Front DH Tyres Accurately Timed: Kryptotal vs Assegai vs Magic Mary vs Vigilante vs Plus+

[RoJo]

Last time I rode the top of Boomslang I was thinking about how to fit tank tracks to the bike .

You’ve got some really interesting results and given me a lot to think about - thanks for doing it! I’m a die-hard Conti fan* (Kryp F+R unless it’s peak summer then I’ll put a Xyn on the back and go sideways everywhere) but I’m finding BPW exceptionally slow running with a lot of surprise soft spots at the moment so I might give the WTBs a go next time I buy tyres.

What trail did you do the testing on? Sorry if I missed it in your video.

* have previous tried most Maxxis tyres and had a brief foray into Schwalbe with a Tacky Chan but that was super scary as soon as the ground dried up

Bottom of Boomslang is out of character with most other trails at BPW as you arrive at sloppy tech. I rode it in the first week and it was an incredible loamer, but that didn't last long with the traffic.
I did this testing on AC/DC as it is a trail of three parts, smooth bike park at top, tech through the woods, then faster sweeping berms and some unsupported corners at the bottom. This allowed me to look at the 3 sector times to see where each tyre performed best.
I'm curious to try another trail in South Wales to keep things interesting, but struggling to think of one that is a) worthy of DH tyres but not so hard that I can't do consistent laps b) includes a wide range of riding characteristics c) pushes the tyres to the limit at multiple points d) fairly consistent over a reasonable range of weather conditions.
Any ideas welcome...

 

[alleeex]

I'm curious to try another trail in South Wales to keep things interesting, but struggling to think of one that is a) worthy of DH tyres but not so hard that I can't do consistent laps b) includes a wide range of riding characteristics c) pushes the tyres to the limit at multiple points d) fairly consistent over a reasonable range of weather conditions.
Any ideas welcome...

Y mynydd or one of the off piste trails up Cwmcarn maybe? The DH race boys are up there all the time at the moment so you might be able to cadge a lift up top a few times too.

There are possibly a few candidates in Clyne Woods (Swansea) or a second secret woods in the Llanelli area but there’s no decent stretch of hard pack if you want a real mix of surfaces.

 

[Who’s There]

Go crazy mate, mix those brands up

Just put a Super Deluxe Ultimate RCT+ coil on the rear of my Husky, the Durolux on the front is fortunately blacked out but my cringe is high! Not quite ready to give up on the Durolux just yet though, works great when I’m going at my limit, but when I slow down to body saving speed it beats the crap outa me. But eventually I will need a coil converted Zeb to be at peace
Back to tires- I seem to basically look for the heaviest, softest model in a series, might not be the smartest approach. The WTB SG1 series has some big numbers, a Judge at 1621g and a Vigilante at 1575g, both tough/high grip. They’re a bit narrow at 2.4 and 2.5 respectively but I’d bet you could slam them without regard into anything. No idea how that much tire would effect speed or feel.
Probably won’t give those a go, don’t have the terrain or the wild abandon necessary for that burly of tire, just like knowing they’re out there. The Vigi I’ve got waiting in the wings is the same one you tested. I will order the companion 27.5 2.6 tough high grip after I test out the front one to make sure it works well in my neck of the woods.
I’ve got a front rim I should replace soon because I kawanged it out of shape pretty good(Butcher did not go flat!) and pulled it back into round enough after replacing all the spoke nipples(popped a couple of heads off so replaced them all) and I’m trying to decide if I’m going to put a 35mm internal rim on to replace the 30, it already has a 35 wide rim on the rear. Curious to see the difference in feel with the wider stance. Unfortunately there is no way to match the branding of the OE spec rear rim….

 

[JP-NZ]

Appreciate the hard work @RoJo thanks.

Big fan of the Assegai maxxgrip DH casing on the front of both my Ebbs

 

[shadowfacts]

Tldr spoiler:
I did A-B-A testing on each day aiming to get in 5 quality laps before swapping tyre, then 5 laps, swapping back again and another 5 laps.

Timing was done by picking the exact GoPro frame where I crossed a specific feature on the trail, e.g. tree, rock, post etc so that I could get accurate timing to 1/60th sec and construct a perfect lap taking the best from each sector.

The results often surprised me and I think "feel" can be misleading. The Assegai for example felt epic, but in the data it is slower in every sector.

View attachment 153444 View attachment 153445

The trend in the chart above strongly suggests that you simply got faster riding the same track for 6 days in a row.

Even on the same tire, your pace improves day over day. Unfortunately, since tire/day was not a controlled variable, I tend to think that the "slow" tires would have been "fast" tires (or at least mid-pack), had you tested them on day 6 rather than day 1.

 

[RoJo]

The trend in the chart above strongly suggests that you simply got faster riding the same track for 6 days in a row.

Even on the same tire, your pace improves day over day. Unfortunately, since tire/day was not a controlled variable, I tend to think that the "slow" tires would have been "fast" tires (or at least mid-pack), had you tested them on day 6 rather than day 1.

Hi, yep for sure I got a lot quicker, and I can't pretend that there aren't dozens of flaws in my testing.

The reason I stuck to the A-B-A format on each day is so that I could get a fair compare of two tyres when I'm riding a similar pace in similar weather. The summary table is based on deltas from each test day, not directly comparing day 1 with day 6. It is a bit iffy adding these deltas to compare say Mary Vs Assegai when all I have is a common baseline of Mary Vs Vigi and Assegai Vs Vigi on another day.

However, I think there are some reasonable conclusions and that is that Mary, Assegai and Kryptotal are similar pace (when compared to Vigi on their respective days) and the noise doesn't allow me to pick a clear winner, even though I preferred Assegai for confidence and Conti least for harsh ride.

Vigi kicked ass because it managed to stay on as test winner. I also analysed sector times to see that it was rolling resistance where this tyre has a consistent advantage in the flatter sections.

Plus sized tyres are fast but hard to control with high standard deviation.

Low grip compounds and thin casings are challenging.

However, these conclusions could be wrong... there is a reason why randomised drug trials cost millions of pounds! Tyre testing is a tricky subject and I'm sure there will be some surprises along the way, but I wanted to at least attempt it because I'm tired of sponsored riders telling me to buy a tyre without even comparing it to the alternatives.

Next up is Albert Vs Assegai, and I've got another battery on order so hopefully I can get even more runs on this in a day.

 

[shadowfacts]

Hi, yep for sure I got a lot quicker, and I can't pretend that there aren't dozens of flaws in my testing.

The reason I stuck to the A-B-A format on each day is so that I could get a fair compare of two tyres when I'm riding a similar pace in similar weather. The summary table is based on deltas from each test day, not directly comparing day 1 with day 6. It is a bit iffy adding these deltas to compare say Mary Vs Assegai when all I have is a common baseline of Mary Vs Vigi and Assegai Vs Vigi on another day.

However, I think there are some reasonable conclusions and that is that Mary, Assegai and Kryptotal are similar pace (when compared to Vigi on their respective days) and the noise doesn't allow me to pick a clear winner, even though I preferred Assegai for confidence and Conti least for harsh ride.

Vigi kicked ass because it managed to stay on as test winner. I also analysed sector times to see that it was rolling resistance where this tyre has a consistent advantage in the flatter sections.

Plus sized tyres are fast but hard to control with high standard deviation.

Low grip compounds and thin casings are challenging.

However, these conclusions could be wrong... there is a reason why randomised drug trials cost millions of pounds! Tyre testing is a tricky subject and I'm sure there will be some surprises along the way, but I wanted to at least attempt it because I'm tired of sponsored riders telling me to buy a tyre without even comparing it to the alternatives.

Next up is Albert Vs Assegai, and I've got another battery on order so hopefully I can get even more runs on this in a day.

It's true, doing any sort of well controlled experiment is difficult. It's interesting to hear your thoughts on the subjective ride experience, regardless of which one was faster. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on the Albert.

I just picked up an albert for my downhill bike, and I'm curious about how it will ride. The knobs compress into the tire noticeably easier, even at slightly higher psi than the Assegai.

 

[irie]

Next up is Albert Vs Assegai, and I've got another battery on order so hopefully I can get even more runs on this in a day.

And please also include High Roller 3

 

[Varaxis]

I thought that the WTB Vigilante would do well, but not that well. I have Assegai 29x2.5 Maxx Grip with DH casing on the front and a WTB Trail Boss 27.5 x 2.6 TCS Tough, Fast DH casing The TCS stands for Triple Compound + Slash guard. I opted for the WTB instead of the Maxxis Aggressor 27.5 x 2.5 DD Dual (compound) because the Aggressor kept spinning out on steep loose climbs.

I found a tyre comparison (see Note* below) of 27 tyres rating them for climbing, descending, braking, and a whole load of other stuff. The Maxxis Aggressor was rated as the best rear tyre and the WTB Trail Boss as the second despite them getting the same overall point score. But the data revealed that the Trail Boss had lost it on ease of installation by 2 points vs the Aggressor. In other words, once the tyre is on, the WTB Trail Boss was better in use than the Maxxis Aggressor. That was enough for me and I sold the Aggressor and fitted the Trail Boss. No more spinning out! When that tyre wore out, I bought another.

At the front, I am on my second Assegai and it really is a good tyre, but I couldn't help thinking that the WTB Vigilante might be worth a punt. However, the Assegai is hard to beat and I wondered whether I really should flash the cash on the Vigilante next time. Following your video, I will give it a try.

Note* Tyre comparison link

The 9 Best Mountain Bike Tires

Are you looking for the best new tires for your mountain bike? We researched almost every tire on the market before purchasing 24 models for side-by-side...

www.outdoorgearlab.com

The review has a lot of information in it and rewards careful reading. Just keep paging down.

It is called "the 9 best mountain bike tyres", but that is 27 different tyres judged in a variety of categories. The link I saved was based on results in 2021, but the survey was updated on 16th Oct'24 to include some new tyres and opens at the updated review. The results of Aggressor vs Trail Boss still stand at 79 points each. The Vigilante is in there and it stands up well vs the Assegai scoring 81 points vs 79 for the Assegai.

PS: I have no idea how they get the overall scores; they are neither the sum of the individual category scores, nor their average.

The TCS stands for what, again?

TCS 2.0. Technology

TCS 2.0 introduces a more robust, easily installed, and dependable tubeless system. A recessed channel along the center of TCS 2.0 rims allows installation of the all-new Solid Strip, which prevents tubeless tape from sagging at the spoke holes and results in a smooth, consistent interface...

www.wtb.com

 

[steve_sordy]

Well that's an eye opener!! Thanks for that @Varaxis I'm sure that I would not have made it up, I must have got if from somewhere, but I can't recall now. That makes me an unreliable witness in legal terms.

I will go change my post (and I will never repeat that error).

 

[Who’s There]

First apologies to RoJo for the thread veering into tires not tested by him, but possibly this discussion can inform him on the issues that we are experiencing. Anecdotal I know. Your results will be different for sure.
I ride at Brown County State Park in South Central Indiana USA, on a Husky HC1 that I’m updating as I see fit, the trails see a lot of use due to the Fabulous job the construction crews have done, As such work Hardened surface is the name of the game. Clay based. Nothing steep as they adhered to fall line recommendation during construction to limit deterioration. Bowled turns followed by tabletop jumps. Safe for geriatric riders. Any decently knobbed tire seems to work on the climbs, mainly riding techniques to keep hooked up over rocks and roots. I am a rear brake dragger by nature. Brakes are strong Magura MT5. As I’m approaching the bowled turns I just want to scrub a little bit of speed off and want to load the front a bit for turn in. If the rear slides it loses directional stability while still in a straight line, upsets smooth entry into corner, my nerves won’t let me late brake and use the rear skid to snap the rear around like I see the young ‘uns do. That’s why I like to run a full soft rear tire. Butcher seems to be holding up just fine back there, possibly the ability to avoid the skid is helping with that.
Trail Boss also seems to catch the extended side knobs onto rocks and roots and kick the rear to the side a bit. 2.6 on a 35mm internal rim.
I will put the Trail Boss on the second set of wheels I am building up and primarily will use them on my own property which is nice soft forest loam which I can churn up if it starts getting too hard-packed.

I have to say one of the positives I experience about the Butchers is that when I feel them starting to slip a bit the slightest easing up on the force lets them hook back up,even just that “oh shit” thought inside my head is enough to reconnect them so far. I use my brake dragging of the rear to both shift a bit more weight to the front and take a bit of speed off, very slight, but has been enough to pull back a front wash out. I think my index finger does this on automatic instinctively when My brain says “Oh Shit”
I’ve also been able to pedal out of front washouts occasionally but that’s definitely a do or die technique, sounds off but it’s a technique that works on off road motorcycles that have a pushing problem in flat corners. Crank on the throttle and snap around the turn.
BTW,Alway Grid Gravity casing.

I just bought a EMTB last year but a lifetime of dirt bikes plus regular mountain bikes since 1990.

Update on the Trail Boss tough/fast rear, easily flatted on a 3” square stone edge, sidewall pinched. Later in the day a buddy rode right over the same spot, I heard his rim clang, no flat, Specialized Eliminator Grid Trail. He was even running 2 psi less than I had in the Trail Boss. Was actually done with Trail Boss anyway, too much skidding at moderate brake applications.
Easy pinch flat of the Trail Boss Tough Causes concern with putting a Vigilante on the rear, probably won’t try one.
Think I May tryout the American Classic enduro tires, 2ply of 120 TPI. 50 bucks each might be worth a gamble. They look cool. Unsure if 2ply 120 TPI is comparable to 2ply 60TPI enough to trust.
Mourning the loss of 2.6x27.5 Butcher Grid Gravity, new model only lists 2.4.
Not enthusiastic about the MaxTerra DHR2 that has came on my MC2 that I just purchased as a trail bike for tighter trails than my HC1, it’s just EXO so I’m anxious on every ride but have left them on temporarily to get a gauge on their performance. Even weak azz DB8 can skid the rear with any more than moderate application.

If I really think about it I should just go directly to a full downhill full soft tire and be done with it….struggling to figure out which one.

Hopefully RoJo gives us a rear tire comparison.

 

[Who’s There]

I also found the E13 dh tires are 55$, if they work for Aaron Gwin then I shouldn’t complain I’d say…
If I decide I’d like to stick with Specialized then I have to drop to 2.4 tires in the rear.Which would be ok as Every review I’ve found so far states they measure true to size. But that creates the option of four different Grid Gravity tires, Butcher, Eliminator, Cannibal, and Hillbilly. Would likely skip the Eliminator as I have no problem dropping behind my buddies on the flats and climbs using the T9 compound(No problem as during first part of ride I can keep up and at the end of the day on the way back to the truck I don’t care if they ride off from me)
Leaning toward Cannibal because it looks like it may have killer braking abilities.
Again, sorry about all the rear tire discussion in a front tire thread but I’m pretty happy with my 2 front tires, the Butcher and the Vigilante that I have on 2 different wheelsets. Maybe If I get a chance to get to Windrock, Rock Creek, or Ride Kanuga later this year I will do some comparison runs between them.

 

[RoJo]

Radial tyre tested here for anyone who is interested:
Front DH Tyres Accurately Timed: Albert Radial vs Assegai

 

[richardpz1]

Nice comparison topic, I’ve actually tested a few of these tyres, and honestly, it mostly depends on riding style and terrain.


From what I’ve seen:

• Maxxis Assegai → Best for maximum grip and confidence, especially on technical and steep descents. It feels very planted, but can be a bit slow rolling.
• Magic Mary → Super versatile. Great grip in mixed conditions and a bit faster than Assegai. A solid all-rounder.
• Vigilante → Good balance between grip and rolling speed. Not as aggressive as Assegai, but still reliable.
• Kryptotal → Surprisingly good performance, especially in loose and rough terrain. Feels stable at speed.
• Plus tyres → More comfort and traction, but timing tests usually show they’re slower due to rolling resistance.

If you’re racing DH or riding aggressive trails, I’d personally go with Assegai front or Magic Mary, depending on conditions. For more flowy trails or mixed riding, something like Vigilante or Kryptotal can be a better balance.