Specialized Chunder Pro XC
Specialized's Chunder Pro XC ($58 as of March 2010) is lightweight and tough. Riders who are looking for a solid cross country tire will appreciate the way that the Chunder utilizes a low-profile tread pattern that makes its way through mud while maintaining a light weight and a smooth ride. BikeRadar's Guy Kesteven gave the Chunder Pro a perfect five-star rating, calling it "a great value skinny trail tyre that's very fast, but still grippier and tougher than you'd expect."
Bontrager Mud X TLR
For muddy cross country rides, Bontrager's Mud X mountain bike tire ($46) is a solid option. Its aggressive tread makes its way through sloppy terrain, but its dual compound rubber provides good rolling efficiency. Calling it "our reigning filthy weather favourite," BikeRadar's Guy Kesteven called the Mud X "the tire to beat for winter XC riding," citing its aggressive tread pattern as well as its "light and lively" feel on the trail.
Hutchinson Toro XC
Hutchinson's Toro XC tire ($60) is a great choice for riders who want a rugged, durable tire for cross country mountain biking. Hardskin textile reinforcement on the tire's sidewalls protects it from tears and cuts, while low-profile top knobs provide efficient rolling and more aggressive side knobs give traction on corners and hairpin turns. In a March 2009 buyer's guide review, Bicycling.com's Mike Cushionbury said that testers liked the Toro's "durability, traction and performance," lauding its tread spacing which he said "sheds slop well," and "accelerates quickly through terrain changes."
Article Written By Billy Brown
Billy Brown is an outdoor sports writer living in Northern California.
An avid rock climber and trail runner, he's been writing about outdoor activities, fitness and gear since 2005. He regularly contributes to "The Record Searchlight," uncooped.com, and Trails.com, as well as other print and online publications. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Simpson University and is a NASM-certified personal trainer.
