Submitted by
Rex Luthor
a Cross Country Rider
from North Van Date Reviewed: June 28, 2009
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
pinkbike
Strengths:
Fair weights and very beefy sidewalls (almost as thick as DH casings). Very easy install/inflation on UST rims.
Weaknesses:
Claimed weight is about 100g south of reality on both the 2.1 and 2.35.
DTC just plain sucks except does roll faster than Stick-E.
Similar Products Used:
Other tires, but specifically every other iteration of Nevegals.
Bike Setup:
Lighter 6x6 thru axles both ends...north shore xc. Rims are 819's.
Bottom Line:
I'm lost on UST for anything other than guys using them for DH (and getting rid of thick DH tube weights). For xc, I would think a light tire and tube is lighter. For North Shore use, the whole "lower pressure" thing is a complete myth. Sure, you can run lower pressure and you will not pinch flat, but you'll dent up your rims in a hurry.
It all depend on where you're riding. For me these suck. Anything other than sticky tread for 51 weeks out of 52 is no good where I live (wet and truly technical knarl).
These are decent all around tires and I would imagine would be a very good all rounder in dryer regions.
If Kenda eased up a bit on the sidewall thickness and made these in Stick-E to keep these around 1000g for the UST 2.35 then I might give them another go.
They can be had cheap, which definitely ups the value score.
DTC wears just as fast as Stick-E out back. I'll take the traction of Stick-E over (and the bit of added rolling resistance) over DTC for the PNW.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GlazedHam
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas Hill Country Date Reviewed: February 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Flat Rock Ranch
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Angle Fire,NM
Strengths:
Never-failing traction on Rock, Rock over dirt, loose dirt, loose dirt over Rock, etc. I never tried this tire for anything but dry Texas trails and it never let me down. I've run this thing over some very ungroomed trails and never worried about traction at all.
Majorly strong sidewalls and knobs that don't break off.
Weaknesses:
She ain't lite!
Similar Products Used:
Probably 45-50 different types of tires.
Bike Setup:
5 inch AM bike. I run this up front on Mavic CrossMax ST/UST with Stans. I weight about 160-165 and run the pressure at 24psi. As with most tires, they work better with lower pressures, but I've tried 22-32psi. I've never run them with a tube.
Bottom Line:
Put this tire on the front of your bike and forget your wash-out worries ...if you ride in rocks and down steep descents.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mojavehanna
a Cross Country Rider
from Las Vegas, NV. USA Date Reviewed: January 27, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Las Vegas Cyclery
Strengths:
Seals up instantly, phenomenal traction cornering and braking, stable, predictable, durable.
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer smoke/ dart WTB velocipaptors
Bike Setup:
GT LTS
Bottom Line:
I love this tire! I run a 2.3 on the front and a 2.1 rear with a Stans conversion kit and it is awesome for where I ride. I ride in loose, dry, rocky terrain that varies from hard packed sandy to sharp volcanic rock, to deep gravel washes. This tire works awesome. I like how they corner, the tire will begin to slide but it is predictable and controllable so you can "ride the slide". The rear hooks up great on steep technical climbs, the front brakes very well. The tire is the DTC compound and is lasting very well on the sharp rocks that I often ride on. Bottom line, If you ride in the desert these tires work great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nrs2112
a Cross Country Rider
from Oklahoma City, OK Date Reviewed: October 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Almost Any Trail In New Mexico
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Excellent sidewall construction, good rubber compound, fair weight
Weaknesses:
Extremely poor traction, extremely poor tread life, knobby height in center tread is just way too small to track
Similar Products Used:
IRC Trail Bear, IRC Mythos O2, Bontrager Revolt, Panaracer Trailblaster, Continental Explorer, Hutchinson Scorpion. All perform terribly with a huge exception to the Trail Bear which is the BEST tire hands down but is not made in a UST version - thus I keep trying other UST tires that end up sucking...
Bike Setup:
2004 Giant NRS AIR on Mavic 819 UST Rims. I use the Trail Bear Tire for local rides Religiously for it has the best performance and tread life of any tire made, but it is not UST and thus is vulnerable to punctures when I go on cross country trips in the mountains in the middle of nowhere when I need to ensure no flats are incurred. Thus, I am searching for an XC/AM UST tire and just cannot find one with traction at a lighter weight!!!
Bottom Line:
Bottom line - HORRIBLE tire. I never thought I would get a tire that tracks as poorly as the Revolt or the Scorpion, but I found another. I live and ride in Oklahoma City which is all root and hard pack and this tire barely grabs on in the morning dew on the track. Quite simply, there is not enough knobby to bite into the track (ie: sand or loose pack turns and roots). Also, I just got back from New Mexico riding the Foothills Trails, Cedro Peak, and Otero Canyon which has a little rock throughout, and the trails are made of a loose pebble and hard pack combo. I skidded just few times on the very long steep descents out there and put in no more than 60 miles of riding and this tire appears as though it is a year old with maybe 2000 miles on it. It does not track and it does not last. What is the point of this tire??? I will NEVER buy this piece of crap again.
What really upsets me is the price all bike tire manufacturers charge us riders when car tires cost just a little more, sustain 3000 pounds of vehicle on pavement roads, and last 45,000 miles. Price per performance, we should be buying bike tires for 3-5 Bucks!!! $5 being for the better performing tires. Come on guys - give us riders a break and stop ripping us off with this junk you force us to choose from!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bingo
a
from Australia Date Reviewed: June 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Good grip in dry and good rolling resistance for this type of tyre. Volume excellent for a 2.1 and good wear rate in the regular rubber compound. Tough sidewalls and relatively inexpensive.
Weaknesses:
Grip significantly compromised in wet conditions. Kenda really needs to make a stick-E or DTC compound for the UST 2.1 version.
Bottom Line:
Update to my earlier review. Wears well and rolls quite good for it's size and decent all-round grip in dry weather. The weakness is wet weather it really misses the stick-E rubber found on the regular tubed versions. In addition, the tread design and lack of space between the knobs makes it a little skittish in a straight line and does not provide enough lateral stability for a front tyre it is more suited to the rear. For dry conditions it is a really good mix of grip/wear/rolling resistance but in wet weather you have to be more careful it spins out quite easily on wet rock and roots if you don't hit them square. Not a premium or race tyre but a pretty solid all-rounder on the rear for everyday use that's not too expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wytnyt
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, AZ USA Date Reviewed: May 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
100
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Good traction. Decent wear until they were cut.
Weaknesses:
Tire cut through sidewall and part of tread on my third ride. Can not use liquid sealant in Kenda tires. this voids the warranty.
Bottom Line:
How can you ride in the rocky desert without sealant? Tire warranty voided if you use liquid sealant such as Stan's. Buy Schwalbe or Maxxis.
I would give a higher rating, but the tire cut so easily on my third ride. Very disappointing. Plus, the whole thing about not using a liquid sealant. That is ridiculous. Then why go UST? You will have to install tubes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bingo
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: May 8, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Great volume, quite fast rolling for this type of tyre, tough construction, great grip all round when correct pressure used.
Weaknesses:
Tad heavy, doesn't like muddy slopes, lateral grip is very pressure sensitive
Similar Products Used:
Crossmark, , Python, Fire XC Pro, High Roller, Speed King, Mountain King, Nobby Nic, Racing Ralph
Bike Setup:
2.1 UST Nevegal set-up on Epic with Mavic Crosstrail wheels
Bottom Line:
Really solid tyre. Tough tyre does not cut or puncture (I don't use any sealant) and volume is excellent for stated 2.1 size to give a nice plush ride. Accelerates a little slower due to 770g weight but surprisingly rolls quite well once it is moving. Cornering grip is good in most conditions but lateral grip is pressure sensitive. I found the ramped knobs tended to break away and "smear" on steep climbs but I found that once you dropped the pressure sufficiently to engage the side knobs they bit hard and with no noticable loss in rolling speed (I run front 22psi and rear 26psi). You need to be run low pressures to get the best out of these tyres otherwise no point carrying around the extra weight of UST. I prefer these tyres over the regular versions run with Stans due to the tougher construction and better grip and comfort from being able to run lower pressures. If I was riding less rocky/rooty stuff I would consider the regular Nevegals with stans then again I would be probably running something faster like the Karma.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Southside,il. Date Reviewed: April 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All single track
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Cycles n Sports
Strengths:
Great climbing and desending tire. Corners pretty darn good.
For trail riding, awesome tires, for racing, might be a bit heavy. I dig them. Now if it would just stop raining and the horses stay off the wet trails. Because we know that horses don't damage the trails, bikes do. Thats funny...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grommett
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix,AZ Date Reviewed: April 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
National, Trail 100 area
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$36.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
corners excellent and traction descending is amazing
Weaknesses:
rear tire always seems skittish and easily kicked out in looser stuff.
Similar Products Used:
26" Nevegal 2.35, 29"Nevegal 2.2
Bike Setup:
06 stumpy sworks, Fox talas 140RLC, Maviv 819 onn Chris king hubs, Sram XO, Juicy Carbons
Bottom Line:
Well, guess I should have listened to all the reviews that gave a less than stellar review to this tire. I have run two other sets of Nevegals and loved them so I figured how could Kenda mess up on this one. This is my first set of tubeless tires and I loved the ride quality and they corner better than anything I have ridden and I have amazing control when manuevering and braking while on steep descents. This tire falls flat on its face when pendicular to the trail though. When straight upright them seem very skittish and the side lugs do not seem to wat to hold onto anything. I often find myself slipping and getting kicked around on more technical climbs and flying down straight singletrack. I threw back on my Cortez 2.2 tubed to make sure it wasn't in my head and although the ride was not as nice, they did not have the same problems, nor does my SIR Nine with the nevegals. I am really bummed that they fall short of the other Nevegals and I am looking around to replace them, most likely with a pair of Ignitors. And yes, I have run them at every pressure from 34 to 40 lbs and lower is better, but lower than that I feel like I am dragging a body behind me. They are not horrible, just disappointing for what I have come to expect from this tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Pietermaritzburg, KZN, South Africa Date Reviewed: March 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Pietermaritzburg surrounds
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
OEM with bike
Strengths:
Reasonable rolling tyre, climbs well on hard pack.
Weaknesses:
Terrible in wet or muddy conditions, no grip on hard pack mud and unpredictable in the corners in almost all conditions.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, XTR RC component kit mostly stock
Bottom Line:
A less-than endearing introduction to UST technology. Badly worn, cheaper tyres leave me feeling more confident than these overly hyped tyres. I would have expected a more confident grip from this tyre, which is heavy and relatively wide, but performs more like a cheaper, narrower tyre.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ethan Dull
a Cross Country Rider
from JAy, VT Date Reviewed: February 21, 2008
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Firsttrax -montgomery Vt
Strengths:
Traction, cornering, Best tire for loose/wet/rocky terrain
Weaknesses:
Durability With the riding I do, I repalce these every year.
Similar Products Used:
i have tried many tires, but this is by far the best yet.
Bike Setup:
Santa cruz Blur lt
Bottom Line:
This is definitly the best tire EVER for wet, loose, rocky, and propbably any terrain.
This buy is met with amazing traction, cornering and grip (especially with the Sticky Rubber versions)
I run this tire in a 2.1 or a 2.3.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
luke
a
from Detroit, MI, USA Date Reviewed: December 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Strengths:
Cornering, responsiveness
Weaknesses:
?
Similar Products Used:
Roll-x pro, Pannaracer Cinders
Bike Setup:
Trail, 6in, slack
Bottom Line:
I am shocked at the mixed reviews of this tire. This tire has transformed by relationship to the dirt. I really cannot believe that riders are not raving about this product. Anyone that has tried it knows -- UST is the only way to go. This tread patter is at the top of mtb technology in my view. It is light, strong, corners exceptionally well, has low rolling resistance and great driving/braking traction when run at low pressure.
I run mine at 20psi, the result is a smooth, predictable ride that has made me faster climbing and decending, but most of all faster in the corners. It just leans well. Mine have actually improved with age. (Initially the somewhat beveled profile makes for a bit too much on/off feeling when the bike is leaned.)
This tire is (next to the Gravity Dropper seatpost) the best thing I have done for my enjoyment of riding my bike.
YOU WILL NOT REGRET THIS PURCHASE. PLEASE ignore the lukewarm reception that it has been given on mtbr.com. The blah reviews will deceive you. This tire is EXCELLENT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Iwan Kemp
a Racer
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Eden / Delvera Blk Route
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$290.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Factory Store
Strengths:
Great grip through corners on trail sgl track and XC. Fast rolling for the amount of grip
Weaknesses:
None really
Similar Products Used:
Lots. Of all the tires I have used these are by FAR the best front tire.
Bike Setup:
Titus Moto Lite II with SRAM X0 and XTR mix.
Bottom Line:
Best value for money. Great grip and confidence boosting
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder,CO,USA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Golden State Park - Lion Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Sports Garage
Strengths:
Low rolling resistance and good, but not great performance in a variety of conditions. Corner well. Inexpensive. Easy to mount and hold air well.
Weaknesses:
Rear tire punctures between knobs when riding fast in rough, sharp rocks. Traction is poor in wet conditions and they deflect easily if pressure is above 30 PSI.
Similar Products Used:
Conti Vertical Pro 2.3 UST
Bike Setup:
Yeti 574, Hope Hubs, Mavic 819 Tubeless
Bottom Line:
I like this tire up front, but after 3 punctures in the rear, I'm looking for a new rear tire. Good value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Gold Hill, Oregon Date Reviewed: October 17, 2007
Favorite Trail:
North Umpquah
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
doesn't flat or lose air
Weaknesses:
heavier than a Tolstoy novel
Similar Products Used:
tube version
Bike Setup:
trail-riding blur xc with crossmax xl disc
Bottom Line:
For terrain and riding style, they suit me fine. I've dented a rim but haven't pinch-flatted. They spin on dry, loose climbs, but many of the competition do also. I have over 300 miles on the tires, and am seeing wear, but will get another 100 miles for sure. They corner great on the loamy pine needles I get to ride on. It's just that they're sooo heavy! 2 lbs per tire? 2 much. Also, if I would have bought them for list price instead of having them come stock I would have grumbled. I was more impressed with the tube version anyway.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Felix L
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Easy to get on and off. Holds air reasonably well. Large for a 2.1".
Weaknesses:
Terrible traction--especially on anything loose or rocky.
Similar Products Used:
Hutchy Barracuda UST 2.3" (heavy, great traction, sturdy, great front tire), Schwalbe Nobby Nic UST 2.25" (rolls fast, good traction, weak sidewalls)
Bottom Line:
Like many others here, I did not like the Nevegal UST at all. It's surprising since the non-UST version is pretty good. Maybe it's the lack of Stick-E compound in the UST version? I've experimented with a bunch of pressures (25 to 40psi) without improvement. On uphills, it has no traction on loose stuff and breaks away easily. On downhills, it feels stiff, and the lack of traction makes riding a loose trail feel like descending on marbles. STAY AWAY! Or maybe go non-UST.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from lake milton, OH Date Reviewed: September 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
West Branch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
I'm going to keep this short. This is a bad product! If it is wet at all any place you ride, DO NOT GET THESE TIRES! I can't imagine making a tire that could perform worse than these. I feel bad saying such a negative thing about a companies product but these tires are that bad. It's amazing how bad these things are. Sorry Kenda!
Weaknesses:
To say any more would just be mean.
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 Spot
Bottom Line:
To the magazine that said these are a high end tire. What else have you misled us on?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Keating
a Weekend Warrior
from Basalt, Co. Date Reviewed: September 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Greenfish Bikes
Strengths:
After all the hype, I thought these would be great tires! I have not found the strengths yet.
Weaknesses:
Slow roller. Horrible wet performance. Does not seem to hook up well. Running 34lbs the rear tire unseated from the rim during a steep desent! I am using Stan's rim strips and sealer. I have had no problem before!
Similar Products Used:
IRC mythos. Hutcheson Spider (which seems much better than I though after using this tire).
Bike Setup:
4.5" Elsworth Truth
Bottom Line:
I am looking for a new tire!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TLYMTB
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, GA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Every Last One Of'm
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great tread pattern, very tough tire, mounts and seals easily with just a floor pump.
Weaknesses:
The only thing I can say is they are a tad heavy (but most UST tires are) and I think the weight penalty is worth it for how tough they are.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda-Kharisma, Kinetics, Karma. Maxxis-Larsen, Ignitor, Advantage. Sepcialized 2Bliss. WTB-Velociwraptor, motowraptor. Michelin- (whatever the old school green ones were)
Bike Setup:
I have these on two bikes, UST on a GT i-drive four with crossmax sl's, and tubed versions on a Ti Racer-X with Spinergy psyclone wheels.
Bottom Line:
I think that this is the best all around tire I've used, The ignitor, and kharisma are both very good too, but this is a little bigger volume with more aggressive tread. These tires were not too expensive, are very easy to mount and seal, and work pretty darn well in everything I've thrown at'm. They roll fast, corner well on many different surfaces, and take an awful lot of abuse. The sidewalls are stiff enough to run lower pressure and not wallow around which is awesome. Believe the hype, MBA was on the money here. FYI the tubed ones work great too, same ride characteristics but without the flat resistance and ability to run low pressure. I have run alot of tires over the years and there are alot of good ones out there, but this tire is VERY good!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Wisconsin Date Reviewed: May 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Levis Mound
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Michael Cycles
Strengths:
None that I can find. I purchased these tires for my 4" dualie to replace IRC Serac UST's. Also, I have a set of non-UST Nevegal's on my singlespeed and I like them a great deal on that bike. Well, the UST version is like a different tire altogether. I have tried pressure from 28 lb.- 45 lbs. and the tire is horrible on loose over hard and dangerous in the wet. They are heavy, roll slow, break away without warning, fast wearing, and they excell in no identifiable condition. They did mount without tools and I have not noticed any real pressure loss.
Weaknesses:
Poor traction in all conditions.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Serac--superb tire in spring and fall conditions, lighter than Nevegal as well.
Bike Setup:
'04 Haro Werx XLS, XT wheels and drivetrain.
Bottom Line:
These tires are a real disappointment. My non UST set on my Surly are awesome and that is why I bought the UST version for my dualie. I am a 200lb. cross country rider on a 4" travel dualie and the tires inspire little to no confidence on any trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BigToe
a Weekend Warrior
from Prescott, AZ Date Reviewed: May 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Granite Basin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$48.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
None that I can think of... maybe that it's not on my bike anymore... it's now hanging on my "wall of shame"!
Weaknesses:
Rolls slow, No traction on loose over hard, the word "cornering" is not in it's vocabulary, wears very quickly on tough AZ terrain.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Small Block 8 UST, Kenda Blue Groove UST, Hutchinson Python NG MRC High UST, IRC Mythos XC, Maxxis Larson TT
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Uber V 6x6, Maverick DUC32, 5th Element Air, Mavic 823 wheelset, Avid Juicy Carbons, Shimano Saint Crank, blah blah blah...
Bottom Line:
I went with a Blue Groove/Nevegal combo after hearing so many positive things... I was grossly mistaken with that decision. These proved to be the worst tires I've ever ridden and I lost a ton of confidence in my bike and my riding skills as a result. Both the BG and Nevegal roll equally slow, and they absolutely stink in the corners. I got really good at my flat-tracking and two wheel drifting skills while running this combo, and I never really wanted to hone those skills on a MTN bike. The combo was downright scary at speed and made even tame trails highly dangerous. The Nevegal excels at loosing traction at the worst possible times on steep climbs when the soil gets loose, or when there is loose over hard. When I'd come out of the saddle for a tough climb, it was over... spin city. It bounces off of rocks rather than absorbing them and then just spins freely once the traction breaks. I have since moved on to a Hutchinson Python NG MRC High combo and the difference in traction for my conditions (hardpack, rocks, loose over hard) has been life altering. I have sworn off Kenda tires for good after running the BG/Nevegal combo and I would never let a friend ride them either, they are that bad. My buddy is riding Larson TTs and we swapped bikes for a while... After less than a mile, he stopped and wanted his bike back, he was terrified due to all the unexpected washing out the BG/Nevegal combo provides. As an added bonus, this tire showed significant wear after just the first ride, and after a couple of months of light duty, "weekend warrior" use, it's pretty much toast. I would give them ZERO chilis if I could. I think you could get better traction and better wear out of a Wal-Mart tire for much less $$.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Etienne Sales
a Cross Country Rider
from Barberton, Mapumalanga, ZA Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Climbing with a downhill home
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
Xtreme sports
Strengths:
Grip well, good all rounder, shed mud well, grips when climbing even loose over hardpack
Weaknesses:
would like 2.3 for freeride in UST
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis crossmark, Conti vert pro 2.3, Tioga yellow kirin, Hutch baracuda, Scott
Bike Setup:
Santacruz Blur lt XT spec, 819 mavic on xt hubs, I weigh 220 pounds
Bottom Line:
Used these tyres in a endurance stage race (sabiexperience) over four days, they preformed well in a variety of terrains:sand, mud loose over hardpack, rock gardens, sleet rock and single track trough forests with roots and the works.
Stones cutting at sidewalls I thought a couple of time ohoh but not even a scratch.
They do not roll that fast on tar and paved roads but that is a small weakness for the positives!
No punctures.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Braham
a Weekend Warrior
from Denton, TX Date Reviewed: December 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
performancebikes
Strengths:
I mounted them in my 819 rims without soapy water and with a floor pump. Took me 5 minutes total (both) very easy. The case seems tough. price
Weaknesses:
I don't think they are THAT grippy just OK. I'm bouncing off things with 30 psi. It rolls slow on sandy or loose dirt? on tarmac don't know why I don't think so. They let go suddenly (scary)
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos (crap), WTB Weirwolf (grippy, good rolling, tough),Conti Vertical Pro 2,3 (my favorites but $$$$)
Bike Setup:
what is important here, mavic 819 and Kenda Nevegal tubless 2,1 for all mountain
Bottom Line:
I'm still testing them. People say that they get better as they "break in".... will see, so far I'm not impress but they have around 20 miles on them. I used to run the vertical pro 2,3 (about the same width as Nevegals) with tubes at 30 psi with no pinch flats and more bump compliance so I don't know... I'm running Nev @ 30 psi and I'm afraid to go lower pressure (tire rolling off the rim????) but at this pressure I don't think they grip better than the verticals but sure they roll slower... I will update
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
pongee
a Weekend Warrior
from Shah Alam, Malaysia Date Reviewed: November 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
FRIM
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$29.00
Purchased At:
Bike Pro
Strengths:
Super grippy on local terrain (loose over hardpack fire roads, clay/mild mud, roots and rocks). Amazing cornering grip, has saved my behind on more than one occassion when I have overcooked it into a bend. Airs up first time with cheapo $2 floor pump, though I did have to deflate and rotate the tyres a few times to get a lasting seal. Good climbing even when set up following factory direction arrows.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, and even the single compound UST version wears quickly, especially if you have to ride on tarmac. This is the price to pay for the grip it gives. Doesn't roll well on tarmac, and tends to bog down on soft wet sand slightly worse than others.
Similar Products Used:
Old Specialized's, Conti Vapor Pro
Bike Setup:
2003 NRS with REBA Team and Mavic 3.1d laced to DT240s hubs.
Bottom Line:
These tyres have really given me the confidence to ride faster and more aggressively than I would ever have imagined myself doing. I find myself attacking the trails harder and faster, even when going uphill - I am very slow on the way up, but the improved traction from the tread design, compound and lower tubeless pressures allow me to maximise what little climbing prowess I have, to the point it is showing up the inadequacies of the bike. Highly recommended for those who ride in the above conditions, but with one bird's eye chilli off for high wear rate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shark
a Weekend Warrior
from Indiana Date Reviewed: November 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Brown County State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
No flats, good grip, and rolls easy.
Weaknesses:
None so far, didn't like it too much on front, works well on rear. Bit heavy.
Similar Products Used:
Non-ust versions, IRC trailbear
Bike Setup:
'03 Liquid 20
Bottom Line:
I have the Nevegal UST on the rear, (blue groove on front), great tire, hooks up well, & no flats yet, using stans sealant in them as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Vernon, BC Canada Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very grippy, sheds mud well. Good traction on rocks and roots. Tough carcass
Weaknesses:
noisy, high rolling resistance, expensive. The dual compound ("Stick E") version wears quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Conti Vertical Pro, various Kenda, Specialized tires
Bike Setup:
Old Norco hardtail, Deore componentry, Duke XC fork.
Bottom Line:
Very grippy tire in wet and dry conditions. Better on the rear tire than the front for cross-country riding IMO. I prefer a less blocky tire for steering - Conti Vertical Pro or Kenda Blue Groove.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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