If you live for insanely steep terrain, high stakes log crossings you ride a DH tire. The new Trail Bear a race proven DH tread design mated to an ultra tough yet lightweight casing to create the ultimate freeride tire.
Submitted by
jamis brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Ingalls Indiana, USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
96th st. bridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
wears like iron
fun to ride on
cushy for a hardtail
price
Weaknesses:
rolling resistance
Bike Setup:
jamis exile
Bottom Line:
Bang for the buck; there is no bigger. I've gotton 800 dirt miles on one a rear tire and it still looks and works great. It really completes the off road package for trail blasting.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
axlissel
a Cross Country Rider
from Lima, Peru Date Reviewed: July 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Olleros
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
PP
Strengths:
Long lasting all around tire, grip, cornering, braking.
Weaknesses:
slow and noisy on pavement, very hard tire
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Resolution Pro 26x2.1", 120TPI, aramid bead, dual compound
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper FSR Comp plain vainilla 2007
Bottom Line:
Excellent all around tire, resist lots punishment in diffeent conditions. I weight 220lbs and I broke the Specialized Resolution in the first use over rocks. These tires resisted and performed excellent. I will try them with a tube less conversion kit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BlackSCRunner
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA USA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
This is my first review here, but I felt the need to add to the great reviews of this tire. I will not buy another mtb tire for general 'all mountain' trail riding PERIOD. I ride in the Northeast and this tire grips amazing everything from loose gravel and sand to pine needles and roots to dirt, grass, and solid rock! I run 2.5's front and rear and they hook up awesome. I can't wait to try them downhill this summer!
Weaknesses:
Do not try to ride on the road unless you want a really good leg workout! I have ridden around the city on these a little bit, they are kinda loud, and you feel the tread, and they take some effort to get moving. But that is NOT what they are for! For trail riding, not racing XC, these are the best tires I've ever used!
Similar Products Used:
WTB weirwolf (not impressed) Michelin wildgripper lite(great grip but waaay too many flats!) Continental Gravity (Terrible on loose stuff IMO)
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign, uncut manitou nixon, moto-style brakes, protaper fat bars, thompson shorty stem, carbon spacers to make my bars high, oury grips, azonic loveseat saddle. I LOVE IT SET UP THIS WAY!
Bottom Line:
If you want ultimate traction in a WIDE variety of terrain, and you don't care about rolling wicked fast like an XC racer, and you don't plan to use them on the road, BUY THEM! I have bought all my pairs at price point. At $20 they are a bargain, when they go on sale for $13 or $15 I stock up! You should too! Now go ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew D.
a Weekend Warrior
from British Columbia Date Reviewed: April 28, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Comfortably Numb
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Traction, traction, traction! Resistance to pinch-flats
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Too many too list!
Bike Setup:
Blur / Full XTR
Bottom Line:
Wow - these cheap ($19.00), tires offer some of, if not, 'the' best, traction I've yet to experience in a mountain-bike tire! I was able to climb, non-stop to the top of a bluff that our trail-building group has been working on for three summers - I'm officially the first one to have every ridden it non-stop to the top!
I own this distinction to these brutally heavy, but stunningly traction-oriented 2.5” tires.
If you’re looking for a killer tire for you’re all-mountain ride - and aren’t a weight-weenie – you’ve found traction heaven here.
Andrew D.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin B
a Cross Country Rider
from Southwest VA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2008
The is a tractor tire. Seriously, this thing has a tremendous amount of grip even when things get wet. But the trade off is it's also a bit heavier and the rolling resistance is not that great. Breakaway is also kind of sudden as the profile isn't very round and you can't lean these tires over as much as I'd prefer. That said, it's a great all around tire with good grip at a great price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick White
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth WA Australia Date Reviewed: March 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Grip well in terrible gravel on steep hills. Very predictable slide.
Weaknesses:
NONE that I can find
I wish to edit my previous rather tough post about this. I was concerned about the sidewalls. Later I was assured by several people that the lines in the S/W did not matter. They were right. The lines are still there, the tyres still grip like whatever to a blanket.
Bike Setup:
Giant Yukon
Bottom Line:
I read all the reviews. I bought on the strength of those. I am not sorry.
Not the fastest tyre around, but I trust them to the nth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Huppertz
a Weekend Warrior
from Tijeras, NM, USA Date Reviewed: October 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Cedro Peak Trail System
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Great tire in all conditions. Different tire pressures adjust for different terrain perfectly. Tough and long lasting. I bomb these tires without mercy on sharp rocks for the last three years, and haven't had a pinch flat 'till this last weekend. I'm going to buy another set just to make sure I have them!
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptors which lost their side lugs the first summer.
Bike Setup:
Trek Y-22 FSB 18lbs even.
Bottom Line:
I wish I had a bunch of money so I could buy 10 sets of these!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nyal
a Weekend Warrior
from London Date Reviewed: September 29, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Moist conditions Loamy forests
Weaknesses:
Thick mud Dry, loose alpine conditions Wet roots and rocks
I have to give this a 4. It is a great tyre - my favourite front so far and I've tried quite a few. It's a nice round shape and the side lugs are well supported, means it corners like a bad boy.
Negatives are that it is conditions dependent, it doesn't like wet roots and rocks (the rubber is too hard) and is middling in loose dry alpine conditions. The sidewall is also too thin to run at sub 35 psi.
I reckon my next front tyre will be a similar moto style but with thicker sidewall and softer rubber. WTB Prowler anyone??!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Billings Mt USA Date Reviewed: July 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hellroaring Plateau Road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Really good front tire. Very predictable - goes where you point it. Rolling resistance on pavement as good as any I've tried.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Jones, Panaracer Dart, Panaracer Smoke
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel EX 7
Bottom Line:
I ride a lot on hilly "gravel" roads that are really beds of 1/2 inch river pebbles. The Trail Bear at 40 lbs. gives me much better directional stability in this stuff than the Dart. Very reassuring feeling running or braking. Even beats the Smokes on the rear for traction and the corner lugs don't tear off nearly as easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan N
a Racer
from Canada Date Reviewed: July 7, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Cornering. The best cornering tire ever.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Pythons, Panaracer Fires, IRC Kujos, Almost everything Continental,
Bike Setup:
Giant Composite C2
Bottom Line:
I've tried many tires over the past 15 years, and this is the best cornering tire ever. I'm using 2.25 width for general purpose, racing and light freeride. Grip is tenacious, lets go very predictably - the only two wheel drift around a hairpin that I've ever done in an XC race was with these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Ferraro
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: July 2, 2007
VERY thin sidewall. Pinch flats, and rollovers (sub 30psi.)
Bottom Line:
Overall this is a good tire, I like to run low pressures (sub 30psi.) in my tires, so with these tires, it presented the problem of pinch flats in the rock gardens. I had to run 35+ psi. with DH tubes 2.25mm thick in order not to pinch. Its too bad because I really like these tires. Also the traction on large rocks were poor, but there really are not many tires out there that preform any better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Seabrook, TX Date Reviewed: July 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
jack brooks
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came on cannondale prophet
Strengths:
great cornering, sticky compound, great wear
Weaknesses:
a little heavy, weak sidewall
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Prophet, pretty much stock
Bottom Line:
I put 500mi (by my computer)on a set, until my rear tire wore out. Then I went with a set of panaracer fire xc pros. I was unhappy with the cornering ability of the fire xc on the front so I put the trail bear back on the front and used it for another 1000mi. This past week I hucked a 4ft ramp @ 22mph w/35lbs in the front tire and it blew-out a big hole in the side on the landing sending me tumbling through gravel - ouch!!! I still give them a great rating because I had over 1500mi on this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Weekend Warrior
from California Date Reviewed: May 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Demo
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Strengths:
Grippy compound, aggressive knobs, kevlar bean, light weight for FR tire, enough width and volume to run low pressures, wear very well
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewall prone to pinch flat, compound turns slippery after a while, somewhat tall profile
Similar Products Used:
Kujos, Fire XC
Bike Setup:
Kona Stinky Six
Bottom Line:
This is a great, cheap and sticky FR tire. I found them quite grippy in most conditions that I encounter here in N. California; hard packed, wet, roots, rocky. They have enough volume to run low pressures, but be careful because it's a fine line to getting low enough to pinch flat easily. I tend to run around 28 PSI with good results. The side walls are thin compared to other FR tires so I also found them to fold a tad w/ low pressures, but the upside is light weight.
I've had the tires for 2 years and they've worn very well. The knobs have of course lost their sharp corners/edges, but they still stand strong and tall.
However, I have noticed that they have suddenly lost grip in the turns, partially responsible for laying down some nice raspberries on my leg. I haven't ridden the bike for a few months, so I can only assume the rubber has aged to the point where it's no longer as grippy. But 2 years is a long time to own a tire, and I got plenty of good miles out of these.
I just ordered another set for $20 apiece since I couldn't really find another that suited me well. Almost went for the Kenda Blue Groove/Nevegal combo, but too many poor reviews about them only lasting a month.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ATBScott
a Cross Country Rider
from Castro Valley, CA - USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Can I only have one?
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Overall grip and predictable handling. Seem to wear like iron. Clear mud OK and still seem to have some grip when they are a bit clogged up-looking. Reasonable weight.
Weaknesses:
Have not found any so far...
Similar Products Used:
You name it - I am a tire slut. Kendas, Specialized, Ritcheys (2.1 Z-Max still a fave), Panaracer, WTB, etc...
Bike Setup:
Scott Ransom LTD, custom build. Easton Havoc wheels (semi-wide rim). Stans. 2.25 Trailbear F & R.
Bottom Line:
These tires seem to work very well in a wide range of conditions. They roll decently well, but are not as fast as a 2.24 Mutanoraptor, for example. They look like an oversize IRC Mythos front tire. Breakaway characteristics are very forgiving, lots of warning before they let go. Hook up in climbing conditions is outstanding. Not as soft as a Nevegal "Sticky" but still seem to climb as well. Just got back from 4 days riding in Arizona, and the conditions were ranging from hardpack, Moab-like rock surfaces, to kitty-litter motorcycle trails at Pima and Dynamite (with some mud thrown in just for giggles...) They hooked up everywhere. I was riding with a couple of riders that are lighter and stronger than I am, and was still able to clean a few climbs that they did not get up (at least staying on the bike). Cornering in sand was good and the tires, after about 3 months of use now, show virtually no wear - hell, they look new still. I may be running these puppies for some time! If you aren't racing and want a good, all-round tire with a confidence-inspiring ride, check these out. They can be picked up pretty cheap and last, last, last...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth Western Australia Date Reviewed: February 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$27.00
Strengths:
Good grip on gravel, which is waht I ride on most.
Weaknesses:
Sidewals, sidewalls, sidewalls.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Python Lite, generic road tyres
Bike Setup:
Giant Yukon, pretty much stock
Bottom Line:
When they let go, they do it gradually, not suddenly. Even if you drop off a small rock or nut, they simply dig in. I have not felt that any untoward stuff has been the tyres.
BUT
I can see these tyres falling to pieces before the tread has worn off.
I am in control of two bikes, and both have these fitted fron and rear. One bike has serious breakdown of the sidewalls on the rear, with noticeable stress fracturing (around thetyre...not good) and diagonal lines where the casing is. Both bikes have signs of diagonal lines. We ride fairly tough tracks, with lots of rocks and bumps, but these are supposed to be a downhill tyre, which means they should take a real pounding; dropoffs etc. We are both fairly heavy (I am 90 kilo) but we think a 1-2 foot drop is huge!
We run 45 rear and 40 front.
Has anyone tried telling IRC about this?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Swotch Dotkom
a Weekend Warrior
from Tenerife Date Reviewed: January 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
see my web
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
hibike.de
Strengths:
(as for 2,5 Kevlar version)High volume, strong sidewalls, long wearing, versatility
Weaknesses:
cornering
Similar Products Used:
Racing Ralph, Mythos
Bike Setup:
C'dale Prophet
Bottom Line:
Rode these tires mostly on dry rocks and sand. They give you a lot of confidence on slow rough technical sections due to the high volume and bigger wheel diameter. After month of serious abuse (badly dented rims) the sidewall is like new no torn lugs, still usable profile. No good feelings on fast corners. Low rolling resistance, still good for urban rides. Ride at 2,0-2,5 bars with 170lbs weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cliff
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, Az, USA Date Reviewed: December 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Single Track XC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Price, Lots of tread
Weaknesses:
Weight for this set from Price Point. Hardpack cornering. Tall and narrow (for a 2.5).
Similar Products Used:
Just about all except Nokian
Bike Setup:
Specialized Hardtail Comp; XTR
Bottom Line:
Just wanted to rate these tires from Price Point. Website said the Kevlar were 750 grams; actually weighed out to 895 grams. Real tall tires but not 2.5 width - just slightly over 2.3 on the casing and a little less on the tread. Roll easier than the Tioga factory 2.3 with better traction in the loose stuff. Running at the minimum ########### pressure of 40 psi they don't grip as well as the Tiogas in aggressive flat XC corners on hardpack or loose over hardpack. Might do better with less air/on a wider rim if the "tallness" doesn't make them rollover too much. Tough to compare them with the Mutano 2.4 or the Maxxis High Roller XC because of the weight and profile differences. At 40 psi they're too lively on real rough stuff. These particular tires might be some OEM overages or whatever so I won't rate them in the cellar. They would be good for loose, rough stuff, intermediate level XC riding but NOT a performance tire. Weight will give you a good workout. Would like to checkout a true "aftermarket" 2.5 Trail Bear from LBS but decided stick with the Tioga 2.3(900 g) and Mutanoraptor for the larger volume tires and next time try the new 2.55 WTB Weirwolf LT; (also supposed to be about 750 grams).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mtnrider
a
from corvallis OR USA Date Reviewed: October 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
for 2.25 As a front tire- endless adhesion to hard pack hooks up well on loose over hard slides predictabley when traction running out clears mud better than most durable - one full year of use and still has plenty of tread low price
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Too many - some notables Kenda kinetic 2.35 - great on pack, crap every where else WTB Motoraptor 2.4 & 2.24 - scary on front, lets go while cornnering w/out warning, good on back during winter WTB mutanoraptor 2.4 & 2.24 - on front, good on dry pack, fair on loose over hard, does not clear mud, not enough tread for rear IRC mythos 2.1 - all time favorites in dry
Bike Setup:
5"X4" FS agressive XC/AM
Bottom Line:
So far this is the best 2.2+ tire I have run (in the front), regardless of the season and trail conditions. Behaves similar to the mythos front, sticks to pack like glue, predictable slide when pushed too far in loose, but clears mud better and of course its bigger. Previous to this tire I would have to switch tires between the dry and wet seasons. No more. I am getting another to see how it is on the rear. Great all round mtb tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jody Hunt
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
BCGB
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
low price, high air volume, traction
Weaknesses:
few if any
Similar Products Used:
IRC Kujos, Bontrager Jones
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight, Sun Rhyno Lite rims
Bottom Line:
I really like these tires. I liked the sure-footedness of the Kujos but they're so damn heavy at more than 1kg per tire. The Trailbears are as light as other XC tires but have the high volume and sure-footedness of a DH tire. I run them with Stan's at 35-40psi. They rocked on my recent trip to CO going both up and down Monarch Crest-area trails. Most of the folks around Austin swear by Kenda Blue Grooves because their sticky tread compound sticks to the rocks around here. So maybe a slightly softer/stickier tread in the Trailbears would make them even better. But they're a damn fine tire as they are. Damn fine I tell you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from houston, tx Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
palo duro canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Very tough.
Weaknesses:
Rubber compound is a bit hard.
Similar Products Used:
velociraptors, panaracer fire xc
Bike Setup:
2005 raleigh phase 2, psylo
Bottom Line:
great value, and after being on a narrow, low volume, low RR kick, I am glad to be back on a high volume, toothy tire. I hardly noticed a difference, even though this was a flat, long ride. I have to admit that the day I ditched my Velociraptors for Kenda Kosmic Lites was the day I led the pack, but it MUST be dry to use that kind of tire. Not a bad one to keep on hand for good ol' fashioned off-road bicycling. Yippee! Do buy it if you're a po boy out to have fun. Don't buy it if you expect the latest and the greatest.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: June 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Okay grip, works well on rocks
Weaknesses:
hard rubber, loses grip on fast turns
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, Panaracer Fire XC, Panaracer Cinder
Bike Setup:
Rebuilt Schwinn Aluminum Comp, Shimano LX drivetrain, XT V-Brakes, Marzocchi MX Pro ETA 120mm
Bottom Line:
Okay tires, just not for me. Road chews them up fast, im 15 so biking is the only transportation i have, and they have a high rolling resistance. They work okay on the trails a few miles away from my house but they tend to lose grip when you lean them over too far at high speeds. I think the knobs are too big for what i use them for. Im buying maxxis crossmarks next
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james
a
from Winnipeg Date Reviewed: June 19, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything singletrack
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
- damned inexpensive - not a bad tread pattern for hardpark - super wide (the 2.5 inch model), great for sand
Weaknesses:
- harsh ride if you run factory air pressure (at least on a rigid frame bike) - thin sidewalls - not all that durable
Similar Products Used:
Tioga DH, WTB something or other raptor, other odds and ends
Bike Setup:
rigid frame bike
Bottom Line:
Okay, maybe I am not being fair to these tires. They were fine on my full squishy for a ride or two. However, I wanted a huge volume tire on my rigid frame bike. Makes sense to me - no suspension, so the tires should be able to soak up some of the harshness. Wrong! These tires, when run at the minimum 40 PSI, are brutal. They bounce all over the place.
So, I figured, they are high volume - surely they can handle a slightly lower pressure. I ran them at about 30 - 35 PSI for a few mild rides. Bad idea - I just inspected them, and the rear tire is starting to show those ominous diagonal lines on the sidewalls - the kind that are a prelude to a tire failure. So, in the trash they go. No huge loss - 15.00 each, and I did get some time on them.
I should also mention, in all fairness, that I did run them in winter a few times. How much harm that did, I have no idea.
So, sure, run them on your full suspension bike. I guess. But even them, those paper thin sidewalls are a bit scary. I'd think twice before taking them into sharp rock territory.
4 chilis, because they do work (to some extent), and because they were dirt cheap.
2 chilis overall, because I cannot, in all honesty, even call them 'good'.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma Date Reviewed: May 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Most anything in New Mexico - Turkey Mtn. and Roman Nose in OK
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Incredibly Durable, Little Rolling Resistence, Predictable Ride, A True All Conditions Tire. Hold air extremely well.
Weaknesses:
A little heavier than the competition, but I am not a "Whimpy Weight Weenie" - so it is easy to look past the extra 1/4 lb. of weight for 2 tires combined.
Similar Products Used:
HUTCHINSON: Mosquito, Python, Scorpion - all are completely useless. Knobs ripped off on the first rock ride on the Scorpions. Hutchinson sucks - what's up with their prices anyway? - dang Frenchies! PANARACER - sidewalls went out very fast. BONTRAGER Revolt - like the Python, useless. MICHELIN - cannot recall the model - does not exist anymore - they were the most useless ever. Had a design like the Revolt and Python. CONTINENTAL Explorer and Vertical - GOOD tires - the Explorer did not hold up to the rock however when doing sudden skids on rock or in turns on rock - the side tread would rip off. Explorer has incredible traction for hard pack into sand trap turns though. WTB Weirwolf - okay for climbing, pebble and sand, not ideal for all conditions and are less predictable than most. IRC Mythos 2 Tubeless: Excellent for long straight New Mexico Mountain climbs and fire road - not a comp tire for twisty turns though - I use these when I travel for they will not lose air or puncture when I am 12000 FEET up on a mountain and traction is not as vital for fast turns - good fire road or XC Traveling tire for those 100 mile mountain rides
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 2004 - Customized package - all XT and XTR components w/ a Manitou Black Fork Customized Straight from the Manitou shop. Rims are Mavic 3.1 UST. The Trail Bear I am Reviewing is a 2.25 XC Tube Tire.
Bottom Line:
Best all around tube tire I can find - I have ridden EVERYTHING! Boulders, medium rock, pebble, sand, clay, twisting hard pack through the trees that are met with sand in the corners. This tire offers the most important features that so many other tires do not... STABILITY, PREDICTABILITY, DURABILITY. Therefore, I can TRUST this tire to do what I need it to in all conditions, whereas other tires do good at some things but not at others and they fall apart too fast. This one does it ALL. It is by far the strongest without having to move to a downhill tire. I DO NOT understand 2 or 3 other reviewers issues with some tread breaking - I HAVE HAD THE SAME SET FOR 2 YEARS CURRENTLY and NO Problems whatsoever. They almost look new. I am on my second rear tire - these will last 1000's of miles. I cannot emphasize enough how reliable these are in all aspects. KEEP IN MIND these are XC TIRES, not downhill - so note when people give false reviews by MISUSING products for their intended use. In XC conditions, I trust these before all others.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cort
a
from West Windsor,Vt,USA Date Reviewed: May 1, 2006
there is a reason this tire is so inexspensive. The rubber is very hard,bounces of rocks instead of absorbing,they clog with mud very easily.Break free in turns too soon.Not bad for the price and maybe good on dry hardpack but terrible for the northeast
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia SC USA Date Reviewed: April 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Croft/southside
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
Tenacious climbing and downhill grip wet or dry. Durable. Good mud clearance.
Weaknesses:
wet roots(no surprise).
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptor
Bike Setup:
Prophet 800
Bottom Line:
Extreme value in an all mountain tire. I've ridden this set almost a year with no rips, pinch flats or visible wear. They provide a confident feel cornering and are unstoppable up and downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Fast roller for having such an aggressive knobby tread pattern. Hooks up in most conditions. Can take some abuse. Excellent value.
Weaknesses:
Hard rubber, wants to skip over things instead of conforming like softer rubber does. Knobs have tendency to rip off and tendency for pinchflats if ride hard as a rear tire. Tire runs small, a 2.25 is really a 2.15 tread width.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire's, Nokian NBX, Kenda BG/Nevegal/Kinetic, Maxxis Highroller, WTB Timberwolf
Bike Setup:
6" Azonic Saber, all-mt. style for climbs and aggressive descents.
Bottom Line:
A good/decent all-arounder that can handle most conditions at an excellent price that has tendency to pinch flat, knobs tear off and hard non-conforming rubber.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Klauser
a Cross Country Rider
from Feldafing Date Reviewed: March 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$17.00
Purchased At:
www.hibike.de
Strengths:
Fat tyre
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z-Max Milleinium 2,35; Schwalbe Fat Albert, Racing Ralph, Nobby Nic; WTB Mutanoraptor, Michelin XCR Mud tubeless and many others
Bike Setup:
Hot Chili Zymotic hardtail (wide yoke for fat tyres!), Thompson stem and seatpost, King Headset, Mavic 521 rims, Formula Oro 20cm disk brake, Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 3 fork...
Bottom Line:
I was really surprised by this tyre. I’ve bought these (for front and rear) in an internet shop as a heavy duty hardtail winter tyre. When I got them, I thought by myself: O Gosh, this seems to be a sort of brake parachute tyre. It won’t roll at all! Though for the volume not extra heavy.
I`ve tested them now for a week, mostly on taramac, else fire roads, some with dirt an’ snow. I am really positively surprised by them. Well, they need a bit of more energy to get them to speed when compared to a lightweight tyre, but, when going, they have a really low rolling resistance. They are comfy (2,5’, so no secret why) and track well on loose gravel. Heavy terrain not yet tested. Well, I nearly went by these tyres, if not for my lbs. Would have been a pity. Not very aggressively marketed here in Germany, these excellent tyres. I like them. Definitely one of the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Showman
a Cross Country Rider
from Norman OK Date Reviewed: January 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Draper
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Bay Area Schwinn
Strengths:
Corners like crazey. Tracks great through sand. Great in Moab, makes a full Suspension even sweeter and rolls over rocks and everything else like they aren't there. Use Stans for a back up. Two years on my 2.5 and all I have got are some rounded edges, by the way how about 4K. Do I like it, let me say this baby allows me the luxury of two wheel slides under control,
Weaknesses:
Need a big motor to keep up forward motion, although it rolls much easier that my specialized endro pros.
Similar Products Used:
Use Pythons (Race) when conditions permit(not as tough, plenty light)
Bike Setup:
S-Works Endro, Crossmax, Marathon XC, RP3, and ETC.
Bottom Line:
Buyem if you want tough dependable good cornering.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: January 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything on dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great grip, rolls good once at speed
Weaknesses:
Accelerates hard, knobs tear off tire
Similar Products Used:
Kenda, Bontrager
Bike Setup:
Stock Trek Liquid
Bottom Line:
These tires are ok. They have good grip when in off camber situations. Once you are up to speed they roll good but it takes a lot more effort to get to that speed than any other tire that I have had. I only had the tires on the bike for less than 100 miles and the knobs are ripping off the tire. This is the only tire that I have had that happen to. The design must be changed so it can withstand off road riding. Good value for the tire but poor performance because of the knobs riping off.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ju$tin
a
from B-More Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Price point, $30/Pair !
Strengths:
good tread, durable, cant beat the price
Weaknesses:
weight, if you're looking to start a mud collection then ride these around and you'll be all set
Similar Products Used:
other treaded rubber things on bike wheels
Bike Setup:
two wheels, a chain, some peddals, maybe a seat, i dunno, all stuck to a frame, with mud on the tires
Bottom Line:
These are really acctually great tires. They have great tread and really grip. I would not however reccomend them for muddy conditions as you will grow a forest on them. they corner well, and offer traction all around. they are a bit heavy and i wouldnt put them on a xc bike you plan to ride on alot of vagy trails, or hard roads, but i would put them on anything you plan to ride in the dirt as long as it isnt too muddy. oh and they are really inexpensive and they might stop making them so buy several pairs and stock up now. ride on
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jon
a Cross Country Rider
from moscow,id Date Reviewed: January 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
cheap, fairly high quality. rolls ok.im using 2.25 and 2.5 on two bikes stable wide long wearing light-for-size good all around a confidence inspiring tire that is worth more than it costs
Weaknesses:
really thin sidewall. hates sticky clay/mud not soft enough to really rail corners
hardtail withfox fork xtr hope, also single speed rigid bike
Bottom Line:
good trail/light freeride tire ,also good "extreme commuter" tire too heavy for race but looooong wearing(if u dont rip the ultra thin sidewalls) i think the predictible cornering and grip of these tires is enough to challenge most riders on most trails. this tread pattern never hangs on-till-the-last-thread -only-to-suddenly-spill-u...instead it squirms and says "thats enough im going to lose it" giving u a broad warning zone and time to think about health insurance and medivacs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tan Kin Sung
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: November 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Kiare
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
KSH bicycle Sdn. Bhd.
Strengths:
Good traction on wet and muddy condition. Good trail hold up you just have to point the tyre where you want to go and it will take you there.
Weaknesses:
I don't have any but some of you may find it hard to cycle on the tarmac.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC, Ritchey Z-max, Specialized Roll X, Enduro, Maxxis High Roller
Bike Setup:
Marin easton ultralite tubing frame with some XT and XTR part. Magura shock up front tune by KSH Bicycle. Raceface handle bar with Control Tech stem. Thomson seatpost and Sella Italia Flite saddle. Mavic F519 rims.
Bottom Line:
Best tire I have tired this year. Is just that good that you don't think you can get the same traction from other tyre.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J Gusta
a Weekend Warrior
from PDX, OR Date Reviewed: November 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Downieville DH
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$13.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Tough as nails, considerably light for its strength, good all-around grip in all conditions, good in loose, performed better in mud and wet roots/rocks than anticipated.
Weaknesses:
Not true to size (2.25 measures in at 2.17). Mediocre cornering traction and grip due to heavier durometer. Tire does not excel at one thing. Wish they came in a 2.3 - 2.4 and softer durometer for grip.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda BG/Nevegal, Kenda Kinetics, Panaracer FR's, Nokian NBX
A good all-around tire at a spectacular price. The tire does not track or corner as well as a Kenda Nevegal in the loose or muck, but is a much stronger tire, the sidewalls feel bombproof for a small-midsize tire. Works great with a Kenda Kinetic Stick-E up front, but a IRC Trail Bear 2.5 seems like it wouldn't be a bad choice either, especially for the price. (Kenda BG's suck for loose or mucky conditions and Nevegal's are too expensive, hard to get, and cheaply constucted, IMO)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dano
a Cross Country Rider
from Upstate, NY Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
mountain road in the Jct
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Grips like a starved pitbull, 2.25 width rolls really well over rough terrain and the price 19 bucks per tire
Weaknesses:
for me I can't list a weakness
Similar Products Used:
irc mythos xc (JUNK) continental traction and atlanta combo (so so)
Bike Setup:
cannondale m500 rigid deore lx gold edition front and rear derailleurs, Sram pg 850 cassette with a pc 68 8 speed chain with sram 8 spd centera 2002 gripshifts, avid single digit 7 brakes with the speed dial 7 levers and turbocat QR25 dual beam lights (kick ass)
Bottom Line:
These sneakers are some of the best trailbreaking offroad tires I have ever used. They handle every type of terrain at a high level. These tires are not the lightest tires but they roll very well for their size. I find I can tackle every situation with confidience. I don't have to even think about my tires anymore with these puppies, they just do the job. A very strong climber and a better decender. I don't jump or huck I just ride my bike like a jeep offroad to go places I can't get to on foot. I use the 2.25 size. On the rigid bike it smooths things out alot with the volume. To put it mildly I LOVE THESE TIRES. I highly recommend.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from Lebanon, PA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came witth the bike
Strengths:
Sticks to everything, climbs great.
Weaknesses:
Does not want to roll if you are into XC.
Similar Products Used:
Mich. Wildgrippers
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Prophet 600
Bottom Line:
they do what they where made for you can beat around with them and they will hold the line you piont them. Makes climbing easy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ross Giblin
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: September 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
lambert
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
tredlies
Strengths:
good alrounder
Weaknesses:
abit slow ion the sand
Similar Products Used:
maxxis ignitor
Bike Setup:
jump frame
Bottom Line:
good overall tyry and doesnt wear very much on the ashfalt but way slow on even hard sand
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay
a
from Arizona Date Reviewed: September 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Good grip, inexpensive price fo the 2.25 width
Weaknesses:
slightly heavy
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire Pro, IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR
Bottom Line:
I just spent a full week in SW Colorado and these tires performed excellent on both F & R - in both mud (shed well), rocky and loamy (gripped like a mtn goat) terrain. After 5+ years on FirePro's - these are grippy, non-nonsense tires in climbing (lots of this) or downhill. I ran 50psi to prevent pinch flats and noticed no major rolling resistance as recently commented in Mtn Bike Action mag. At $15 each (sale) - but even at $20 regular price - these are a no brainer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brown_Teeth
a Cross Country Rider
from Morro Bay, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
cambria bike
Strengths:
Very tough tread for a lighter weight 2.5, Really cruzes going downhill in most conditions. Can be run low 20's in PSI, no pinch flats. Its a true 2.5, both in height and width. Doesn't clog up in the mud like softer compund tires. It is an excellent sand tire, wide and has a huge contact patch making it float well in the soft.
Weaknesses:
Scary as a front tire in the dry loose over hardpack, will break loose and its all over, the 2.25 might be better. Luggs are close together and rather dense making it tough but also break loose on steep loose climbs as a rear tire. Also with all those lugs its heavy even for a thin wall kevlar bead, you will feel it slow you down with its larger contact patch when the climbing gets steep and loose
Similar Products Used:
Nokian NBX, WTB mutanos, Maxxis minnions, Panaracers...
Bike Setup:
Heavy freeride trail bike
Bottom Line:
Good rear tire especially in the soft stuff for a very little $$, not a great climber due to weight and harder compound rubber but on the downhills this tire rocks like a true dh tire, really gets fun over 25 MPH, just floats though ruts that narrower softer tires get hung up into. Very scary as a front if you ride dry loose over hardpack, go with a 40 duro maxxis minnion or a Nevegal soft if you really want to rail everything except mud. Otherwise the trail bear 2.5K is a good all arounder and fun to ride until the killer climbs then its a boat anchor, like any near downhill weight tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt LAke City Date Reviewed: July 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
I love so many
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Great front tire
Weaknesses:
???
Similar Products Used:
Mythos, Pythons
Bike Setup:
Blur disc
Bottom Line:
So I set my bike up today with the trailbear 2.25 on the front and a mythos 2.1 on the back. I went to ride a trail I had never ridden in park city. 100 yards into the climb I heard a metal pop in the back of the bike then nothing so I thought a rock had slipped in somewhere then worked itself free. So I keep climbing for the next 40 minutes and when I reach the first descent I grab the brakes and the rear brake lever goes right to the bar. I stop and the metal popping turned out to be one of the brake pads in the rear popping out...don't ask how...but I believe it was because I didn't put the pad in correctly after cleaning it earlier that day. So I decide to do the ride without the rear brake. The ride is 17 miles of singletrack. I will summarize by saying that the front trailbear was superb! My confidence grew and before long I was hammering everything and breaking hard in loose turns...the tire only broke free once...and it was brief and easy to correct. Otherwise the tire was predictable, sure footed, and 3 hours later my new favorite part of my bike. By the way...I went back to the trail head and I found the brakepad 100 yards up the trail. I put it back in and the rear brake is back to normal working condition...but who needs it with the trailbear up front!!!! I ran it at 36 psi but will probably drop that a bit for the next ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
phoeneous
a Cross Country Rider
from Vegas Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Very grippy and corners well.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Bottom Line:
The IRC TrailBear is by far the greatest tire Ive tried. I went to these from WTB Velociraptors and the IRC's are ten times better. The grip in the rear is awesome and Ive noticed a better climbing ability with it. The front can corner extremely well at high speeds. Get this tire at Pricepoint, they are only $19 each!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Davies
a Weekend Warrior
from Lehi, Utah, USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Sems to have great traction on almost any surface. Price is great. No flats yet. Good traction even at higher pressures. Great in corners.
Weaknesses:
Hmmmmm....
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Scorpions (crap)
Bike Setup:
Giant VT-3 with fork upgrades
Bottom Line:
This great bike came with Hutchinson Scorpions for tires. Not knowing any better, I tried to ride on them. After some near death experiences, I quickly purchased these IRCs. They corner very well, even on surfaces that have loose sand and grit. They don't mind mud, although my favorite trails are usually dry, so I haven't had them in extreme conditions as far as mud goes. No flats since I put them on. They are quiet on pavement They are wearing very well, I expect them to last as long as anything could. In short, I'm very plaesed with them and if I can wear them out, I'll buy them again. An excellent all-purpose tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BN
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver Date Reviewed: May 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Traction in western (Colorado, Utah) conditions; smooth roller; PRICE; durability
Weaknesses:
None. . .but I’ve heard rumors that they may stop making them. Only as good as any other tire I have tried on wet rocks/roots.
Similar Products Used:
Conti, Ritchey, Specialized, Panaracer . . . .
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS with various upgrades based on function and durability.
Bottom Line:
Based on reviews posted here and the price at Supergo ($14.95) I purchased one as a front tire. I was somewhat cautious due to the listed weight (705-735 gms, depending on the source) but for the price was willing to give it a try. My previous favorite tire, the Continental Vertical Pro, can never be found on sale for much less than $40/tire and I just wasn’t willing to shell out that much cash again.
With a brand new Panaracer Fire Pro 2.1 on the back and the Trailbear 2.25 on the front I took my first ride with the “cheap” tire. The first thing that I noticed was just how quiet the Trailbear was – the Panaracer was scratching, skipping, grabbing and sounding like most other tires I have used over the years but the Trailbear was just very quietly going about its business of staying glued to the ground. I began playing with the traction of the front wheel by overusing the front brake, searching for sandy rocks, etc but I simply couldn’t make the tire budge. No matter what the terrain it went right where I pointed it and I was very impressed.
The next few rides confirmed my initial impression as I was able to corner faster and handle rougher terrain with more confidence and speed. At that price I went out and bought another one for the rear. Same results and same impression. With both Trailbears on my bike it cornered on rails . . . unflappable! Based on lap times for my local rides the weight simply is not an issue . . . it could be my increased confidence and/or the low rolling resistance. I ride cross-country without any major drops and have raced off and on (Sport class) for the past 10 years.
Two weeks later I saw that the tires were on sale for even less . . . $8 each at Supergo! Didn’t waste any time picking up 4 more. Durability has been good for the first 200 miles but for $8 that will never be an issue. All of the knobs are still intact and tire seems very tough.
Bottom Line: Absolutely the best front tire I have ever used. One of the best rear tires as well. The only situation where I have found them to be as average as every other tire is on wet logs and rocks (rear). For an everyday general mountain bike tire (or possibly light freeride I highly recommend.)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Badinage
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairbanks, AK Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
used
Similar Products Used:
Mutano raptors 2.4"
Bike Setup:
Specialized 2003 Rockhopper with 36mm heavy duty Alex Rims
Bottom Line:
Dont have much experiance with offroad tires. Just know that using these is a huge improvement over the 2.0" ones that came with my bike and they really make offroad riding a fun experiance. Extra width really helps it ride over the mud on the roads.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Downhiller
from North Shore Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Bikeroom
Strengths:
Inexpensive, light, grips well.
Weaknesses:
Side walls, lugs.
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list.
Bike Setup:
2004 Bullit, w/Mavic D321 rims and dual Kenda Nevegals (was dual Trailbears until today)
Bottom Line:
I can recommend this tire to anyone who is riding smooth dirt trails. For anything with rocks, please stay away. The sidewall are too thin for rock gardens, and the tire lugs rip off. The later problem happened to me near the start of a long run. I had converted both to tubeless, so a big hole in the tire didn't help me. Fortunately, I was able to put a tube in and finish my run. The sidewall problem ruined my day today at Whistler. Three runs in a it was done - a big gash in the back tire (the other problem was on the front). Two pinch flats later my day was done.
Like I said earlier, it's likely the rocks that did them in, they were fine up till now in the dirt. The sidewall problem could also exist for most kevlar tires. I've already made the switch to DH tires. Won't go back to kevlar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slippery Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Khan Chi Province, China Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Arcaida URI trail to Mtn. Tom
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Size, rubber compound, tread design, $$
Weaknesses:
Since I love this tire they will probably stop making it with 6 months.
Similar Products Used:
Every color & design by Michelin, other IRC's, Ritchey, Specialized, etc.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, 5th. Element coil, Fox Float, Mavic, Thompson, Race Face, XT, IRC TrailBears
Bottom Line:
Grips, sticks & pulls in all situations, this tire flat out ROCKS!! Rubber compound grips rocks, logs, roots wet or dry, sticks in the fast corners like the Goodyear F1's on my car. Light for the size compared to other tires, and lighter than some 2.2's. Put about 800 miles on my first set, almost thru the 2nd. set at a little over 800, seem pretty durable.
I just ordered 6 more in case they stop making them!!
P.S.: not related to the review, but hey MTBR, you guys need a few more classifications for your riding type, like maybe Freerider, Stunt Lunatic or All Mountain Hardcore Trail Rider. I ain't no cross country racer, but I ride 6 days a week so weekend warrior doesn't work either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rain Man
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: April 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Local singletracks.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
BIG meaty knobs. Good grip in both soft and hard trail conditions. Grip and drift on fast dirt downhills is great, very controllable and predictable. Corner reasonably well on the road, drift is controllable in fast corners but a bit 'hairy'. Not really meant for road racing though.. :)
Weaknesses:
Slightly heavier than some less tough tires.
Similar Products Used:
The usual selection whilst looking for these Trailbears.
Bike Setup:
Tricked out Giant VT-2.
Bottom Line:
These tires turned out to be the end of my search for the best all-round tires for my riding style and conditions here in Oz. They have BIG Chunky Knobs that wrap right around the casing that give great grip in all offroad conditions. The sidewalls are Kevlar reinforced, and I have had ONE pinch flat from hitting a rock corner on after a big jump.
I ride them in all conditions from dead dry to sloppy wet, soft to hardpacked dirt and mud and even use them on the road when I ride the VT-2 to the trailheads.
The only bad thing I can find to say about them is that they are a bit 'hairy' to corner hard in the wet on the road, as they tend to slide a bit like all big knobbed off road tires do. However, that is to be expected. On the road at hard angles of lean in corners when it's dry they tend to 'squirm' and 'moan' a bit, but it's all good fun.. :)
They are wide, [2.25] grippy, tough, hard-wearing, give excellent traction in all off-road conditions, and roll fairly well on the road, considering the size of the knobs.
You can really nail corners on them in the dirt, they drift predictably in the bends when pushed hard at extreme angles and come back into line well on the exits. I run 2.25's front and rear at about 40 psi.
Traction uphills is very good, they grip hard enough to make the front-end of the VT-2 get very light sometimes on climbs, but a weight-shift towards the front of the bike makes the back tire ultra controllable grip-wise.
For freeride conditions, they can take a real bashing, drops and jumps, gutters etc dont seem to hurt them at all.
I have had the same set on the bike for a year, and they still look and feel great.
They are hard to get here in Oz, and I ain't telling where I get mine from.. :) but some shops in the USA carry stocks. Value for money..great !! These are long lasting and hard-wearing tires that are very good value for the price you pay.
I stopped trying other tires when I got these on the bike because they do absolutely everything I wanted without complaint, and they do it well in all conditions.
Really good tires. Recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Daddy
a
from St. George, Utah Date Reviewed: April 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
blueskycycling.com
Strengths:
Light, Nice knobs!
Weaknesses:
none really.
Bike Setup:
Ibex ignition 2
Bottom Line:
These tires are great for the price. They dont grip as well as my old panaracer's did, but for the price, i can overlook that. I like the tread profile, it looks bigger than a 2.5. All in all, good tire for the money. Light for the size. Try em' out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
NoXx
a
from Front Range, Colorado Date Reviewed: March 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Great traction in almost any conditions Light and strong Super knobby They wear real even and the knobs don't break off at all They look really good and I like how IRC does not use it's sidewalls as free advertising
Weaknesses:
None at all in the last year
Similar Products Used:
IRC Serac XC 2.1, IRC Mythos XC 2.1, Hutchinson Scorpion Air Light (crap, crap, crap!!!), Panaracer Fire 2.4 and have test road a bunch of other tires
Bike Setup:
04 Cannondale Jekyll, Sherman Firefly, Truvativ Holzfeller bars, stem, cranks, bb, e.thirteen DRS chain guide, Sram X.9 drivetrain, Sun Rhyno Lite XL with XT hubs, Avid Mech disk brakes.
Bottom Line:
These are the best all mountain tires I have ever rode. They grip on anything from mud to slickrock. I have not gotten a pinch flat in over a year of riding the same tires. I have even done so pretty big drops on them(for me :-) which have been 5ft-6ft to flat and 8ft-10ft to tranny. These tires corner so well even on loose, steep, tight turns that my confidence has grown.
These tires have just surprised me because they just do everything. I would not put them on my FR/DH bike or anything but for my trail bike they rock! I was thinking about trying out the Panaracer Cinder 2.25 this season but I love these tires so much I don't think I want to have another set tires hanging in my garage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Redondo Beach, CA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Suicide in Oak Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
These tires are light for the wideth, and they grip everything!
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Just about everything.
Bike Setup:
Gemini, right now.
Bottom Line:
These tires have got to explode onto the scene like Fire Pro's did. These have that same predictable bite as Fire Pro's. They are just much wider so more of a good thing. These tires love technical climbs and unlike other 2.5's they don't make your bike piggish! On the downhill: pure confidence in their predictable traction. Switching to these tires actually improved my riding abilities. Get 'em!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins Date Reviewed: October 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Wathan, Horsetooth Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Super beefy(2.5)as wide as some 2.7's I've seen, and yet still pretty light. Once you get them moving they roll really fast and climb well too. Cornering is as if you were riding DH tires. Super tall profile when viewed from the side, looks kinda nice. They roll fast at the dirt track too:)
Weaknesses:
Thin sidewall I guess, but thats how they saved they weight, anyway I've yet to pinch mine!
Similar Products Used:
Minions, Mobsters, Tiogas, Mutanoraptors
Bike Setup:
04' .243 hardtail, junior-t, avids(8f, 7r), Trailbears 2.5, singletrack/xt up front, d321/Deore in back.
Bottom Line:
These tires rock, I am not the most graceful rider, and I ride a hardtail... the point is I haven't pinched or torn these treads yet, and I've railed some Dh on them as well with no problems. Get these treads, the weight savings are incredible when compared to the equivalent grip of the HEAVY Maxxis lineup.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Osan AFB Korea Date Reviewed: October 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
Durability, Good climbing Traction, Predictable
Weaknesses:
NONE I COULD FIND
Similar Products Used:
TOO NUMEROUS TOO LIST
Bike Setup:
Heckler XT/LX Drivtrain, Avid Disc. Set up for trail riding
Bottom Line:
For the money the best tire I have ever used. Wear great. Not too much rolling resistance for the size. Very durable tough tire. With the Trail Bears you get a unbeatable value for dollar. You can spend more but why. I ride alot and ride hard. I wear everything out or break it. I ride on a budget and pick durable cost effective componets. The Trail Bear is my new favorite tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City Date Reviewed: August 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Thunderbird, OK- Roman Nose, OK, Windsor, NM-Glorieta,NM
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
performancebike.com
Strengths:
Everything - strong walls, strong knobbies, attractive sidewall lettering, long life, shed mud, grips very well in all conditions, no pinch flats or sidewall wear/blowouts
Weaknesses:
maybe heavier than average, but should not matter - most cases no one can tell the aditional 100 grams - besides this is added into the durability of the sidewalls, which is so neglected by other tires
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Scorpions (suck!), Panaracer Trailblaster (great until sidewalls blew and wore out prematurely), Continental Explorers (awesome for anything but rock-rock tears the knobbies too easily), Bontrager Revolts (okay for baby trail rides or if you are not needing traction), IRC Mythos 2 Tubeless (far improved tread pattern over the old mythos which was too skimpy on availablility of knobs - plus the knobs ripped off - The 2's are still vulnerable to rocks worse than any other tire, but are awesome for riding hard pack in the fall - they stab through the leaves and get you some grip - ultra fast tires too!) WTB Weirwolf - good from what I have heard, but mine were defective - the traction and tread is great though - mine are UST and do not hold air for 24 hours????!!!!!
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS AIR frame - switch between a Cane creek Cloud Nine rear shock for extreme rock and bumpy rides, use my SID XC for trails. - Mavic 3.1 UST, but use tube tire most of the time - the 3.1 is light and offers rigidity that tube rims do not offer at less weight. XT hydraulic disc brakes and a SRAM Rocket shifters (and they do rocket through the gears!!!!) with an XTR rapid rise rear Derailluer, and XT front, new LX Crank. Custom from factory a Manitou 100mm Black Elite 2002 fork. (Thanks Bobby)
Bottom Line:
If you could only ride on one set of tires these would be the ones to choose - I have had (and seen) so many problems with tires holding up to expectations. If you are reading this than you are wondering about these tires - SIMPLY stated, wonder no longer - BUY THEM. You cannot beat the price - I WOULD PAY 10 BUCKS A TIRE MORE THAN RETAIL LIST for these just to own them. I will not be doing any tire switching in the future. I have gone through some tires after only 100 miles (hutchinson sh_t), most after 500- these are at about 1000 and look brand new and they have been on the rocks. They are predicatable, and solid. What is more is the traction is as good as it gets, AND they truely do not tack clay/sand/grit/slosh on them - They are very fast rolling yet have spread big knobbies that bite into anything. They are simply awesome - get them, do not wait another minute - if you need tires, buy these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reek
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore, MD Date Reviewed: August 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Clementine Loop Auburn CA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Superior grip, not too heavy for size, durable
Weaknesses:
Seems small for stated size
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Megablaster, Couple Maxxis tires and about every XC tire before larger tires were more readily available
Bike Setup:
Giant AC1, DJII, XT/Race Face drive train
Bottom Line:
These tires rock! Corners like you're on rails. Much better than some of the other tires I've tried. The weight for the 2.5 width is pretty light. I have a 2.25 on my other bike but I prefer the 2.5.
Tread kinda looks like their Mythos XC tires only taller and fatter. I love those tires too - on my XC bike. But I am running 2.1 Mythos rear tires on my AC1 with the Trailbear 2.5 up front. Killer combo for aggressive trail riding. May not want the Mythos on the back if you're dropping off 6 footers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY, USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sal Hollow
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Great feel, superior cornering, great traction, inexpensive
Weaknesses:
heavy compared to more narrow tires
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire, IRC Mythos, Backcountry
Bike Setup:
Sugar 3+, Candy pedals
Bottom Line:
I love these tires. I can corner like a madman with them. Bumpy downhills are no prob, the faster the better. I can just ride faster with them plain and simple, with more confidence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara CA Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Performance & LBS
Strengths:
All-mountain performer. Corners great, wears well, good grip in deepstuff to rock, breaks loose predicably & recovers smoothly... not too heavy Works great with Stans. Cheap.
Weaknesses:
Lacks old sidewall of Missile (on which its based), but its also much lighter.
Similar Products Used:
I have tires shoved in every nook & cranny
Bike Setup:
Heckler Z1 - Stans
Bottom Line:
Perfect for the local singletrack Not hard on the wallet. Climbing & cornering traction galore. Serious knobs. I converted mine to tubeless with stans goo & although the front took awhile for me to find the right pressure, they have worked flawlessly & grip has increased across the board. No more pinchflats. When at the limit, the drift of these guys gives you no surprises & has given me big grins. Climbing traction is excellent over anything So Cal has to throw at it. Best riding of my 10 years mtbing on these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Boy Truck
a Weekend Warrior
from Fl Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Namsan mtn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
BikeBox
Strengths:
great in dry, fast rolling, excellent grip. Shed mud great, last a long time
Weaknesses:
Hard to find
Similar Products Used:
Hutch Scorpion's(crap), IRC Mythos(good),
Bike Setup:
Giant AC3
Bottom Line:
Everything, There's nothing that I have rode over that these tires won't grip. They ar ethe cat's meow, and have saved me on more than one occasion on the trails. Now if I could find another pair to keep in stock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
alex
a
from slc, ut US Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
crest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$24.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
wear, grip, knobby tread, light for the size
Weaknesses:
not enough size selection. Wish there was a 2.35
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
04 enduro, w/extras
Bottom Line:
running a 2.5 up front, 2.25 rear. These tires are sweet. Great tread life. It takes a while to get used to cornering with them. You need to get the bike sideways, and on those chucky side knobs. Once you get used to that wierd feeling, you can corner like a freak. I run 37 up front, 40 rear and it feels perfect. You can run lower, but risk pinching.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Twitchell
a Cross Country Rider
from Redding, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Chimney
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance/Supergo
Strengths:
Great all-around traction, Durability.
Weaknesses:
Maybe Deep mud. Slick rocks in creek crossings (but what tire doesn't?) Won't fit all bikes. A bit heavy (but not for the size.)
Similar Products Used:
Velociraptor (mostly), Tioga Red Passage, Geax.
Bike Setup:
2003 Trek Liquid 20 (Stock), Wife has a Kona Kikapu Delux.
Bottom Line:
I've always liked Velociraptors, they seem to do well up here in No. California. My Liquid came stock with the Trail Bears, which at 2.25" were a bit larger than the 2.1" Velociraptors I had on my Pro-Flex. To my surprise, I really liked these tires. They seem to do quite well in the Winter mud/Spring hardpack/Summer dust & loose gravelly terrain we have up here. I took them to Downieville and traction wasn't a concern. Durability is great. I'm a big guy (250+) and have always had trouble with side knobs peeling off. These are over a year old with hard riding and I'm just now thinking about a new set(they outlasted my frame! Hope the new frame outlasts these tires.) At the price ($20!!!) from the mail order places, you can't beat 'em. I had ordered 4 from Supergo (2 for me, 2 for a friend, who also likes them), so when my wife complained about the Tiogas on her new Kikapu (can't believe they put those skinny, knobless things on a 4-inch travel bike!), I put those on tonight. We'll see what she thinks. I just ordered 2 more for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rafe
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, GA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Smogs Den
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Galyan's
Strengths:
Traction, large knobs, stability on trail, feel of large tire.
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
'bout everything
Bike Setup:
Marin
Bottom Line:
These tires came stock on my Marin. I've never used stock tires so when I bought the bike I also bought some Panaracer fire pros, which by the way are an awesome tire. The other day, for shyts and giggles I decided to put the IRCs on to try 'em out. I went riding about two hours after a massive rainstorm and these tires were excellant. Traction, holding the wet trail, rocks especially - better than any other tire of wet rocks. The tread pattern is kinda tight but it actually did very good in the mud, shedding, etc. I'm not a weight weenie at all but these tires feel very heavy compared to Fire Pros - but I've been using those for about two years now. IRCs slip like every other tire on roots but a great trail busting tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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