Strengths: Low rolling resistance-fast easy rolling. Great grip in ANY conditions. Durable. Dependable. Ploughs through mud.
Weaknesses: Eerrrmm... As with any all rounders, a specific all out for one condition tyre can be better, but not too many!... Last years model, not too commonly available.
Overall: Great buy. These REALLY can deal with any condition in any situation and if faced with an epic trek where a spare tyre is to be taken, this is the only one I would choose, because no matter where you go or what you face these are more than man enough for the job. Show a lot of tyres up in the mud, they're difficult to shake loose and just keep going. When scrubbed in grip like limpets. Use on road a lot, don't wear out hardly at all, and are secure and stable. Basically really impressed, a TRUE all rounder that takes some beating, even by specific tyres.
Strengths: Cheap. Durable centre. Good compound. Tough carcass. 1.75"
Weaknesses: Not as chunky as they appear in pictures; Shallow tread, large grooves, small blocks. If you want a 1.9 this isn't it, it's a 1.75 like Nokian say- actual carcass width is 44mm.
Overall: I'll write a proper review when I've worn the release agent off, I haven't finished the bike they're on yet. I was looking for a genuine 1.75 and though often listed as 1.9 are actually, as Nokian say 1.75. Should have got City runners though, but I was after more grooves for handling grimy uneven country roads, however these are more groovy than they look in pic's.
Weaknesses: If you want a wide tyre this isn't it.
Overall: Very accurate 1.75 size. Should be grippy and durable. I haven't used these just pointing out the size issue which is the same as Ultra tour 2. This is a good point though in my opinion as 1.75 is good for gearing, speed, handling and there are few proper size 1.75 out there.
Strengths: Good all rounders. Not too bad on road, wear fairly well too, not bad for commuting. Durable. Puncture resistant. Manage mud well (on the level).
Weaknesses: TOO NARROW. Dig down in mud but don't have the knobbles to get a decent purchase when going uphill. Run away and hide in a corner when faced with wet tree roots and rocks, no hope. No give or warning of breakaway.
Overall: If they were a 2.0 or 2.1 with a 65 shore rubber they'd be great. This increase in size would give the required footprint to get over tree roots, etc. For long distance/ heavy duty/ don't want to change purpose- spot on. Why do specialized do a 1.9r/2.0f combo?? it's stupid. Understeer city. We all know tyres should always be smaller on the front than back. Weird.
Strengths: DURABLE. DURABLE. Grip well on rear even in wet. Flexible.(thin high tpi. carcass)
Weaknesses: Not really grippy enough for front unless you're heavy. Sidewall easily damaged.(Hooray for armadillo version) Wet braking a bit scary at times - breaks away suddenly and 'snakes' but usually only downhill on road at high speeds.
Overall: If you commute or tour then these are the rear tyre to have. Combine with a (Seriously, Honest!)Deli farmer john on front(Wilkinson stores £5!) for the best pakage.(These were formerly made by Kenda) With a bit of care and attention you can do a lot off road with these-you've just got to be entirely familiar with 'em. Don't put too much pressure in them off road though. They should make one with a broken centre rib for more off road traction, better braking and they would still be very durable.
Strengths: Cheap. All rounders. Like a cross between a fire xc and a tioga.
Weaknesses: A bit sloppy. Not such a low rolling resistance as some have said.(similar feel to a Survival) Hard braking on road rather floaty and unsure.
Overall: These are a good set of tyres for the money. All round they cope well even in mud, though due to the small deep knobbles they try to go off somewhere else when climbing off camber but not too bad really. I bought these 'cos they were cheap and needed something to 'burn up' on the commute to work(one mile long very steep tarmac hill) I can't use shallow or hard knobblies 'cos I have some very steep slippery climbing to do in the woods on way home, these are doing very well and I can't complain. The sidewalls do look cool too.
Strengths: None, really, unless you're stuck and this is there.
Weaknesses: 'Double TT' is far better for cleaning and water shifting, etc. and a lot cheaper. 'Duck Oil' is far, far, superior for penetration and release (ooh!)and does actually lube things, and for more than 5 min's. WD40 does not do any of these things very well at all.
Overall: If you're stuck, ok. Otherwise use products listed above.
Strengths: Effective for size,great design,serviceable,fairly robust. Has a pressure gauge (that works). Storage for instant patches.
Weaknesses: Poor valve connection, difficult to hold whilst using, you can't see pressure gauge very well whilst using.
Overall: I'm certainly not an idiot and find it almost impossible to stop the valve grommet from leaking, that is trying ALL sorts of tension from just nipping it up to almost splitting the end cap, has a very particular 'sweet spot'. Then you have to unscrew it without letting pressure out-tricky. How do you keep hold of it properly without either skinning your knuckles on the spokes or bending the spokes by grasping around them? Beats me. However, other than the inherent lack of thought for usage, this is a very good pump that delivers enough air & pressure, is fully serviceable, and is not made of paper thin soft as butter alloy. If you can get one dirt cheap, get it. Don't pay full price though, purely because it's fiddly to use. Should last years.
