Review : TLR XR4 Tires

Whether you’ll rail a corner or hit the dirt all comes down to how well your tire hook up. These new tires from Bontrager dramatically increase your odds of the former, even on the loosest, sketchiest terrain. Designed by former pro motocrosser Frank Stacy, with input from an army of Trek-sponsored athletes, the TLR’s feel light (and indeed are, at 582 grams), roll fast, and boast an aggressive tread that sticks to even mud-slickened trails like Velcro.

The big side lugs bite hard through tight, fast corners and hold tight in off camber situations. Hardcore XC racers might find them a hair slow on hardpack, but the a blissfully predictable breakaway point and low rolling resistance are well worth the price.

We tested them with tubes, but just add sealant and they’re ready to roll tubeless. TLRs are also available in Team Issue (not tubeless), Expert (durable performance) and Standard (maximum durability) as well as two sizes: 26 x 2.20 (tested), 26 x 2.35; the sister tire, the 29-4 is available in 29 x 2.30.—Selene Yeager

(http://www.bicycling.com/gearfinderproductdetail?gfid=56409).