TESTED: 24 Trail and Enduro mountain bike tyres! What's the best mountain bike tyre for you?

[@badagaioo]

Should I watch this or Dune 2?

[@Australianmountainbike]

TBH we didn't really take sand into account. Watch this, then Dune 2, and get back to us with sand tyre recommendations. PS use the time stamps!

[@Yoda-em5mt]

I think he is refering to run time .

[@AskUncleLuc]

I thought that DHF stood for downhill freeride and DHR is for downhill race. Ben: what’s with the microphone?

[@jokermtb]

As I'm not in a hurry to get anywhere, my Assegai/DHR2 combo has reset my perception of what I can get away with when cornering or getting into questionable situations.

[@Australianmountainbike]

they sure do keep you stuck to the ground!

[@Forthetimebeing72]

This test was fun to watch, and it involved most of the tires I am interested in! My dumb advice is less testers, less tires, and not giving tires to riders who already ride them. Filer out the best in class per person, swap between riders, and round table discussion the test. I also want to know how east they were to mount on the same rims compared to others. I am not sure why a majority of tire reviews miss the fact that if you have a flat you’re gonna be changing it while in the cold, hot, wet, or being eaten alive by bugs. I prefer that process to not be a nightmare.

[@Australianmountainbike]

We politely disagree. More testers allowed the test to happen. Less tyres - everyone does that, we've done it before too. That's out there. The result you're seeing is from ongoing app based discussion between two remote teams - the details are there. As for mounting - we used one type of rim to keep consistent feedback. No one complained about any of them on the DT Swiss 30mm rims. Most horrible tyre/rim combos are gone these days, not like a decade or so ago!

[@Forthetimebeing72]

@@AustralianmountainbikeVery helpful, thanks. Seems modern rims make a huge difference in the mounting process.

[@chrisrae1254]

Great vid and well done for testing so many tyres the logistics behind that would be difficult. I’m keen to try a few other options outside of my usual maxxis combos. The contis look awesome but exxy but probably last longer then maxxis by the sounds. Keen to look at the scorpion and Mazzas also!

[@Australianmountainbike]

Awesome - thanks for the feedback, It does take a bit of time and investment to try other tyres so hopefully we have narrowed down the choice for you.

[@mikestivers8302]

i ride rocky, loose over hard and sometimes hardpack at the parks. i have tried and tested about 7 or 8 (enduro type) front tires over the past year/1.5 dhf-mazza-kryptotal-vigilante-verdict-magic mary-griffus-martello the all around best tire i've ridden, that absolutely caught me off guard since i didnt pay much mind to the brand for over 4 years.. is the clear winner: VEE ATTACK HPL in the Full 40/gxe casing. front tire on my spindrift, and it's just magical in all conditions.

[@jaybartlett2561]

This is easily the best tire review video I’ve ever seen. I’m actually thinking the Pirelli Enduro M & R might be in my future. They weren’t even on my radar before.

[@marvaus]

been using these here in brisbane (enduro m front and back) the only tires i've been happy enough to use moving away from assagi/dhr 2 combo

[@Squidsonbikeswithhats3958]

Props for testing so many tires. But I do feel it’s hard to compare any one brand to another bc different riders have their own styles and ways they will want a tire to perform. Also it really frustrates me when tire comparison videos compare the medium compound rubber from one company to the softest compound of another. Same with casing. Comparing schwalbe and Maxxis. The super trail casing is not comparable with DD. And again shwalbes soft compound is not comparable with maxx grip. It just kinda invalidates any comparison one could make. It’s also not just y’all I see a lot of media groups doing this and it’s very irritating. I have to compare apples to apples as best I can

[@Australianmountainbike]

That's why we didn't say the casings were the same? We did have two testers with durometer gauges and there are some more notes on that in their reviews - check the web piece as well.

[@bam.dasilva]

My two cents on this is that I believe we all tried to keep that in mind when comparing the different tyres - I at least tried to engage with the tyre and review it based on what I knew was the right end user etc which came down to casing/tread/grip combination. You're 100% right in saying it's difficult to take the results when we are all using different casings etc, however most of the tyre's behaviour remains the same across its range of variables.

[@MTBstuart]

love love love the contis, i have 4 sets of them (mainly argotal front kryptotal rear as im in the uk) absolute best tyres ive used, the one thing id like is them to do is release the enduro supersoft as dh casing isnt necessary on the front and i know some people want a trail soft too

[@scottg9229]

Specialized also offers a 30 day money back guarantee if you like or don’t like the tire. Just returned one I tried getting a full refund. Fantastic video! Thank you!

[@Australianmountainbike]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DandyHippo]

I like how you talk about tires. Sounds like there was a lot of thought and experience put into the test, thank you

[@Australianmountainbike]

Thanks! make sure you check out the written feature on our website! www.ambmag.com.au/video/trail-and-enduro-mtb-tyre-test---24-tyres-ridden-and-rated-605745

[@paulhusby8344]

Nicely done. Very well spoken presenters.

[@Australianmountainbike]

Thanks Paul! We all hope you find it useful.

[@bam.dasilva]

The foreigner appreciates that!

[@cmelochick]

55:40 DHR is DownHill Race, not Rear

[@ManVersusWilderness]

No one seems to do an xc tire showdown. I am looking at the Maxxis Aspen tires.

[@IvanPrskalo]

Great video. I admire your collective effort and wide range of tires and conditions you tested. I have only one complaint: on Schwalbe brand you made almost every mistake you can make. Instead of Hans Dampf and Tacky Chan in super trail casing - for enduro bikes you needed to test Magic Mary and Big Betty in Super gravity casing (and super soft compound). Try those, you will be amazed.

[@octodadmtbmartyrichards2862]

Love the Mazza on the front and rear, got 2 years riding on my yt Jeffsy with no flats riding Rotorua and backyard trails and the odd river trail 😂. Only getting 1 year on maxis dhr2

[@Australianmountainbike]

Sounds like a win! They sure won Ryan over.

[@awcorte]

Ditto, made the switch from Maxxis Assegai/Dissector to Vittoria Mazza/Martello for a change and the ride suppleness and rolling speed is amazing. Don’t think the Mazza is all out as grippy as the Assegai though??… still playing with pressures, they need less a bit less I’m finding 🤷‍♂️

[@Australianmountainbike]

Great feedback. Ryan sure found he could run the Mazza and Martello with less pressure than he expected.

[@hpkiunzy]

4 month old comments i know. Yeah i ran my assegai double down 3c compound at 21 psi front, and i ride my mazza at 18 psi.

[@evveeess925]

Entertaining if not the most scientific in terms of evaluation. Reviews were great apart from “Mr Maxxis” and his obvious confirmation bias. There are much better tyres than DHF today irrespective of casing/compound options.

[@Australianmountainbike]

What would you have preferred for more science? Drum based rolling resistance isn't that relevant due to so many different trail surfaces and what compounds are designed for. We are always keen to improve, but any viewer needs to acknowledge the financial constraints around testing. Interestingly, in our XC tyre test (in production currently) we are doing 10min power based tests to try to see the impact of weight and rolling resistance for a set output climb. Still, those gains or losses can be made up on the descents and corners if support and traction isn't there. For the majority, ride feel rules over numbers. So we delivered the facts - and a lot about the ride feel. We believe it is a happy medium within the scope of what is achievable - but as noted, keen for input on the data you'd like to see.

[@evveeess925]

Thanks for that. The difference is in non standardised testing. You have multiple personalities, different bikes, different terrain and conditions. One reviewer in particular was totally biased at that! Whilst totally understandable that carrying out such a large review is a lot of work it needs to be done like say Enduro Mag - the germans - do in a single test rather than this very entertaining but completely unscientific way.

[@evveeess925]

Ie: ive just tested a tacky chan for myself and have been very Anti Schwalbe since their horrific quality control issues of the recent past. These are same casing and compound as your test. They are exceptional tyres. Casing is beautifully damped. Tyre feels extremely planted. Really good rolling. Don’t have a distinct edge to centre feel like a DHR2, feels square like an Assegai. Significantly more precise and consistent than either DHR2 or DHF up front in maxterra and exo+. And that’s totally unscientific but at least not biased!

[@Australianmountainbike]

Well we are more entretaining than Germans - so that's a win. We had a number of controls in place (like wheels) but getting one person to test 24 treads? We'd likely need to move to a pay per view model! The cost on that would be excruciating@@evveeess925 !

[@MotorsportsX]

@@Australianmountainbike Drum based rolling tests at different weights , pressures, and axle lean are absolutely revelevant. its not about comparing tires to the trail, its about comparing them to each other. There should be 6 data points per tires on a rolling test. hi med low pressure. Bolt some bumps on to the drums for 6 more data points.

[@jd4000]

Great video, really enjoyable review and easy to keep track if the comparison as you didn't get overly scientific. My misses is Aussie and I am looking to emigrate to North East Tazzy in the next year or two, really good to hear that you have such a awesome scene over there. Giz a job.

[@tomasstraka5244]

Really nice put video, i managed to catch out only 1 thing, that is the continental pricing? I bought the exact same tires for 40€/piece, that is 1/2 of maxxis price actually, definitely not the most expensive, even pirellis and michelins are pricier same for Goodyear, I bought MTR in DH casing for 30€ when they came out, i have no idea where you got these prices from.... it never went for 145 not michellins for 120 etc etc....

[@bam.dasilva]

Pricing feedback was based on Australian recommended retail pricing - which is what riders have access to in the local dealer network. I don't doubt this will change from country to country.

[@Australianmountainbike]

This is Australian specific pricing in #AUD - a lot weaker than the Euro.

[@lxi_zn]

What is the size of the tacky chan? I can't find 2.5s on the website. Also what fender were you uying on the dvo fork? Was it a bolted one? Looking to upgrade to a diamond d1 sl and I hope to find a longer bolt on fender than the stock one.

[@LachlanCurrie]

what was your go too tyre if it was your bike?

[@K1AYE1xRigamortus]

This is a good informative video. You guys are using terms that avid mountain bikers should know imo.

[@nelsonsilva9602]

What about schwalbe Magic Mary?

[@lightningshredder5605]

I really want to try the Druid V2 such a stellar looking bike.

[@hambo76]

I'm 195cm and 105kg - I have the Hans Dampf Soft Super Gravity on the back, Magic Mary Soft Super Trail on the front. They're very similar to my previous WTB Vigilante/Trail Boss combo too.

[@Australianmountainbike]

We love the super trail casing - it's more versatile than the name may have you think.

[@hambo76]

@@Australianmountainbike I got the Super Gravity for a very special price so I thought 'why not?' :D I'm surprised you didn't test the Magic Mary too btw.

[@Australianmountainbike]

@@hambo76 we asked Schwalbe to put their best foot forward with tyres that would suit a majority of riders. The Magic Mary would certainly fit the bill as well!

[@hambo76]

@@Australianmountainbike Interesting. I mean they know their tyres better than anyone but most reviewers say the Tacky Chan requires precise riding to be great, something most riders (me included) sorely lack!

[@Australianmountainbike]

@@hambo76 true, they come alive with intent. Still, for an enduro tyre - that is a good thing. It is a race discipline - Bam found the same with the Michelin Wild Enduros, they need to be pushed to work at their best,

[@tjb8841]

Love the trail dog! He /she is just flying!

[@Australianmountainbike]

Yes!!

[@dalexander92]

Michelin just came out with an all new wild enduro. Curious how it would compare

[@Australianmountainbike]

Splitting into softer and harder terrain models is a smart move - certainly a nod towards what Pirelli have done, and in a way Vittoria as well. Michelin always have incredible casings and compounds and no doubt with some refined tread patterns this will be a leading range of tyres. But - that's just absed on prior experience and looking at the new models.

[@a8f235]

DHF has a dead spot at mid-turn that is just a complete turn off for me especially as a front tire. As there are so many better options for rear as well, I'd never throw it on there either. I feel that tire has been surpassed long time ago, and I'd rather throw a DHR II on the front instead of DHF for consistent grip through the transition of a turn. The DHF is a more On/Off/On which I find sketchy at best. 57:24 This guy should've tested the DHF as well because the transition he speaks of is a trait of the DHF and you quickly will understand that if you just put both tires next to eachother. I've personally swopped from DHF to DHR II in the front and it was night and day in transition.

[@francoisjoly7696]

That's why I've decided to finish my DHF as a rear tyre. Maxxis wise, the Assegai is a much better front tyre (from dry to loose conditions). Otherwise, Magic Mary for autumn winter spring wet purposes or nothing else.

[@DandyHippo]

Yea you actually have to lean the bike to engage it. Assegai is good for people who wanna be lazy in their riding and have a boring feelin tire

[@Chris7uk00]

@44:58 @57:20 Maxxis Minon's are rubbish the transistion from top to side knobs is lacking, they feel like they are sliding till you get them on the side knobs compared to a something like a Maxxis Assegai, if your new to mtb don't buy minon's they will give you no confidence what so ever!. You have to be an aggressive rider to ride them cranking the bike over quick. I run Maxxis Forekaster v1 for XC trail, Assegai and Dissector for the rougher stuff on my bikes. wouldn't mind trying the vittoria's or the continental kryptotal.

[@hansdampf-i5x]

DHR stands for Downhill Race, not Downhill Rear ! It's very important, because it isnt a rear specific tire

[@86309]

great job!

[@Australianmountainbike]

Thanks!

[@Yoda-em5mt]

Doggy must be on maxxis paws .

[@mtbtrailshredder]

Hi, I'm an overgained microphone.

[@trentvlak]

59mm is 2.32", not "2.5 obviously". 2.5" casing would need to be 63.5mm. I like 2.5" tires so I buy some of the Assegai knockoffs that are correctly advertised in width.

[@Australianmountainbike]

We're just here to offer true widths

[@trentvlak]

@@Australianmountainbike Thank you for your service.

[@JasonLiske]

Why isn't one person reviewing them all? Kind of weird

[@Australianmountainbike]

Nah. Too much solo opinion that way. Our four testers were in constant discussion for 3 months.

[@nickepps1746]

Thanks for the efforts, top banana.

[@salty-guardian6121]

Ben’s mic💀

[@Australianmountainbike]

The mic was ok (at first) Ben was just too keen 😂

[@Yoda-em5mt]

You guys make me laugh with all these reverances to being like a motocross tyre you really need to go and have a look at moto tyres there are only two mtb tyres that kinda look moto ie the dirty dan and the wetsceam and why is there no mention of what the tyres are like to climb oh i know its pie eating shuttle riding i must be the only mtb er doing hardcore xc rides on wetscreams f and r .

[@ericbaumgartner6558]

I'm not sure I can trust a review of something when they can't even spell what they are reviewing correctly. T-I-R-E!!!