Tubeless?
The majority of Bontrager Team Issue tyres are Tubeless Ready (TLR). They all have our new sidewall insert that works amazingly to seal the tyre casing. Plus with the Bontrager TLR rim band the tyre holds secure to the rim even at low tyre pressure. We use this set up on all our factory race bikes. Bontrager MTB tyres can be used with inner tubes but once a rider rides with the TLR set up, they rarely go back to inner tubes. The performance difference is huge, especially in muddy conditions when using low tyre pressure.
Specialized produce a Hillbilly, 2.3 or 2.5 and around 1200g, Michelin do an Enduro 2.0 at 1050g for 29″, Specialized Storm at 620g for 29″. When are we going to see a mid–weight enduro mud?Bontrager has several new enduro tyres in a variety of sizes coming soon to complete its SE tyre range… I hope to have a few of these for you to test later this summer.
But this new tyre could still be used as an enduro tyre?Yes, the new XR Mud can be used for Enduro. However, with only the 2.00 width currently available it will likely limit its application to light duty enduro riding.
THE PROCESS Two protos, how many people have been involved in testing?I have approximately 50 test riders of all levels and all disciplines worldwide. They all play a key roll in our tyre testing programs. Specific to the new XR Mud I have 12 test riders riding the tyres.
Do you have a system for test days?My system for tyre testing is something I’ve carried over from my motorcycle test riding experience. It’s all about paying attention to detail and focus on the little things. It’s not about being the fastest rider or the bravest rider, it’s about consistency, hitting your marks and doing those things the same each and every lap. Plus minimize the test variables, keep the bike the same throughout the testing and only change the tyres. I tell all my riders, I don’t need you to show me how fast you are or how high/far you can jump… that’s not what testing is about.
Riders might well ride in different styles/speeds which might lead to different outcomes?I typically do not mix riders with big differences in ability at the same test. Typically what happens is the less experienced rider just follows what the pro–experienced rider is saying or is trying too hard to keep up with the pro rider’s pace, which means he or she is not focusing on the tyres. Or the less experienced rider is too intimidated with his or her comment.
Is this tyre designed for a certain style of bike?The New XR Mud is designed for XC trail to light duty enduro riding. Once the larger sizes become available, it will open up to more aggressive enduro application.
How will you arrive at a conclusion?
You simply have to study the field test reports, data, rider comments, lab test results and durability test results. Sometimes this can make for a very difficult decision, especially if you’re comparing tyres that are close in performance. It’s part of my job to give the green light and move to mass production, or inform the Bontrager tyre team that we missed the target and it’s back to the drawing board. I hate it when that happens!
