Description:Building on the concept of Fire, TrailBlaster incorporates a completely new and proprietary compound that provides outstanding grip with excellent durability. Add tremendous weight savings, and you have what could possibly be the next XC tire king. Weighing in at a mere 520g for the 2.1, 460g for the 1.95, and an astounding 400g for the 1.8, the TrailBlaster gives you a FULL tread, FULL knobby tire that performs in all conditions, all the time. No whimpy tread and fast wear here. Just solid, long lasting tread that performs they way you need it to.
Submitted by
Tweebler
a Cross Country Rider
from Brookvale, PEI, Canada Date Reviewed: June 9, 2008
Favorite Trail:
McConnell Ridge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Jensons
Strengths:
good traction as a back tire
Weaknesses:
Fit too loosely on rim - blow off front.
Similar Products Used:
fire, velociraptor, miche, etc.etc.
Bike Setup:
OCLV hardtail, zokes, XT, WTB, BB7 front disc...
Bottom Line:
I am surprised there are not more comments about how unsafe these are, especially as a front tire. I have had the tire roll off the front rim (Sun UFO) twice with the tube billowing out like putrifying bratwurst. Luckily was slow speed. A friend also had this tire do the same thing - scary if going downhill rapidly. They go on and come off without levers and quite simply, the kevlar bead is too loose. Too bad because, otherwise, seems like a great tread pattern for New England, Maritimes Canada conditions.
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Submitted by
Rob Landwehr
a
from Brasilia DF Brazil Date Reviewed: January 26, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Unibike - BrasÃlia
Strengths:
Very light, great traction, cornering, works well in all conditions and terrains
Nevegal, Nokian NBX, Velociraptor, Leader Pro etc.
Bike Setup:
Kona Hei Hei Ti.
Bottom Line:
Great XC tires. Rolls fast in any condition, bites into mud substrate, Tracks and corners well
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Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from MA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Chaos
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
light, good climbing traction on rocks, low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
weak sidewall, terrible front tire due to severe cornering washout
Similar Products Used:
many
Bike Setup:
1994 Cannondale Super V(can't seem to let it go)
Bottom Line:
Great rear tire for XC. I have used the 1.95 and 2.1 in the rear with success in the past. They offer light-weight traction for technical climbing. On the front they are just horrible. The may roll faster in front, but they just cannot corner without washing out. I have changed these out in favor of the Cinder front and rear. My main riding trail has changed from technical XC to a more rocky/downhill type trail. This required a wider tire to handle lower pressures and the Cinder fits the bill. I still use the TrailBlaster when I rider the technical XC trails.
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Submitted by
Mike Hong
a Weekend Warrior
from Woody Hills Date Reviewed: August 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Cheesebro Sulphur Springs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Huge Footprint, thanks in part to my wider 28mm rims, good corner knobs and pretty light for an all-around Cross Country Tire.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
321AM Rims, MX Pro Fork, Hardtail, XC Rise Bar
Bottom Line:
Good tire so far.
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Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: March 8, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Fast (2.1), supple, responsive, very good cornering, very few puntures (mainly probs with the tubes), soft compound makes them grippy in all but the worst conditions, good wear have used them daily on and off road for 4 years.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
ritchey xc tyres
Bike Setup:
xc bianchi
Bottom Line:
These are predictable xc tyres. I emphise the word xc. As I said I use 2.1 which are probaly the best for all round riding. They are still very fast. I have found no problems with pinch flats. Obviously these tyres will wear quickly on roads they are soft compound, which means you stick to the surface like glue off and on road. I have even scaled a number of sandy slopes. These tyres require Finesse not brute force. They are quality kit that works in a fit and forget way. Totally brillant tyres.
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Submitted by
will ross
a Cross Country Rider
from anchorage, alaska, USA Date Reviewed: October 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
heckle tooth
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
performance bike
Strengths:
Good cornering, good climbing, good stopping, Just good.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
maxxis ignitor
Bike Setup:
sanvic ti hardtail, avid ultimate rim brakes, sram X9, rock shox sid
Bottom Line:
best tire i have ever used. i used them for 2 years and they were only worn out a little, then i switched to the maxxis ignitor for 3 months until they became semi slicks. So i put my trailblasters back on switching front and rear, and they are almost the same as they were new. same cornering, same climbing, same stopping. they are just a good tire. if you are into racing go with the 1.95 if you do anyting else go with the 2.1.
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Submitted by
Tomas
a Weekend Warrior
from So Ore-gone Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Jedi
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Lightweight, roll pretty fast.
Weaknesses:
Wear quickly, slide on turns, spin when climbing on most any surface.
Similar Products Used:
Bontrager jones and semi, Mythos, Geax (now those were some horrible tires!) WTB Velo and Exi, et cetera.
Bike Setup:
26 lb. full susp cross country/trail, v-brakes on ceramic
Bottom Line:
They wore out fast for an older guy who's not hard on gear. Once I replaced the front with another brand,it was clear that the rear just couldn't keep up. When cornering, it would slide out (at about 35psi for 150 lb rider)and the front would keep on tracking, thereby saving me from being body slammed into the poison oak. Any technique used while climbing out of the saddle still results in wheelspin, even on east coast bulletproof hardpack. The're lighter that most of what's out there, straightline speed is good with adequate flat protection, so racers with unlimited tire budgets might like them best. Get a bunch of 'em on sale and replace after every ride.
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Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Mendham Date Reviewed: July 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Anywhere
Strengths:
Durable, does the job
Weaknesses:
Wear out quick.
Similar Products Used:
Panaracer XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Blur, full XTR. Nuff' said.
Bottom Line:
I run the Trailblaster on the rear, Fire XC Pro on the front. That works. No complaints other than at times I notice the rear wears quicker than when I ran it with full Fire XC's front and back. I've tried so many other tires, WTB Velocoraptors too heavy, IRC crap, you name it. These tires are the best, period. If your serious about XC I would NOT recommend putting the Trail Blaster on the front however. Wipe out baby.
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Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Prescott, Arizona, USA Date Reviewed: July 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
light weights, big side nobs
Weaknesses:
looks narrow
Similar Products Used:
panaracer fire xc pro. wtb mutano raptor 2.24
Bike Setup:
giant trance
Bottom Line:
I just switched from the fire xc pro's to the trail blaster and I cannot tell any difference in the ride. They seem to corner just as well and may climb a little better. I ride mostly hard pack, some sand and rock and they seem great not much mud here is Arizona so I do not know how they handle when wet. So far a great light weight tire.
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Submitted by
Jeff Fleming
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM, USA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
lightweight, low rolling resistance
Weaknesses:
lack of traction, susceptible to washing out...
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC Pro
Bottom Line:
This tire is a good choice for buff trails particularly when racing. It handles fairly well but lacks really good traction when cornering (1.95 width) and is susceptible to washing out in loose stuff. The tread seems agressive enough, but just doesn't bite like the Fire series of tires by Panaracer and doesn't lock up on the big rocks as well either.
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Submitted by
Jason Scheiding
a Cross Country Rider
from Travers City, MI, USA Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Vasa Singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$15.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bike
Strengths:
Outstanding grip.Sticks like glue and rails corners like a ferarri. Super lightweight. Look good too.
Weaknesses:
1.8 is quite narrower then expected.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8900 sl. Sid world cup fork.
Bottom Line:
Best tire I have ever used period. Climbs like nothing else, corners even better. I could not be happier with my purchase. I bought another set in 2.1 for my full suspension bike. To top it off. the 1.8's cost me 15 a piece. This tire is worth way more. Id gladly pay 30 plus if I had too knowing how well they work now. Buy it , love it, forget about it, the last thing you will think about on a trail will be your tires.
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Submitted by
Luis Villanueva
a Cross Country Rider
from Juarez, Mexico Date Reviewed: June 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Franklin Moutain "El Monje"
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
beyond bikes
Strengths:
Very light, excelent grip, strong enought for XC, I feel more confortable Up hill since I try these tires.
Weaknesses:
A little thin
Similar Products Used:
For me this is unique
Bike Setup:
Kona Kikapu 05, Fox Float RP3, Minute 2:00 100mm, FSA Carbon Crank,UST Mavic Croosland rims, Disc Brakes Hayes, Thomson layback seat post, Selle San Marcos, XTR the rest....
Bottom Line:
Just put No tubes and the tires never loose air, excelent tire for all type of terrain, I tried a lot of tires, Phyton, Michelin, Maxxis, and this is the tire that I feel right for me.......100%
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Submitted by
UtahMTBeer
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy, UT Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wasatch Crest, Slickrock
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Excellent grip, light weight, very good in loose rock
Weaknesses:
Not tested but it does not look like a good front wheel tire., fast wear
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Karma, Fire XC Pro, Bontrager Jones AC
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur, XT serup, front Continenetal Vertical Protection 2.3, back Panaracer Trailblaster 2.1, other setup-irrelevent
Bottom Line:
I can't understand the bad reviews here but for me this tire works really good. I have Continental Vertical PROtection 2.3 (looks like a 2.1) in the front and the TrailBlaster in the back. I Putrchased my SC Blur and it came with very thin light Kenda Karma tires. Although very light and fast for hard pack racing I tore them up on my first trip to Moab. Then I got my Conti Vertical to the front (kept Kenda Karma in the back)and was still not satisfied with how I was able to climb loose rock and gravel especially on steep hills in races. My rear wheel would always slip. So one day I got mad and read all reviews under the sun , examined all tread patterns and decided to give TrailBlaster a try on my back wheel. I was immediately able to tell a difference in climbing and the grip I was getting. Solved the problem in loose dirt and rock. As far as I am concerned, this is one superior tire and when it wears out, I will most definitely purchase another one. I would not put it on the front wheel though since I think more knoby pattern is needed there. But with the combination with Fire XC pro in the front, it might be really good.
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Submitted by
nick hutton
a Racer
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Look Cool, Worked well in all conditions, light tire!
Weaknesses:
Compound is way to soft. Tires wear out very fast. Rubber is unpredictable. A giant weakspot developed in my tread (on the riding surface). Used stan's, no fix, now tire is garbage.
Similar Products Used:
Michelin jet s ust, panaracer fire, irc mythos, smoke, dart, specialized roll x
I have used the conventional tire with my ust rim. Nice and light but major wear and a lot of tear!!
The tire seems to be made of a really soft compound which wears out really fast (got one season out of them).
Good performance tire but for the money, they don't last long enough. If your running ust rims, use a ust tire. The extra weight saved is not worth the tire damage.
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Submitted by
Kayu
a Cross Country Rider
from Penang Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
I seems to agreed with Bob on the tires size. No wonder my Vetta V100HR never measure distance accurately, I nearly put a negative review on the computer. Never thought of the size of tyre is not accurate. I am using the 2.1, so now I will reset my wheelsize to 1.95 and see if the computer now measures correctly or not.
Will put 3 chilies (average) now.
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Submitted by
bob
a Cross Country Rider
from lebanon, oregon usa Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything fast and technical
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Stutzmans Bike/ Fly/ and Stove shop
Strengths:
Looks cool and fast rolling, also very light.
Weaknesses:
Even though these come with a pinch resistant bead they still pinch flat very easy. Also hard to find a terrain where they work well, a very sketchy tire.
Similar Products Used:
IRC backcountry, Tioga xc pro fat 66 1.95, specialized team control/ master, WTB mutanoraptor 2.4/2.24.
Bike Setup:
KHS 2002 FXT pro w/R.S.sid race shoch, R.S. Duke sl 100 fork, XT shifters, derailers, LX cassette, OdI lock on yeti grips, The fenders. (Trail blasters came stock on bike)
Bottom Line:
These tires suck! I had high hopes for them but was let down big time! First of all they are very narrow, 2.1 measures 1.95/ and 1.95 measures a 1.85. These tires never felt right under my bike. I wouldn't even bother racing on them, they're too unpredictable.
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Submitted by
Dennis Pedersen
a Racer
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Soquel Demo Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$18.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bike Outfitter
Strengths:
Very light weight (only 400 grams!), and great price. A real bargain XC race tire.
Weaknesses:
Probably won't last long or handle loose gravel or sharp rocks well.
Similar Products Used:
IRC Mythos XC, Specialized Team and Dirt, WTB Velociraptors, many others.
Bike Setup:
1998 Specialized Stumpjumper hardtail, all rebuilt after 20,000 miles.
Bottom Line:
I bought these tires, in the 1.8 size with Kevlar bead, for XC race use. I wanted very light weight at a good price. These were an awesome choice at $18 and just 400 grams! I worried that I'd sacrifice too much handling with these, but I just finished my first XC race with these, and I'm very happy with them in all respects, so far anyway. Maybe winning my class improved my opinion of them too!
Here's how I judge gear: If I don't even have to think about the stuff while using it, it must be doing its job well. During this race I completely forgot I was running new tires.
These really felt a lot like my old favorites from Specialized, and somewhat like the IRC Mythos XCs, but more precise. The IRCs were a little squirmy at times, but the TrailBlasters just held their line in all trail conditions I encountered, like good Specializeds. Well, except for in soft beach sand, and no tire I've run could do that well.
The race course was in Fort Ord, near the Sea Otter Classic course by Monterey, and it had mostly sandy soil, moist hardpack, some minor mud, and loose beach sand. Some short, but very steep, climbs, but not a lot of roots or loose gravel. 15 miles and 1,500 feet of climbing. Not once did I think these tires weren't up to the task.
Over time, I'm certain these tires will wear out fast due to the shallow knobs. But since I only use them for races, they should last long enough. But I do think the thin sidewall is probably vulnerable to rock damage. It's also likely that their light construction means they will pinch-flat easier with heavier riders or on rocky trails. I would say heavier riders, or those who are more downhill oriented, or those who ride on nasty rocks or loose gravel a lot, should look for a heavier tire with taller knobs.
For me, in my area, these are perfect for the XC races I do.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from X, New Jersey Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
any I can find
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$27.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
They're round, black, and have logos on both sides.
Weaknesses:
Read summary.
Similar Products Used:
Too many to bother listing.
Bike Setup:
Cove Stiffee w/Manitou Sherman
Bottom Line:
I tried to like these tires. They're not cheap. And what about all the great reviews???
On the street - the noisiest tires I've ever ridden. MAD vibration (and I weigh 180). They wear FAST. Don't feel like a light, supple tire.
OK, you say they're off-road tires? I agree.
They're good for medium to hard-packed, relatively flat and dry terrain. Guess what? My Maxxis Hookworms work well in those conditions, too. Better, maybe. NO TREAD (well, teenie diamonds).
Uphill, they slip. Cornering, they slide. Over obstacles, they bottom out and don't grip. Downhill? Can't stop without rear sliding. Mud sticks to them as if they had tightly spaced knobs. What a horrible tire.
At high pressure (45-55 psi), they skitter all over. At low pressure (30-40 psi), they get sluggish and bottom out.
Who the heck is writing these grand reviews?!
I don't think I've ever been this disappointed with a tire.
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Submitted by
Kayu
a Cross Country Rider
from Penang Date Reviewed: August 10, 2004
Giant NRS XTC Team Avid Cable Disc XTR RD-M960 XTR Cassette Ti XTR Rapidfire XT FD-M750 Easton EA-70 STEM Thomson Seatpost RockShox SID Team TruVative Stylo Team Crankset Mavic X221 Rim
Bottom Line:
This is the best felt tyres that I ever used. It's light, spin well, feel good, and importantly when you ride on it, you feel that you are in control. I was hesitated before buying this due to the price is at the higher side, but I am satisfied with the price that I paid in exchange of the outstanding performance.
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Submitted by
mark e
a Cross Country Rider
from central va. Date Reviewed: July 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pocahontas
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$22.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
speed,traction,control,shedding of debris,weight,price,looks,footprint
Weaknesses:
doesnt do well with Stans,only 500 miles (offroad)and they wear out
Similar Products Used:
many WTB,Vittoria,Tiogas,Kendas
Bike Setup:
DBR XTS-3
Bottom Line:
cheap,reliable,predictable,awesome tire.Ive used up my 2nd set now and would buy these again if they had not come out with the cinder.I have yet to find a condition that these tires did not laugh at.wet,dry,mud,rocks,sand,leaves,scree,logs,roots,creeks,name it these tires have conquered it here in Va. from the beach to the mts. and in between.if you want a reliable yet inexpensive tire get these.worth a lot more than I paid for them for sure
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Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Mendham, NJ Date Reviewed: July 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$34.00
Purchased At:
Campmor
Strengths:
Fast, well made
Weaknesses:
Not recommended for front tire use
Similar Products Used:
Fire XC
Bike Setup:
Kickass race bike
Bottom Line:
Had these on my ride for about 3 months now. Always rode the Fire XC, front and rear for years. Someone told me to try these out for the Fire XC's side treads tend to break. Well, the jury is out. You DONT want one on your front, only the rear. The tire is a little narrow, doesnt appear to be a 2.1 but they insist it is. When I had one on the front it was a disaster. Didnt hold up well on fast cornering. The rear is good. Sheds mud. Super quick. Does the job. Best setup is put a Fire XC on the front, this on the rear. Also, make sure you have the treads facing the right direction if you put one on. Makes a world of difference. Thats it.
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Submitted by
dakota coates
a
from halifax, nova scotia, canada Date Reviewed: June 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$10.00
Purchased At:
from a friend (new)
Strengths:
looks, exelent up-hill traction and braking control, light
Weaknesses:
road (vibrates a lot)and is noisy
Similar Products Used:
specialized, maxxis.
Bike Setup:
hard rock
Bottom Line:
exelent all-round tire, exelent traction in mud and loose dirt. gives confidence in loose dirt and mud and braking
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AG Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Louisville, KY Date Reviewed: June 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Waverly
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
Excellent mud-shedder and for hard-packed singletrack.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't last long, sidewall worn to the white thread quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Roll-x, WTB Wierwolf
Bike Setup:
Rockhopper Comp upgraded to XT, Truvativ stylo cranks, Black Sport Elite Fork, etc
Bottom Line:
Small, knobbies, but great for shedding-mud; keeps rear-derailluer clean. Not good on wet roots or rocks. Good for packed, hard surfaces (lightweight).
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Submitted by
gingerttoth shebangs
a Racer
from ringwood, NJ USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
palmer park, Colorado Springs
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Town Cycle, west milford, NJ
Strengths:
Awesome traction
Weaknesses:
the opposite of awesome traction
Similar Products Used:
too many to list
Bike Setup:
very fine race bike
Bottom Line:
Those who crap on this tire have no clue what performance is all about. I can say that I have tried the fire xc pro and hated them though. These trailblaster 2.1 are the most impressive tires I have ever tried and raced on. You put more stress on your tires when racing than you could ever do just trailriding. And all I can say is that the tires are amazing. I have complete confidence in the front cornering at high speeds and the back grips amazingly when climbing, even in the wet. But they will slip on wet rock surfaces as will any tire. That's just commmon sense. You want performance these are it baby, matter of fact I'm going to by a set right f'in now. YEAH.
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Submitted by
Bjorndoggie Cruiser
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento CA, USofA Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Forresthill Divide Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Light, roll well.
Weaknesses:
Not a lot of traction in loose stuff. Thin rubber casing.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized, Michelin, etc.
Bike Setup:
Trick.
Bottom Line:
Ok. I liked these tires because they roll easy and are light. Not the greatest traction, but acceptable. They're great in the winter because they shed mud very well. So I'm thinking I'll use these in the winter and maybe get some Fire XC's for summer. I don't think so. I wash
$ 40.00
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