So I got these in December when HucknRoll was blowing them out for $33.00 or so each. I had a new set of tubeless Mavic rims, was going to put my old tires on but couldn't pass up the deal. Anyway.
Installation:
The tires seated up with a floor pump no problem. Initially I was NOT running sealer, but after some porous tire issues I put in Stans. IMHO, a tire labelled UST should be capable of running without sealer, however the UST does refer to the bead seat rather than the tubeless air retention capabilities, so that's a wash. Air retention is good, I don't know about anyone else's experience but tubeless air pressures need to be checked much more frequently than tubes. But these are better than my Saguro's or Racing Ralphs.
Performance:
Good:
*Absolutely tough as nails. I've hit everything, rocks, logs, heard the tire "ping" off rocks in gardens...they hold up. I haven't seen even a nick or scratch on them. Top notch in this area. Beasts. I'm around 190lbs or so for reference.
*Climbing is good to excellent, braking is also fine.
*Good also on dry rock...but almost anything would be.
*Roll fast, much lower resistance than the Nevegals.
*Excellent wear.
Bad.
*Side grip. It's bordering on awful. As the tire has broken in some it's improved (or I'm used to it), but flat hardpack turns and anything off camber requires a balancing act. I was frankly shocked, as most call the tire a good to great handling product. I don't know if HucknRoll was blowing out an oddball batch or something but very disappointing.
*Pretty small for a 2.3, looks barely bigger than my stock Nevegals in 2.2. I was riding with a guy who owns a Remedy, his 2.3 Nevegals looked like motocross tires compared to mine.
*Little nervous feeling on high speed gravel, but that might just be me.
To sum up, they are a extremely durable tire that except for the cornering grip would be a winner. As they are, I will probably try something else when they're due. Which is going to be a while!
Overall grade: C.
Installation:
The tires seated up with a floor pump no problem. Initially I was NOT running sealer, but after some porous tire issues I put in Stans. IMHO, a tire labelled UST should be capable of running without sealer, however the UST does refer to the bead seat rather than the tubeless air retention capabilities, so that's a wash. Air retention is good, I don't know about anyone else's experience but tubeless air pressures need to be checked much more frequently than tubes. But these are better than my Saguro's or Racing Ralphs.
Performance:
Good:
*Absolutely tough as nails. I've hit everything, rocks, logs, heard the tire "ping" off rocks in gardens...they hold up. I haven't seen even a nick or scratch on them. Top notch in this area. Beasts. I'm around 190lbs or so for reference.
*Climbing is good to excellent, braking is also fine.
*Good also on dry rock...but almost anything would be.
*Roll fast, much lower resistance than the Nevegals.
*Excellent wear.
Bad.
*Side grip. It's bordering on awful. As the tire has broken in some it's improved (or I'm used to it), but flat hardpack turns and anything off camber requires a balancing act. I was frankly shocked, as most call the tire a good to great handling product. I don't know if HucknRoll was blowing out an oddball batch or something but very disappointing.
*Pretty small for a 2.3, looks barely bigger than my stock Nevegals in 2.2. I was riding with a guy who owns a Remedy, his 2.3 Nevegals looked like motocross tires compared to mine.
*Little nervous feeling on high speed gravel, but that might just be me.
To sum up, they are a extremely durable tire that except for the cornering grip would be a winner. As they are, I will probably try something else when they're due. Which is going to be a while!
Overall grade: C.
