If you want ultra lowrolling resistance, maximum traction and all-condition versatility, look no further then the Serac XC. The low profile interlocking knob design is front and rear reversible for increased versatility and super light CAF casing keeps you rolling fast. The durable Hybrid Tread Compound (HTC) and puncture resistant PRF System ensures you'll stay off the front. Click on the image to the left for an enlarged photo showing tread detail and related product specifications.
Submitted by
nickmotown
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary Date Reviewed: August 18, 2009
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Cheap and durable
Weaknesses:
Everything else...
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Karma, Hutchinson Python
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC Composite
Bottom Line:
These tires are durable and cheap, but they leave everything else to be desired.
I have tried multiple inflation levels and cannot get anything to work. The tires are either over-inflated, bouncy all over the trail, slipping on roots and hard to predict in the corners or are too soft and suffer from regular punctures.
I have used these tires enough and have walked away. Even as back up tires for racing, its better to enjoy the time you have riding and choose something else. If you already own them, ride them to dust and move on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
debusama
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, Wa Date Reviewed: July 24, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Riverside state park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Price point
Strengths:
Best climbing tire I’ve used to far
Good in corners (when not breaking)
Tough as nails (sidewalls and pinch flats, not punctures)
Weaknesses:
Traction while breaking, more like a 2.0 than a 2.1
Similar Products Used:
Kenda:blue grove, Nevgals, Karma. Panarace: Smoke/Dart IRC Mythos.
Bike Setup:
Short travel XC full squish
Bottom Line:
These tires are so very good on most conditions, but so very bad in others. They corner relatively well, but they are kind of all or none. They rarely fail to hook up, but if you do lose traction, all control is gone. On dry/loose descents, as soon as I try to feather the brakes to control my speed, the tire goes into a slide and I experience the aforementioned total lack of control. This tire works great for climbing. I accidentally ended up on a rocky abandon railroad trestle with big chunks of volcanic rock. I can’t believe I made it home with my tires still in tact.
I’ve been testing out a lot of tires in preparation for a 100-mile race where I expect jagged, rocky terrain mixed with dry, loose sand and gravel. With the combination of strong side walls, pinch flat resistance (I have had a puncture flat with these)and climbing traction,I think I’ve defiantly found my back tire, but I’ll have to keep looking for a front tire that will perform in sand. I may use my mythos or dart front, or try a Mibro 2.25, Or a MK 2.2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lewis82
a Cross Country Rider
from Alma, Québec, Canada Date Reviewed: April 3, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Vélo CIté
Strengths:
Great traction, little resistance on asphalt, cheap too
Weaknesses:
none...
Similar Products Used:
Kenda something (stock on my bike)
Bike Setup:
2006 Giant Rincon (canadian model)
Pretty cheap bike but does the job
Bottom Line:
Bought these because my other tire was completely slick. They were much easier to install than other tires I had played with.
Since I do a lot of road with my bike I inflated them at 50 pounds and even then, they still had great traction on dirt and sand. However, while cornering, it could have been better.
At 40 pounds it was perfect, except still that cornering problem (however those are 26 x 1.96 while I was used to have 26 x 2.10), but it was almost not perceptible.
Anyone who rides in trails and on road (I personnaly do about 50/50) would like it and at about 40 bucks, it's a very good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
weissen
a Cross Country Rider
from Westerwald,Germany Date Reviewed: October 15, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
rolls fast, good traction, had no defect so far, fair pricing
Weaknesses:
wears too fast, could be a bit lighter, corners in wet conditions
Similar Products Used:
Schwalbe Racing Ralph+Nobby Nic, Panaracer Dart+Smoke, Conti Explorer
The best CC-Tyres I ever had so far. Rolls very good on all grounds, very good braking-traction. Could have little more grip for corners on loose grounds.
Good traction even on muddy ground.(at last marathon I climbed in the Mud hills, where nearly all others had to walk with their CC-Tyres).
I would buy them again, but its hard to find a shop that has it in germany. So I take Kendas Karma now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Moscow, ID Date Reviewed: August 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Most on Moscow Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Good traction on hard stuff. Corners well on hard surfaces. Good wear. Pretty good in mud.
Weaknesses:
Horrible on loose dirt or gravel. Refuse to turn at low speeds on even slightly loose surfaces. Squirrelly on steep descents. In loose pounded dirt they will pretty much drop into whatever groove they want whether you want them to or not.
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors
Bike Setup:
Cove Handjob, xt drivetrain, Hayes HFX9's, Reba fork
Bottom Line:
I had these in the 1.95's. They're pretty good as long as conditions are hard. They climbed and cornered well in hard conditions and also hooked up well in mud.
Dry loose conditions are another story. I felt downright dangerous on these in loose dirt, loose over hard, and gravel. If you happen to get the rear out of the groove and into the loose leaves or pine needles, kiss traction goodbye. On loose corners any amount of lean leads to a washout and if you try to slow down they just wont turn. In late summer with deep dust and chewed up trails they not only have no traction going up, they're just plain dangerous coming down.
If all you do is ride in mud or hard, wet conditions these probably would work great. They probably would also make a decent early season/Spring tire before trails have gotten dry and chewed up. If, however, you ride in anything loose then stay away. They aren't worn hardly at all yet but I'm getting rid of them, they're just too unpredictable.
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Submitted by
Joseph Crotty
a Cross Country Rider
from Westminster, CO, USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chimney Gulch to Apex
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Little rolling resistance, light weight and relaively cheap. Seems to handle virutally the same at high pressure as medium pressure. Good for climbing dry hard pack.
Weaknesses:
Performs poorly on descents. Can deflect erradically when dealing with rocks and is very unstable in loose gravel terrain - border line dangerous. Wet conditions also yield poor performance all around.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, Hutchinson Pythons, WTB WierWolf, etc...
Bike Setup:
'04 Santa Cruz Blur
Bottom Line:
As much I was enamored by this tire for it's general climbing prowess and light weight the truth is once you get 20% wear on the tire it's weaknesses become exagerated and it's to much to bear.
Descents on wet dirt will train you to keep you eyes peeled for the nearest exit off trail because if your speed gets too high that is where you are headed. Dropping into any sort of loose gravel at speed is terrifying beyond reason.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gerry daclo
a Cross Country Rider
from ottawa Date Reviewed: June 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bromont, qubec
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
tommy lefebvre ottawa
Strengths:
Very little rolling resistance.. Very light tires. strong bead. can handle 60+ ft/lb. Unexpensive compared to lots of other tires. Excellent on climbs., stick to large rocks well. Perfect for hardpack racing. good for air suspensions.
Weaknesses:
weak on descents.. Banana peels when going fast downhill. terrible on loose gravel.
The tires are light, but that's not the point. Uphill climb is good. However, you can lose confidence going downhill. The gaps between side knobs are so far apart that any small rock or stone can cause the front tire to deflect when you hit that gap.
Tires are good only on hard packed trails. Not recommended for rough and loose trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Amitai
a Cross Country Rider
from Barkai, Israel Date Reviewed: February 18, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
Pinch flat resistance. Durability.
Weaknesses:
Probably not as fast on pavement as other tires. But then again, I never have problems keeping up with the other riders.
Similar Products Used:
The tires that came with my bike - Giant branded 26x1.95
Bike Setup:
Giant Iguana - pretty much stock, except the tires and Velocity Cliffhanger front rim.
Bottom Line:
Got the front wheel fitted with a Serac (steel bead) after I busted the original tire in a crash. After having 6 pinch flats on the rear tire (I'm a bit of a heavyweight), I got that replaced to a Serac, too. Since then, I had one flat exactly, and I have ridden about the same distance as with the original tire. I ride in the desert a lot, which means many rock gardens and sharp stones - Many times I hear the tore getting scraped against a sharp rock and I think "there it goes", but nothing happens. Currently, I don't think I need anything more sophisticated (read "expensive") for my bike and ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Murray
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, ACT Date Reviewed: January 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sparrow Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
This tyre is awesome in the loose over hardpack conditions here. It works well on the front and back.
Trek 4500 with Ritchey WCS, Easton, Crank Bros and Salsa upgrades.
Bottom Line:
This rolls as quickly as the Ritchey WCS Z-Max tyre with lots more grip in loose conditions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Norman
a Cross Country Rider
from Fredericton, NB, Canada Date Reviewed: October 25, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
No pinch flats, good traction
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur
Bottom Line:
I ride east coast single track -- trails that are rocky, rooty, fairly technical, moderately packed loam (low traffic trails, so not hard packed), well drained (not much mud) and with few fast descents. These are excellent tires for this type of trail. (I'm not saying they're not good for other conditions -- I just don't know.) Traction in various conditions is good, and the pinch flat resistance is excellent. I'm 175 lbs and I often ride 25 psi without a problem. My wife is 125 lbs and she often rides less than 20 psi. Neither of us has had a flat in three seasons. I'm not saying you can slam into a rock at the end of a screaming downhill -- the trails I ride are fairly technical and so fairly slow. But there are rock gardens, random rocks and small sharp stumps galore, and the Seracs handle it all reliably. Contrast the Kendas that came with the Blur -- a stump ripped open the side wall after about three rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WRC
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: August 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
Great climbing ability. In my local hill climb i have shaved off 8 minutes of time using these tires (from 47 mins to 39 mins). No other changes were made to my bike and, at 42 yrs old, I'm definitely not stronger! Most of the riding I do is climbing on packed single track with occasional loose rocks, 5-12% grades (If you're from Denver think Alderfer/3 Sisters, White Ranch, Bear Creek Trail, Colorado Trail). One trail (North Table Mountain) has a section that is about 18% grade with loose rock and these tires definitely lose traction in that case, whereas my Kenda Nevegal 2.35's didn't. Having said that, I can still make it up this section with my Seracs but it's tougher than my Nevegals.
Weaknesses:
They lose traction climbing steep grades with loose rock. Will get twitchy in loose, rocky descents. Seem skinny for 2.1s.
Similar Products Used:
You name it, I've tried em.
Bike Setup:
1) 2006 Titus Moto-Lite, SRAM X-9, avid discs, fox rp3, fox talas rlc. 2) AMP Research B4, XTR, Risse Racing Genesis shock, Manitou Elite fork.
Bottom Line:
If you want to shave time off your climbs in hard pack conditions, this is a great tire. Not as confident as my Kenda Nevegal 2.35s on the downhills but having said that I'm not afraid of running these hard while going down. Keep in mind that I am predominantly a cross-country rider and not a downhiller.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelaphia, PA Date Reviewed: August 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Pennypack Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
OK in mud and anything not very technical.
Weaknesses:
Very poor in loose dry conditions (both climbing and descending).
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Dart/Smoke, Kenda Nevagal/Blue Groove
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F400
Bottom Line:
I have to agree with the negative reviews of this tire. Maybe this a "jack of all trades master of none" tire but it performs poorly on loose, dry trails (which I mostly ride). I constantly slip in sections I never did with other tires (both on climbs and descents). I agree with the reviewer who said they can be dangerous under certain cicumstances. They are OK in mud. You can do better if you are looking for an all around tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brumac
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura Date Reviewed: July 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, light, fast, good grip
Weaknesses:
Low volume, does not handle rough stuff well
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic Pro
Bottom Line:
I really wanted to like these tires. They rolled so well and climbed great. On the first ride I cut almost 10 minutes off one of my usual eight mile climbs. The problem came on the downhill when the trail got rough with rocks and ruts. The tire does not absorb bumps well. Even on my full suspension, the tires felt like they were bouncing off rocks instead of rolling over them. I tried different air pressures, shocks settings etc., but could never feel comforatable or in control like I had with higher volume tires. If the trail is smooth and buff, this is a great tire. If you have rocks on your trails, you might want to try something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Racer
from Texas Date Reviewed: March 7, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Semi lightweight, great traction, great cornering, excellent tire
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
you name it
Bike Setup:
XC
Bottom Line:
I play around with tire configurations in my off time for fun, this tire has out performed several other tires that cost more. I love this tire!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nic Lowe
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY, USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Waverly Park, Louisville, KY
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Clarksville Schwinn and Fitness
Strengths:
Ability to self clean. Mud doesn't stick to tread. Great rolling resistance and sidewall traction.
Weaknesses:
Not sure yet.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC
Bike Setup:
06 Cannondale Rush 800. Stock
Bottom Line:
Louisville is muddy in the winter, very muddy. These tires seem to magically grab through the mud and as soon as you develop a little speed on downhill sections, they completely clean themselves. Traversing a steep sideslop is easy because of the sidewall traction. Overall great tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
amor587
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$21.00
Purchased At:
Blue Sky Cycle
Strengths:
Off camber traction, low rolling resistance, and affordable.
Weaknesses:
Sucks in sand! Looks smaller than other 2.1 sizes.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC Pro 2.1 (Great tires by the way).
Bottom Line:
I am still getting a feel of these tires. So far I can say that they are pretty fast and great for dry conditions. The off camber traction is excellent. They aren't that great when wet.... but that was to be expected. They are terrible in sand... in other conditions they are good though. For some reason they look smaller than 2.1? I have received this comment from other riders too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Calmar Cycles
Strengths:
This tire is an all around trail tire; it performs fairly well on easy single tracks.
Weaknesses:
Being an all around tire means great at nothing. High rolling resistence on pavement compared to other MTB tires I'd ridden. Weak traction on average climbs and loose stuff during descent. Obsolutely refused to steer during downhill (scary!!!)
Similar Products Used:
WTB Raptor; Panaracer Dark/Smoke combo;
Bike Setup:
05' Cannondale Jeklly - tires came as standard equipment
Bottom Line:
This tire is an all around tire that you can take it to anywhere. It has good puncture resistence; never had a problem over 100 miles. However, it has higher rolling resistence on pavement compared to other MTB tires I'd tried. It performs poorly on loose gravel. I'd experienced numerous skidding on average climbs. It won't steer on high speed descents-watch out!!! (Panaracer Dark/Smoke combo performed better.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Andrews AFB, MD Date Reviewed: August 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any where there is dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Bike Doctor, Waldorf, MD
Strengths:
Outstand grip on packed or loose tails
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, IRC Pranna Pro. Panaracer Smoke/Dart
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F600 almost stock
Bottom Line:
These tires are great! I have not had any slipping or lost of traction and I have put over 200 miles on them. You CAN'T go wrong with these..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big M Lambert
a Cross Country Rider
from East Coast Canada Date Reviewed: July 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good weight, no pinch flats, traction, affordable, low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
Wish they came in a 2.2 or 2.3. A bit narrow for a 2.1.
Similar Products Used:
WTB Velociraptors, Performance Terra-Trac
Bike Setup:
K@ Zed Team, Zokes MX Comp ETA, XT derailleurs, LX shifters, Truvativ Crank, Azonic bar, custom built Syncros wheelset
Bottom Line:
I bought them based on everyones reviews here and I was not disappointed. I really like these tires. Even when you can get them to break loose they recover when your bike shifts direction or momentum. Very good traction in everything except loose rocks on steep uphill. Not as quick a bite as Raptors on front but better for speed and agility and going uphill. Will handle just about all you can toss their way. They look wider when you are seated than from side on, just the way the tread spreads out on the sides I guess. Use in reverse tread pattern on the rear. At 185 lbs I find them best off-road at 38-40 psi for good grip and no flats.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Flying Gordo
a Racer
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: May 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Memorial Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Good all-rounder. Good at just about everything, great at nothing. Probably a very good mud tire but I never ride in the mud.
Weaknesses:
Very narrow for a 2.0 tire and low volume as well. Feels "harsher" over the rough stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal, Kenda Karma, Hutchinson Python, Specialized Roll-X, Maxxis Mimo
Bike Setup:
2004 Titus Racer-X 100, Fox Float 100RLC, 5th Element Air, WTB LaserDisc Lite hubs w/ Mavic 717 rims, Hope Mono Mini brakes, MaxM post and bars, Eggbeater Ti pedals, Truvativ Stylo GXP cranks, Sram X.0 shifters and rear der., XT front der., WTB Laser V Stealth Saddle
Bottom Line:
I bought these on eBay for $20 just to try them out and was pretty happy with them. They are durable, wear fairly slowly, and perfored well in every condition that I tried them in. However, for almost every type of terrain, I prefer the Kenda Nevegal and Specialized Roll-X tires. However, the IRC's are fairly easy to find on-line at a pretty cheap price so they're worth a look.
The bottom line is these are very dependable and solid performers. They just get outshined by 2 truly great tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Gillett
a Cross Country Rider
from Wiltshire, England Date Reviewed: March 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cherhill Downs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Merlin Cycles
Strengths:
Fast,Grippy, Durable, Confidence inspiring, do anything, go anywhere ability
Weaknesses:
As before; Price & Availability
Similar Products Used:
You name, I've tried it (XC Pro's, Bonty's, Wildgrippers, Conti's etc)
Bike Setup:
2003 Sugar 1
Bottom Line:
This is an update/follow on from my original review posted some time ago;
The tyres (a pair of 2.1's) continue to impress the hell out of me, I've yet to get a puncture, the tread's still as new, they continue to go anywhere and put a smile on my face.
Quite simply the "best" all round tyre money can buy especially for xc, single trackers and freerider's, would'nt recommend for DH though (tread not quite aggressive enough).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie
a Cross Country Rider
from Norwich, UK Date Reviewed: February 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Marin Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Wherever I can find them cheap
Strengths:
Fast, very tough, cuts through the mud like butter.
Weaknesses:
A little heavy I guess, hard to find, kind of narrow for rocky stuff. And if I want to be a priss, the red sidewalls turn black, so when you don't replace both of them at the same time, it looks like you're wearing mismatched tires.
Airborne Lucky Strike with a Fox F80RLT and full XT
Bottom Line:
These are my favorite tires on the market. I live in England, we don't have mud, we have "gloop," and these babies are narrow enough to cut through it, but toothy enough to get you up hills. They're also pretty tough, so thorns are slightly less of a problem. Overall, they're aggressive enough for XC, but quick enough for commuting. Find somewhere that will give you a deal for the pair.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Weekend Warrior
from Oregon Date Reviewed: January 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Community cycling Center
Strengths:
it's grippy. it's kinda light. it looks cool
Weaknesses:
low rolling resistance? are you kidding? they do roll, but nowhere near as fast as my hutchinson python's, but to be fair they are way grippier.
Submitted by
Sam
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, WA, Australia Date Reviewed: December 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Little Ovens, Kalamunda
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Cambria's - then shipped to Oz
Strengths:
This is a follow up from my original post 18+ months ago (refer below), and I still love these tyres! Only difference is that I now use the 2.1's (my previous review was on the 1.95's). Despite the additional rotating weight, the extra few grams in the 2.1's barely seem noticable (580gm vs 525gm) and has not added to the time it takes me to complete my favourite loop. I am yet to pinch flat with the 2.1's, probably testimony to the larger air volume (in 18 months of using the 1.95's, I probably pinch-flatted 2 times).
It is also worth mentioning that during summer time, local trail surfaces feel like you're riding on ball-bearings (aptly named, "pea-gravel"). Despite a couple of Summers in these conditions, these tyres continue to do themselves proud.
Weaknesses:
Getting them in Australia (waited a couple of months to be told by LBS that they are no longer imported into Oz by the IRC Distributor (which hardly qualifies him as a Distributor does it!??). Placed an order via the net with Cambria and they were delivered to my front door less than one week later (and the 'postage inclusive' price to Oz was actually cheaper than the MSRP I paid for my first few pairs bought locally - damn!).
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS1 - stock, apart from shimano rims.
Bottom Line:
As long as IRC keeps making them, I plan to keep using them - very happy with the way these tyres suit local conditions. I have placed an order for a custom 2005 Titus Racer X100 (expect to pick bike up from the Norcal ~ April/May '05) and that bike will also be shod with these tyres - enough said.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Handles well all around, sticks and corners well on concrete.
Weaknesses:
Got flats left and right before slime treatment
Similar Products Used:
assorted nonsense tires
Bike Setup:
C-dale hardtail , crossmax ,carbon blah etc ..
Bottom Line:
Tires came with bike and I didnt think much of it until I read the reviews and come to think of it these tires have been really good performers, sharp turns , wet , dry you name it. I definatley recomend them. Be sure and get protection though I got a flat in my first two miles on them, then again , slimed em and no probs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Bozeman, Montana Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Elbow Loop
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Free at the shop where I worked
Strengths:
Light
Fast
Great climbing, braking and cornering traction
Weaknesses:
Doesn't shed mud especially well, but no worse than average.
Climbing and braking on wet roots is average.
Minor lug squirm on grippy hardpack, but traction remains excellent.
Similar Products Used:
I currently have 20 tires in my garage and all of them are still in service. There are plenty more that have come and gone.
Bike Setup:
Titus QuasiMoto set up for long-travel cross-country (under 30 lbs., narrow rims).
Bottom Line:
The Serac has the traction of classic all-around tires like the Panaracer Fire, but the low rolling resistance of a race tire - actually, there are "all-around" tires with far less traction and "race" tires with more rolling resistance. These are the tires I choose when I'm unsure of what I'll encounter. They're always a good choice, sometimes the perfect choice, and never a bad choice.
Considering the Serac's light weight and low rolling resistance, climbing and braking traction are mostly excellent, but drop down to "average" on wet roots; a more paddlewheelesque tread pattern would be better for this, but would almost certainly have more rolling resistance. Cornering traction is superb. There's a little lug squirm when the bike is really leaned over on high-traction hardpack, but it doesn't get scary.
There are lighter tires, faster tires, and tires with more traction, but I haven't found any that score so highly in every category. From what I've seen, the Serac is the new standard in all-around tires with a bias toward light weight and low rolling resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Hartford, Ct Date Reviewed: October 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
case mountain
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Best technical climbing tire I've ever used. Great on granite, wet roots, loam, rocks.
Weaknesses:
Loose in gravelly crap, but who wants to ride on that anyway?
Similar Products Used:
Mythos, Dart/Smoke, Ritcheys, several others
Bike Setup:
'01 iDrive, Manitou Six Deluxe, 2.1 Seracs, LX/XT mix, '04 firex SL, etc. etc. etc.
Bottom Line:
I thought I'd found THE tire with the Mythos. Unfortunately, the sidewall developed a split (I think my homemade stans ate the thing) and I was forced to try something else. The Mythos fronts were OK, but never inspired confidence, while the rears climbed pretty well in wet, rocky connecticut. When I tried these, I was skeptical. With the small, angular knobs and the un-conventional(for me) non-directional use, I figured why not.
Was I surprised at how well these things perform. They outperformed the Mythos in every category except in loose sand or sand over hardpack. I can consistently out-climb my buddies and they can never figure it out. Of course, I DO have the best climbing technique ever witnessed on a bicycle....NOT. But, they all think big knobs are better, so they lose out.
They work well climbing wet babyheads, wet roots and granite outcroppings as well as loose dirt and hardpack. I've NEVER had a flat with these (running tubes) and I'm 6'1" 190lbs. I also love that I can just swap tires front to rear. I was getting tired of buying one rear tire at a time. Oh yeah, I didn't think I'd like the red sidwall, but I love it now. It looks old school.
Thanks IRC. These things rock.
5/5 for the value I got. I think my price was just introductory as I haven't seen these less than 35 bux for a while.
AJ
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gillett Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Wilthsire, England Date Reviewed: October 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Wiltshire Downs
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Merlin Cycles
Strengths:
Fast, stable, reliable and confidence building
Weaknesses:
Price and availability
Similar Products Used:
PANARACER XC PRO (POOR), HUTCH PYTHON (EXCELLENT IN DRY), WTB velociraptor (great value but puncture prone), Michelin Sprint S (surprisingly good semi-slick), etc,etc,etc
Bike Setup:
2002 Sugar 1 frame with XT,LX & Avid components
Bottom Line:
An excellent all rounder, it's quick, reliable, great on "any" surface and confidence inspiring.
My advice fit Python's in the Summer and Serac's in the Autumn & Winter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SGT. ROCK
a Racer
from Grande Cache, AB Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Good rear traction Good braking grip (front) Decent rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
Streering precision in loose, dry conditions
Similar Products Used:
Lots
Bottom Line:
I used these recently for a race, and they were impressive in the climbing sections (using 1.95rr, 2.10fr). In the technical descent, they did not do as well as the IRC Mythos XC used last year for the same race. They will be relegated to training/trail riding tires, and the Mythos will be back on for races. Decent tires, nothing special.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Durability. Knobs stay on & they are reasonably flat-resistant. Decent climbing traction.
Weaknesses:
Everything else. Tire breaks loose unpredictably when scrubbing speed on downhills & trying to set-up for technical sections. Absolutely refuses to corner on anything but hard-pack at low speed. Washes-out when conditions get the least bit loose or when riding at speed. I find myself constantly having to weight the front end when cornering, and leaning into corners inevitably results in taking soil samples.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC 2.1, Bontrager Jones, various Specialized tires, Continental Vertical & Survival
These tires are dangerous!!! I have taken more spills on these death-traps in the last 2+ months than I did all last season on Panaracers. Decided to try them in lieu of Panaracers because I had been getting alot of puncture flats. Still got flats, & now my bike handles lousy!!! I am running Stan's NoTubes now, so flats are no longer an issue. I'll be going back to Panaracers... Either the Fire XC, or the new Cinders. Bottom Line: If the only choice I had was to run these or slicks, I would use 'em, but there are plenty of good tires out there, so I'm going to take these ( almost new ) tires off my bike, drop another 60 bucks on tires & ten bucks for some more Stan's sealant. They are THAT BAD; a complete waste of money. They are DANGEROUS for riding anything but the tamest of trails at walking pace, and I would not recommend them to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kip
a Cross Country Rider
from Medford, Mass Date Reviewed: June 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
does everything pretty darn well
Weaknesses:
kinda heavy, not fast, won't cook you dinner
Similar Products Used:
velociraptor, fire xc pro, mythos
Bike Setup:
blur/5th, xtr, king, fox, yadda yadda
Bottom Line:
these are best xc "epic" all around tires i've ridden, and i've ridden them on slickrock (granite and sandstone), roots, babyheads, gravel, sand, mud, leaves, cow flop, pine needles, and even some regular old hardpack dirt. this is the first tire i've been on in a long while which inspires confidence in turns in a variety of conditions. a nice round profiled casing keeps it rolling smoothly. healthy side knobs help you keep the rubber side down. this tire is neither super quick nor super light, but you won't get flats, and you might ride through stuff you'd otherwise have to walk, so i think it balances out nicely. in the last 6 months i've been to the white rim, annadel, mt. elden (flagstaff), noble canyon, and fruita, not to mention my home trails back east, and this tire has performed exceptionally well in all the conditions i could throw at it, wet and dry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Racer
from Lincolnshire, IL Date Reviewed: March 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sunburst, Kewaskum, WI
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Grippy with thick sidwalls
Weaknesses:
Too heavy for any kind of competition.
Similar Products Used:
Misc WTB, Continental Explorer, Specialized Control/Master, Python Lite
Bike Setup:
Sugar 2
Bottom Line:
These were stock on the 02 Sugar 2 and were a nice tire to ride. Plenty of grip with a sturdy sidewall - flats were never an issue. The weight is up there though and would never recommend this for racing. My long standing favorite is still the Continental Explorer w/Protection. But the Seracs ae still a great general purpose tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
R S
a Cross Country Rider
from ISRAEL Date Reviewed: October 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
hooks up extremely well in all conditions,Great traction. low Rolling resistance,Light and smooth to ride ! fun fun fun . Great price !
Weaknesses:
None yet noted
Similar Products Used:
WTB VelociRaptor 2.1
Bike Setup:
haro v4
Bottom Line:
I USE 1.9'S REAR AND 2.1'S AT THE FRONT. This is a great tire for cross country all condtion tire, If you are looking for a good all around tire, this is it! as far as value : IT PAYS !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete H.
a Racer
from Caledonia MI Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Walker Ranch, Boulder Co
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightish, hooks up extremely well in all conditions except rockhard hardpack, wears acceptably, works as a tubeless with some stans no tube sealnt and a ust rim.
Weaknesses:
squirely on really dry hardpack, even with low tubeless pressures (read 25psi).
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rocksters S-works UST, Hutchison Python UST, Panaracer Fire Xc Pro 1.8
Bike Setup:
UST equiped s-works
Bottom Line:
I borrowed these tires from Youthcycing.com president Jeff Buerman at the Norba at Snowshoe, WV. It was muddy as hell and very rooted, alas I didnt have with me any mud tire that could handle the roots as well (all were 1.7's that i brought). Tried these, havent wanted to give them back. They are phenominal tires, they work in conditions ranging from West Vigrinia mudd and roots (slimey), to Southwest Michigan sand, to Durango loose over hardpack. I run them as tubeless on my Crossmax Sl ust wheels with Stans tire sealant (great stuff) and have never had a problem running them at 25-30psi. I run them back and front with great results. One great tire for any one riding cross country in Michigan, or anyone riding were there is not a huge amount of hard pack, great for racers with ust and stans (super light tubeless tire).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Racer
from Colorado Date Reviewed: September 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Great traction, no pinch-flats
Weaknesses:
have gotten pricey
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC Pro, Wild(non)gripper
Bike Setup:
wheels, gears, seat, chain
Bottom Line:
Liked the Fire XC Pro, but at 190lbs and running at 60psi, still got pinch flats! When not getting pinch flats, ripping sidewalls on rocks. With the Serac's, I've ridden all the same terrain/races without the flats and problems. Traction on these is similar to the Wildgripper, except without the washing out on anything loose. On sharp hi-speed turns with a hard lean, they absolutely hook-up!
I've raced 8 times on the same set this year and the're good for a 4/5 more!
Find them on sale and try a pair fer sher!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Great all around traction. Long wearing.
Weaknesses:
Relatively slow on Hardpack, Scetchy on Wet roots (what tire isn't?)
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Rockster.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper.
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a good all around tire, this is it. The first time using this tire I high-sided because of the additional traction. (I was used to the rockster's sliding into the berm on singletrack.) That was the real "traction increase" eye opener. Because it does not excell everywhere (see above) I cannot in good consciennce give it a good overall rating. But as far as value........ They go in the direction you point them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Redwood City, CA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Above average traction in various conditions. Great price. Decent rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
A little sketchy in loose stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Mythos, Velociraptors, Primalraptors, Pythons
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, XTR, SID
Bottom Line:
If you use this tire at around 30-40 psi, you should be able to hook up on most stuff, with the exception of really loose, gravel type conditions. Looks like they might wear pretty quickly, but at least you can swap the front and rear tires, as these are not f/r specific. Though it has more rolling resistance than Mythos or Pythons, it hooks up much better than either of those tires. Definitely worth $20 a tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin, California Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything Mt. Tam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
nashbar.com
Strengths:
Great traction in loose dirt and hard pack, very predictable, rapid recovery from gravel/mulchy stuff
Weaknesses:
Rolling resistance not as advertised, have to work a little harder in lower gears - but that is not really a bad thing for strength and conditioning!
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones, WTB Velociraptor and Motoraptor
Bike Setup:
Fairly stock Gary Fisher Big Sur
Bottom Line:
At the discount price through Nashbar it is an awesome value on a great tire for my local conditions, which is mostly hardpack & loose dirt. Added an average 2 minutes to my 'Fartleck' 2.5 mile, 1000' vertical gain trail after a dozen trials from a higher rolling resistance than the velociraptors I was used to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andre
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Canada Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Light and smooth to ride. It has a low rolling resistance but good traction
Similar Products Used:
Onza Butch K
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab with xt and SID's
Bottom Line:
This is a great tire for cross country. I am an adventure racer and think this will be awesome for the mixed riding I do. This tire is fast on hard pack but has good grip for loose dirt as well. It is also a good price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
STEVEN HAMILTON
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Veijo, CA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Aliso/Wood Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
NASHBAR
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance. Good traction on moderate to hard packed.
Weaknesses:
Not as good on really loose, or sandy conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, Bontager AC Jones, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
03 Stumpjumper FSR- Disc brake with SD-5 lever, LX/XT drivetrain
Bottom Line:
Really good all codition tire. Not the best in really loose conditions, but is quick to recover traction when lost. I would recommend these to fellow cross country rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, Australia Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Langford Park, Jarrahdale
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Fleet Cycles, Fremantle
Strengths:
Low rolling resistence, light weight yet with an aggressive enough tread to dig-in and perform on pea-gravel. Running 1.9's at the moment and so far, they do everything I want them to and more - can't wait for mid-summer ( very dry pea-gravel = like riding on ball-bearings!) - wath this space for an update...
Weaknesses:
None yet noted - I was originally a bit skeptical about how effectively the multi-direction thread would work at each end, but so far, so good.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchison Pythons (non-UST)
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS1 - pretty much stock except for Shimano 575 rims
Bottom Line:
I think these tyres really do give the best of both worlds (performance Vs weight) without requiring a rider to any significantly compromise their standards.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from San Luis Obispo, Calif. Date Reviewed: April 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
CBO
Strengths:
High quality, nice features
Weaknesses:
The 2.1 measures 1.9. Heavier than advertized, 630gr. My Vertical Pros are 600. Slow rolling.
Would you like to buy these tires? They have 15 light trail miles on them and no nicks or blems. Rust side walls. $25. for both.
I don't get the attraction to these tires. High quality and nice features with the pinch flat protection and extra center reinforcement is great. But their performance is average as far as I'm concerned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ US of A Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oracle Ridge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Tucson Bicycles
Strengths:
All-arounder Lightweight
Weaknesses:
Wears quickly Price
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos, Bontrager Revolt, Panaracer Fire XC
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade, King, XTR, blah blah
Bottom Line:
Great tire for all around conditions. I rode these sight-unseen on the Kok' from Loma to Moab and never once regretted it. They were great on the loose rocky climbs and fire road descents. We spent one day in the mud and rain and they still gripped well and shed mud! Even worked great down Porcupine rim! Only weakness is they wear FAST. I have a 1.9 on the back that is pretty much dead at 500 miles. Granted it is rocky out here, so the midwestern and eastern riders may get more life out of 'em.
I have no problem with grip running a 1.9 in the back and a 2.1 in the front. And they are reasonably light weight for a true 2.1 tire.
Great tires!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pale Rider
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: December 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The ones with Bettys on 'em
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Frankfordbike.com
Strengths:
Good looks, with that cool old-school rustwall side....Nice, soft grippy rubber compound, innovative tread design. Pretty light weight. Rolls well on asphault, when I have to....
These tires are AWESOME! And I thought I liked the Conti Explorers... You forget about them all together. Stable and flick-able in the turns, climb well, don't load up with crap. These tires rock; I'm gonna start hording extras for when the apocolipse comes....... :) OUT-PHUCKING-STANDING!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Logan
a Racer
from Santiago, Chile Date Reviewed: December 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
santuario
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Light Low rolling resistance Excellent mud tire
Weaknesses:
Didn´t hold air with Stans No-Tubes system
Similar Products Used:
Mythos, Panaracer, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Tomac Buckshot scandium, Thompson, XTR brakes/drive, Bontrager valiant w/Chris King
Bottom Line:
I have ridden the 1.95 tires in all conditions, they worked great in two different races that were complete mudfests. They are light and roll well on hardpack and in slightly loose conditions. I lose confidence in them on tough downhill sections but that may be the rider´s fault more than the tire´s. A good XC racing tire. I could not get them to hold air using the notubes system, though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TERRY
a Cross Country Rider
from Tampa Date Reviewed: November 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any one I'm out riding
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
This review is for the 2.1" used on the front. Good all around tire. I have put about 150 miles on it and so far and it has hooked up pretty well in mud, sand, on roots, and in rocky terrain. The ramped knobs reduce rolling resistance on hardpack or the street.
Weaknesses:
I was only able to find it with the red sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
Crappy Specialized Pro's which came with my bike.
Bike Setup:
'02 Specialized FSRxc Disk stock other than tires.
Bottom Line:
Good all around tire. I would recommend to anyone. I just wish that I could find more color options.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron
a Weekend Warrior
from Chuluota, Florida Date Reviewed: October 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Lower rolling resistance, hooking up in hard, fast turns.
Weaknesses:
Slightly less stable / sand, wet root slips.
Similar Products Used:
Mythos
Bike Setup:
Psycle Werks Wildhare, SID, Fox Float, Hayes Hydraulic, etc.
Bottom Line:
Immediatlly noticed the lower rolling resistance after 3+ years on the Mythos. Hooks up as well, better, in hard fast turns. Equal grip climbing in loose rocks, limestone outcroppings. Slightly less stability in loose sand. Seems sensitive to front wheel weighting - more so than Mythos - for directional control in sand - but equal traction - if there is such a thing (sand). Did notice the "feel" of loading the side knobs - in hard fast turns. Difference than Mythos, as bike "rises" up on the knobs - but hooks up really well when into lean / banking. Great on hard technical, easy and fast on hardpack. Watch wet roots. Somewhat more slippery - obviously from closer center tread knobs - compared to Mythos. Really happy with change, and, an IRC fan - from experience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterford, CT Date Reviewed: September 24, 2002
I bought this tire to replace a Michelin that kept blowing out on the sidewall. My first experience with this tire was on a trail that is very technical in nature with some very steep hills. This tire was put through it's paces. It handled hard pack, loose rocks, roots, rock gardens, and sand with ease. The tire was predictable in that you could feel how it was tracking. I was able to climb better (I originally thought this might be due to better skill, but then realized that I have none and it had to be the tire!). Since the trail conditions were dry I can't say how it will perform in mud, wet roots or wet rocks, but I'm looking forward to finding out.
IRC has made a great first impression with this tire!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert navarro
a Cross Country Rider
from miami,fla Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
oleta river state park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
bike tech south miami
Strengths:
fast and smooth. good traction
Weaknesses:
washes out a bit on hard cornering
Similar Products Used:
2.3 kleins, team control/specialized, tioga products, wtb nanoraptor.
Bike Setup:
specialized fsr stumpjumper pro year 2000
Bottom Line:
these are a very good all purpose tire. they roll very fast and they grip very well on the technical climbs over roots and rocks. be warned. these tires are useless for use in muddy conditions but i don't care because i don't ride in the mud. cornering in loose conditions are a littly sketchy but i think anything under 2.3 is not a great cornering tire in loose gravel. the tire is an excellent match for the bike i ride..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002
I've been a Mytho fan for a long time and view the Serac as it's replacement. It's about the same weight but grips and rolls even better. The rubber is sticky (soft) and it grips well but wears on the fast side - I think about 1500 miles is the most you'll get from these. Periodically swapping front and rear will extend it's lifespan somewhat though. Light weight for a full knobby tire (2.1's are 600 grams). Great for hard pack, loose dirt, and gravel. Descent in sand. I don't know (or care) about mud. I highly recommend these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnetrista, MN USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
PerformanceBike.com
Strengths:
Rolls very well on hard and hard-packed surfaces, yet still offers great bite in mud, grass, etc. Light and strong.
Weaknesses:
Rust-wall color takes a little getting used to if you've had blackwalls before. The price is still a bit steep since they are a new model.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Notos and IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Stock Cannondale 3000sx Jeckyll (Lefty shock)
Bottom Line:
I popped these tires on and took the bike for a spin... paved road, hard-packed gravel trail, dirt, mud and grass. I noticed an immediate improvement in grip and feeling of control. I am very satisfied with these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: August 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance, light weight.
Weaknesses:
Can't say yet.
Similar Products Used:
kenda, conti, bontrager
Bottom Line:
I have the Serac XC 1.95's on both wheels and have now loggeed in about 300 miles on these. At first, I wasn't very confident on them because they are more narrow than my old Conti's...that went away once I started pushing these tires. The front tire hooks up really well, a tad better than the back tire. I have ridden them over most conditions and they really hooked up nicely except for on sand...they got really squirly on that. (Big surprise...what doesn't.) They shed mud pretty well considering how tightly spaced the lugs are. (Although not as well as my old conti traction pros.) Bottom line is that these are really good tires and my confidence gets boosted every time I ride on them. I keep the pressure at around 45-48 psi and use ultra-light tubes. So far, no pinch flats, snake bites, or air pressure loss. Bottom line is that you won't go wrong with these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob R Jr
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
I was pretty happy with the Conti's but was looking for a bit more grip, and the Serac's seem to have a deeper tread but still rolls very well. It does look abit narrow compared to ther 2.1 tires, but they don't feel narrow on the trail. I've been riding them on typical northeast trails, roots, rocks, soft and hard pack, and they seem to handle it all with ease. A great tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Saunders
a Cross Country Rider
from Harrisonburg Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Rolls well.. very strong sidewalls, great grip on everything except thick mud. Great on rocks, roots, wet terrain, and hard pack. Low weight makes it a nice cross country tire too.
Weaknesses:
Wears quick for the price. To spend $60-$70 bucks for a pair and have them wear out in 6-8 months is some what expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Kujos, Jones, WTB Tires.
Bike Setup:
2002 Sugar 3+ Disc
Bottom Line:
Best tire i have ever ridden. If the price was a little lower would be perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raonull Conover
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything not in the city
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Quellicot
Strengths:
A great go nearly everywhere xc tire.
Weaknesses:
A tad expensive. Beach Sand. (o'
Similar Products Used:
Specialized and a few others.
Bike Setup:
2000 Specialized Enduro, with Marzocchi, Thompson, Funn, Magura. Seracs front + back
Bottom Line:
My dealer was well stocked with IRC. I can't speak from personal experience-but after reading enough negative reviews here of the Mythos and Notos and cornering/washouts (hate that) decided to try the Seracs instead.
Best tire I've ever ridden. Tracks fast and true. Climbs like a monkey too.
I've found its great with: -rocks -roots -gravel -grass -pavement (for a xc tire) -cobblestones -packed sand
For me it corners with precision and control. I've never been more assured while cornering. (So unlike the Team Controls my bike came with.)
But I can't really speak for mud yet. And I won't worry about snow (i ain't interested).
I've washed out one time-but I was asking for it. I was trail riding in a forest which was an ancient beach (really). So a particular berm I took too fast was essentialy a small, deep sand pit. Before I knew it-out she went. But I would be surprized if there is a tire out there that can handle deep beach sand (at speed).
Its a keeper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, New Mexico Date Reviewed: June 2, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
good all around tire, low rolling resistance for knobby
Weaknesses:
not condition specific
Similar Products Used:
specialized,panaracer
Bike Setup:
fsr-xc
Bottom Line:
This is a great all around tire, I've used it in almost every condition imaginable, except snow, and it hasn't let me down. As far as low rolling resistance tires go this has to be one of the best, far better than any semi-slick if you plan to do any rough riding. I have about six months on these and they show reasonable wear for the mileage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Monument, CO Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
changes all the time
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Balanced Rock Bike & Ski
Strengths:
Climbing & rolling
Weaknesses:
Roots and rocks
Similar Products Used:
many different mid/high-end tires - Wildgripper (suck), Fire XC Pro (good), Crystals (good when new),
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown Factory Full Suspension, Full XTR, Cane Creek rear shock, Judy XC fork, Full Speed Ahead carbon crankset
Bottom Line:
These tires climb very well. The treads are reversible, so you can rotate them front/back when they wear down. I ride on really dry, gravelly hardpack at about 45 psi. They run down singletrack nicely, but slip a bit climbing over roots and rocks (dry roots, even). Perhaps because they are made with low rolling resistance. They slip and break loose in a fast turn fairly predictably, but a bit sooner than I would like. I would break it down this way; climbing: 5 rolling on pavement: 5 (for a knobby) general single track: 4 cornering: 3 rock and root crossing: 3 durability: don't know yet Overall, one of the better tires I have ever used.
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