The Medusa will score over the previous two tyres above in terms of providing a more bulletproof casing. A week of alpine hammer on dry nasty rock failed to offer a puncture on both the Crossmark and High Roller Lust casing recently. This rubber is made of good intentions for hard riding, disrespectful riders should look this way for an all–rounder.

But the rubber is a touch hard and the Medusa is particularly edgy when presented with sloppy rock and root action. Similar in profile and size to the Specialized and Bontrager, the Maxxis might have the benefit of a tougher casing but would benefit a softer compound and deeper cut for wet weather to make it a mud camber trail tyre. Will soon be replaced by ‘The Beaver’.

Suitability: Chunky sidewall makes it better suited for harder riders.