Central lugs: aggressive tread blocks for good penetration into the ground; closely spaced for low rolling resistance; offset in an 'S' pattern to decrease the effect of "sticking" to the ground; alternating diamond and square shapes to bite into the ground at a variety of angles.
Intermediate lugs: L-shaped for traction in acceleration and braking.
Outside lugs: widely spaced for good mud evacuation; multiple edges for constant grip at any angle.
Silicium is a natural elastomer modified and reinforced with silica, wich combines low rolling resistance and impressive mud-shedding capability with remarkable durability. Silicium is used in both green and black tread compounds.
Submitted by
wilgripper is sick
a Cross Country Rider
from mendham, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
dont remember
Strengths:
awesome traction in mud and dry conditions. I love downhill and this tire hooks up on anything. I've had the wildgripper for 3 or so years and im on my 3rd pair of them. This tire is for anyone who loves mud. they last long and i have only had one physical problem with them.i love the way they look. The green is sweet!!!!
Weaknesses:
not too fast on road and week sidewalls
Bike Setup:
KHS ALITE 4000 WITH A BOMBER Z2 ATOM 80 FORK. LITE S WILDGRIPPER TIRES IN 2.1 GREEN. SHIMANO XTR AND XT COMPONANTS AND A PROTAPER RISER.
Bottom Line:
PERFECT FORK FOR ANYONE WHO LOVES DOWNHILL, MUD, AND DRY CONDITIONS. THIS TIRE IS SWEET.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Good for braking, nice look, lite...
Weaknesses:
sidewall, make sure your brake don't touch it!!
Similar Products Used:
Several tires
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper, XT rear derailleur
Bottom Line:
Didn't had any trouble with it... No flat at all! Expensive, but worth to pay for!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Nation
a Weekend Warrior
from Crestview, FL Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Timberlake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Great grip on most surfaces. Lightweight. Excellent climber. Great mud shedding ability also.
Weaknesses:
Front tire can't corner in sandy conditions very well, especially hardpack.
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis MoFo, Ritchey MudMax, IRC Pirahna Pro
Bike Setup:
2002 Jamis Cross Country SX, Rock Shox Judy fork, Shimano XT derailers
Bottom Line:
This green tire rocks!!! Except for hardpack sand this tire handles it all. Braking is good, climbs amazingly well, fast, light, it has it all. I love the green color too. Great in mud, but my Ritchey MudMax rear tire was better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Orlando Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Light, shed mud well, and provide good traction in soft wet conditions
Weaknesses:
I have found that with hard braking on rough and rocky terrain, you may rip off a few knobs (so I stopped braking so hard). As well, they can feel a bit "skidish" on sand-covered hardpack.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Team, Bontraiger Jones, IRC Notos
Bike Setup:
Ti Hardtail
Bottom Line:
These tires work amazingly well in almost all conditions I've encountered. This has been the best tire for climbing I have used yet, though the Specialized I've used have been on par. The wet traction you get inspires a great deal of confidence.
One area of weakness does seem to be traction on hard pack with a light dusting of sand. I suspect this is a common issue with most tires... think of it as a hard concrete floor with a layer of tiny ball bearings over it. It was an issue due to the fact that during a race I continually lost traction in this same area of the course, while the other competitors seemed to not have as much issue with that area. I suspect the height and shape of the side knobs was the causal factor.
I would recommend these tires to anyone wanting to race in all but the hardest packed conditions. Then you may need a semi-slick.
I wish you could pick 4.5 flamin' chillis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SOGOAK
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicaga, IL Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
CAMBA System
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$38.00
Purchased At:
Riverbrook Ski/Cycle Seeley WI
Strengths:
Teflon like mud shedding. Excellent cornering. Great Traction. Durable, punchure resistance. Trick Green Color looks great with my green Frame. They can take lots of pressure.
Weaknesses:
Pretty Spendy
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke/Dart, Cheapass stock Psycho tires, Ritchey alpha/omega, Many others
Bike Setup:
96 Klein Pulse Comp + tons of goodies.
Bottom Line:
I was warming up the day before a 40 mile race, when I noticed how easily my Semislicks washed out from under me on gravel. A Kid @ the LBS said that the race course alternated between long wet grass, mud, and loose gravel over hardpack. I thought he was pulling my tourist leg. But the damn things worked great. I hit all types of terrain. I was concerened about the open tread pattern, but I'm been over lots of rocks and roots without a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K J
a Cross Country Rider
from Madison, WI Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Hook up in the muddiest, slipperiest conditions I've been in. Shed enough mud to keep working. Give you some grip when other tires would wash out.
Weaknesses:
Tread wears quickly. Not great on hardpack or loose dry surfaces.
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Factory XC, WTB NanoRaptor, Ritchey XC
Bike Setup:
All-steel Bianchi.
Bottom Line:
I switched to these tires because I started riding muddier trails and my short XC tread wasn't cutting it. Also, I got a 1.95" folding pair in a cream color -- not the green -- and they matched the logos on my frame. (As if this matters when everything is caked in mud!) I've ridden them through six-inch deep mud and water, and even though they spin and slide (what tire wouldn't?) they're stable, and they keep you moving. They rarely wash out on slippery off-camber slopes, which was a real problem with the Tiogas. Because the tread wears fairly quickly, these are tires to buy for performance, not to save money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harold
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, COlorado, USA Date Reviewed: May 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hogback
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Good on fast singletrack. Descent climbing capabilities. Cool Michelin green compound. Unlike some other brands I've tried, these tires do not loose much air over time. Relatively light weight for what you're getting.
Weaknesses:
None found so far.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracers Darts.
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar LE with XT/XTR componentry.
Bottom Line:
Great bargain for the price paid. Will work for it's intended purpose if you pay attention to what you're doing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Racer
from penfield Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
tryon park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$16.00
Strengths:
great at shedding mud
Weaknesses:
none
Bike Setup:
gf ziggurate xt/xtr bontrager race ect
Bottom Line:
good tire if u find them on sale outstanding mudsheding capabilities. great tire buy if u got the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Bell
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
New Light Trails
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Long-wearing tread. Excellent traction in the dry stuff, good traction in the mud. Cool green silica.
Weaknesses:
Central NC has roots, lots of 'em. We also have lots of rocks. These tires are great when it's dry. But when it rains, these tires are NOT the ones to have. I usually ride during the season with 2 sets of tires, Big Kahuna's for the spring (when it's wet) and the Wildgripper's during the summer and especially in the fall.
Similar Products Used:
Big Kahunas, Kenda, Maxxis, IRC
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper hardtail, full XTR, Indy XC fork
Bottom Line:
Mountain bike tires have become so specialized over the last couple of years. Depending on the terrain that you ride, and how you want to ride it, buy the tire that you need. The wildgrippers are EXCELLENT tires. Just make certain that's reasonably dry out. It's hard to beat the price. Also, do NOT take these tires out to Moab. They have NO slickrock traction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Bell
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: September 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
New Light Trails
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Long-wearing tread. Excellent traction in the dry stuff, good traction in the mud. Cool green silica.
Weaknesses:
Central NC has roots, lots of 'em. We also have lots of rocks. These tires are great when it's dry. But when it rains, these tires are NOT the ones to have. I usually ride during the season with 2 sets of tires, Big Kahuna's for the spring (when it's wet) and the Wildgripper's during the summer and especially in the fall.
Similar Products Used:
Big Kahunas, Kenda, Maxxis, IRC
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper hardtail, full XTR, Indy XC fork
Bottom Line:
Mountain bike tires have become so specialized over the last couple of years. Depending on the terrain that you ride, and how you want to ride it, buy the tire that you need. The wildgrippers are EXCELLENT tires. Just make certain that's reasonably dry out. It's hard to beat the price. Also, do NOT take these tires out to Moab. They have NO slickrock traction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kerry
a Racer
from Hamburg Pa Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anything on the Reading Mountains
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Got from a friend
Strengths:
Good in corners, great mud shedding, good on/off road performance, long wear life.
Weaknesses:
Three years later...the side wall is getting dry rotted.
Similar Products Used:
Continental, Hutchinson
Bike Setup:
2001 cannondale F-600 full XT
Bottom Line:
These tires have been switched between 3 bike over the past 3 seasons and not a single problem! No pinches or anything like that. The tread works great and hold the line better than the Coniti's and Hutchenson's I've tried. Great tire I feel. The best thing is, I got them for free.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
shane
a Racer
from philadelphia PA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The rubber really does shed mud well and it grips in the wet and it lasts a long time.
Weaknesses:
Everything but the rubber.
Similar Products Used:
irc mythos and serac, various conti, hutchinson mosquito, wtb
Bike Setup:
ti cove
Bottom Line:
The rubber is magic, but the rest is garbage. The tread is very unreliable in the front and only so so in the rear. The front will never work on wet roots and it doesn't respond well to counter steering. Many tires have more bite for climbing than these. The side walls are very fragile. They tear easily and they are too thin if you want to run less than 45 psi. These tires will outperform any others if you want to ride in a straight line through a muddy soccer field. If you plan on turning or riding any other terrain don't choose these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AirKnight
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst, NY Date Reviewed: July 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Holiday Valley
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
- Outstanding mud traction - Not bad rollings - Last very long
Weaknesses:
- the sewing comes off - VERY hard to take off of the rims - not enough side support
Similar Products Used:
WTB that came with the bike
Bike Setup:
too long to list
Bottom Line:
They're great tires especially I got them for $10 a piece. The first problem is getting them on the rims, they're EXTREMELY tight and hard to sit. Then comes the problem of quality, the sewing lines keep coming off everytime I ride. I was scared that the thing will blow out sometimes. I finally changed the rear tire because it has some spot where the tube is exploding out. The latest problem came with I did a two wheel slide crash right after coming out from the singletrack to a left turn. I didn't even lean too much, but both wheels lost all traction and down I fell...
Now to the good stuff. I rode with these tires in mud, and I was able to pedal through most muddy places while people with other tires couldn't get traction. And these tires last! I rode them to and from school year around last year, and the first set of tires still have good amount of treads left.
All in all, they're great tires. But I'm going to try something new (with rounder profile) after I finish the two sets I have left.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TIM
a Cross Country Rider
from Deinze, VL, Belgium Date Reviewed: June 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
Godefroot
Strengths:
Looks, weight, grip
Weaknesses:
durability
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Z-max, Ritchey wcs
Bike Setup:
American eagle, marzocchi bomber z3, magura hs 33, ritchey equiped
Bottom Line:
These tires have a great 'green look', the grip is exellent, especially on muddy underground. Unfortunatly, they are not as strong as my previous tires. Perhaps this is something for michelin to work on! This is also the reason why they can only be purchased on special request at the dealer, wich means a long waiting period. In general, these tires are worth waiting for. I'd recommend these tires in size 1.60 on the front and 1.95 on the back. This gives you an exellent grip!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GTWACE
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: June 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bukit timah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
treknology
Strengths:
Looks green, good branded tyre maker's name on it, everyone thinks it is for professionals.
Weaknesses:
everything else
Similar Products Used:
is there any thing worest?
Bike Setup:
front python gold, rear lite s
Bottom Line:
It is lucky I placed my front with the python gold, which gives my bike ultimate control. True that the rear lite s skids, but for those that like to speed and tap their rear brakes during a sharp turn to let the rear wheel skid into line, they should get these and know how amazing the lite s is!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
stefan
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder, CO Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
white ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
high potential pressure rating (80 psi), sticks like glue (when it sticks), sheds mud like no other.
Weaknesses:
wildly unpredictable
Similar Products Used:
WTB velociraptors, nanoraptors
Bike Setup:
KHS Alite 3000, XT, Mavic X317, Syncros risers
Bottom Line:
After having been on a road bike for countless thousands of miles, and only recently undertaking (part time!) mountain biking, these tires form the essence of what mountain biking should be. They are most closely related to a 5.9 L Jeep: WAY too much power for not enough traction, allowing you to drift into wild, smoking skids and spins, and then, just when you least expect it, BAAMM! They lock up, sending you flying if you havent kept your head about you. This is what mountain biking is about. Its not as fast as the road, but its uncontrolability and unpredictability make it at least the equivalent speed. So, push these tires to 85 psi, ride a little faster and brake a little later; it will be worth it!
Last year's are dirt cheap, too, so buy 'em while you can.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chet
a Racer
from Charleston, WV Date Reviewed: May 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Widcat Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Universal
Strengths:
Shed mud well. They're light.
Weaknesses:
Utterly impossible to ride on wet roots. Grip is also poor on wet stone. Dry rot is a problem.
These tires aren't worth the 10 bucks I paid for them. The engineers at Michelin should have considered that where there is mud, there is also wet roots, rocks, etc. upon which these tires are utterly worthless. Riding wet roots with these tires makes one wonder if someone has been greasing all the tree roots, that is until you see someone with a set of Velociraptors go by.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Cross Country Rider
from bel air, md Date Reviewed: May 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
great for climbs, and good in mud
Weaknesses:
loose stuff
Bottom Line:
These tires are a great deal, they are always on supper closeout. They are great for roots, rocks, and even really deep mud. They will ware fast if you ride them on the road, but what are you doing on the road? They aren't too good with loose stuff, and really moved around alot on gravel, (but what tire does well on gravel?). I was not too happy with the front tire. On fast turns I found myself off in the woods. It will come out from under you expecially if the trail is dry. So I recomend getting a velociraptor for the front. But this tire is great for the rear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stephen
a Cross Country Rider
from Leicester Date Reviewed: May 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
swithland woods (everywhere)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
grip
Weaknesses:
soft rubber
Similar Products Used:
none newbie
Bike Setup:
really nice
Bottom Line:
these tyres are great on mud soft mud what they are designed for try to ride them on hardpack they just wear down and if you have you weight over the right part of the bike they wil bit into the mud and never slip
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BVBR
a Racer
from Ocomukowonowaukesha, WI Date Reviewed: May 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Lab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Light weight. 127 tpi casing
Weaknesses:
Poor cornering
Similar Products Used:
Mythos, Dart, Revolt, Duster, Velociraptor
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight, xfly 100
Bottom Line:
I've tried my best to like these tires but can't. Very poor traction in corners. They'll slide, then all of a sudden hook up and just about send me flying. I can't trust them. My Dart handled much better and was lighter, although had a thinner casing. At least I only wasted $10 on these.
Excelent grip, extremely predictable, very low rolling resistance and light weight. These tires bite, literaly
Weaknesses:
yes the side wall does need strength, FOR EVERDAY RIDING, but i'd rather sacrifice it for their light weight. I blew through a sidewall in one about four months of hard racing and training(that's road and mountain). They seem to dry rot if not ridden for a few weeks, like in the winter(i sprayed mine with armoral every other week and they had no sign of dry rot what so ever. Don't worry the armoral seeps into the rubber, just don't spray them an hour before a ride...stupid.
Similar Products Used:
lots! almost every pannaracer, and most hutchenson and a bunch others
Bike Setup:
K2 1000 with full XTR and the MEGA AIR fork, and a specialized s-works
Bottom Line:
These tires are exceptional. I love them to death. The tread takes quite a beating on and offroad.(im 14 and can't affored a road bike i've already poured all my money into my existing bikes) They are significantly lighter and offer predominently less rolling resistance then the competetors. They are astonishingly predictable, i've ridden them for quite a long time and i know exactaly when they are going to break loose (which is rare) and how to shift my weight to stop it. They shed mud better then any other knobby tire i know of. I gave my friend my panaracers and he loved them, don't ask me why, every time we rode in mud or anything wet he would washout and start bleeding on my nice "mud shedding" tires. It was amazing, i would look around amongst my fellow riders and not a single knob would be insight, except for my bright green michelins. They seem to be spotless after a ride. I do sugest running a slightly higher air pressure then normal. It doesn't sacrifise grip, increases the tires already great rolling resistance and increases the life of the "racing" sidewall.This is a tire for a racer or a rider that needs a tire that will perform well under extreme race(when semi slicks are a little to slick) like situations. If u want the benefits of a monster tire with the light weight and low rolling resistance of a semi-slick then this is the tire for u. These tires don't provide kung fu grip, multi year life spans or hydroplaning width but have the perfect mix of dual slalom bite and road tire speed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Big Bubba
a Cross Country Rider
from Elk Grove, CA USA Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$19.00
Purchased At:
catalog
Strengths:
it does what they say! these tires grip. I love the mud, sand soft uphills and tech on the downs. the only slippage I get is when Idon't weight shift properly.
Weaknesses:
I can't seem to protect them from dry rot. I own both the knobby lites and seni slicks.
If you're complaining about these tires your not ridn' em right. these are meant and made for the soft loose stuff. I can't see myself ridn' nuthin but MICHELIN. If your on packed dirt or rock try the Lite S semi slick. they are quick you'll stick and you'll love the ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Levi
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff, AZ Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001
I bought these tires just for the hell of it. They were dirt cheap, looked cool and I've seen them on a lot of racers' bikes over the years. These tires are fantastic in the mud and the rolling resistance is good. Other than that, they suck. Traction sucks and I was scared to take the turns with any sort of velocity. I spent the day in Sedona and the knobbies started to rip off, so after about three months with these tires, I put them on the beach cruiser I use to ride around campus, slapped some specialized team master/control on my mountain bike, and I couldn't be happier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marty
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
make it legal I'll post it
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Handled OK in most conditions.
Weaknesses:
Not real great in wet conditions. Not well built
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Pscho, Vilocoraptors.
Bike Setup:
Ibis Alibi, Superfly, Bontragor Valients with Hugi DT hubs.
Bottom Line:
The sidewalls Failed before the end of the season on my bike and Troy's, the belting ripped. Yes I ride 5 days a week, but the tread should outlast the sidewall !!! I switched to Continentals at 5 times the price, I will never skimp on tires again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Devin
a Racer
from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: December 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Haliburton Wildlife
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Really nice in mud, sand and pretty nice on loose downhill.
Weaknesses:
Hardpack isn't too great. They are terrible when riding on pavement(very noisy).
Similar Products Used:
Specialized team. Bontrager jones.
Bike Setup:
Rocky mountain oxygen race with full xt and bomber z4.
Bottom Line:
These tires are really nice for where I ride(mud). When I encounter hardpack or rocks they aren't that bad, but they could be better. They are really interesting when riding pavement, they are noisy and when you go around a corner on pavement, they try to suck you down or pull you to the pavement. I guess thats because they are a knobby tire. Overall, they arent too bad, but the are great in the mud.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO USA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Wathen trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Veloswap
Strengths:
Wet, loomy soil that those little knobs can dig into.
Weaknesses:
Dry, hardpacked soil and durability in rocky conditions
Similar Products Used:
Many Continentals, Bontrager Jones, Panracer SS, too many to name.
Bike Setup:
Klein Fervor hardtail, Marzocchi Z2_BAM, XT
Bottom Line:
Like most people here, I got these for too good of a deal to pass up ($20 for front and rear kevlar). They may work for riders in wet climates but they don't work in Colorado. Very sketchy cornering with no warning of the impending break in traction that is going to happen sooner than you think. Very unpredictable in corners and never felt stable at high speeds. It feels like the small knobs just flex way too much. Durability was poor with one split sidewall and a couple of torn knobs. Would not buy again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J B
a Cross Country Rider
from Alamogordo, NM USA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Mail Order Place
Strengths:
Inexpensive
Weaknesses:
Too soft, knobs tear off
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Maxxis, Ritchey, Bontrager
Bike Setup:
FSR XC with many upgrades
Bottom Line:
I bought these tires in the fall when they were cheap. I put them on my FSR last August for a trip to Colorado and Northern NM. After about three long rides I noticed the knobs were tearing off the rear tire and the rubber split open exposing threads. I threw the green rear tire away when I got home and replaced it with a black/skinwall rear I had bought awhile back and used intermittently. Now the knobs are tearing off the black rear. No problem with the front tire as far as durability. I think the rear is too soft if you brake hard on rocky dry conditions. I did ride on some wet muddy trails and the tires performed well.
Bottom line: The color is meaningless. If you ride dry rocky terrain don't use these unless you get them cheap and plan to throw them away after a few rides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jt
a
from NY, NY Date Reviewed: October 7, 2000
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$10.00
Strengths:
Cheap ($10). Supple.
Weaknesses:
Front is unpredictable. Ugly.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
Front tire is TERRIBLE. Unpredictable, washes-out on loose terrain without warning.
Run the rear tire at both ends and this becomes a GREAT tire. Much better traction and reliability. This is the way to go.
The green compound seems to give a more supple ride than the black, and sheds mud too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Newfoundland, Canada Date Reviewed: September 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
South Side?
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Incredible in wet and muddy conditions, cleans very well. Green is cool too.
Weaknesses:
Maybe not as good as my traction pro in dry loose stuff.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Hardcore Smoke/Dart, Continental Traction Pro
Bike Setup:
'95 Giant ATX 880, '97 Judy, a weird mix of upgraded components.
Bottom Line:
These tires are incredible. They are the ultimate wet-weather tire, offer plenty of control, and a good ride. Picked them up for $10.00 ea. on Nashbar closeout, so they were an awesome value too...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Olthof Ian
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario Date Reviewed: September 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gatineau
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Weaknesses:
They don't last!!!
Bike Setup:
Merlin Mountain
Bottom Line:
I reviewed these tires a few months back. I have since replaced the front with something bigger, an IRC Backcountry 2.25. I was fed up getting pounded to death by the high pressure that the small, front tire required. I replaced the rear tire last week after I noticed that the nylon threads in the sidewall were beginning to shear. I can see all kinds of stress marks in the sidewalls where the threads are coming apart. A hole has developed in one spot from the stress. To be fair, I ran the tire pressure a little low - but above 35lbs that is recommended, to be sure. I have replaced the rear with a Specialized Team Master K, which I have found to be an excellent tire. The Michelins just aren't durable, especially next to Ritcheys I rode on for four summers. I was told by my local bike shop that Michelin uses the same crappy casing on all their tires. I bought these tires cheap, but I expected at least a season out of them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave d
a Cross Country Rider
from medina, wa, usa Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
crystal mtn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
performance
Strengths:
great penetration and grip in mud
Weaknesses:
none, really. maybe a bit sketchy in hard dry stuff
Similar Products Used:
lots and lots
Bike Setup:
'98 Stumpy Pro
Bottom Line:
A great tire in the mud, which is why I leave these on all the time, as it's muddy here 364 days of the year. I'm also finding these quite durable in the rocks, at least relative to other light tires (e.g., Specialized Team Edition). I am 150# and ride very light, and I often ride these at 30-35 lbs on rocky descents and have never pinch flatted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ol' Dog
a
from RM, NC Date Reviewed: August 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$10.00
Strengths:
Best tire for mudbogging I've ever tried. Also good on loose dirt.
Weaknesses:
Front is like grease when cornering on hard surfaces.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Mega bite Specialized Dirt somethings Lee Hsin rim protectors
Bike Setup:
Trek with STX--no suspension other than my arms and legs
Bottom Line:
Tires designed for wet climates with good durability. Funky green color treads--either you like them or order black. Front not good for seriously hard trails especially when cutting hard--too much edge block flex. Can take 80 lbs pressure but who would want to ride them that hard? I'm giving them a 5 mouse poop value rating because I bought them on close-out
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott silvers
a Cross Country Rider
from novi, michigan Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the one I ride after working all day
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
front tire: awesome in rain/muddy conditions rear: works best as a front tire - good grip on front
Weaknesses:
front: sucks everywhere if it aint raining rear: sluggish feeling if mounted on rear
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire xc pro, mach sk, and other tires you dont care about
Bike Setup:
turner burner - z2 bam
Bottom Line:
got'em at nashbar for 9.99 - wanted to try em out. I rode this tire while it was actually raining and it was incredible - fantastic grip. BUT, Keep it in the garage for use only if its muddy out and you really want to change a tire for just one ride - it really, really sucks on anything else. The rear is a real fatty of a tire. Felt kinda sluggish in the dry so I put it on the front so I wouldnt have to power it. I discovered that it actually is a good front tire. Good grip in all conditions - extremely good on wet roots and mud - like cheating. I like the panaracer xc better - it rides no handed better on the front, but until this one wears out, I'm keeping it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bomber
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Colour, mud performance, grip... price - got 'em from Mashbar for 9.99!
Weaknesses:
grabs rocks and flings 'em pretty good... WEIGHT!!!
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mytho XC
Bike Setup:
Trek SLR, SID SL, XT/XTR, RPM, RaceFace
Bottom Line:
Never have I had a problem with rear wheel traction or the front tire washing...performed exceptionally well during a recent 24 hour race, allowing me to challenge some of the rootier, rockier climbs with confidence..,no SLIP! The only downside are the Weight...claimed is 545 grams, but it is more like 620 grams...not really good for racing, but seems peectly suited for all-day, go-anywhere riding... 5 flamin' chillies for all-around riding, 3 for racing.
peace
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
UBC trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great in the sand, mud and any soft ground you might come across.
Weaknesses:
Awful on rocky surfaces, hard pack trails and log hopping...they slip and slide everywhere.
Bike Setup:
'99 Rocky Mountain Hammer stock, with a BlackSpire 'Ring God' chain guard that beats the crud out of logs ;)
Bottom Line:
Like I stated above, this tire performs extremely well in soft trail conditions. In rocky and log/root conditions it is almost to the point of being unsafe for the rider. I'll be looking at other tires very soon.
Any opinions for a set of new tires that are good in all conditions email me at aj1970@hotmail.com
-Keep the rubber side down-
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shiz Nasty
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottesville, VA Date Reviewed: June 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
O-Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Cool green color. Decent in mud. Light like the wolf. Got 'em for $9 a piece.
Weaknesses:
You get what you pay for(since I paid $9, this is a bad thing). These were doing pretty well until they up and went to pot the past few weeks. The front tire loves to randomly wash out in loose dirt and sandy stuff. Big cornering knobs seem to take the day off a little too often. Sketchy like the wolf on the road (and slow), DO NOT corner with any gusto or DOT will be by to scrape you off the pavement. Suck big time on semi slippery rocks, roots, and logs. And just yesterday, the thread on the side of the tire randomly started coming off of both tires on the SAME DAY. It got tangled in my front brake and got wrapped around my rear hub. If it gets into my cassette and drivetrain, I will place the bike in my car, drive to the shop where I got them, and flog a salesman with these kevlar beaded wonders.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager semislicks (oddly enough, these are better on wet rocks and logs), Tioga DH, misc.
Bike Setup:
TREK 8000SL, Judy Race, full XT, Crosslinks
Bottom Line:
If you only have $20 and a nice life insurance policy, these are the way to go. Expect them to suck within 1 month of purchase. If you have the urge to attempt to remove your front shifter with your patella during a ride, these are awesome. No soup for you! Only 2 flaming pubic hairs!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrejs
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterloo, ON, CAN Date Reviewed: June 15, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Waterloo Hydro Cut
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
- The green colour went well with my bike colour scheme - Rear tire grabs in the loose stuff well, helps in climbs - Front tire tracks well in loose stuff
Weaknesses:
- Front tire excessively prone to slide out in wet/slick conditions
Similar Products Used:
Too many to remember... various Specialized tires, various IRC tires... various other brands...
Bike Setup:
Trek Y22, XTR, RaceFace Turbines, Judy
Bottom Line:
The rear tire was in particular a good climber, especially in the loose stuff... and you know that's where it really counts...
The front tire did a good job and worked well with confidence,... but you can't put too much confidence in em cuz they seem to be a bit squirrely or something... I've had the front tire slip out on me on numerous occasion and I'm not exactly a non-condition or coordination ignorant rider... the front tire does however hold up well in the soft and loose stuff...
The green colour was just too cool because it complimented my red on beige, black and chrome colour scheme... They're decent tires eh? Rear tread design is a good one if anything... possibly better than any Specialized that I've ridden... or IRC for that matter... Best for climbing in the loose stuff tho They're kinda pricey but a little lighter and the colour really worked for me so hey... 4 and 4 smokin spliffs cuz they work well once you understand their strengths
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a
from San Jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Favorite Trail:
saw pit
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Superb grip on hardpan Low drag for a tire with good traction
Weaknesses:
Seems much heavier than advertised. Slightly weak in loose dirt and gravel, perhaps due to small lug size.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Smoke (slow, great traction), Panaracer Duster Rear (slow, great tractn), old Ground Control (fast, weak)
Bike Setup:
Trek Y-22 (full susp. 3" travel). I ride slow, steep, technical descents and long XC rides.
Bottom Line:
I am very doubtful of the weight claim. The product is otherwise OK. My kitchen scale said much more weight than the packaging did. Note that the same scale gave a reading for Panaracer Dart Classic Compe close to claim. Somebody with a good scale set it straight!
This tire picks up sticks and leaves a lot: I worry about it for mud, but I love its traction on hardpan so it stays on for the dry season at least.
I only paid $11.99 so the value rating goes up.
Use this tire for hard conditions and a good traction/speed compromise. Check on any manufacturer's weight claims.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nacho
a Racer
from Gainesville, FL Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Jomama
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Absolutely great in soft conditions...steers through the sand like no other.
Weaknesses:
Slips on roots rocks and such...this is a soft terrain tire, and a great one at that, but not for other surfaces
Similar Products Used:
Geax Sedona, Ritchey Speedmax, Ritchey Z-Max, Specialized tires, etc.
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback, XC Full Susp. Race Bike
Bottom Line:
If you ride dry sandy sh*t like I ride all the time here in central Florida, this is a great front tire. It plows through sand, holding a line like you wouldn't believe in the corners. Love it... I've ridden it up in the mountains before on slippery rocks and such...not good for that kinda terrain though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Barberton, OH Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
+Grips well in most *DIRT* (see below) +Nice color +It's wearing well so far + relatively Light +Cheap
Weaknesses:
-Still kinda heavy -BAD grip on any roots except ones that are strait across the trail, hard to manage on sidehills and uneven stuff.
Similar Products Used:
WTB, Kenda, Specialized
Bike Setup:
Fisher
Bottom Line:
I am NOT using the X-Lite-whatever rear tire, just the front. My rear one is a X-sport or something. But anyway, the front one is not real great. On roots that slope to one side or that aren't straight across the trail, this tire slips and slides. This is probably because the side knobs are spaced so far apart that most of the time the raw rubber ends up trying to grip and it slips. When riding on diwnhills with center ruts, this tire isn't very confident. Overall, I can't find a good use for this tire, it simply isn't that great. The rear X sport is doing good though.
Radar
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from York Date Reviewed: May 28, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very good all around tire. Closeout prices cannot be beat.
Weaknesses:
There are similar tires available that weigh less.
I used nothing but Velociraptors for years on the rocky, root-infested East Coast trails near my home. I thought those tires were unbeatable. But after wearing out the Lazers in less than a full season, I picked up a set of Wildgripper Lite S for $10 a tire on closeout. I have been extremely pleased with the performance of these tires. I don't think the 'Raptors have anything on the Michelins. Traction is solid on ascents and inspires confidence on descents. Rolling resistance is low and cornering is standard. Durability has been far superior to the 'Raptors thus far. The only problem is the weight, at probably a little over 600g per tire. The Mythos will weigh less.
For $10 a tire, though, you can't go wrong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
julien Brisebois
a Cross Country Rider
from Gatineau (Québec) Date Reviewed: May 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fortune
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
less 600 gramme Look nice grip
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
panbracer xc pro,Michelin wg s
Bike Setup:
Devinci phantome, front lx,rear xt, rock shok judy xc
Bottom Line:
For the price is a good choice. You must have 2 pair (road and mountaine) because is not very durable tire
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
¿phil?
a
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: May 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
-look sweet in green -grippy -last really well
Weaknesses:
-pricey -may not look good in green on all bikes
Similar Products Used:
-kona, irc, rokko
Bike Setup:
brodie holeshot w/ Z1 CR '00
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a good all around tire that will grip well in all conditions and last for a while, it is worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Olthof
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Canada Date Reviewed: May 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gatineau, Bromont
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Excellent rear Very good front - on most surfaces
Weaknesses:
Front tire doesn't inspire confidence on loose, rocky surfaces
Similar Products Used:
Tioga Farmer Johns Everything Specialized made between 1990 and 1995 Ritchey z-max K SC
Bike Setup:
Merlin Mountain frame Syncros post and stem Cook Bros. crank XT thumbshifters Mag 20 fork
Bottom Line:
These tires are better than I expected, after having read so many negative reviews. I think the rear tire is excellent. The front is excellent as well, but only in certain surfaces. On anything hardpack or tackey, both tires stick admirably well. I found that the front gets a little skittish at speed on gravel, or larger sized rocks. I think this is because of the round profile of the front tire - it tends to deflect quite easily. Otherwise, the front tracks and brakes really well. The rear has a more square profile, and lots more volume, which make for excellent traction on almost anything. I've riden on these only a few times, but they don't appear to have worn at all (compare this to say, an Umma Gumma from a few years back - they were toast after a couple of rides). Of course, I'm comparing these tires to the set I just took off my bike - a set of Ritcheys that I had way too long. If you can get these on clearance, as I did, then these tires are worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Cross Country Rider
from Oslo, Norway Date Reviewed: May 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Revolt, Jones, IRC
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 '99 mod.
Bottom Line:
I've used these tires for just a couple of months, and the sidewalls are full of small cracks. I'll get a new pair and hope for better things
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SCOTT
a Weekend Warrior
from rockford,il Date Reviewed: May 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
rolls fast.best tire ive ever ridden on grass.sheds mud perfectly.low cost(now)makes it a super bargain.light weight,good ride quality.
Weaknesses:
a little bit slow on cornering.as soon as you start to lean,you get off the closely spaced center knobs and go on wide spaced side knobs,with noticeably more rolling resistance.youd never notice it ,if it wasnt so good when riding perfectly straight. something about the profile of the tire or the tread pattern made it hard to ride no handed(yes, that is important to me)
Similar Products Used:
irc pirhana pro,wtb racing raptor,specialized team
Bike Setup:
cannondale, manitou,u.s.e.
Bottom Line:
fast, light, cheap, pick all 3 in this case.i ran rear tires on both ends,with front reversed.i rode at kettle moraine on a rainy day,and stopped to talk with 2 guys covered with mud.it wasnt until they asked 'what trail id come in on'that i noticed how little mud i had picked up!i didnt have the heart to tell them id already ridden 22 miles when they had only gone 8 miles so far. i put on over 1200 miles on this pair,including lots of street riding.front tire is still good but worn. rear is used up.only got 1 flat, from glass in the street.(i never got a flat on my other tires at all ). i will buy these tires again,just so i can get the green ones this time.its fun to shock people with that color! if you buy tires like this, you better realize they are race tires ,and dont whine if they wear down ,or get a pinch flat(put more air in next time dumb---!)what do you expect for a 540 gram tire?if you are doing xtreme downhill type riding,use a tire made for it.these tires took everything i dished out ,and were a good choice for me. dont bother with the front specific tire, just run 2 rears. buy them now while they are cheap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BOB
a Racer
from Boulder,co Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
everything
Similar Products Used:
tires that work
Bike Setup:
santacruz
Bottom Line:
rode em once and nearly killed myself,they are twitchy,nervous,and not at all confidence inspiring.seem to break loose at whim.Theres a reason they only cost 10 bucks! Save your cash and buy some WTB's!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Patrick
a Downhiller
from Marietta, GA Date Reviewed: April 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
vietnam
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I dont think there are any...
Weaknesses:
just about everything. Weak sidewalls, bad traction, wear down easily,cant turn at all
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, IRC Kujo DH
Bike Setup:
all black Novara, XTR/XT
Bottom Line:
These tires are no good. Dont buy them. I was very disappointed in them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Weekend Warrior
from Rome, NY Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Great front tire
Weaknesses:
So so rear tire, the green is a little ugly and doesn't shed mud any better than the black ones do.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Piranha Pro, Bontrager Revolt ST
Bike Setup:
'95 GT Team LTS (Mine), '98 Klein Mantra Comp (Wife's)
Bottom Line:
Changing from the IRC's and the Bontragers to the Wildgrippers on both of our bikes last year made an amazing difference on the front. My first ride on them was at Gore Mountain, about two weeks after my last ride there on the IRC's (which I still have as back ups, because I have always liked them). The front end tracked like it was on rails with the Michelins! I raved about them so much that I convinced my wife to get them for her bike. She wanted the black ones (so they wouldn't clash with her bluish/purple bike) and they are even better than the green ones because: they are wider (2.1" versus 1.95") and they were $10 less for the set because they aren't green. I'm about to put a Piranha Pro on the back again, because I've been spinning out a bit on the muddy spring climbs. I must say that since I've been riding with these tires, I haven't had a problem with clay and sand buildup on the tires when riding in extremely wet conditions. I think I'm going to buy up a few fronts from Nashbar now that they are so cheap. I'm keeping the ratings in the middle because we paid full retail for ours, and while the front is great, the backs are not.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Weekend Warrior
from Mendham NJ Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
mahlon dickerson
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
GREEN, light, best traction, sticks to the ground, long wear, CHEAP $10 ( i got mine for $25 though), these are the greatest tires ever, great in mud
Weaknesses:
NEVER!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
panaracer dart/smoke, specialized team control, trek kahunas and connections, bontrager jones (crap..dont buy them), ritchey zmax, tioga psycho
Bike Setup:
khs alite 4000, 97 judy sl, xtr, some xt, xtr/517 wheels, ringle hset, easton bar, thomson post and WILDGRIPPERS
Bottom Line:
BEST TIRES EVER!!!!!!!!! so go get some at nashbar.com for $10. Performancebike.com also has them for cheap BUY THESE TIRES Everybody should get them except roadies and DHers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis Lopes
a Cross Country Rider
from Setúbal, Portugal Date Reviewed: April 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Falls-back
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Rear tire: excellent performance; excellent handling; rolls very well; very good on wet, specialy when its raining; Beautiful green tire. Front tire: Excellent performence; rolls very, very well; Beautiful
Weaknesses:
Front tire: bad handling in hard (and only hard and fast) turns; not very good on wet surfices... Both: Priiiiice...
Don't buy the front tire.. buy the rear tire. The front tire have a gap in the final part of the tire, that once sent me to the ground at 40Km/h. The rear tire is very very good ...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
spud
a
from fonrtrghill Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
superior traction in dirt rolls really fast
Weaknesses:
wears quite fast only 1.9"
Bottom Line:
i dont know why everyone hates this tire! i love mine (if it came in a 2.2/2.3 it would be betta) you can basically climb up anything cause it just sticks to the ground like glue. and they sell for 10$$!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gavin Thomson
a Cross Country Rider
from Shoreham, Sussex, UK Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Leith Hill, Surrey
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I hate these tyres. They roll quite fast but apart from that the are useless.
Weaknesses:
The main problem is the front tyre which washes out really easily. I blame the rounded profile which may make the tyre roll fast but means that there is nothing to dig in when you lean the bike into a corner.
You can get these tyre really cheap now if you look are around, so they are probably a good buy for recreational cyclist. But If you ride at all hard forget it. Get some Panaracer Fire XC pros instead.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer fire XC pros Mythos XC Tioga Factory XC
Bike Setup:
Cannondale super v 800
Bottom Line:
They Suck
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Ridge, TN Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000
These tires rock in the mud, and have good traction straight forward. Get 'em on somethin a little sideways, and you're gone. I was running 30psi in the rear, and getting thrown off roots and rocks. If you're doin some mud riding without very many rocky/rooty spots, they do great, just watch out for anything hard! Good for $10 though!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Olsen
a Cross Country Rider
from Fresno, CA USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
007 & 0007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great traction on all terrain and good price.
Weaknesses:
SIDE WALLS!!!!!!!! Gone through two rear tires now in less than 200 miles. Both side wall blow outs on a not so techy down hill boulder garden. Do not corner so well either. Knobys to soft.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer Fire XC and IRC MythosXC
Bike Setup:
K2 w/ XT and XTR components
Bottom Line:
Great for the price at 8 bucks a tire from Perfomance but would not buy them again for the type of riding I do. If you are riding in mud, snow or soft dirt w/ out too many rocks, these would be perfect. But if you ride in areas w/ lots of rocks, I would avoid these tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Missouri Date Reviewed: March 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light Good mud tire
Weaknesses:
Front washes out easily Knob squirm Really soft compound
Similar Products Used:
Comp S Mythos
Bike Setup:
Trek 8900
Bottom Line:
I got these for $10 apiece, so I can't complain. They work great in the mud, especially the 1.95's, but on anything else they just aren't worth much. The front offers little or no traction on corners and the rear's tall knobs squirm like crazy leading to lack of confidence. The soft compound easily gets small cuts in the read surface, knobs seem to rip off quickly.
If I had it to do over, I would have saved my money and put it toward another set of Mythos.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John T
a Cross Country Rider
from Sugar Hill, GA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Price, traction
Weaknesses:
Front a leetle bit squirrely on hard pack but real bad
Similar Products Used:
All of 'em
Bottom Line:
These really aren't bad tires despite the reviews that follow. Here are some facts to consider: no tire works well in the mud. Sure, some work better than others but no bicycle tire made works in the mud like some people think they should. Everyone wants light tires that resist cuts and flats. Does anyone have any suggestions on what material they should be made from? Bottom line, you can't have a lightweight tire that will stop a sharp rock - doesn't matter which brand either. These tires do wear quickly but that's the price you pay for performance. A tread compound that sticks to the dirt is necessarily soft, otherwise it wouldn't stick. Soft compounds wear quickly.
I find these tires work very well in anything but hard pan. Then again, pretty much all tires with tall knobs don't work well in the hard stuff. The front specific tire works better at speed than it does at real slow crawling paces. The rear works well everywhere.
These tires are excellent for the money ($10 at Nashbar). Once a tire loses that sharp, square edge on the knobs it's toast anyway, so you might as well use the cheapest tire you can find that fits your performance needs.
I know a lot about tires; been riding mountain bikes competitively since '92, raced motocross for more than 22 years (6 as a pro) and worked for 9 years for the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world (which included tire testing). If Nashbar's got any left, I wouldn't hestitate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Taylor
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria, VA Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Sheds mud, hooks up well in mucky conditions, REALLY CHEAP (sale price at NASHBAR)
I bought these on sale from NASHBAR for a really good price, thinking that I would use them as race tires in the early wet part of the season. So far, they have worked well enough -- three races, three wet days.
The rear really hooks up well in the wet, and isn't phased by wet roots and other stuff that usually dumps me off on a steep climb. Decending, the bike seems a bit more "nervous" and the front seems more willing to wash out than with the Mythos. This may be my set up, however, and I may improve things by playing with the air pressure. The tires shed mud well, as advertised. I like the green color...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ric d!
a Cross Country Rider
from College Park, MD Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Avalon
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
inexpensive (nowadays)
Weaknesses:
Not even worth the low price, poor traction, poor durability
Similar Products Used:
Even banana peels work better. Lots of Panaracers, Specialized, Continental, etc.
Bike Setup:
Fat City Yo Eddy w/ mishmosh of XTR, 'Zocchi A-bomb
Bottom Line:
This is the worst tire that I have ever purchased. I bought them when they first came out, maybe 4 years ago. The knobs are too soft, and they wear down way too fast and squirm too much. The quality isn't very good because the rear knobs weren't even lined up properly. Slippery compound: sure mud doesn't stick, but the tires don't stick to the trail either! Ugly green pukey color to boot!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Greensboro, NC, USA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
Sidewalls. Maybe a defect? Tire failed from acceleration stress, not from wear or being cut/torn. I don't often break chains from acceleration stress so I consider its failure under normal circumstances.
Similar Products Used:
Continental, Panaracer
Bike Setup:
Manitou SX-R, XT, built my wheels
Bottom Line:
I ride at 40-45psi, weight under 200lbs. Diagional lines appeared on the sidewalls during use. Then while accelerating on asphalt returning from a technical ride I thought I broke a spoke. It was the sidewall delaminating and the tube pushing through in several places. Looked like tube had tumors. Soon after tube burst like gunshot. Will not replace with Michelin.
Will use Panaracer FireXC instead. Much better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J.O. Patrick
a Racer
from Marietta, GA USA Date Reviewed: February 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
sope creek trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
The color is awesome. It has good grip on downhills and through rock and roots.
Weaknesses:
weak sidewalls, bad turning capabilities.
Similar Products Used:
Mythos, hutchinson
Bike Setup:
GT Tequesta with XT, Mavic rims, Manitou fork
Bottom Line:
I loved the tires for a while, up until the sidewalls BLEW OUT on me in the middle of riding, leading to about 20 miles of pushing your bike. After I got a new one, (dont think Im crazy for getting another, they were on sale and I didnt have the $$$ to get a new set), they too blew out so I got some hutchinsons. These tires arent any good for an agressive rider, especially one who takes sharp turns.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony
a Cross Country Rider
from colorado springs,co Date Reviewed: January 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great traction in alot of conditions(predictable cornering) fairly fast and light... all things considered you can buy them for less than $20 (Ive even seen them for $10) because thaey are discontinued (I think)
Weaknesses:
SIDEWALLS!!! squishy side knobs in drier, harder packed conditions (although, michelin touts them as a loose and wet conditions tire, so what do you expect) side knobs also slow you down on off-camber climbs did I mention THE WEAK SIDEWALLS!!!!
Similar Products Used:
michelin comp s vittoria kudu xc front irc mythos
Bike Setup:
canondale f700 with a hand full of upgrades that one might expect a person to do (replace broken parts with better ones, bla bla)
Bottom Line:
My heart used to go pitter-patter every time I thought about how much I loved Michelins Wildgripper lite and comp. Now, after having ripped or blown-out the sidewall in two comps and one lite, I just dont trust these michelins anymore. The side walls just dont hold up to serious cross country riding. Most recently, I noticed that the area between the tread blocks as lots of tiny cuts and abrasions. when I looked closer, I saw that they actually went through the rubber, the next layer, some sort of white material, I dint know about you, but this doesnt exactly make me want to wander into the backcountry riding on a tire with so many durability issues.In summary: I AM THROUGH WITH MICHELIN!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Parman
a Racer
from Fond du Lac, Wi, USA Date Reviewed: January 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the one i'm just about to ride!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
runs awesome on the rear, ridden only on unpaved trails for approx 1000 miles, and they look like they could go 1000 more, only had one flat, and that was because I was stupid, weight, technical support.
Weaknesses:
seems to wash out in the front, but, I talked to their technical support staff, and they told me that I may have been running them backwards, so, whenever the weather gets warm enough to test on regular racing condition, I will hook it back up to the front
Similar Products Used:
bontager 19-53... I love it in the front... great, kenda semislicks, velociraptor, fire xc's
Bike Setup:
homegrown, xt all around, Icon cranks, avid brake, manitou sx-ti, mavic 221 rims, titec cockpit, and sdg bel-air
Bottom Line:
This is a great tire, if it seems like you are washing out in the front, try turning the tire around, otherwise, be careful, get the feeling of it, and you will love them, you just have to know how to ride it. right now, I am running 70 psi in the front and 80 psi in the rear, why, because these tires bite exceptionally well (and 'cause they handle that pressure real well), lowers rolling resistance, and absolutely no chance of pinch flats, if you need more grip, you can always turn it down, (it is easier to take pressure out of a tire than it is to put it back in, especially with those little trail pumps!) but you'll get more speed off of a higher tire pressure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alvin
a Weekend Warrior
from Walnut Creek, CA Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Briones Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
weight, winning history, rubber compound
Weaknesses:
too tready for xc trails, doesn't shed mud that well.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager Revolt SS, Specialized Team Master/Control
Bike Setup:
XTR build, 8 speed, Selle Italia Gel Titanium Kevlar saddle, Manitou SX-TI Carbon, Time ATAC Carbon Pedals, DuraAce Chain, Mavic 217 rims/GT CNC hubs, Michelin Wildgrippers, Race Face LP cranks, Azonic ORC stem, Azonic 1.5 riser, Thomson seatpost, Serfas grips, Cane Creek C-2, Fox Alps 5R air shock,
Bottom Line:
These tires are great. I wish I got a colored compound instead of black, but otherwise, they work way better than my Bontragers. These grip just about any terrain, but on smooth surfaces prepare to feel your bike.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MRT
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: December 20, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Seaton
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
- Sheds muds very well - Light (530 grams). - Hook up very well in mud.
Weaknesses:
- Front specific tire wobbly in high speed corners. I now run a reversed rear in front. Works better.
Similar Products Used:
Smokes Darts WTB Primals Tons more
Bike Setup:
1998 Giant ATX 970
Bottom Line:
I picked up mine for $29. CDN (they list for $65. yes we get ripped off here). They are light, don't wear to quickly, have low rolling resistance on pavement when traveling to trails and they hook up very well in wet and muddy conditions. I run two rear specific 1.95's (front reversed) and they work great in the conditions I ride. I would repurchase.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
javier
a Cross-Country Rider
from nyc Date Reviewed: December 12, 1999
Favorite Trail:
red dot waywayanda
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
grippy in all conditions throws mud off quickly controlled slids
Weaknesses:
front doesn't track as well as others green: love it or leave it
Similar Products Used:
specialized dirt control Panaracer mack Ritcheys
Bike Setup:
gary fisher ziggurat fsr carbon fork 217's w/ lx hubs xt drive train and brakes 'cept xtr read der.
Bottom Line:
i ran them 30psi up front and 35 back and found them to be extremely grippy on loam., mud and granite. after riding through mud they quickly clear themselves and grip well for sprints through soft dirt. i found them to work real well on slabs of rock although i did a spinout a coupel of times. but unlike other tires spinninng them seems to make the tires tackier and hook right up if you keep pedaling. in the single track they shine over roots and over leaves. on fast double track or dirt roads they're fast but don't carve as well as other tires i've riddden but this may be due tothe lower than usual pressure that i'm using lately--better grip in the techie sections but squirrily in wide open fast turns. in my experience they go in well, let go quickly and then hookup again before you panic. bottom line-- an excellent product
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tsunami a wanna be
a Racer
from NorCal Date Reviewed: December 1, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
grippy looks cool in green front tire feels like my YZR250 Price.. got them at performance for $20.00 each 2 months ago
Weaknesses:
knobs falls off sidewalls beginning to shred front tire grips but can get scarry sometimes
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos Continental XC and Leaders Specialized (forgot which ones since this was over 7 years ago)
Wow! the front tire feels alive, when I push the front end it feels much like a motoross bike. You have to counter steer w/ the front tire to make it work, just like a motorcycle. on wet pavement the nervous front tire can get a little scary, but w/ a little motocross background, you'll have no problem making these thing work. the rear grips like crazy mad and always feel planted and stabl. if your use to the planted front end feel that the Mythos or Continentals have, then you'll hate these tires. i love the ride characteristics of these tires but they are beginning to fall apart after only about 100 miles of use. already lost some knobs and the sidewalls look like they're about to rip apart. for the ride characteristics i give these tires a 5, for reliabilty and longevity, i give these tires a 1... therefore final score is....
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Langham, Sk, Canada Date Reviewed: November 26, 1999
Favorite Trail:
silverspring
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
deadly grip on dirt, soft or hard
Weaknesses:
green compound very slippery on pavement or rock especially when wet
Similar Products Used:
continental panaracer maxxis
Bike Setup:
Brodie Rock Shox judy xc
Bottom Line:
Sucks on rock. Climbs walls before back tire spins in dirt, same with front tire going down hills.
Overall Rating:
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