Bontrager Tire Information- An XC racer view.

I have had a bunch of questions on the new tire line up from Bontrager that is available. Mostly, people are asking what they might consider running in certain conditions and what to consider packing along to races and rides this season.
In an attempt to help with this, here are some recommendations: Section 1 below has a breakdown of tire usage by condition, it attempts to make sense of what a tires intended purpose is. In the section 2 at the bottom, I offer a summary of what sets of tires to buy and run based on: how many tires you are thinking of getting and under what conditions to run those tire choices.

With all of this I try to adhere to a few basic rules:
Always pick a tire with a bit heavier tread and sidewall protection than you think you might get away with.
Always run either the same tread pattern front and back, or run more tread on the front than the back.

I base it also on the absence of the Bontrager XDX's and Jones ACX that we are used to having on the bikes, as indeed, it appears Bontrager may be phasing those out. (From what I can figure out, the XDX in the 29er lineup has been replaced with the 29-3 and with the still not released 29-2. The XDX in the 26er world has not really been filled yet, the XR2 is pretty close from a traction standpoint, but I think the XR3 conspicuously missing from the lineup will be the real niche filler if/when they release it. The ACX is being replaced with the XR-4 and 29-4 tires in the two wheels sizes.)

Section 1

Smoother dry course with good flowing corners and such:
26 inch wheels:
Bontrager XR0
Bontrager XR1
Bontrager XR2 Tubeless

29 inch wheels
Bontrager 29-0
XR1 29er

The 29-0 and XR0 and XR1's are not tubeless rated or advertised tires. They have a fairly light weight side wall system that gives good casing compliance and tends to fold out of the way when rocks are encountered rather than slice through like a stiffer side wall may. As such, they are also kind of porous when it comes to getting them to seal tubeless if you try to set them up that way. The beads are actually fairly solid, so that aspect seems to hold in a tubeless setup. If you do decide to try them tubeless, consider using both Stan's and Superjuice to get a good setup. The latex based Stan's tend to create a good "permanent seal" to the sidewall porosity as the Superjuice particles clog them. But keep in mind, THEY ARE NOT MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED FOR TUBELESS USE.
The XR-2's I have only seen at the dealer show and was very, very impressed with. It is a good cross over tire between lower rolling resistance and adequate traction for most Virginia/Maryland/NC style courses. I have a pair of these arriving this week that I may brave using at the Warrior Creek 6 hour if conditions allow. It appears to be a step up from the XDX in power and braking traction, I will be curious to see how it holds for cornering traction against the older XDX, I am thinking it will be superior in that realm as well.

Smoother course with sharp corners or slightly loose leaf litter or courses with more rocks and loose terrain:

26inch Front
Bontrager XR4
26 inch Rear
Bontrager Revolt
Bontrager FR3

29 inch Front
29-3 29 x 2.1 inch version it is the one with the angled linear knobs in the picture (note here: Bontrager rates the 29-3s as a dual position tire (front or back) it is apparent though that the 2.0 version may be a better rear tire than front, and vice versa for the 2.1's)
29-4

29 inch rear
29-3 29 x 2.0 inch version it is the one with the horizontal knobs in the picture.
FR-3 29er

All of these tires in this category are tubeless ready.
The XR4 and 29-4 are dream tires on the front. Good angled knobs with some taper to them, they tend to shed mud and dirt really well and hook up in a predator-supernatural kinda way. The sidewall casing are solid and seem to hold up really well also. In really muddy or loose conditions, they would also be awesome on the back of the bike.

The FR3's are a Free Ride style tire, super solid sidewalls and thicker tread durometer means they can take big hits from rocks and such and keep going. The center bead on them is intended to offer low rolling resistance when on solid surfaces, and when setup tubeless the tread on the sides will press into the ground on softer surfaces. I recommend the FR3's for when there are rocks or when there are periods of significantly alternating conditions Loose rocks, mud, to pavement and back again.
The Revolt and 29-3 29 x2.0 are really only rear tires in my mind, and I am not sure I would recommend either for super sharp rocky conditions. The Revolt would do OK with that if you were cautious, as it has a wider tread surface than the side walls, so effectively, the tread helps to shield the sidewalls from rocks. the 29-3 appears to be a really great tire for loose conditions, or for when the terrain is roots and such, but I would be very cautious on rocks with it.

Muddy Stuff:
26 inch
Bontrager XR4
Mud X TLR

29 inch
29-4
Mud X TLR 29

This past weekend at the BRS, I ran a 26x2.0" MudX on the back and an FR4 26 x 2.2" on the front. I was surprised with how well they both hooked up the entire time.


Section 2

So, to try and boil it down, what should I buy, and when should I run it?

If you are looking at getting 2 tires for all conditions: (budgeted minded approach, this will leave you over gunned in some conditions though)
26" crowd
Bontrager XR4 and Bontrager XR2 Tubeless

29" Crowd
29-4 front and either a FR-3 29er or 29-3 29 x 2.0 inch version for the rear.
when deciding between the FR3 or 29-3 look at what you ride the most. If rocky stuff, get the FR-3, if smoother stuff, go with the 29-3


If you are looking at getting 3 tires to cover conditions: (offers the additional option of having a lower rolling resistance pair of tires for when the terrain is smoother or dry)
26" crowd
Bontrager XR2 Tubeless Pair (front and rear) and and Bontrager XR4 to put on the front when things get looser
29" crowd
29-3 29 x 2.0 inch version, 29-3 29 x 2.1 inch version and 29-4 front for when things get looser on the course

If you are looking at getting 4 tires: Effectively gives you three viable alternatives to run: 1- smooth, dry, and fast; 2-Tacky, loamy, fast; and 3- technical, loose, challenging terrain.

26inch
A Bontrager XR4 Bontrager XR1, Bontrager XR2 Tubeless, and a Bontrager Revolt
You run the XR1 rear and XR2 front for a very low rolling resistance setup on a super fast dry course.
The Revolt Rear and XR2 front for a low rolling resistance setup on a tacky or slightly loose course.
You run the XR2 rear and the XR4 front for a moderate rolling resistance setup on a looser or more technically challenging course.


29 inch
29-4, 29-3 29 x 2.1 inch version, (29-3 29 x 2.0 inch version or FR-3 29er), and an XR1 29er
This gives you a similar set of options as the 26 setup above
XR1 rear with 29-3x2.1 front for very low rolling resistance setup on a super fast dry course.
(29-3 x 2.0 version rear or FR-3) with the 29-3 2.1 front for a low rolling resistance setup on a tacky or slightly loose course.
(29-3 x 2.0 version rear or FR-3) with the 29-4 for a moderate rolling resistance setup on a looser or more technically challenging course.


if you have the cash, consider adding a Mud-X or additional XR4 or 29-4 for the rear to any of the above and I think you can cover 90% of all course conditions that we will ride, you would match it with the XR4 or 29-4 already in the sets.

When selecting tires, they also come in an "Expert" version and "Team Issue" version. In general the team version has a higher thread count sidewall and is a lighter weight tire. Durability and tire function should be similar between the two though.


I hope this helps and makes some sense of the Bontrager Tire line to you all. If there are any lingering questions, please send them my way and I will see what I can come up with.

-Shawn

Today's attempt at a ride.

Bye Kyle simple strap, elegantly demonstrated in the snow.

What can two simple straps do for you?

Eric Moore--sans simple strap

Mich-Co and Shawn...after using the contents of the simple strap

Jo-Pro trying to outdo the simple strap in elegance.

The group-Pre ride-note simple straps.

Simple strap-in place, on standby.


__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was billed large "attack on ohill" Or somesuch thing of epic proportions and scope that it was doomed to failure. Physically, mentally, emotionally, it could never live up to all it was supposed to....especially not in these conditions. Right from the get go, it was soured by getting the 4-runner stuck in pseudo parking area. Strike 1
Then we started into the "single track" --by single, I mean, really it was that....what was normally a fire-road-wide-open descent on Ohill was a single track of hiker foot prints, a set o' cross country skis, and dog poop and yellow snow. It made for curious riding, you would get going for 5 or 10 feet, then have to make a slight steering input, and off you would go....classic stuff. We finally managed to hike a bike and sort of ride our way DOWN through a rock garden section of ohill. As Jason put it "We always climb that faster than we just descended it" Strike 2
We punched out at the bottom and decided to head over towards Reservoir road and do a out and back on that. Combined between Mich-Co running a cop off the road into the ditch and Dirty Uncle Stans non sealant failing me again, we made strike 3 happen. Tubed out we finished the ride and at the top of Ohill I got to play with rogue hoe as a shovel for a bit to get the 4-Runner unstuck.

But looking back...there is nothing else I would have rather done for the day...I got out on my bike with friends, and had some fun. Great friends and great equipment...really, that is what this is all about for me.

Oh yeah, the side theme of the day "Photos of Bye-Kyle straps in the snow" hey, he asked for it
www.byekyle.com

-Shawn

I should ride my bike

but, there seems to be something keeping me from getting out the door.......


And when I do get outside, it chases me.........






ahh well, the weather should get better at some point and I can ride more.....Andy will be disappointed though...

ahh, great weather for riding

Winter Storm Warning--Yeah..it happened.











A few of us rallied for some snow riding today. An impromptu crit around the Carl Smith Center. Super Fun. I think Andy won....between searching for survivors in the snow drifts.
I think stability wise, Jay had the advantage on his Trek Remedy...big tires and good supple suspension kept him low to the ground and in good contact....But Hiser rocked it on the 29er Hard Tail as well. Kate went old school Canti brakes on us and showed no fear on the descents....awesome....
Jenny made snow angels and took pictures....

-Shawn

This Friday

Spread the word!!!

This Friday August 28th the Trek Demo Trailer will be pulling into the Tevendale farm.
This great event will be highlighted by the amazing array of new 2010 Trek and Gary Fisher Bikes available for demo.
Some of the new offerings include (This is just a sample, there are too many to list)

Road Bikes:
Madone 5.5
Madone 6.9
more we can't list

Mountain BIkes:
Superfly 100- First Full Suspension 29er in all Carbon.
Superfly Hardtail- 29er Full Carbon
Trek Remedy- All Mountain Worthy for All day riding.
Trek Fuel EX 9.9
Top Fuel 9.8
more we can't list

The Paranormal Course will be set up for preview riding as part of this event and we plan on having the grill running as well.
Come enjoy what we have to offer, or bring your own items to throw on if you wish.

The Fun should start up around 2pm and go until 8pm.

Info on Trek/Fisher's Policy at Demos can be found here:
http://www.trekfactorydemo.com/
(please go look at this, you need an ID and CC on hand to demo ride etc.)

As always, Helmets are required.

The Amazing Places a Mountain BIke can take you!!

Had an awesome trip these past two weeks. More pictures to follow, also something on the Chimney Chase this weekend tomorrow. Out team rocked!!

This is my favorite picture from the trip....or at least one of my favorites.

Lisbon Urban Course

A bit of video footage from the Lisbon Urban downhill course. Super cool idea for a race and looks like a fun course....I wonder if we can do an XC version of this?

MS Society Saturday

May 16th is MS Society Saturday at the Bike Factory of Charlottesville.
5% of all Purchases for the day are being donated to the MS Society.
Additionally, there will be a grill running from 1pm-5pm.

All day there will be "Bike Tunes for donations" as well. Volunteer mechanics from Team UVA-Pegasus and Bike Factory Racing will be tuning and tinkering on the porch for donations to the MS society.

Come on out, and help the MS society out!!
The Bike Factory is located at
198 Zan Road in Charlottesville, VA.
for more information:
(434) 975-2453

Oh yeah, there is another race today

Something with horses of real flesh and blood.





does this strike anyone else as strangely....uninspiring?

Good luck to everyone at the Wintergreen Hill Climb, Middle Mountain Momma, LODI 12 hour, or the Derby.

Wherever you are, ride fast, and ride safe.

-S

Lodi Tomorrow

Yup, we are going. Looking to be a strong crowd of racers. We are bringing the big guns to fend off the competition with (read barbeque and kegs). Really this is gonna be a party for us, a few of our team members are gonna bury the hatchet and fight hard, but many, are out for the birthday cake.
Does this guy strike fear into anyone else.....


See ya tomorrow.

-S

Happy Birthday Dave!!!

Jasper Wins at Twisted Tire!!!

Big News Folks: Jasper took the kids class. I hear it came down to superior course knowledge on his part. During the neck and neck race, Jasper's main adversary took the log, Jasper knew about the clear path around.....and WHAMO!!! He took the win!!!

Nice job Jasper!!!

The New "BFR Garage"

Kinda cool news,we have started the BFR Garage, Scott R. came up with the idea (thanks Scott).
The idea is to allow open exchange of products for our team members between each other or the local cycling community. This is not an outlet where we will sell anything brand new from our sponsors. We are not trying to make a profit on this, but rather, make sure that the good parts we have laying around idle, get pressed into service by someone that can use them. The BFR Garage is going to be shown as an RSS feed on the right hand side of this page and you can simply click through to check out what is there at any time. On occasion a used bike or two may be for sale, a fork, some handlebars, cranks, etc.
Please though, don't start emailing from overseas asking how much for a new Trek Remedy.....we won't respond with anything but "see your local Trek Dealer"


Happy "shopping"

-Shawn

Bike and Build

So I just got word from one of the counselours here at the school, Andy Erwin. Over the summer he will be riding his bike 4,000 miles across the country. I am always impressed when someone can give up a whole summer to do these things. Super cool to take on a cause like this. Me, I am too selfish I guess. I hope to also ride 4,000 or more miles this summer, only I want to do it in races and in training....so my only cause....sadly is me.

Follow Andy here
http://andrewbikescrosscountry.blogspot.com/

You can donate to Andy's cause as well through his page on Bike and Build


-Shawn

Sick Days

I once had a doctor tell me that with increased lung capacity comes an increased risk of respiratory infections. Don't know how true that may be, but I have a good one going now. For some reason every spring finds me with a sinus load of colors and lungs full of cookies. Makes it hard to train right now. But truly a few days off is not bad either. Tucker likes sick days. He gets to not run with the big dogs and stay on the couch.
FORD #1 this weekend.

Who is going?

SIlence on the blog front

It seems that with Dave away on his honeymoon, we are not getting much up on the blog, so I thought I would post a brief update to the world.
Over the last couple of weeks, BFR has managed to obtain the lead in the VORS series this year. We seem to have hit a solid start in multiple categories but most notably, Expert Women, Single Speed and Sport Men and Women. Our team showed racing prowess here in the Charlottesville area on home turf and will be venturing to Richmond for next weekends Hilbert Race. Hopefully we can show some solid work there.

On the equipment front, everyone is running well. I just started riding the new Rotor Q-Rings. Two rides in, I LOVE THEM!!

I will get a few more rides in before I yield a final verdict, but from the beginning just riding around the yard I noticed a notable difference in pedal stroke and work. I am curious what difference they make on longer rides as well.

Additionally, our new team apparel arrives TODAY from Sugoi. Excited about the clothing, always top quality, but to this point, customer service has been pretty lacking. I am hoping they follow up with me on a few things this coming week.

-Shawn

Meltdown--Results

Below are the results from todays fun. They are all done in the following format.
Place, Name, Team, Start Time, Lap Time(s), Total Time

Beginner Men
1 Troutner, Marshall 10:06 11:04 0:58
2 Royer, Chris 10:06 11:07 1:01
3 Miller, Matthew Endorphin 10:06 11:08 1:02
4 Eggleston, Dan 10:06 11:11 1:05

Junior Beginner
1 King, Jake CRC 10:06 11:06 1:00
2 Nicolas, Breton 10:06 11:57 1:51

Junior High School

1 Risberg, Henry 10:04 10:52:33 11:38:50 1:34:50
2 Smith, Eric Charlottesville High School Mountain Bike Club 10:04 10:57:00 11:47:23 1:43:23
3 Bell, Connor Gripped Racing 10:04 11:53:19 1:49:19
4 Long, Dillon Blue Ridge School 10:04 11:00:35 12:04:58 2:00:58
5 Massonneau, Andrew Winchester Wheelmen 10:04 11:02:51 12:09:48 2:05:48
6 Lynch, Sean Charlottesville High School mountain Bike Club 10:04 11:11:36 12:20:38 2:16:38
7l Zirkle, Whit Blue Ridge School 10:04 11:08:25 DNF

Sport Men

1 Ortiz, Daniel Bike Factory Race Team 10:02 ??? 11:33:50 1:31:50
2 Dreyer, Cyrus Bike Factory Race Team 10:02 10:50:00 11:35:00 1:33:00
3 Bell, Ken Gripped Racing 10:04 10:49:56 11:38:15 1:34:15
4 Stahl, Mark SEAVS RACING 10:02 10:51:35 11:39:40 1:37:40
5 Thatcher, Hurt Appalachian State 10:02 11:41:45 1:39:45
6 Dabler, Randy Spud Racing 10:02 10:53:15 11:46:25 1:44:25
7 Lindblad, Paul Gravel 10:02 10:55:26 11:47:09 1:45:09
8 Seguin, Jim Charlottesville Racing Club 10:02 10:56:39 11:50:55 1:48:55
9 Sharp Ii, Brown 10:02 10:58:05 11:51:50 1:49:50
10 Smead, Chris 10:02 10:55:38 11:52:16 1:50:16
11 Hogan, Brendan 10:02 11:00:28 11:53:53 1:51:53
12 Baker, Jaimison Carytown Bicycle Company 10:02 10:57:12 11:54:49 1:52:49
13 Eiserman, Robert Deaf Guy Racing 10:02 10:05:45 11:55:18 1:53:18
14 Perpetua, Joe 10:02 10:57:47 11:55:49 1:53:49
15 Pelz, Joseph 10:02 11:02:03 11:59:38 1:57:38
16 Hiser, Jason bareinternational.com 10:02 11:03:24 12:01:55 1:59:55
17 Tressler, Lyal 10:02 11:02:00 12:02:36 2:00:36
18 Homick, Michael Team 53X11 Coffee 10:02 11:03:25 12:03:37 2:01:37
19 Scott, John Bike Factory Race Team 10:02 11:03:40 12:03:54 2:01:54
20 Nadas, Joshua Proteus 10:02 11:04:55 12:10:44 2:08:44
21 Guy, Cedric bareinternational.com 10:02 11:13:30 12:11:44 2:09:44
22 Mitchel, Brian 10:02 10:59:35 12:13:50 2:11:50
23 ???? 10:04 10:59:40 12:18:48 2:14:48
24 Dunay, Matthew 10:02 11:12:30 12:26:40 2:24:40
25 Diehr, Lee The Bike Lane 10:02 11:19:06 12:37:00 2:35:00
26 Massonneau, Christopher Winchester Wheelmen 10:02 11:13:54 DNF

Sport Women

1 Schrock, Kate Light Street Cycles 10:04 11:04:09 12:06:17 2:02:17
2 Howard, Esther Bike Factory Race Team 10:04 11:10:38 12:19:19 2:15:19
3 Dunay, Megan 10:04 11:21:57 12:46:12 2:42:12
4 Stover, Lisa Bike Factory Race Team 10:04 11:28:48 13:10:00 3:06:00

Expert Men

1 Bishop, Jeremiah Cannondale-Mona Via 10:00:00 10:35:45 11:10:30 11:45:21 1:45:21
2 Sundt, Jonny Kelly Benefit Strategies 10:00:00 10:38:00 11:15:38 11:54:38 1:54:38
3 Raynes, Justin SEAVS/Bikes Unlimiited 10:00:00 10:38:24 11:15:47 11:55:52 1:55:52
4 Michaels, Chris 10:00:00 10:39:24 11:19:06 12:02:18 2:02:18
5 Jenkins, Thomas Shenandoah Bicycle Company 10:00:00 10:40:26 11:20:35 12:02:43 2:02:43
6 Rodland, Kyle Independent Fabrications/CRC 10:00:00 10:41:18 11:21:42 12:07:34 2:07:34
7 Kutney, Mark Van Dessel Cycles 10:00:00 10:42:35 11:24:39 12:09:23 2:09:23
8 Cook, Rob 10:00:00 10:42:27 11:24:28 12:10:39 2:10:39
9 Wittwer, Greg Design Physics racing p/b Rowlett's 10:00:00 10:43:13 11:26:20 12:12:18 2:12:18
10 Jones, Bruce ???/ 10:00:00 10:44:06 11:28:44 12:17:02 2:17:02
11 Wittwer, Fred Charlottesville Racing Club 10:00:00 10:48:23 12:23:34 12:23:34 2:23:34
12 Stahl, Scott SEAVS Racing 10:00:00 10:48:00 11:37:14 12:29:59 2:29:59
13 Ramsey, Scott Bike Factory Racing 10:00:00 10:48:55 11:37:04 12:31:24 2:31:24
14 Kelnberger, David Fisher 29er Crew 10:00:00 10:53:00 11:41:14 12:31:50 2:31:50
15 Pence, Richard Charlottesville Racing Club 10:00:00 10:53:05 11:43:55 12:37:00 2:37:00
16 Moffett, William Richmond ASR 10:00:00 10:51:50 11:42:41 12:39:28 2:39:28
17 Runnals, Michael JRVS/Casey Auto Group 10:00:00 10:39:48 11:19:00 DNF

Expert Women

1 Krause, Johanna Velo Bela/CRC 10:00:00 10:47:17 12:24:26 12:24:26 2:24:26
2 Grant, Denelle Bike Factory Racing 10:00:00 10:54:55 11:48:00 12:42:51 2:42:51
3 Scott, Sheila Bike Factory Racing 10:00:00 10:54:24 11:49:16 12:50:52 2:50:52
4 Co, Michelle Bike Factory Racing 10:00:00 10:57:54 11:56:49 12:59:00 2:59:00

Single Speed

1 Senn, Jeremy Bike Factory Racing 10:02 10:47:28 11:29:46 1:27:46
2 Murray, Kevin Bike Factory Racing 10:02 10:48:22 11:30:37 1:28:37
3 Crouse, David The Bike Lane 10:02 10:46:28 11:31:50 1:29:50
4 Pence, Nick JMU 10:02 10:49:03 11:34:20 1:32:20
5 Claman, John The Bike Lane 10:02 10:50:34 11:40:03 1:38:03
6 Lindbloom, Ethan Team Carytown Bicycle Company 10:02 10:53:30 11:42:46 1:40:46
7 Claman, Jeff Pedal Shop/ODBC 10:02 10:55:54 11:46:58 1:44:58
8 Daniels, Nick The Bike Lane 10:02 10:54:45 11:50:02 1:48:02
9 Capelle, Greg Proteus 10:02 10:57:56 11:54:10 1:52:10

File under--worth seeing/don't try

'Tis the Season

It seems I am living on the trainer these days. Cold weather, odd precipitation, and bad hours are leading to the simple, "Jump on the trainer and pound for two hours" mentality Plus Adnan has me doing a bunch of specific work that goes well on a trainer. Two thing that I have found motivate me on the trainer:
1- a focused set of goals in a workout. Having something specific that I am gunning to get done, helps:

2- Loud music or movie. Dark Knight somehow works, and has already solved my costume issue for the Paranormal this year.
Music, here is a sampler...not always for the faint of heart:
">">">


Also on the docket, but unembedable from You Tube: Hollywood Undead, SlipKnot,and Five Finger Death Punch, throw in some random other stuff, and you have "Race Mix" on my iPod.

Perhaps I am opening up the unhealthy side of my psyche here, but hey....we all got our demons, I don't divulge my sources.
I just try to blow mine off the back in a rocky downhill at mile 80 in a race.
What are you doing for yours today?

Peace, I gotta pedal.

-S

New Bikes are Good

They make you want to ride more.
They make you faster.
They make you train.
They eliminate excuses.

Go get a new bike and live up to its demands!!

This is my new steed, prodding me softly from the living room at this moment, "Come get me....the trails are calling."
How can a 22.5 lb machine have so much influence on my day.

GO RIDE!!!

-Shawn