Front specific semi-knob for hardpack to loose-over-hardpack terrain. Angled and ramped center knobs with diamond-knurled center surface rails corners on hardpack to loose over hardpack terrain. Slightly higher side lugs offer traction in areas where the earth is softer as the tire sinks into the soil. Hard 70a durometer for low rolling resistance.
Submitted by
fatcat
a Cross Country Rider
from pasadena, calif USA Date Reviewed: December 16, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Strengths:
this is a great XC tire, rolls fast and is kevlar bead, so the weight is low. Has aggressive side knobs for cornering. Reminds me of a skinny Maxxis Highroller or Mobster because of its low rolling resistance.
Weaknesses:
Not good for east coast rooty, wet conditions. But great for west of the Rockies, hard pack, rocky, dry and rutty singletrack. The 1.9 width kinda is too small and a 2.1 would have been better for psychological reasons when descending.
great for hardpack, not good for wet conditions. But if youre a good bike handler you can ride with semi slicks. This is a good high rolling tire with big side knobs for cornering. You wont win any XC races with the tires though, they are heavier than most kevlar beaded ones. Great for all purpose West Coast riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kilroy
a
from Misty Mountains Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
black walls for looks, front specific semi-knobbed
Weaknesses:
red stripe, weight, overall performance
Bike Setup:
this came stock as front tire with kraken as rear
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't recommend anyone buying this tire for aggresive xc. There are better, lighter and cheaper tires out there. This is a good tire if you need semi knob action. Basically for mostly road riding with the occasional dirt action. If slicks would better suit your needs but you want a more aggressive look then just maybe you'll like this tire. Or if you only do super hard packed where less knobs is advantageous. I've used it extensively and I have wished for more traction in certain conditons. Skids endlessly on severe carves, especially in loose terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordon
a Cross Country Rider
from Cairns, Australia Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Strengths:
Keeps the rims off the ground
Weaknesses:
Don't get me started...
Bike Setup:
Kona Pahoehoe 2002
Bottom Line:
Someone else said they were great in snow - I'd believe that because they are pretty hopeless on dry tar, abysmal on wet tar, useless in mud and unuseable in sandy dirt; they have to be useful *somewhere*. No, I don't like them at all, in case you hadn't guessed. I only put them on the bike because my IRCs were worn out and I've got a new bike coming, and I didn't want to spend money on tyres prior to getting it. Like I said, they keep the rims off the ground and that's about all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chado
a Racer
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 21, 2002
Intense Tracer Works Burger with the lot(hold the onion)
Bottom Line:
awsome tyre for hardpack, in the loose over hardpack the tightly grouped outside knobs penetrate to harder ground with a little force on the handle bars. Once you have the bike leaned over I trust it to commit to the turn. Had a few front washouts but hey too fast too much angle. Roll some weight onto the front and these tyres will turn hard for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
oytun
a Cross Country Rider
from Istanbul, TURKEY Date Reviewed: December 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
GOOD IN SNOW
Bottom Line:
Really good in snow and mud
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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