Strengths: A fast rolling tyre with a surprisingly large carcass - same actual width as an IRC Backcountry 2,25"!
Weaknesses: Grip is very marginal except in ideal (i.e. dry hardpack) conditions - Clog with mud, slide on wet surfaces and fail to bite dirt. They also appear to puncture easily and are quite unreasonably heavy.
Overall: I've used tubed comps before these (came with the bike then, too) and they were actually a little narrower, and a little grippier. If you're a highly skilled racer looking for a fast tyre then they might be worth a look for specific conditions. Otherwise I would definitely steer clear.
Strengths: Grips OK in pretty much all conditions, from thick mud (thanks to tall, well spaced knobbles) through rocks and roots. Lightish at a measured 690g per tyre for a steel beaded 2.25"er. And very cost effective.
Weaknesses: They drag a bit, and although they grip most things OK, they don't grip anything outstandingly well. Can be a little loose on the rim, so should be seated carefully. Because tyre is large, it can jam in the frame when muddy.
Overall: A tyre you can use for almost everything except racing, and in almost all conditions. Agressive tread works well without being as draggy as it's looks would suggest.
Strengths: Pimpy looks, low weight, smooth bearings, pimpy looks, aerodynamic spokes for lower air resistance pimpy looks and strength. Did I mention pimpy looks?
Weaknesses: System wheel, therefore has to go back for major repairs. UST Rim is a complete b@st@rd to seat any tyre, UST or otherwise, on.
Overall: For light, strong XC wheels it's hard to beat them, although they're anything but cheap. And if you like to be noticed in the car park before the ride these really do the business in a way that CK can only aspire to.
Strengths: Low weight and pimpy looks, thanks to a bright blue side wall and elengant badging. They roll reasonably fast and grip firm surfaces well. In liquid mud They can cut through, thanks to narrow dimensions
Weaknesses: They don''t roll as fast as the narrow width and mythos-like tread pattern would suggest. Worse than that, soft ground or firm mud can completely defeat them - I managed a full turn of the pedals with no forward motion on a moderate muddy incline yesterday. Roots are also quite lethal.
Overall: Likely to be a good summer tyre if low weight and exciting looks are important. Not one for the racers - Wildslipper comps roll faster, although they have even less grip. Rather disappointing, but good value if bought discounted from Germany.
Strengths: Strong, stiff, plush, smooth, well damped, good looking and CHEAP. Significantly better than the Z5 they replaced.
Weaknesses: Weight (on mine at least) was 4lb with cut steerer, although some seem to have alloy steerers. The right fork leg leaks air slowly, but not the left. Fast hits make the damping 'spike' a little.
Overall: Until I'd ridden a Fox Forx I'd have thought it hard to get a noticeably better fork. But at £140 that I paid they're very, very good - 2 years ago this kind of quality would cost £350-£400.
Strengths: It's light for a steel tyre (505g on the company balance), rolls well and often seems to grip well when under pressure (i.e. front wheel braking).
And they look really pimpy - just like the kevlar ones.
Weaknesses: When you take weight off they spin and slip easily, side walls look a little thin. Rubber reputed to be hard and not grip wet rock/roots - not a problem so far. Still clogs with cotswold mud.
Overall: Grips better than expected for a 1.8 tyre. Particularly good value from Chainreaction at £27.99 a pair.
Weaknesses: 200g heavier than Tioga 2.3 Kevlar FAT 66 - i.e. quite a bit. Much draggier than above too. Soft compound means knobbles squish and squirm on hardpack surface.
Overall: A tyre for a purpose. I really enjoy using mine for free-ridey jumpy riding. Way too heavy for XC work. Good if you have to ride with others of lower stamina than yourself.
Strengths: Reliable, lightish and good looking when clean.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Overall: A good XC rim if you might catch a little air/drop in occasionally. Not for big hitters, but good where the a little more strength is required but weight is still an issue.
Strengths: Noticeably less flex than a shimano hub, looks OK in a plain-Jane sort of way. Bearings like new after a couple of months use. Well finished.
Weaknesses: A bit heavier than a non-disc shimano hub. Er... that's it really.
Overall: A good, well made and functional hub. Nothing to get excited for but no apparent weaknesses either
Strengths: Good frame - shared with most of the more expensive X-links, neutral effective suspension and good handling. Wheels OK, groupset 8spd functional, finishing kit decent quality. Worth upgrading.
Weaknesses: Standard forks poor (instant upgrade), weight excessive, pedals cheap n nasty.
Overall: Despite the 15Kg weight, it doesn't actually feel too heavy. Forks replaced immediately with Z5s for 200% improvement. Turns tighter than my rigid Marin, and suspension can be used to move it around effectively.
The bike was bought for the frame, expecting to live with the ordinary kit and upgrading where necessary. It really has made life off road a lot more fun, and much less tiring, since I don't have to dodge every stone and pothole. For the (reduced) price a real bargain, although I would have been less happy at full retail price - paid £350 in sale.
