Above all, the new tyre designs promise improved durability for mountain bikers. Underneath the surface of each tyre is one of two innovative designs. The XR tyre offers a fast-rolling XC construction with puncture protection on the sidewall, while the XT tyre features a robust trail construction and offers puncture protection from bead to bead as well as at the apex. These innovations are designed to offer riders greater safety and durability.
New rubber compounds for bicycle tyres
The product range includes three new compounds. The new mountain bike range consists of an XC dual compound with a fast-rolling, firmer core and medium shoulder knobs, a trail dual compound with a medium-hard core and softer shoulder knobs and a trail triple compound with a medium-hard core, soft shoulder and ultra-supportive base.
New naming
The new XC range includes the Vallnord - a lightweight XC tyre designed for the tough, dry conditions of Vallnord, Andorra. The Sainte-Anne is an all-round XC tyre for grip and speed in mixed rocky, rooty and even wet conditions, named after the XC World Cup destination in Quebec. For trail riders, the Montrose is a fast rolling tyre with grip, speed and durability designed for the mostly hard terrain outside of Black Canyon, Colorado. The Gunnison is designed to provide grip and speed in the mixed conditions found in the high alpine desert of Colodado.
MTB tyres Bontrager Valnord - dry and fast
The Valnord is said to be the ideal choice for fast, dry conditions, such as those found on the dusty tracks in the Pyrenees. Its flat profile replaces the XR1 and is said to be particularly easy to accelerate and roll excellently thanks to the continuous centre tread. The tyre is available with the high-quality RSL Casing (220 TPI) and XR Puncture Protection. A dual compound is used as the rubber compound. The weight should be just under 640 grams in size 29 x 2.4.
Bontrager Sainte-Anne - for racing in the rain
The XC tyre with the same name was developed for rather damp conditions, such as those that prevail in Sainte-Anne, Canada. It replaces the XR2 and is designed to offer speed and grip in changeable conditions. The Sainte-Anne is available in two casings - RSL (220 TPI) and Pro (60 TPI) - and should weigh 740 grams in size 29 x 2.4.
Bontrager Montrose - fast MTB tyre for the trail
Montrose is known for its variety of fast single trails that require cornering grip and braking traction. This is where the Montrose should be focussed. The MTB tyre is also available in the high-quality RSL casing with 220 TPI and with XT Puncture Protection. Medium lugs on the tread, a soft shoulder and a supportive base should make the Montrose a solid all-rounder. The tyre is only available in size 29 x 2.4, in black and in a Tanwall version.
Bontrager Gunnison - all-rounder for the trail
Gunnison, a small town in Colorado, is known for its iconic trails that range from rocky desert terrain to high alpine trails. The bike tyre replaces its predecessors XR4 and SE4 and is said to be an all-rounder with a tread pattern that offers grip and speed on mixed terrain. The Gunnison will be available with both RSL Casing (220 TPI) and Pro Casing (60 TPI). For puncture protection, there is a choice between XT and XR Protection. There is also a choice of rubber compound for the Gunnison. Dual or triple compound - depending on your personal requirements. In terms of weight, the Gunnison should land at around 950 grams - depending on the version. It is available in both 27.5 and 29 inch as well as 2.4 and 2.6 inch widths.
Which MTB tyre is right for you? You can find everything you need to know about tyres in our detailed buying guide at this link
The new Bontrager models - info & prices
The four new Bontrager tyre families from Trek are now available. Test models are already on their way to the editorial office. We will provide our first test impressions of the new tyres as soon as possible.
Stefan Frey
Editor
