Bontrager SE5 Team Issue tyres

[Paul Mac]

I've got a Trek Rail 9.8 using the bontrager se5 team issue tyres.
I am finding there wet weather performance horrible.
They just have no grip in anything other than the dry.
Anyone else notice this?
They get 9 out of 10 in Enduro magazine for general use tyres.

 

[p3eps]

I've got a Trek Rail 9.8 using the bontrager se5 team issue tyres.
I am finding there wet weather performance horrible.
They just have no grip in anything other than the dry.
Anyone else notice this?
They get 9 out of 10 in Enduro magazine for general use tyres.

I was actually surprised with how good they were in the 3 weeks I used them.
Most trails were a bit wet - not full blown sludge, but far from dry and dusty!
The tread after about 100 miles seemed notably reduced from new though... must be a fast wearing tyre.

 

[Bomble]

I took a demo Rail out yesterday around ladybower and was surprised how good the tyres were to say everywhere was waterlogged.

 

[knut7]

When I tested the 9.8 I found the tyres were surprisingly good for a somewhat hard 50/60 shore rubber. But on my trails, when they're wet, I prefer softer rubber, usually some Maxxis maxxterra 3C compound.

 

[Bomble]

There isn’t a huge amount of mud on the ladybower route I took so they could be poor in the sludge I guess.

 

[Paul Mac]

Oh, just me then ?
What pressures are you lot using?

 

[WilkyWay]

I'm very happy with the performance of my SE5's. I've never felt that they're lacking in any way and I've only ever ridden in the wet/mud/snow with them.

 

[p3eps]

Oh, just me then ?
What pressures are you lot using?

I was 21psi rear and 18 at the front.

 

[Paul Mac]

I was 21psi rear and 18 at the front.

That's much softer than I was trying.
I was on 22f and 26r.
I weight about 80kg kitted up.
Will try lowering the pressure a bit

 

[p3eps]

That's much softer than I was trying.
I was on 22f and 26r.
I weight about 80kg kitted up.
Will try lowering the pressure a bit

I’m about 85kg, and could have probably done with another psi or 2!in the rear. Front was spot on though.

 

[WilkyWay]

I'm 70kg kitted up, run 25psi front and 27psi rear. Same as my none e-bike. Have tried lower and higher and this is my sweet spot. All down to personal preference though.

I'd say just experiment and see what you like.

 

[Hannibal]

I’ve been Aston hill in very nasty conditions and must say they are not as good as magic Mary by a long way. Not tried them in the dry but I’m guessing they will be good.mm for next winter for sure

 

[Doomanic]

The 7 comes with XR5 Team Issue and they aren't terrible. They look a bit like a DHR2, just slightly smaller knobs.
I have swapped out the front for, wait for it...

...a Magic Mary which has improved the steering and grip on the front.

 

[p3eps]

That's much softer than I was trying.
I was on 22f and 26r.
I weight about 80kg kitted up.
Will try lowering the pressure a bit

Any better with a few psi removed?

 

[Hannibal]

The 7 comes with XR5 Team Issue and they aren't terrible. They look a bit like a DHR2, just slightly smaller knobs.
I have swapped out the front for, wait for it...

...a Magic Mary which has improved the steering and grip on the front.

Also on a 7 and just ordered a magic Mary

 

[zaykay]

I test rode Rail 9 with SE5’s and have XR5’s on Rail 7. I have been positively surprised about them, especially when tubeless. I agree their worst side is on very wet conditions. Everywhere else I don’t see a reason to change them. I’m 80kg’s and running 20 psi front and 21,5 psi rear tubeless.

 

[Paul Mac]

Any better with a few psi removed?

Yes running 20 front and 25 rear, much better.
But our woodland mud is definitely not their forte

 

[Standingwaves]

Team issue tyres do not inspire confidence. I switched to MAXXIS Rekon 120tpi and it make a very noticeable difference in handling and grip.

 

[Bomble]

Now I’ve bought a Rail and done a few miles on the se5 teams, I agree they are poor in mud, I lose the front quite a bit when hitting muddy tech sections at speed, they seem pretty good everywhere else though, might take them off till the summer.

 

[Doomanic]

Magic Mary 2.6.

 

[Bomble]

I’ve used Mary’s before a lot and really couldn’t fault them but I have a pair of mich non e wild 2.4’s I had on my Levo that are virtually new so might pop them on till it dries up.
Might be easier just putting a Mary on the front though?

 

[dochabanero]

I’ve only ridden in really wet and muddy conditions with my SE5s. Never gained much
confidence in them and ended up getting a set of Maxxis DHR/DHF. Hoping they’ll do the trick.

 

[StuE]

I have an SE4 team issue on the rear of my bike and apart from the wear rate it's been excellent