Pros: -Fast rolling
-Great traction
-No issues with tubeless setup

Cons: -Pricey at the LBS

Recommendation: Specialized knows what they're doing in the tire department. The Captain makes a great rear tire.

Model/Year: 2012

Pros: Grips anything. I have a pair (front and back) on my Giant Talon 29er. These tires grip in just about any condition, from dry hard-packed trails, to wet rocks, leaves, etc.

Cons: Lots of rolling resistance on pavement, but that's what's expected with these tires. But you shouldn't be riding these on pavement anyway. ;)

Recommendation: Will be using these tires for years to come, competes with and even outshines the Kenda Nevegals.

Pros: Great grip, fast rolling, good tire for running at low pressures (I'm often between 25 and 30 PSI).

Cons: Removal once installed can be difficult.

Recommendation: This tire was added to the front of my bike after I decided I needed a little more cornering traction. For the price, I can't complain, as it has held up well the last year or so. I actually bought a pair and sometimes rotate them out, or will run one in the back if the conditions dictate.

Pros: -Installed and sealed up easier than any other tire I've ever used. Two pumps w/my floor pump and it was holding air, didn’t even need to use soapy water
-Holds air very well, don't have to top it off every single ride.
-Appears to be true to size
-TONS of traction. Tons. It's crazy how well it climbs, I've yet to have it spin on me under power, no matter how many leaves or wet roots I'm riding over. Much harder to lock up under braking, and corners well too.

Cons: -Middle ground weight wise. About a fifth of a pound heavier than the tire it replaced (Kenda Small Block 8), and I can feel the difference, it's harder to get it up to speed.
-Rolling resistance. Doesn't roll as fast as some tires, tho it doesn't roll horribly either. Where I used to be able to coast on the DH's and catch up to other people who were pedaling, I now have to pedal too.

Recommendation: I have this tire set up on the rear of my rigid 29er, and it replaced a Kenda Small Block 8, one of the lighter and faster tires available. This tire has MUCH more grip, but it is heavier and slower. That said, it's a great tire for this time of year (fall/winter), when traction is hard to find. I can definitely see why this is such a popular tire, it does everything pretty well. I just happen to prefer a slight lean towards the fast and light side and don't mind giving up some grip to get it.

Pros: Light, good traction, but not for agressive riding, excellent wearing resistance (used for 3000km on the rear wheel, I'm 90kg, and it is still usable), works good as tubeless with Stans.

Cons: Extremely difficult to install (on DT Swiss X455). But when installed, they can be inflated even with hand held pump (in tubeless setup). These tires are not for low pressure (I use 40PSI at least)

Recommendation: Overall, great universal tires.

Pros: Traction is great both in a straight line as well as in the corners. You can late brake with these tires with little fear of having them was out. Great climbing abilities with this tire.

Cons: They advertise these tires as 2Bliss that is far from true....the side walls leak air you NEED to add Stan's No tube in them.....Might as well put an ultra light tube in them.

Recommendation: I would recommend these and i would have given these a 5 star rating but these tires are not what they advertise....These are not tubeless.