These Bontrager tires came stock on my new Trek Top Fuel. I had read many reviews about the Top Fuel before I purchased it, and the reviews were nearly unanimous: "The bike is awesome, the stock Bontrager tires stink!". I was determined to keep an open mind, but just in case, I told the bike shop I would like a second set of tires (free) because so many people had cursed the Bontragers. Good Move! I can honestly say that these tires are pretty poor performers. Certainly not what you would expect on a $3,000 bike.
The first test for these tires was Greenbrier State Park, and they performed reasonably well, but I did notice a bit of sliding on some of the steeper downhills. The rocky terrain of Greenbrier doesn't require the best tires in the world. The next four rides on the Bontragers were at Colts Neck, and that is where their weakness really showed. The rooted uphills saw spin after spin with the rear tire, tying me up on several hills I've made it up numerous times with other tires. In addition, during a ride on 7/24/2004 at Colts Neck the front tire slid out on me which put me face first into some bushes near the creek on the return downhill near the crickett fields. I shudder to think what these tires would do at a trail like Fountainhead.
Bottom Line: these tires are too expensive, and will let you down on technical descents and climbs. Try the Hutchinson Spider, or Panaracer Smoke Classic.
