(Dale fitted with Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tyres for the FrostBite 40 Al-Mtn enduro).Bontrager's past tire lineup never received much praise, but a renewed effort by the Trek house brand, including the hiring of renowned tire designer Frank Stacy, has resulted in a number of new offerings that show promise. Intended for aggressive trail/all-mountain riding, the 2.35'' XR4 tested here features an all around tread design that Bontrager claims will work well in both wet and dry conditions. Ramped center knobs should help to preserve rolling speed despite the aggressive lugs, and siping is used throughout to improve knob adhesion and create more biting edges. The prominent cornering lugs use a laterally cupped design for the same reason. 2.35" Team Issue version weighs in at 742 grams (730g claimed) and the calipers tell us that it is exactly bang on the advertised width when mounted to the Bontrager Rhythm rims ( but i would say they come up a little bigger on most rims). It is also available in a 2.2" wide model ( my choice), with both widths also having a TLR tubeless ready casing option.
Dry or wet this has to me my number one pick as a do it all trail/enduro tyre, i played about with a range of tyres last year but im sticking with the xr4 treads for front and rear on my Dale that i ride for all-mtn/trail action and for a lot of my coaching (Trail Head), rocks,roots,dry or wet the tyre has great feel, yes it drags more than a xc tyre, but it rolls faster than a maxxis highroller , If you want to fit a tyre that will work most of the time where ever you ride in the UK then this would be my pick for you. I run the tubless ready team issue tyres and i feel they ride like a beefed up WTB Bronson, Great tyres 2 thumbs up.
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