jumping Pound / Cox
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
Traction has been good. clean mud...
Weaknesses:
Pinch Flats!!!! 6 this season. Went out to Rossland for the weekend and got 2!
Similar Products Used:
Smoke & Darts from MEC. Cheap and no pinch flats!
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, XTR and Raceface, Mavic 317 wheelset.
Bottom Line:
Practice changing flats!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lewis Pinkerton
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: August 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Cougar's Notch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Great traction; very stable, inspires confidence in rider; treadlife is excellent; resistant to punctures
Weaknesses:
Can get a bit shifty in loose gravel at higher speeds
Bike Setup:
2001 Yokota El Capitan; Manitou front suspension; XTR components; Mavic rims; Specialized neck; Uno Kalloy handlebars; Primo magnesium pedals
$ 40.00
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