The Hutchinson Wyrm is a tire designed to bridge the gap between XC and enduro riding, which is to say it’s for downcountry, trail, and all-mountain bikes. That’s a lot of ground for one tire to cover, especially with a new and unproven design. I tested the Wyrm on a couple different bikes this summer to find its sweet spot, and here’s what I’ve learned.
- MSRP: €75.99 (about $80USD)
- Sizes: 29×2.40 only
- Weight: 912g as tested
- Directional tread, designed for front and/or rear use
Hutchinson Wyrm construction and specs
The Wyrm is offered in just one size — 29×2.40 — which Hutchinson seems to think is just the right width for what is essentially trail riding. On a set of 32mm internal width rims my test sample measures 61mm across, which is pretty much spot on. I also mounted a Wyrm to a set of 28mm internal width rims and found the tire casing measures 60mm wide, roughly 2.36in. Hutchinson doesn’t specify a recommended rim width for the Wyrm, but 28-30mm is pretty typical for downcountry/trail/all-mountain bikes.
Looking at the tread, the side outer knobs on the Wyrm actually stick out beyond the casing by a couple millimeters. While a few tires like the Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR II have knobs that extend wider than the casing, it’s typically no more than a millimeter or so. The Wyrm cornering knobs flare outward, and are cocked sideways for flush contact with the ground when the bike is leaned to the left or right.
An alternating set of siped side knobs is inset slightly to provide a transition between cornering and upright riding.
Down the middle of the tread, Hutchinson uses a low profile chevron tread pattern that alternates between narrow and wide. Again, the idea is to aid in transitions into cornering and back again. The center treads are ramped and short, designed to roll fast and easy.
The Hutchinson Wyrm tires use the brand’s “Race Ripost XC” construction that essentially bonds three different compounds. A stiff structural compound (light gray in the illustration above) is used for the base while the side knobs get a stickier and softer compound (red) for maximum grip. The center tread uses a stiffer and longer-lasting compound (dark gray) than the sides.
A 66TPI casing ensures the tire holds its shape without feeling overly stiff. Hutchinson also adds a layer of “Hardskin” puncture protection.
Production tire weights can vary a lot, and Hutchinson says the Wyrm weighs 870g… ±7%. That’s a huge range — 809g to 930g — and will surely send weight weenies to their LBS with scale in hand to get the lightest Wyrm they can find. One of my samples weighs 912.4g which is a good bit over the reported average weight, but still well within range. For a trail tire this is a pretty reasonable weight overall.
As of press time the Hutchinson Wyrm is only available in the Racing Ready version with either black or tan sidewalls. The tires are made in France and are clearly premium quality. I mounted mine without tubes using just a simple floor pump both times.
On the trail
The Hutchinson Wyrm is a directional tire designed for mounting front, rear, or both front and rear.
As a rear tire on my hardtail I found the Wyrm worked great in most conditions. The low profile center tread doesn’t feel draggy and provides a surprising amount of grip on climbs. Braking traction is good too, and really shines when the bike is leaned to the side and the side knobs are engaged in the corners.
At the front of the bike, I found mixed results with the Hutchinson Wyrm. The tire rolls hella fast and the light weight makes for effortless wheel lifts compared to a meatier lead. Across hardpack, rocks, and roots this Wyrm don’t squirm, tracking the trail and damping chatter well.
Where I struggled to wrangle the Wyrm was in loose conditions. I suspect the shorter center knobs aren’t able to punch through to solid ground and this led to premature washouts on more than one occasion. On hardpack the tire transitions well enough, but in sandy soil it goes from feeling sketchy down the middle to solid grip-o-rama in the corners in an abrupt and jarring manner.
Front and rear, the Wyrm clears mud well thanks to wide spacing between the blocks. For most of my testing I ran 15-17psi, though I also rode at 25psi. Higher pressures don’t seem necessary, however, as I never experienced any pinches or punctures over 100+ miles of testing.
Pros and cons of the Hutchinson Wyrm tire
Pros
- Rolls fast
- Quality construction
- Performs well in hardpack conditions
Cons
- Struggles in loose conditions
- Side knobs are overly aggressive compared to the center tread
Bottom line
The Hutchinson Wyrm is a fast-paced option for trail riders who want a blend of efficiency and light weight with more aggressive handling in the right conditions. I prefer the Wyrm as a rear tire, though your mileage may vary.
- Price: €75.99 (about $80USD)
- Buy from Hutchinson retailers.
