Low rolling resistance doesn't do much good if you wash out in every corner. So we designed the Notos XC to be fully lugged for maximum traction, but we shortened the knob height so it remained blazing fast. The result is a feathery XC racing tire perfect for any type of cross country course. Features our exceptionally strong yet amazingly light CAF casing, the PRF (read: no DNF) System, and Hybrid Tread Compound. Click on the image to the left for an enlarged photo showing tread detail and related product specifications.
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from Texas Date Reviewed: March 7, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
great traction, low profile, fast, low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
mud
Similar Products Used:
richey, WTB
Bottom Line:
On hard pack, sand, and loose gravel, you cannot beat this tire on the rear. I know pro's who use this tire front and rear. All I know I use a notos in the rear and a serac in the front and I have never been happier!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Davo
a Racer
from Bristol Date Reviewed: February 17, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Free from my mate "Mr Many Tires"
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance - Very quick whilst the going is easy. Price - You can get some mega deals on the Notos if you look around. Mud clearance - Would not clog up.
Weaknesses:
Low mud ability.
Similar Products Used:
Many many many.
Bike Setup:
Rigid Alu hardtail with lightweight but non-exotic componentry. Enjoy xc-racing, enduros and long trail rides.
Bottom Line:
I nabbed this of a friend with many tires. I had not tried it until the other day when I thought i would give it a go despite the very poor trail conditions. The trail was extrmely wet and muddy. Not clog your bike up clay type, more very muddy top over firmish base. The tire wouldn't clog up and ititially I thought it might be quite good as the blurb says its suitable for any xc course, but a few twisty turnies later and i was having the front wheel (only front wheel tested) washing out regularly. The bite under braking was acceptable for a fairly skilled rider, but the lack of cornering and lateral ability made sure I was unable to handle sections I normally clean. Consequently I had my foot out before nasty sections as my confidence had been eroded.
Bottom line - the speed and low rolling resistance is not beneficial in poor conditions as it is set off against poor grip in a variety of situations. HAving had some experience of similar tires in dry situations I would wholly accept this to do well under a skilled rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from idaho Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
fast
Weaknesses:
using this tire requires great amounts of skill and finesse on areas of the trail that should not require it.i have absolutely no confidence using this tire on the trail conditions here in idaho,which change daily in higher elevations.
Similar Products Used:
numerous
Bike Setup:
klein palomino xx
Bottom Line:
ive ridden the same trails with other low profile tread designs at the same speeds and have not felt as on edge as with these tires.they seem to make every corner feel like an adventure.also have lost alot of knobs after minimal use.i cant recommend them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Bendigo, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: July 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Various
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Light, roll fast, corner well
Weaknesses:
1.9.s were a tade small - but the were 1.9's after all.
Similar Products Used:
Numerous
Bike Setup:
Mongoose NX7.5 HT
Bottom Line:
These came on my old NX7.5 (since traded). I wasn't keen on the size or lack of tread and reluctantly left them on the bike (shop had bugger all else to choose from except wire bead rubbish) Terrain in my patch is gravelly hardpack, marbles and red clay. Well they worked much better than I expected, cornering well, rolling fast and wearing fairly well. Grip on climbs was also better than expected given the little knobs. Would make a great race tyre. Would like to try the 2.1's as I think the bigger volume would allow lower pressures and even more grip.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane Gouldthread
a Racer
from Weedville Date Reviewed: June 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
r u kidding! their all great!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Purchased At:
Sponsor
Strengths:
light weight, rolling resistance, cornering, and climbing ability.
Weaknesses:
side walls
Similar Products Used:
mostquito's(best tire to date)
Bike Setup:
05 Trek 8500, SID TEAM pop-loc, all 05 XT groupset + hydros, Bontrager Race light Tubeless wheelset, king headset, SLR saddle... race bike
Bottom Line:
These tires are nice tires! BUT- beware dont run them as a tubeless tire with stans at low pressure. i flatted 8 times running them at 36 lbs. i used them with tubes for training and they worked great! just dont run them tubeless with low air. the sidewalls got small embrassions on them and flatted. great tire just dont use them as i did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh
a Weekend Warrior
from michigan Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Piere marquette trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$9.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
SMOOTH. i cant belive the difference from my old tire (specialized ground control) extremly low rolling resistance and nearly noiseless on pavement. i rode them through mud, sand, snow, ice and still i had none of the complaints that some of the other reviewers had. i bought them without checking this site and im glad i did. because of what i read here i treated them very carefully for about an hour to see what the could and couldnt do. but i soon gained a lot of confidence in them.
Weaknesses:
the tred doesnt look like it will last very long, the rubber coundpound seems like its pretty soft. but for $9 a tire its worth it to replace them 2x a season and get new tires just when things are gett'n good. only other thing ive noticed is that they give a slightly harsher ride and are a bit squirlly in sand (show me a 1.95 tire that isnt)
Bike Setup:
99 specialized hardrock pretty well stock except for new saddle and tires. pretty beaten up but still rides perfect
Bottom Line:
im giving them 5 chilis for value because of the price and 4 chilis for overall because of wear and sand concerns. also a note to the other reviewers with negative comments about using the notos as a front wheel MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE ROTATION DIRECTIONS ON THE WHEEL. i havent tried it backwards but i imagine with the way the knobs are shaped they could easily grip in the wrong places and cause accidents. remember if your runnin a tire that is the same front and back the logo should always be on opposite sides of eachother.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN, USA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The next one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
All-terrain performance, smooth on hardpack (for a short knobbie), sheds mud, relatively light (540g), decent value
Weaknesses:
A little tough to install, wears a bit quickly, not the best on sand (but what sub-2" tire is??)
Iron Horse Hollowpoint, EA70 flatbar & stem, XT derailleurs, Hayes mechanical discs
Bottom Line:
This review is for the RED sidewall 1.95" version. (According to the IRC website, other versions use different rubber and construction) I was looking for a single all-around XC tire for varied midwestern terrain, inc. some street riding. These do that nicely. I am 170# and run these at around 42 psi (since I HATE pinch flats). While there are better tires for specific conditions, this tire does not embarrass itself anywhere I've been. The tire does its part if I do mine! And no flats (so far..) Although I don't think I'll get an entire season's wear out of them, 2 sets of these are cheaper than 1 set of some other similar tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Berg
a Racer
from Madison Date Reviewed: June 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
on the web
Strengths:
-More Grip than a slick, with Small weight penalty. Great mud sheader in wet loamy/ clay surfaces. -No faster rolling lugged tire in the dry. -Cheap. -Light for a full lugged tire. -A classic in my opinion
Weaknesses:
-Rust colered side walls. -Performance in: Tracking in deep sand( show me a 1.9 tire that does well in that) Off camber Vasoline/KY Clay at speed(dido)
Similar Products Used:
Pyhthons, Mosquito, Conti Exprorer, IRC Serac, Tioga Red Pheonix,Kenda slicks,
Bike Setup:
fast
Bottom Line:
If they were so bad, why Does the TREK mountian Bike Team Still use them(4 years running now)??? Yes fast tires require more mental input, but so does rockin' through tight single track at 10mph. To go fast requires some sacifice, the tradeoffs for a full lugged tire are not worth it to me. This is the best tire I have found form the above listed to take on race day and not worry about how my tire is going to preform. The Hutchinson Mosquito, IRC Serac corner and track quite the same, but wear faster and have mud sheading problems respectively. I hope they keep making this tire, but just like good running shoes, great tires die with the swing of the marketing axe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a Racer
from Glenside, PA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Wissahickon Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Great traction as a rear tire, best in slightly muddy conditions with many rocks/roots
Weaknesses:
Not confidence-inspiring as a front tire. Keep it on the back.
Similar Products Used:
Continental Explorer, Bontrager Jones
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper M4 Hardtail w/ Fox Float 80mm fork
Bottom Line:
I have used this tire as my rear tire for winter xc riding and all-year training for 3 seasons now and have never been dissapointed. I have the 2.1 and durability has not been an issue--I still have another few seasons out of this tire. It rolls fast and when pumped up to 40lbs, it is perfect. It's soft enough to get good traction, but hard enough that the tall cornering knobs don't roll over. I tried racing with this as my front tire once but it rolled too slowly as a front tire (it rolls much faster in the back due to the reverse-direction desigh) and was not gread for handling. As a rear tire it never fails. Perfect for anyone from an XC racer looking for a training tire to a weekend warrior looking for a durable, worry-free tire. Paired with a Mythos up front and it's a perfect combo for the rocky/rooty/muddy riding you find in Eastern PA.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chuck f
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Royal National Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Innes Cycles
Strengths:
Not too bad on firm, flat fireroads...
Weaknesses:
Pretty much useless anywhere else.
Similar Products Used:
Honestly can't remember
Bike Setup:
2001 Cannondale F700, these puppies came stock (not enough research there, I know...)
Bottom Line:
Now I know I shouldn't be complaining because I did buy them in the first place and I've put up with them for a year now - but these treads do suck a bit. They're fine on your stock standard dry fireroad, but around Sydney most of the action is loose, sandy stuff mixed with sandstone rocks and slabs (hey, its not Moad but its all we've got...). As soon as you're looking at an even moderately technical climb these things lose it. As my climbing has slowly improved I've noticed this more & more. The NOTOS have not aged well at all and are on the shortlist for replacement, along with the butt-breaking Coda saddle that came with my dale (but that's another story...) Overall I would say - keep browsing shopper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
otb again
a
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
50 yr upper lp
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$12.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
slippage, thin sidewall
Similar Products Used:
fire/smoke. Mythos.
Bike Setup:
Jekyll w/ XT Groupo
Bottom Line:
First ride was with Stans System and about 50lbs. On a cross country ride, I did some 'off trail' treking in order to get over to another jeep trail. This little jaunt involved bombing down a very (sharp) rocky section that would not be considered suitable for your average riders. About 50 yards into it, something must have hit the sidewall of the tire and put a 3/4 inch tear in it. These are the narrowest tires I have ever run, which could explain some loss of traction on some trails that I normally stick to (in climbs) and I had a hard time spinning through a sandy river bed that I normally have no problem with. I got a good deal from someone on eBay, but I won't ride these tires again. Value rating ? since I didn't buy retail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ibis Breezer
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, the metromess Date Reviewed: January 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
I am with several of the other reviewers of this product, I think they hook up very well and I have absolutely no complaints about traction.
Weaknesses:
None I have noticed.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer TrailBlaster 1.8"
Bike Setup:
1993 Breezer Lightning, full rigid, bike built specifically for riding at L.B. Houston Mountain Bike Trail (a very tight, flat, twisty trail(.
Bottom Line:
The guys ragging these tires must be locking their brakes to get the skids they are whining about, they work perfectly for me. I spent 7 hours in extremely wet and loose and slippery conditions a couple of weeks ago and was amazed at how well I was coping with conditions, I expected the bike to handle much worse considering how muddy and rocky it was.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Bendigo, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: December 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
Light. Fast rolling. Good traction despite small knobs.
Weaknesses:
Got a few punctures.
Bike Setup:
Mongoose NX 7.5 alloy hardtail, 4 inch Judy SL's.
Bottom Line:
These were on the bike when I got it new, folding rustwall 1.9's. I was really sceptical on account of the small shallow knobs. I was wrong. They hooked up really well even in loose stuff. The stiff side knobs worked well in corners and all things considered wore pretty well. I would have another set, but would go for 2.1's for more volume.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shredder
a Cross Country Rider
from Central Pennsylvania Date Reviewed: October 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
NA
Strengths:
Good grip in all conditions, and predictable sliding when they break loose. I have had both the front and rear tires slide at the same time and pulled it off just like the motorcycle road racers.
Weaknesses:
They wear out eventually, and they will get flats. They don't come in yellow.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Trailblasters
Bike Setup:
Jekyle
Bottom Line:
I cannot believe all the whining I am reading by people about these tires. Waaaaa they slide in the wet, waaaaaa they slide in sand. I bet you guys couldn't hang with me if I were riding slicks! I am using Notos on the front, Panaracer Trailblasters on the back. I like the name trailblaster, reminds me of myself, I am a trailshredder. The Notos work great on the front for that extra traction I get cornering on the slick rocks, leaves, and mud we get here in Pennsylvania, the toughest place to ride in the whole United States. The tires also shed the mud we have over here very quickly. The only problem is the tires don't come in yellow. I like colors. My bike mixes and matches. I like people to see and remember my bike everytime I lap them in the woods. Yeah, I am a shredder, so take from me, my tire setup is radical, I am radical, so learn something here, and quit your whining. hehehe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Williamsport Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mosquito Valley
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
lower rolling resistance, forces me to pay attention and pick the best line
Weaknesses:
rear wears quick,slippery when wet,demands a lot of attention
Similar Products Used:
conti x-plorers
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 with upgrades
Bottom Line:
These came with a 01 Cannondale Jekyll I purchased. On one of the first rides I almost crashed hard going through a muddy tight singletrack turn. My first impression was that I didn't care for this tire. I then switched them out for Conti X-plorers...
Low on funds and in need of some treads, I dug them out of storage and put them on my Trek 7000. The second time around I realized how to ride with this tire and have come to not mind them. I have 7 miles of pavement riding to get to the dirt so I like the lower rolling resistance, which has probably helped the rear wear out quicker. Overall this is not a tire that allows you to forget about what line you are taking or what terrain is up ahead...It demands a lot of rider attention and understandably is not for everyone...I'll probably try another low roller like hutchinson pythons next...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ComNomad
a
from Colorado Date Reviewed: July 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Colorado
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bike
Strengths:
Straight line rolling over dry, flat, hardpack.
Weaknesses:
Everything else.
Similar Products Used:
I have never used anything similar to this tire in terms of performance. In terms of marketing claims, the Bontrager Revolt Semi-slick.
Bike Setup:
'99 Specialized FSR Comp. New Fox Vanilla rear shock, RS Psylo, Avid sd 7.0, Sram 9.0 white levers, XT throughout, Sun Rhynolites mated to XT hubs.
Bottom Line:
Without a doubt, this is the worst tire I've run on my bike in the 15+ years I've been riding. Other than riding it in a straight line on a flat surface, it is useless. The manufacturer's claims of "blazing fast" are absurd. The knobs on the tire don't lend themselves to speed nor traction. At least if the tire were bald in the center there could be some explanation/justification for its terrible performance.
Ironically, I read many of the reviews here before actually purchasing the tire. I thought that most of the writers probably didn't know how to ride an XC race tire - preferring lazy handlebar turns to leaning the bike and railing. Forget about it. Skill and riding style have nothing to do with it, these tires suck!!
I bought the tire to put on the bike of my rig to match a large volume/low pressure WTB Mutano Raptor up front for a race in Gunnison, CO. The race is a long one for MTB - 42 miles for Pros/Experts and 21 miles for regular schmoes. Between practice loops and the race, I rode every kind of condition possible in three days: dry hardpack, mud, clay, sand, loam, rock, etc. And other than straight and flat these tires were completely unstable and unpredictable.
I know that I made a mistake in purchasing this tire, but I'm planning on spending a few more bucks to send the piece of junk back to the manufacturer along with a detailed review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a
from Columbia Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
patapsco avalon area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
CambriaBike
Strengths:
0
Weaknesses:
Where to begin, the front tire lugs are way to soft for anything but mud, spent 5 hours in ER having a cast put on after fracturing my elbow. To much flex and wash out at nearly any speed. Also 2.1 is VERY skinny for a 2.1. Only possible redemming quality I can see is in mud and even then they do not shed mud as well as you would expect for such a sparse tread.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, Continental Cross Country, Panaracer Fire XC, and Michelin Wildgripper Comp S
Bike Setup:
VooDoo Bokor, full XTR, Marzocchi Z3 Bam 80, with Sun/Ringle RPM XXL..
Bottom Line:
No real redemming qualities...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Wise
a Weekend Warrior
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: June 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lower Rock Creek CA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Grippy, climbed muddy single-tracks where I thought one would just spin out.
Weaknesses:
Very soft rubber wears out too fast. The rear tire is down to half the knobs in one month. I had a major puncture in the front tire while doing a fast downhill that sent me over the bars, and in that brief second of riding with no air the sidewall ripped open.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga
Bike Setup:
Marin Rocky Ridge
Bottom Line:
Take them off the bike ASAP. Better to put stronger tires on the rims than to pay the hospital! The tire blow out I had cost not only replacing the tire, but buying a new brain bucket also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cheyni saville
a Cross Country Rider
from wales uk Date Reviewed: February 22, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
a predictable ability to throw you off your bike or scare you silly look nice? roll nice?
Weaknesses:
i have not found a surface i liked them on
Similar Products Used:
panaracer tioga
Bike Setup:
marin rift zone full suss
Bottom Line:
these tyres came with the bike i was told to bin them by the shop i fitted panaracer fire xc and have been riding the bike like that for a year. ok so out of curiosity i dig the tyres out of the shed and have ridden these tyres twice the first ride resaulted in a lot of fear with the front end always feeling like it was going to give way but they rolled well the second ride was out of giving them a second chance and resulted in a big off, on a hard packed but wet twin track with nothing technical in it at all it happend so fast their was no warning i ride this track all the time and consider it to be a begginers decent. a broken front fender scrapped lid and cuts and bruises they now are going in the bin. it seems to me if you read these reviews that some people have had great sucsess and others like me found them extremely dangerous. i dont know what sort of conditions or bike set up they would suit all i can say is marin why did you put these tyres onto one of your bikes even the dealer told me to take them off?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bike26 neb
a Racer
from stroud Date Reviewed: January 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
pine run
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$46.00
Purchased At:
bikeland
Strengths:
they are great all around tire perfect for ramps
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
specialized team control ( crap )
Bike Setup:
specialized fsr disc xtr,xt,raceface turbine lp , axel , fox shock , xt shifters , hayes disc
Bottom Line:
i dont know what the people are taking about these tires are great in sand , mud and water and loose and hard paxck dirt
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Cary, NC USA Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
my backyard
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
lightweight, good on gravel and hard pack
Weaknesses:
everything else - wears fast, scary in wet conditions, prone to pinch flats
Similar Products Used:
looking for my next tire
Bike Setup:
Marin Rift Zone - stock
Bottom Line:
I'm glad I came across these reviews - like alot of other people I thought it was me or the bike - these tires leave alot to be desired... they blow
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Clark
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh,PA 15235 Date Reviewed: October 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Swallow Falls,Deep Creek State Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
MUD.That is all.
Weaknesses:
Wet roots and rock gardens.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Trail Blasters,Fire X,Bontrager Jones
Bottom Line:
These are the absolute worst tires on wet stuff except mud.The tires came stock with Gary Fisher Mt.Tam 29er.I hope someone comes out with a better tire soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hoo Kaares
a Cross Country Rider
from California, Md Date Reviewed: October 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Everyone in the Western Washington area
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Great traction on rocks, roots, mud, and hardpack. Low rolling resistance for fast acceleration. Great in muddy conditions
Wierd, I have used these in the Seattle, Bellingham, and Bangor area for over a year, and I have found them to be far better than anything I have ever used. I keep them at 40psi, however, and I have noticed that at that pressure, I could climb rock faces, muddy slopes, roots, etc. Not to mention the amount of control coming down the other side. I don't know, perhaps the other people just didn't quite understand how these worked; anything higher or lower will reduce the effectiveness. I introduced a friend to them, and he got the same results. I have notice that they tend to slip, but end up hooking up at the last second. Not a big deal, just have to compensate for it, and actually, it comes in handy sometimes because they are predictable in this area. Also, the low knob height allows for fast acceleration on the hard stuff. Alas, they wear a bit to quickly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Portsmouth, England Date Reviewed: September 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came wiv bike
Strengths:
erm, quite good in the muddy stuff, burn well-keep yer house heated
Weaknesses:
crap traction on everything other than gloopy mud, energy sapping, wear out 2 fast
having ridden them for a few weeks now, the back tire is just about worn out. i ride 15% road, and unless burning ur money is a hobby of urs, i suggest stayin away. they also make climbin hills a pain in the ass, they puncture every other mile, and have crappy grip on all but mud- stay away frm em
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
denis
a Cross Country Rider
from slovenia Date Reviewed: July 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
the on with beautiful sight view at the top
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
rear tire grabs like crazy in very, very muddy conditions. Lightweight. Both tires are perfect at slow speeds on soft, wet or muddy surface. These are tires that you can climb those steep, soft, even wet hardclibms in woods, that you thought are imposibile to ride. (and is on regular tires)
Weaknesses:
Both tires suck on hardpack, because the are too soft. Especially on asphalt you can see, how your power is wasted through friction, that this soft knobles make. They have no braking power on any hard pack ground, espec. asphalt. Front is dangerous in cornering, the bike wobles over entire road at speeds at only 25 mph.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Zmax, Chen shing (even this one was better)
Bike Setup:
scott expert racing 02, with some modifications (I had to change front susp, seat, pedalls, tires)
Bottom Line:
Rear: very light and provide great tracking on wet, soft and muddy conditions, also on roots, foliage, and stuff. Front: preatty same. Of course we are talking at slow speeds. Some say this are allrounders. Yes, they can take you anywhere, but slow, with lots of power lost.
On any other surface and speed avoid this tires. Dangerous: cornering at speeds over 30mph, and very poor stoping power.(on hard and soft ground, asphalt, macadam).
value: 4chills for looking good and showing me, what an exceptional climber I am on muddy steep tracks (ha, ha: smile came to my face, when for the first time in my life I climbed couple of wet, muddy, steep singletracks, that I ussually ride only on descent)
overall: I ride a lot of hardpack ground, so in everydays I loose to much power on this tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daddy-O
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came with the bike
Strengths:
I haven't had any flats, so I guess that's good.
Weaknesses:
These tires seem to encourage unforseen gravity checks. I mean, with my abilities, I end up in many situations where there's a good chance I'm eating dirt. I don't need the added added surprise of washing out for no apparent reason.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchison Python Gold
Bike Setup:
00 Marin East Peak FS & 00 Marin Juniper Trail. Both stock.
Bottom Line:
They came with both of my bikes, but I wouldn't recommend them, particularly as a front tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Hanover, MA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blue Hills
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
None whatsoever, with the exception of very low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
They had no grip in loose soil, wet roots or rocks, and even hardpack. Hardly a confidence booster. They came with my new bike - 2000 Cannondale F1000 - and my first thought was that I wasted my money. Logs, technical sections, etc. that I had easily cleaned on my old pig of a bike I was now dabbing (or worse). I changed to Velociraptors front and rear and the bike was like night and day. Also, they wore out in 3 (really) 2 hour rides. I wouldn't even recommend these to my worst enemy.
Unless you only ride a long, straight, level trail of hardpack only don't buy these tires. Even then I wouldn't because you will only get a few short rides out of them. I wish I could give a negative chili!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tone
a Weekend Warrior
from Leicester, England Date Reviewed: March 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Elan Valley, Wales
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Lightweight
Weaknesses:
The front tyre gives crap handling on hard pack trails and gives zero confidence at speed. Can't say what they are like in soft conditions as I binned them to my work hack at the first oppertunity!
Similar Products Used:
velociraptors, tioga's, an others
Bike Setup:
Wolf Ridge + Hope's
Bottom Line:
If you want to feel like an absolute beginner, fit these tyres.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
On Bike
Strengths:
None.
Weaknesses:
No traction in anything other than hardpack.
Bottom Line:
This tire is next to useless in the Pacific NW. If you live out here where it is wet get a different tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren
a Cross Country Rider
from Southampton, Englandshire Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
River Plym, Plymouth to Dartmoor
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with new Marin Attack Trail
Strengths:
Light weight (kevlar bead). Fast on dry hardpack.
Weaknesses:
Keep trying to kill me! Also puncture magnets. Arseways control over loose trail or anything wet.
Marin Attack Trail, full sus, Psylo Race forks with Tullio axle. Optimised for XC.
Bottom Line:
Useless and dangerous for anything involving loose trail or mud. Can go seriously sideways very suddenly.
Hey Marin! I paid some serious money for this bike. I want decent tyres! And a shock pump.
These tyres saw about 2 rides before I replaced them with Panaracer Trailblasters (2.1" kevlar). Much better now.
Apart from their light weight, quite the worst tyres I have ever ridden on. IRC: Why not save some more weight and remove the rubber knobbly bits?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg
a Cross Country Rider
from las vegas Date Reviewed: October 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
boulder city
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Good rear traction
Weaknesses:
Front tire has no directional traction
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors, armadillos
Bike Setup:
Turner XC bike with atom bomb 80 shock
Bottom Line:
I went down many cliff faces sideways because the front tire slips out on loose pack. After repairs, these tires have cost me hundreds of dollars. interesingly, the rear hooks up great and rarely slips. I switched the front tire out to a velociraptor, and no more sideslipping. I left the rear Notos on, and the control is great. Perhaps the front tire is Okay for straight lines, but should not be used in technical situations with cliff edges, unless a paramedic is nearby.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jman
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Or USA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Surveryors Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Fast, lightweight, climb very well and give you good traction on muddy trails.
Weaknesses:
Loose soil, gravel or any thing that is unpredictable, the front tire tends to loose grip.
I have read every review on this tire and I came to the conclusion that it's the tire and not me! On loose gravel there has been a few times were the tire just lost grip, and I had to do quick corrections not to kill myself! The first couple of times were great, but now this happens almost every ride. Rear tire gives great amount of grip and I haven't seen too many reviews mentioned anything about the rears. Again this tire came with the bike and I just do not see myself buying these off the shelf. If you ride in loose gravel with high speed corners, try and reducing the front psi. to get some traction to the front tire. By the way I'am a upper intermediate rider with 1000's of hours riding, for the few reviews that praise this product, let me know what your doing! My bottom line, buy a tire with more cornering grip if you ride loose gravel trails!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andy bliss
a Cross Country Rider
from st stephen, cornwall, england Date Reviewed: September 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
chacewater, nr truro. england
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Good grip in dry and rocky hardpack.
Weaknesses:
Pretty poor when the goin' gets gloopy!
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Psycho.
Bike Setup:
2000 Marin East Peak, Manitou Front, Fox Float Rear - all stock.
Bottom Line:
I took these tyres off the bike and fitted Tioga Psychos after two weeks after two near stacks on slippery grass / roots at speeds that my first suspension bike were encouraging. I trusted the Tiogas and the IRC s were consigned to the garage wall as a momento to my mortality! After a year and a major front blow out lack of funds prompted the Notoses back onto the bike - and they're okay! They are an extremely capable tyre in dry, dusty hardpacked conditions - but prompt a twitchy nervousness when the rain comes down. In gloopy mud - FORGET IT! The rear is starting to wear quite considerably now so I guess they're a fairly soft rubber and will be replaced for the winter with some Tioga Facory XCs (welcome back Tioga!). If I'd paid for these tyres I would have felt a bit ripped off, but they came with the bike and performed adequately, so shouldn't complain too much!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian M
a Cross Country Rider
from Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tyrolean MTB trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
rather good traction when dry
Weaknesses:
horrible under wet conditions
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll 600
Bottom Line:
Those tires came stock with my bike. Seems as I have to replace them soon. When you are riding on wet roads, they are so slippery, that even an experienced rider feels completely insecure. Those tires are simply rubbish.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Williams
a Weekend Warrior
from Edinburgh Date Reviewed: August 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Glentress, Peebles
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Edin Bike Co-op
Strengths:
Quite fast and seem quite light. Okay on the dry stuff.
Weaknesses:
Crap in the wet or loose ground.
Similar Products Used:
Specialised Control/Master.
Bike Setup:
Marin Wolf Ridge 2001
Bottom Line:
These tyres came with the bike so you can't really grumble too much. They are okay for all round stuff on easier trails that are dry but when you descend in the wet you feel pretty shakey. After a few months of riding them I've decided that staying upright is a major consideration so I'm swapping them for some Vertical Pros since others have said they are the business.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from San Antonio Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any trail I find
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Ummm, its nice to look at? Good on hardpack
Weaknesses:
Wears out quickly Terrible on anything loose
Bike Setup:
Cannondale f-500
Bottom Line:
These tires came on this bike that I just bought. As soon as they wear out i'm going to replace them. They are terrible on loose dirt, loose rocks, anything loose, watch out. Dont have any confidence when going through turns. Have almost lost it by leaning over through hardpack turns also. I have no confidence at all when cornering and have to hit the brakes just to feel safe before making a turn. I'm sure these are good tires for someone, just not for me. would rather have something with a little more bite and a more aggressive tread design. but they came on the bike, and like i said ill use them till they wear out. Areas that i used to blow through in the past just dont feel the same.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lupo the Butcher
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton, Ontario Date Reviewed: July 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Very light, aesthetically nice, fast rolling and quite good on hardpack
Weaknesses:
Substandard Traction
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors, Smokes, Porcupines, others...
Bottom Line:
I could tell these tires were trouble the moment I opened the box. You'll quickly notice that the cornering knobs are far and few between, certainly not the kind of security you want for trails. My first ride confirmed my fears - if you are going to corner on anything other than the hardest hardpack, slow down! I can already tell by looking at the wear pattern after 3 months that a good deal of the cornering takes place on the black of the tire, not on the knobs.
Cornering aside, this is an acceptable tire for what it was intended for. The Notos is very fast and rolls with less resistance than any MTB tire I have used. I didn't think I would mind the high pressure, but don't kid yourself - you feel it on every bump. Assuming the conditions are dry and the hill has been sweeped clean of any debris, climbing is adequate. If the ground is wet or covered with gravel, you'll soon find your tires spinning uncontrollably beneath you. If you are looking for an all around training tire with good traction, look elsewhere...if you want a light hardpack XC tire that's CHEAP ($9.98 @ Pricepoint), give it a try.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a
from Franklin, WI Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
crystal ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Wares
Strengths:
Have been able to run fairly low pressure with good traction results and not pinch flats so far. Not as fast as a Mythos semi slick but much better traction.
Similar Products Used:
Mythos XC, Mythos Semi slick. Conti Twister Pro
Bike Setup:
GF Sugar 2, Sram 9.0SL Avid brakes/levers Race Wheels and Race lite cranks
Bottom Line:
Not a good front tire. Use as a rear mated to the same size Mythos XC on the front. This is a nice racing / training combo and the tires are pretty inexpensive. Not as fast or as light as the conti Twister Pro / Explorer Pro set up I have been racing with but a little better in tighter looser singletrack. Get this set up if you are on a budget. They are a great value and very good performers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johan davis
a Weekend Warrior
from clinton wa Date Reviewed: June 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
finn hill bike shop
Strengths:
light,came with bike,good traction on dry pavement, no flats from pinching.
Weaknesses:
wear fast, poor traction on all off road surfaces, say 2.1 but are more like 1.9, not very thorn resistant(not to many tires are).Do not climb very well because of traction problems.
Similar Products Used:
michelin wildgripper hot s
Bike Setup:
raleigh m600 disc
Bottom Line:
I ride alot of technical and cross country with steep climbs and did not care for the traction performance.Maybe it's me or my bike I don't know but If they come with a bike cool,ride them till they fall off. But I would never go out and buy them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: June 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
mckenzie river
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$28.00
Purchased At:
2 tires @ PricePoint
Strengths:
low, low rolling resistence, light weight - decent back tire choice. Good hook-up on semi-soft dirt
Weaknesses:
gravel, anything loose. THIS IS A BAD, BAD choice for a front tire. Doesn't hold on any kind of cornering.
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC, Ritchey Omega, GearX
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Fuego
Bottom Line:
Only buy this as a set if you ride straight fire road climbs. Decent rear tire performance, but because the lugs for cornering are so widely spaced they perform little traction, especially for the front tire. No problem with sidewalls yet...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dude
a Racer
from Scottsdale Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light Weight, they are inexpensive. In the wet they seem to hook up.
Weaknesses:
not the greatest front tire. dry AZ trails= sketchy tires
Similar Products Used:
name it i've tried it.
Bike Setup:
Specialize FSR Custom
Bottom Line:
As a front tire it blows, have ZERO confidence in turns. Washes out very easily and unexpectedly. I think my semi slicks have better traction than these. As for the rear, it's adequate. Again, a semi slick would do the trick, got them at a great price, but I was washing out in place that I never thought about before. 3 grilled dogs for the price. 2 overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, Md, USA Date Reviewed: May 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sweet Air
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Mt. Washington Bike Shop
Strengths:
Good traction on climbs Sheds mud quickly
Weaknesses:
A little shakey when wet but only for a bit
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
I gained traction on climbs and hardpack but lost a little on places where traction was never an issue. Overall I'll take the trade-off. The slipping wasnt really a huge issue anyway. As far as wear, I've only had it for a couple weeks and so far so good. Also, I havent had any flats(knock on wood). After the past couple weeks I ve had it feels good to go for a ride and not have to change a tube. Good Tire so far
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Julio Silva
a Racer
from Mexico City Date Reviewed: February 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chiluca
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Light, Low rolling resistance, great tire for racing purposes, great overall performance.
These tires are great for all conditions except very muddy wet tracks, other than that, they rule, great bite and grip, I love the soft rubber, it sticks real good to the ground, I´ve never flatted with these tires, To me short knobs rule because they grip real good and roll very easy. But these tires are for technical riders, that can compensate with skill the feeling of short knobs. These tires are used by Ruthie Mathes and Travis Brown, and they love them too, i asked them myself. No more words, just get a set.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duncan
a
from Tacoma, WA, USA Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Nice traction in wet conditions (sheds mud well)
Weaknesses:
Sketchy in dry, dusty, or gravelly conditions
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight D/S
Bottom Line:
These tires were OEM on my bike when I got it summer 2000. They were disappointing in June, on dry soil and gravel. Partly, the rear tire was not properly installed (check the direction front AND rear!), but even after I fixed that mistake, I was bouncing back and forth between low tire pressure/pinch flats/decent traction and high tire pressure/less pinches/sketchy traction. I'm not a huge rider (190-ish#) but the tires were sketching out on me a lot unless I lowered the pressure to the point of pinch flats at speed.
However, when the rains came, I found that I enjoyed the Notos. They shed mud and debris really well, and seem to stick well to wet rocks, gravel, and soil. I'm probably going to retire them after 6 months (blocks starting to fragment) but found them to be pretty good in the wet. Certainly lightweight!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Weekend Warrior
from Michigan Date Reviewed: February 7, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$14.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Super Fast!!! Turns on a dime!!! Really light and strong!! I weigh 190 and usually drop 3 to 6 foot walls, and the 2.1's stand up to the punishment!!!
Weaknesses:
I don't know where those people were riding theirs on...Maybe marbles??? No traction prob what-so-ever!
Kona Koa race lite, race face crank, and Handlebars. Thompson seatpost,Sun Mammoth wheels, 2000 x-vert...and a bunch of other goodies:)
Bottom Line:
If ya want a fast, stong, all around tire, get this one..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
City Park, anything MORE technical
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
hammerheadbikes.com
Strengths:
fast, hooks up good on the rear in dry/rocky conditions
Similar Products Used:
all
Bike Setup:
custom Racerx
Bottom Line:
nice rear tire, fast, cheap, hooks up prefer a FireXC Pro up front, but the Notos 2.1 is a good match for it
you can buy em CHEAP...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lightning Crow
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque,NM,USA Date Reviewed: January 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
S. Foothills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire ABQ>
Strengths:
fast ,side knobs do their job in turns,excellent griping,quiet on pavement,handle wet and snow GREAT
Weaknesses:
NONE FOUND
Similar Products Used:
Conti's,Maxxis,and Mitch
Bike Setup:
Marin,XTR drivetrain,Avid,Mavic 221's,Chris King headset, ETC
Bottom Line:
These tires are excellent off road,good bite,climbs good, no slipping or loss of traction,holds onto corners tight when speed is the thing.I rode these a few weeks ago when ABQ.got a good dump of snow and ice,I had NO problems ridding to work,or the late day trail ride in the snow,these held traction over ICE and SNOW on the road with no slipping AND I DIDNT AIR DOWN,kept them at 50psi.Anyone who is looking for a fast tire with traction,you can't go wrong with these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jan Janocko
a Racer
from Kosice, Slovakia Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
weight very fast it does what it should
Weaknesses:
asphalt, pavement, deep mud wears fast
Similar Products Used:
Irc Mythosxc, Michelin lite s,
Bike Setup:
Scott pro racing,lx
Bottom Line:
I used the CAF 1,95 version and it's a very good racing tyre. It's usable everywhere, has a good pinchflat protectionI use it in a combination notos front, michelin wilgripper sprint1.95 rearwhen it's dry, both notos ,or notos front and IRC mudmad rear. Don't use it for training it wears too fast.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob fisher
a Cross Country Rider
from zoinsville Date Reviewed: December 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
bgi
Strengths:
light, less friction, good traction on the snow( surprising)
Weaknesses:
non so far but i have heard they were quickly
Similar Products Used:
michilin and the usual rest
Bike Setup:
cannondale 700sx lefty disc
Bottom Line:
this is the first day i have tried them and they are vey shore footed in the snow. smoth and reliable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Racer
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
World Cup XC course Canmore, ALB
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
N/A
Strengths:
light, predictable, sure footed, reliable, excellent cornering and climbing
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
hutchy, conti
Bike Setup:
Trek STP and Trek Fuel
Bottom Line:
I am not sure how anyone could possibly be complaining about these tires. They do everything right. Sure they wear fast but you want a sticky tire right? Everyone i ride with uses these in all conditions except mud. Then we use the IRC Mythos. I have ridden these tires all over the world in all kinds of conditions and they are perfect.
Just wait for the new IRC, the Serrac, it is even better!
If you want a tire that lasts, don't buy this one, if you want a tire you can count on and that is ideal for racing, buy a ton of them!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Cross Country Rider
from CT Date Reviewed: October 1, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Gypsy Moth and Meshomashik Forrest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
A bike store on a complete bike
Strengths:
rolls fast, seems to corner well, light
Weaknesses:
if i had to name one... then, it wears kinda quickly
2000 Cannondale CAAD3 F700, completely stock except for front brake and levers
Bottom Line:
This bike is great for everything. The tread wears fast but only from the road and when you have to skid down scary descents. Like most tires it will slip on rocks when you pedal hard but it hooks up well on anything else. If you are a cross country rider who does some racing you should definetly try these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rick davis
a Cross Country Rider
from marietta, GA, usa Date Reviewed: September 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop - mistake
Strengths:
serious speed light weight noticeable lower rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
bontrager jones kevlar velociraptor kevlar
Bike Setup:
'96 GT Avalnache LE frame w/ all aftermarket: Race Face, Chris King, XTR drivetrain, ATAC Titan, GShok suspension seatpost - 22 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I am a 210 lb clydesdale and I ride agressive and hard - tires absolutely hate me, especially in Georgia. After continually shredding Velociraptors (I was a die-hard for these tires), I decided to try Bontrager Jones. I was completely sold on these tires (front and back) and thought Id never switch. After 2 Jones on the rear and 2 on the front, I was searching for my 3rd rear after a blowout and all the local guy had was this 1.95 Notos. After some slick talking, he convinced me to try it (I hadnt ridden less than a 2.0 since BMX days...). W/ the low profile knobs, skinny width and tacky compound, I didnt have much faith in it. I thought it would slip around and fall apart- especially on the rear. Fortunately, I was wrong. I couldnt be happier w/ this tire. it has held up to everything I give it (rocks, roots, hardpack, mud). corners excellent - really allows for hard leans. have had only 2 pinch flats (less than average) and both were completely my fault - any tire wouldve done the same. recently I had several chances to try it in the mud and it worked wonderfully. litteraly, no slip under any wet conditions (great wet climber) until I got in deep mud (over 5 inches). it sheds mud unlike anything Ive seen. buddies w/ mud tires havent done nearly as well.
the increase in speed is notecable. the big knobs on side give confidence in high-speed cornering and braking. If you arent a fast rider I dont believe you'll notice the difference.
I love this tire. It has never let me down or failed me. Im not going back to Jone in rear. My killer combo is 49/53 Jones K in front and 1.95 Notos in back (I may try the 2.0 after I shred this one). Get this tire on the rear if you know how to ride on the edge.
Just for the record, looking at the tread design there's no way I'd put a Notos on the front. According to my agressive riding style, Notos in front would be a death trap for sure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Barry Laws
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, Ca. Date Reviewed: September 2, 2000
Favorite Trail:
santa monica mts
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Helens Bike shop
Strengths:
run seemingly fast
Weaknesses:
very poor traction. gives no sense of security.
Similar Products Used:
ritchey slicks
Bike Setup:
Jeckyl 3000sx stock
Bottom Line:
I'm glad i read these other reviews... i thought i really sucked in my riding. the bike was new so i figured it was the bike or me.....
I almost dumped big time the first ride,,, the second ride i did dump big time.... the front tire seems like its on skates at times...
I consider these dangerous tires and should be recalled with the firestones!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sebastian
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodside Date Reviewed: June 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
-light -black -cheap compared to $50 Contis
Weaknesses:
-little traction on just about anything -wear amazingly fast (about 25% in 2 weeks)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Continental Explorer Pro/Vertical Pro, Bontrager Revolt (ok), Bontrager Jones (great)
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
These tires came on my new bike. Suddenly I washed out in places that were no problem with any other tire I rode before. I couldn't find a surface for which the Notos are well suited, they even slip on rough pavement! And they are dangerous if you ride on anything loose or sandy. I bought Continental Explorer Pro/Vertical Pro tires after falling or nearly falling about five times in two weeks (thats way above my usual crash average) with the Notos mounted. What a difference. The Contis actually grip when you turn. They even let me go uphill on hardpack again and wont tear up the whole trail while going downhill.... If weight means everything for you and you don't actually use your bike, or if you like sliding around (like in those car chase movies) these tires are for you. Everyone else: stay away!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from Cester Springs, Pa Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Valley Green area
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
fast, fast,fast ...oh-and they turn quik too!
Weaknesses:
originally i thought they wore out quikly, but relative to other short knob slicks, they are extrememly durable
the slightly squared off pattern makes for maximum traction, which is key for a short knobed slick, they really do hold traction! I have no reason to go back to "normal" treads, this tire preforms well in all conditions and sheds all mud. I tried the compition's version of this tire(as mentioned before) and there is no question the irc just dominates the race slicks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Zema
a Weekend Warrior
from Old Bridge N.J. U.S.A Date Reviewed: May 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anywhere the road leads me
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Umlike everyone else I think that the tires have great grip. They are very light weight. Ive never fallin on them yet and Im probably not as good of a rider as everyone else. Givess me the ability to ride fatser than Ive ever rode before.
Weaknesses:
They do wear out pretty quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Theres nothing like these tires
Bike Setup:
Ive seen them on many expensive Cannondales.
Bottom Line:
They are average off raod tires. You either hate the tires or you love the tires. They seem like a mixture of the MythosXcs and the MythosXC Slicks. They have great grip like the Mythos and let the rider move quickly like the slicks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordan
a
from California Date Reviewed: May 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light weight
Weaknesses:
what's that? you want to turn? oh, no these tires dont do that, sorry. also, they are not 2.1 and they wear quickly
Similar Products Used:
intense, wildgripper hot s, team controll, etc...
Bike Setup:
who cares?
Bottom Line:
if you enjoy traction, dont buy these tires, spend the extra $5 and get wildgripper hot s's instead. 2 chili's overall cause they're light
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Durex
a Weekend Warrior
from Slovakia Date Reviewed: April 14, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
lightweight, good quality
Weaknesses:
fast wear, not a good grip overall
Similar Products Used:
maxxis, ritchey, WTB
Bike Setup:
Marin Wolf Ridge, 5" travel each side
Bottom Line:
These tyres came fitted with new bike. First impressions were good, but as soon as I started some serious riding, I just couldn't get enough grip in extreme situations, especially in downhills and on loose surface. I went racing last week and had 4 punctures in 2 hours. Might not be the fault of the tyre, though. One of my mates's Notos has exploded just 2 weeks after purchase. So this tyre leaves me with mixed feelings. It's probably good for recreational riders, but shouldn't be fitted to freeride machines.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will Lumpkin
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
NorthGate
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance great traction on hard-packed climes
Weaknesses:
Very loose on rocky or fast downhills
Bike Setup:
For cross-country, Front and rear
Bottom Line:
This is a very fast and light tire for use on smooth trails. The trails in reno are much too loose and rocky for this tire. I found them very unpredictable on down-hills and fast rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry Henderson
a
from Crestline, Ca, United States Date Reviewed: March 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Santa Ana River Trail -mtn section
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
These tires have no strengths that I can determine.
Weaknesses:
Very poor traction. Terrible in loose rock.
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Kona Race Light
Bottom Line:
These tires are dangerous. I race in the Expert Men 55+ category. I bought these tires because of the hype in IRC's advertising. On my first test ride, I found myself thrown to the ground on a flat and straight section of trail that I've ridden numerous times. At that moment I didn't give a thought to the tire. I thought I'd just made an error in riding control. Several weeks later I was racing in the Desert Classic in Ridgecrest. I was coming fast down a hill with loose rock. The next thing I knew was that I was flat on the ground. In the fall I cracked my helmet and injured my shoulder. It took a few minutes to get my senses back. When I was standing up, I looked around to see what had caused me to fall. I could find nothing that would have caused the wreck other than the loose rock. I got back on my bike and continued the race. At about 24 miles I was riding on a dirt road, came up over a little rise, got a tiny bit of air, and when I came down I was slammed to the ground again. It had to be the tires. I finished the race but going very slowly and carefully. When I got home the tires came off. Since then I've ridden hundreds of more miles without a single fall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Fioretti
a Weekend Warrior
from Frederick, Md , USA Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gambril
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast rolling on hard pack High quality manufacturing Innovative design
Weaknesses:
Poor traction
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors Michelin Hot S Michelin Wildgripper lite Michelin Wildgripper comp S
Bike Setup:
2000 Marin Mt Vision
Bottom Line:
Did not work out during the mucky winter. Were not much better when things dried out. Very slippery over logs. Not much grip climbing rooty /rocky trails. I've gone back to the Wildgrippers. If your trails are mainly dry, hard pack, or grass, and you favor semi-slicks, these would probably do fine. If conditions deteriorate and you need more meat, best to swap these for more aggressive treads.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: January 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Good mud clearance
Weaknesses:
Extremely fast wear low traction on loose surfaces
Similar Products Used:
Michelin Hot s
Bike Setup:
Y2K F700. really sick bike.
Bottom Line:
i think these tires are good for people that ride on hardpacked dirt and grass. Just don't ride them on the pavement or they'll be gone in 3 weeks.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rubberdown Sometimes
a Cross-Country Rider
from SE PA Date Reviewed: November 30, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great on hardpack
Weaknesses:
Unacceptable wear
Similar Products Used:
Smoke, XRC
Bike Setup:
F2000SX, Lefty
Bottom Line:
This tire came on my F2000SX. Felt really great when new, required a little more attention to finesse on loose uphills. When I ran out of finesse I realized that the rear knobs were worn out. Three months and never ridden on pavement, just rocky PA trails. So I guess it's a great tire if you don't ride much.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed Bautista
a Cross-Country Rider
from Antioch Date Reviewed: November 15, 1999
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light weight
Weaknesses:
traction, lack there of
Similar Products Used:
Panaracers IRC Mythos Michelin
Bike Setup:
Litespeed,XTR,Suprfly, etc...
Bottom Line:
The conditions I generally encounter are dry very loose and dusty conditions. This tire does not seem very well suited to these conditions at all. I'm runnuing the 1.95s front and rear. I run 40psi rear and 50 psi front. It's very hard to find traction on steep loose climbs. Didn't have a problem with the Mythos. I may have to go back to these. I hear a lot of good things about the Panaracers also.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wally P
a Cross-Country Rider
from Perth West Oz Date Reviewed: November 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Goat Farm
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light Minimal roll resistance Sticky rubber compound Sheds mud well
Weaknesses:
Better suited to forward weighted single crown rig
Similar Products Used:
Mythos Team control/master Dirt control/master T/Raptors
Bike Setup:
FSR,SIDXL,Mavic 517,XTR.
Bottom Line:
Fastest front tire I have ever used.Regardless of its low knob height this tire sticks remarkably well.Its only weakness being in wet conditions on smooth surfaces.Eg: grasses,concrete etc.My own R&D concludes this tire works extremely well when used in conjunction with the mythos rear tire. For non racing purposes go for the 2.1`s,run them at fairly high pressures and the only thing your mates are ever going to see of you is your arse end.IRC nails yet another winner
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G
a Cross-Country Rider
from Morrison, CO Date Reviewed: October 24, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Excellent traction on any surface. Low rolling resistance / fast tire. No pinch flats.
Weaknesses:
Not found any
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptor, Specialized, Conti
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper M2 Pro
Bottom Line:
Best tire I have used. It seems to be wearing well after three months and will last me the 1/2 year I usually get out of a rear tire (other than conti's which seem to have the sidewalls fall apart on me). Excellent traction in pretty much any condition (sand, hardpack, loose rock, slick rock, crushed granite, mud, etc). When I first got the tire, I could not make it slip on any type of waterbar or loose conditions, no matter how sloppy my technique. I would highly recommend this tire to any one.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross-Country Rider
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: October 4, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
mud grip, light rolling resistance, light weight, xc racing
Weaknesses:
2 to 3 knobs chunking off, durability
Similar Products Used:
WTB Primal Raptors Michelin Comp S Conti Navigator Michelin Sprint S
Bike Setup:
KHS 4000, Z2 Bombers, LX/XTR hubs, 517s
Bottom Line:
Tire is 1.95 Kevlar used in the rear only following IRC's direction, combined with a wire Navigator 2.1 upfront.Tread is down to one third of original after 250 km of use on non agressive cross country, mainly hardpack & loose gravel, some sand and mud, well used single tracks. Wear is a bit fastin the center but probably due to the soft racing compound used and my 180 lb weight plus 50 lb pressure. These grip extremely well on most hardpack and loose gravel surfaces, sheds mud easily and have great predictable downhill control on worn singletracks. The light weight at 492g affords good acceleration on short uphills especially and reduced effort on long rides. I would buy these again if not for the fact that I don't race and I need a more durable tire. 4 flaming chili padis!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Angwin, CA Date Reviewed: October 2, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
LIGHT!!! low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
Traction???? what traction?
Bike Setup:
2000 raven 1000sl
Bottom Line:
These are great tires for fireroads and the likes but once the trail gets steep and dangerous watch out,,, you'll be sliding all over the place.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
woody
a Cross-Country Rider
from japan Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999
Favorite Trail:
mining trail nohenji mts, japan
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
light, great control cool red sidewall
Weaknesses:
not sure about length of tire, rode for about 2 miles on pavement and already shaved off some rubber
Similar Products Used:
specialized team control/team master
Bike Setup:
99 FSR Rock Shox Judy
Bottom Line:
These tires are great, they are not suggested for fire roads but I have had no problem with them. More to follow after my race.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Sievers
a Cross-Country Rider
from DSM, IA Date Reviewed: July 21, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light and gripy all around responsive
Weaknesses:
not sure about the life of the tire only had 2 months
Bottom Line:
I used to swear by a Tioga Psycos and tires that were Square. These new notos have changed my mind. The semi slicks that some companys make are great for dry days, but suck on a wet day. Knobies are great in mud, but slow and heavy. The notos is the best of both world, less rolling resistance and increased traction in the sloppy stuff. A review a few down says they suck in the wet stuff and loose gravel, he doesn't know how to ride, almost no tire will grip in heavy mud and no tire will hold on realy loose gravel. I have found the large spaces between nobs in the notos sheads mud effectively and have surprizing grip on hard climbs. The rubber compound is as sticky as other exotic colored tires from other companies and will grab a turn. I have launched over the handle bars a few time when I first got these because I wasn't expecting that kind of responsive turning and braking, this is the best all around tire I have ever used
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross-Country Rider
from Marietta, Ga Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Clemmer, Bull Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Low Weight Low Rolling Resistance Aggressive Tread Great Climbing Traction Great Downhill Performance
Weaknesses:
None (Yet)
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptor Panaracer Dart/Smole Panaracer Fire XC Pro Continental Cross Country Continental Comp Pro 1 and 2 Continental Navigator Pro Tioga Psycho Specialized Cannibal Grey Compound
Bike Setup:
McMahon Moonshot, Judy SL long travel, XTR mixed with lots of boutique components.
Bottom Line:
Great tire!!! Reminiscent of the old grey compound Specialized Cannibal!!! I have the 2.1s, BTW. Climbing traction was suprisingly better that my old trusty Velociraptor, and the bike handles like it's on rails on twisty singletrack. I'm no longer afraid to lay the bike down into a hairy turn! Rolling resistance was incredible, and the tires are almost silent on pavement and hardpack. Hmmm... I'm curious now to try the Mythos XC.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Racer
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Kam Tin
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Suprisingly grippy in wet stuff - yesterday went out in pouring rain and went to a mudy trail.. stuck pretty well, no skid outs (and i was goin fast) low rolling resistance good+ lightweight racing tire look cool PRF works..!
Cannondale Super V 900, Mostly XT and 9.0 components, 517 rims
Bottom Line:
Ahhh these tires are great value for the money. The guy below obviously can't even control his bike in dry stuff, let alone wet stuff. i give them 5 for being a really good XC tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kingjap
a Weekend Warrior
from Yokohama Date Reviewed: May 10, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
None I can think of
Weaknesses:
They slip as soon as the ground gets just a little wet. In loos gravel they will go anywhere you do not want them to go. On normal road it sticks to the asphalt!
Similar Products Used:
Richey, Panaracer, Etc.
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Wanga XTR/XT
Bottom Line:
They say it is usable both front and back, but in reality it is useless in the back. Wa unfortunate to get a set but I now have a spare front tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tacoma
a Cross-Country Rider
from SLC, UT Date Reviewed: May 5, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light and fast low rolling resistance pinch-flat resistant! (it works, too) rust colored sidewalls
Weaknesses:
a little sketchy in loose stuff not so good in ruts
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Speedmax Specialized Dirt Control/Master
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Truth w/Marzocchi ZI/Fox Vanilla R
Bottom Line:
hmm. Not a bad tire. I am trying to modify my tire choices to better match this Western hardpack/loose gravel. I usually ride something a little wider, and edgier, like the older Specialized Team Control/Master. I noticed that they are skinnier this year. Too bad. ANYWAY, back to the topic. THESE tires are pretty damn sweet. Very light, very fast, not as fast as a slick, but way better than a full-pig knobby. I think they're a reasonable compromise. I have found them to be a tiny bit twitchy in turns, but that might be because I'm not used to a round-profile tire, I'm used to the killer side knobs on the Team Control. This tire is also too skinny to help in ruts, which I found out recently at about 30mph. Little scary, but to their credit they climbed out of them ok. Get this tire if you want an aggressive, yet light tire.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave W.
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance yet good control. Didn't pack with mud.
'96 Ellsworth Truth Englund/Judy 1.9 Ritchey Megabite WCS rear
Bottom Line:
I had really good results with a 2.1 IRC Notos in front racing XC this last weekend. I'd previously had a Mythos 2.1 on the front with pretty good results. The Mythos was getting past its prime and was prone to the occasional (yet save-able) washout and some packing of the knobs. The Notos hooked-up on everything I rode (mud, asphalt, hardpack and wet-packed sand). Even with the little fuzzy things from the molding still on the tire, road-buzz was less than with the Mythos. If it was heavier, I (a dedicated w8 weenie) didn't notice it in the slightest. The tire likes to be leaned into turns.Well done, IRC!
Overall Rating:
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