My pros and cons above are relative to tires I just pulled off (Kenda Nagaval Pro 26.2,25). Had to downsize from 2.35 due to new wider rims (a little frame rub). LBS only hat the Velociraptors in stock (in 26"). I see a lot of rolling resistance cons for the Velociraptors. Honestly, they seem to roll a little better than the Nagavals. I ran 50 lbs in the Navagals, and do the same in the Velociraptors. Both climb great, but loose pack cornering feels more stable and predictable on the Velociraptors. But on tarmac, the Velociraptors loose confidence. Only concern at this time is sidewall. The Velociraptors, although not as wide, feel soft and have noticeably more flex. I see hints of pinch flats in the near future. Time will tell. For the price though... nice tire.
Pros Great loose pack cornering. Great climbing traction. Inexpensive.
Cons Softer sidewalls.
Only available in 2.1 for 26"... would be nice to have a 2.2 or 2.3.
This is an update to my original post. Have ridden these on more aggressive trails since with sharp rocks, loose gravel, roots, steep climbs, etc. I'm dropping from 5 stars to 4, again comparing these to Nevegals. On aggressive ridding, confidence isn't has high. The softer sidewalls gave me the feeling I was going to pinch flat at any moment. Still an awesome climbing tire, though. And still great tires considering their price point. But I did find 26" Kenda Nevegals to put back on the bike, and you kinda do get what you pay for. Just sayin'.
These were on the 26" bike I was given as a starter bike. They grip and corner well and I understand they are inexpensive. I do like my Minions better, but they are expensive. I would buy these again with no hesitation.
I have ridden these tires for years. While upgrading to new disk ready rims I got a new pair of Velociraptors from Nashbar for $23 / tire. These tires are great in every aspect of mountain biking. The only time these tires are not great is if you ride on roads, they just don't roll well on smooth surfaces. That being said, they are not made for that anyways. In the woods or on trails there are no other tire I would run.
Corey Maddocks said, " I've been riding WTB Velociraptor tires on my mountain bike because they're inexpensive and have the traction and durability of a tractor tire. Unfortunately they also have the weight and rolling resistance of a tractor tire. " If you don't care rolling resistance and weight this tire is for you!
I read that these are heavy and slow rolling, and I didn't think that would bother me...but it did. I definitely can't complain about that for the price though. I'm still happy with my purchase after 1 full season of riding them.
These tires were great. They have specific front and rear tires that complement each other. They have great traction and are like superglue on the trail. Highly recommend these if you are on some sloppy trails.
Pros These came stock on my bike and work great on the street or trails (I inflate mine slightly higher for the road and they roll easily). Not expensive to replace should you manage to destroy one - which I haven't yet. I feel very confident rain, snow or shine with these on!
I rode these tires for a short time hoping they'd to be like the Panaracer Smoke/Dart combo. They are not as good as the Panaracers but were not bad especially for the money. They shed mud pretty well and their grip was decent but they seemed very narrow. Overall a nice tire especially for the price, but there are better choices out there.
Pros - inexpensive
- f/r specific
- front tire rides a line very nice
- rear tires grip well
Cons - inexpensive
- not the Panaracer Smoke/Dart combo
Huge increase from the old Bontrager Connection Trails I was running. They were great tires, but it was time. Great grip in pine straw, leaves, sand, and rocks. Even impressive in the rain on all the above.
I run these on both of my bikes. They seem to work best for me when I have them inflated between 35 and 45 psi. I've only lost traction one time with them, but to this day I still believe it was my fault not the tires fault. They stick to everything. I don't race so rolling resistance is not a factor. These tires handle any thing in PA ( rocks , rocks and more rocks with some roots thrown in) and they haven't failed yet. The only thing I haven't tried them in yet is snow ,thats coming this season, and I doubt I will have a problem with them.
Pros Traction , Price , Quality , Reliability and they look cool on my bikes.
No need to echo others reviews about this great tire. For the high rolling resistance crowd, reverse the rear tire so it runs opposite of the markings. 95% of the traction with only about 75% of the rolling resistance. Not perfect but a good improvement.
Pros New England has alot of Depth to the trails. Meaning the trails are often covered in leaves and Pine needles. These seem to be the only tires that stick in those conditions
Cons Not really wide enough. They only come in 2.10 a 2.2 or 2.3 would be nice
Pros Im 245 lbs. And two tires I tried out washed out all the time. Especially on wet roots. These tires will grip anything. And I mean anything. I love them. Get them. Bet u can't find one bad review. That should tell u something.
Cons Maybe the front tire isn't as grippy as I thought? Still good though.
| ThankMy pros and cons above are relative to tires I just pulled off (Kenda Nagaval Pro 26.2,25). Had to downsize from 2.35 due to new wider rims (a little frame rub). LBS only hat the Velociraptors in stock (in 26"). I see a lot of rolling resistance cons for the Velociraptors. Honestly, they seem to roll a little better than the Nagavals. I ran 50 lbs in the Navagals, and do the same in the Velociraptors. Both climb great, but loose pack cornering feels more stable and predictable on the Velociraptors. But on tarmac, the Velociraptors loose confidence. Only concern at this time is sidewall. The Velociraptors, although not as wide, feel soft and have noticeably more flex. I see hints of pinch flats in the near future. Time will tell. For the price though... nice tire.
Pros
Great loose pack cornering. Great climbing traction. Inexpensive.
Cons
| ThankSofter sidewalls.
Only available in 2.1 for 26"... would be nice to have a 2.2 or 2.3.
This is an update to my original post. Have ridden these on more aggressive trails since with sharp rocks, loose gravel, roots, steep climbs, etc. I'm dropping from 5 stars to 4, again comparing these to Nevegals. On aggressive ridding, confidence isn't has high. The softer sidewalls gave me the feeling I was going to pinch flat at any moment. Still an awesome climbing tire, though. And still great tires considering their price point. But I did find 26" Kenda Nevegals to put back on the bike, and you kinda do get what you pay for. Just sayin'.
ThankThese were on the 26" bike I was given as a starter bike. They grip and corner well and I understand they are inexpensive. I do like my Minions better, but they are expensive. I would buy these again with no hesitation.
Pros
Traction, cornering
Cons
| ThankNone.
I have ridden these tires for years. While upgrading to new disk ready rims I got a new pair of Velociraptors from Nashbar for $23 / tire. These tires are great in every aspect of mountain biking. The only time these tires are not great is if you ride on roads, they just don't roll well on smooth surfaces. That being said, they are not made for that anyways. In the woods or on trails there are no other tire I would run.
Pros
Cornering
Climbing
Confidence inspiring
Cons
| ThankNothing
Corey Maddocks said, " I've been riding WTB Velociraptor tires on my mountain bike because they're inexpensive and have the traction and durability of a tractor tire. Unfortunately they also have the weight and rolling resistance of a tractor tire. " If you don't care rolling resistance and weight this tire is for you!
Pros
TRACTION!
corners well too
LONG LASTING!
Cons
| Thankrolling resistance
weight.
This is the best item I have gotten for my bike will be buying the front tire soon.
Pros
Grips on everything
Cons
| ThankRolling Resistance
Great tires for the price. Great tires in any condition. I still have a velociraptor on my rear & have a Maxxis Ardent 2.25 on the front.
Pros
Tough, climb well, great traction
Cons
| ThankRolling resistance
Great for steep, rocky,muddy root filled climbs.
Pros
This tire grips and climbs very well.
Cons
| ThankRolling resistance
Still one of the best mud sheding tyres you can buy and what a price!! can get three sets of these for the price of 2 tyres on any other major brand
Pros
great in loose, wet and or muddy trails
Cons
| Thankdo not roll well on tarmac / smooth
I read that these are heavy and slow rolling, and I didn't think that would bother me...but it did. I definitely can't complain about that for the price though. I'm still happy with my purchase after 1 full season of riding them.
Pros
Excellent traction, tough, great price
Cons
| ThankSurprisingly slow rolling.
These tires were great. They have specific front and rear tires that complement each other. They have great traction and are like superglue on the trail. Highly recommend these if you are on some sloppy trails.
Pros
Awesome Grip
Easy to Mount
Cons
| ThankSlower Roll
Highly recommended
Pros
These came stock on my bike and work great on the street or trails (I inflate mine slightly higher for the road and they roll easily). Not expensive to replace should you manage to destroy one - which I haven't yet. I feel very confident rain, snow or shine with these on!
Cons
| ThankNone so far.
I rode these tires for a short time hoping they'd to be like the Panaracer Smoke/Dart combo. They are not as good as the Panaracers but were not bad especially for the money. They shed mud pretty well and their grip was decent but they seemed very narrow. Overall a nice tire especially for the price, but there are better choices out there.
Pros
- inexpensive
- f/r specific
- front tire rides a line very nice
- rear tires grip well
Cons
| Thank- inexpensive
- not the Panaracer Smoke/Dart combo
Nothing negative to say about these tires and I would highly reccomend them to anyone.
Pros
Great traction, stable in the corners, easy to mount
Cons
| Thanknone yet
would not buy again
Pros
good traction.
Cons
| Thankslow and heavy
Huge increase from the old Bontrager Connection Trails I was running. They were great tires, but it was time. Great grip in pine straw, leaves, sand, and rocks. Even impressive in the rain on all the above.
Pros
Traction
Price - Jenson USA was the best
Cons
| ThankDrag in wet
I run these on both of my bikes. They seem to work best for me when I have them inflated between 35 and 45 psi. I've only lost traction one time with them, but to this day I still believe it was my fault not the tires fault. They stick to everything. I don't race so rolling resistance is not a factor. These tires handle any thing in PA ( rocks , rocks and more rocks with some roots thrown in) and they haven't failed yet. The only thing I haven't tried them in yet is snow ,thats coming this season, and I doubt I will have a problem with them.
Pros
Traction , Price , Quality , Reliability and they look cool on my bikes.
Cons
| ThankHaven't found any yet.
No need to echo others reviews about this great tire. For the high rolling resistance crowd, reverse the rear tire so it runs opposite of the markings. 95% of the traction with only about 75% of the rolling resistance. Not perfect but a good improvement.
Pros
Traction. Price.
Cons
| ThankRolling resistance
Great grip Great durability Great tire
Pros
New England has alot of Depth to the trails. Meaning the trails are often covered in leaves and Pine needles. These seem to be the only tires that stick in those conditions
Cons
| ThankNot really wide enough. They only come in 2.10 a 2.2 or 2.3 would be nice
Quit reading this! Buy it now! Thank me later
Pros
Im 245 lbs. And two tires I tried out washed out all the time. Especially on wet roots. These tires will grip anything. And I mean anything. I love them. Get them. Bet u can't find one bad review. That should tell u something.
Cons
| ThankMaybe the front tire isn't as grippy as I thought? Still good though.