Skip to main content

Bontrager XR4 Team Issue 2.35in tyre


Trek is turning out some cracking bikes at the moment but one of the key aspects is that they're underlined with some excellent Bontrager rubber like the monster XR4 here.

The fact the XR4 blows up bigger than a lot of 2.4in tyres is the most obvious initial trait and it needs at least a mid-width rim for stability. Bontrager was one of the first companies to champion tubeless ready systems so once persuaded on and blown into place it's a reliable seal even at low pressures.

It feels reassuringly solid on the trail without being too much of a grunt to accelerate. It sustains that speed well too, particularly on rough terrain where the large volume irons out stutter bumps that would otherwise choke your charge. There's a reinforced SE4 version too, but that's noticeably stiff and wooden in the same stutter situations so suits proper smash and grab gravity riders, not comfortable cruising fans.

The dual compound tread Team Issue is a great match to the do-it-all feel too with consistent traction in all but the most extreme surface and high braking/ cornering load situations. Tread life is good even if you're heavy handed on the brakes and you get this excellent blend of performance for only 60$.

Easy rolling, consistent gripping, high volume, high control all-rounder at a great price.

Weight 830g
Width 57mm
Height 54mm

Price 60$
Labels

Popular posts from this blog

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.

READ MORE >>

Nukeproof Vector AM Comp Cro-Mo saddle

The Vector AM is pretty race focused, with minimal padding. There’s a deep (if narrow) pressurerelief channel to keep the blood flowing where it’s meant to. Used with bib shorts, we found it pretty comfortable for shorter rides and suffered no pain or discomfort in the central region. On steep climbs the slightly downturned nose provides a reasonable forward perch, while the svelte profile and smooth edges make it particularly unobtrusive when moving about on the descents. It’s quite stiff though, and can feel harsh on long rides or bumpy ground. We definitely wouldn’t want to spend much time on it without a chamois. It’s heavier than we’d expect for such a lightly padded perch too. There’s a lighter Pro version with titanium rails for $105, but at 241g it’s only 10g lighter. Weight 251g Price $67

READ MORE >>

GT Zaskar Evolution

While some bike models last just a couple of years, others change with the times to stay at the top of riders’ wishlists. In the second part of this series looking at the evolution of bikes that enjoy enduring popularity with UK riders, we turn to the GT Zaskar – a bike that was at the forefront of our sport for a long time and still has plenty of appeal today.

READ MORE >>

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

READ MORE >>

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

READ MORE >>