Review: Versus All Mountain Trail Tires - Direct to Consumer & Straight to the Point

May 11, 2023
by Henry Quinney  
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When the German powerhouses of direct-to-consumer bicycle sales first kicked into gear, you may have come across them and wondered just how they could offer such a well-rounded spec for maybe 20% or even 25% less than you would see at your local bike shop for a similar build. After that initial disruption, there was something of a leveling of the playing field, and I believe we saw some well-established bike brands being sold through brick-and-mortar shops adjust to this, and perhaps now the difference in pricing isn't quite as stark.
Versus All Mountain Trail Details
• 60/63a trail rubber compound
• Tubeless ready
• 3mm height center knobs
• Sizes: 29 x 2.4", 27.5 x 2.4"
• Weight: 1056 g (actual 29 x 2.4" Trail)
• MSRP: $68.50 USD
www.versustires.com

There is an ongoing and similar process happening with tires, too, and hopefully the days of brands offering tires for north of $100 are nearing the end. Delium has been offering tires for around $50 - $60 USD, and just as a point of reference, of the more established brands, Continental's more recent range does a good job of offering both value and performance. Especially for their thinner trail and enduro tires.

Versus has been in that same bracket for a while too, and we thought it was high time they got a review. The brand, which started out as direct-to-customer but is now being rolled out across select retailers, doesn't do too much in the way of thrills, save for some splatter colorways. They offer one tread pattern, which they name as All Mountain, in two casings - Trail and Gravity. You can get these tires singularly, in pairs, or even a three-set with free US shipping when spending over $100.


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Details

Here, I've reviewed the All Mountain tires in the Trail Casing, which have an actual weight of 1056 grams. The tires are intended to be used with rims that have a 30 mm internal rim width. At the widest part of the tread, the tire is 60 mm wide (2.35 inches). At the sidewall, they actually swelled out slightly and measured 61.5 mm.

To look at these tires, they seem to offer something of a halfway house between the DHF and the DHR2. The braking paddle of the latter is present, but so too is the directional toe-in center knobs that you'd find on the former. The center tread has a healthy offset to the edges to hopefully stop any rocks or square edges from falling between them and contacting directly onto the rim under high load. However, a stark difference to the very well-established Maxxis offerings is the low profile 3 mm lugs.

The Trail tires have a folding aramid bead and single wall sidewall. They use a dual compound 60/63 durometer rubber compound and are available in a 2.4" width. The Gravity casing uses a slightly softer compound (52/58 ), a wire bead, and a dual wall sidewall and weighs 400 g more.

I have spent some time on the 1450-gram tires, even going as far as proclaiming that heavy bikes are always better. While it's true that one can yield greater performance when low weight isn't such a priority, at nearly a kilo-and-a-half they're certainly portly. When riding the Gravity model it's clear that so much of that weight is in the wire bead. I was still able to use the full stroke of the tire and had my rims howling several times. For all that weight, I'd prefer a bit more sidewall support. The compound is good though, and they hooked up well even over the wet and slippery roots of a Canadian winter. Although I do like them, personally, if I'm going that heavy I want a tire that can really make do without inserts.



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Performance & Impressions

The tires took to a tubeless setup easily and popped straight onto the bead with a normal track pump. They were also relatively easy to get into the well of the tire.

The tire, much as its looks would suggest, offers many of the same traits as the DHR2, but its ride characteristics aren't entirely identical. The All Mountain tread isn't quite as tall as other tires in the category. This is good in some ways, and bad in others.

The Versus is very good at going between edges, and changes direction well. In fact, the center knobs do an admirable job of all that they can get their hands on. The braking is good, I never suffered any punctures and they roll very adequately. They're not the best on rocks, with the knobs not biting and gripping quite how I would like, but what they lack in that area they make up for on drier or more compacted man-made trails. I do feel though this rubber is on the harder side of what I'd like. The tire has a tendency to sound as if it's scraping rather than biting.

Truthfully, the mud here in Squamish isn't claggy or clay-based, so I can't comment on how well these tires shed mud in the absolute worst of conditions, but even here they did sometimes threaten to get slightly overwhelmed on wet, soft trails. Although they do work better than their small lugs might leave you to believe, there were times on really loamy or wet dirt where they struggled to clear quickly, or feel like they were able to sink into the trails.

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Riding these tires is a tale of two halves. In some ways, it seems very apt that my initial visual comparison drew up qualities of both the DHF and the DHR2, both of which have a reputation of being run on the front or the rear. In my experience though, the DHF embodies many of the traits I'd like of a front tire (lots of security when leaning the bike) and the DHR2 offers the qualities I like in a rear - a good braking edge and predictable transfer across the tire when going from one edge to another. That said, they both do well being used either front or back.

While the All Mountain tread does offer similar characteristics to the DHR2 in many situations - for instance, the braking or the quick transfer from edge to edge, I don't think they offer the same level of support when truly leaned over, likely because the edge knobs are slightly small and shorter than one might hope for. Getting the bike leaned is guided with confidence but when you're really pushing into the shoulder of the tire it has a tendency to feel vaguer and begin to wash.

This isn't something that undermines my confidence on the rear, and in fact, in the right situation it can really help you get the bike rotated in the turns, but on the front, it's just a bit too vague for me. It should be said though, that even at that point it's more of it gradually getting away from you than it snapping from one moment to the next.

The rubber compound itself is on the harder side. Although the grip is reasonable, you could notice that as it began to deflect or slide off roots in the wet. It certainly can also get a little frisky when braking hard on rock slabs, with the tire feeling more as if it's scratching over the stone rather than trying to really grip against it. The rocks here in Squamish are very grippy in the wet, but I did have one or two moments when the rear wheel was threatening to break away under braking a little easier than I would hope. On smoother trails or in a bike park setting the tire really performs well. There are times when I would prefer more shoulder, but all in all they're solid, if not spectacular.

In the dry, these are a fun, consistent tire that hops between edges in a secure and predictable manner, even if they're lacking some support when leaned over.

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Durability

The tires have offered admirable durability. Even the rear isn't showing signs of shredding or peeling. The sidewall is also right on the money in terms of support for its 1 kg. I would love, however, to see the sidewall of the heavier Gravity tire on the bead of the Trail option. In some ways, what I would recommend is getting your favorite Assegai or Kryptotal Front, in the fancy premium rubber, and then buying these in bulk for the rear and spending the money where it really counts. This is a good tire, but its characteristics definitely suit the demands of a rear wheel more than the front.

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Comparison

Last year, I reviewed the Delium Versatile. Delium is also a brand that also aims to bring value to the consumer through its own sales model. How do they compare? Well, they've both clearly taken inspiration from some of the tires I've already mentioned. For all-year riding, the Versatile does exactly what it sets out to do and offers a tire that will perform well in nearly all conditions. However, when it's slightly more hardpack or drier, I would say the consistency of the Versus can't be ignored, especially as you roll the bike between turns and feel the bike flit from one edge to another. In some ways, between these two brands, you've got two good value tires that will mimic the famed performance of the DHF and DHR2 combination after all.



Pros

+ Gradual and consistent going from edge to edge
+ Offers good value, especially on bulk buys
+ Work well on most surfaces, but prefers drier firmer conditions
+ Rolls well
Cons

- Could offer more support from the shoulder of the tire when leaned over
- Didn't feel particularly grippy in the wet
- A softer compound would be nice for rocks and slabs.




Pinkbike's Take
bigquotesThe Versus All Mountain Trail is a good tire. When on the front and back, and taking an average of how the tires perform, it is perfectly reasonable. It works adequately on most trails but I think it could be improved further with a slightly grippier compound, especially when riding techier trails when traction is at a premium. Its traits make it a far stronger candidate for a do-it-all, durable and well-rolling rear tire than something for the front. Treating them as slightly more disposable and pairing these up with your expensive rubber of choice could be a great way to go.
Henry Quinney


Author Info:
henryquinney avatar

Member since Jun 3, 2014
322 articles

181 Comments
  • 102 0
 "When the German powerhouses of direct-to-consumer bicycle sales first kicked into gear, you may have come across them and wondered just how they could offer such a well-rounded spec for maybe 20% or even 25% less than you would see at your local bike shop for a similar build. After that initial disruption, there was something of a leveling of the playing field, and I believe we saw some well-established bike brands being sold through brick-and-mortar shops adjust to this, and perhaps now the difference in pricing isn't quite as stark."

Maybe I've misunderstood this paragraph, but to me it implies that manufacturers who sell through shops lowered their prices to compete with DTC. My experience is that DTC companies have raised their prices which has caused a narrowing of the gap, not the other way round.
  • 6 1
 Many DTC companies are more focused on bringing a better value than a better price now. When you're talking bikes, it usually means a better spec for similar or same price as competitors.

When it comes to DTC component brands, not sure what the "value" translation would be since many component makers will use similar or same exact material but claim it as their technology.
  • 7 0
 Bike Discount were my go to for 10 years, then Brexit happened, now they don't ship to the UK, so we're stuck with UK shops unless we chance the duty on small items.
  • 4 0
 Very true. I remember around 10 to 12 years ago, people would buy a complete YT for the parts only and rebuilding it to another frame. Those days seem long gone now...
  • 1 0
 @pigman65: I think BD paused shipping to UK, but they have now resumed.
  • 2 0
 There was an initial response to the DTC German brands pre-pandemic when there had been a general tightening of belts in the bike industry. I think that's pretty much been erased in the last three years. Our shop, which primarily deals Trek saw a pretty big adjustment for road during that period, Bikes like the Domane with the Ultegra build kit had been selling for north of $4k, Canyon came out with a similar bike and the Domane adjusted down roughly $500. We saw that across the mid-to-high end road models. There was less of an adjustment for MTBs.
  • 7 0
 @noodlewitnosteeze: That's exactly what we're going for, trying to offer more for a similar price.
We can't win on price, only a factory can do that (our cost is quite a bit more than "they" sell OEMs tires for)

We have a 30 day guarantee, frequent buyer program, referral program, do sales & promotions on the site regularly (right now everything is $5 off because it's a Pinkbike Party weekend).

We also donate 1% of our domestic sales to trailbuilding & rider growth initiatives (like Grow Cycling Foundation).

We're also rider-owned company. We love riding bikes. We love digging trails. We came from the bike/outdoor industry & pulled together enough to start our own brand to do things how we think they should be.
  • 2 0
 Not exactly. You're getting more with direct consumer. Compare a commencal meta to a Santa Cruz nomad and you'll see what I mean. a high spec meta costs about the same as the lowest spec nomad.
  • 1 0
 @Exbow: I did that initially, then I bought a Carbon Motobecane and have been VERY impressed. It's way tighter than my 2018 Specialized Cambre FSR which I finally got rid of. And BTW, it's Bikes Direct, not Bikes Discount. Cheers
  • 47 0
 I’m wondering what might be the reason for tires being so outrageously expensive on your side of the pond. Must be all taxes and import duties. Either that or all your retailers allow themselves a very healthy profit margin. I don’t think I ever paid more than like 100-120€ FOR A SET of premium tires (Maxxis, Conti, Schwalbe) here in Europe.
  • 20 0
 I'm in the habit of ordering Maxxis tires from Europe...I don't understand how i can get them from there shipped to me for a lot less then anywhere stateside. Specialized and e13 will do really good sales over here, and I'll stock up on those models i like when that happens.
  • 4 0
 I order Continentals from Europe.
  • 3 1
 @artistformlyknowasdan: I'm pretty sure it's illegal in Europe to set a minimum advertised price from the manufacturer so people can sell cheaper than what Maxxis allows in the US.
  • 1 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: what site do you usually use?
  • 1 1
 @Handsomehwang: Honestly I don't think so. There is something like "suggested price" but it is just suggested and you can sell for less or more. There is also the paradox that direct shops have often higher prices than second-party shops.
  • 2 1
 @Handsomehwang: not sure that’s true. Time I’ve spent on euro sites looking for parts would suggest otherwise
  • 8 1
 @Muscovir are we talking top of the line 3C MaxxGripp Double Down compound DHFs? Top of the line Schwalbe Super Gravity Super Soft?

I ask b/c there are dozens of compounds people will consider acceptable, but those are the compounds I consider will keep me from landing on my face.

Durability can take a hike.
  • 1 9
flag artistformlyknowasdan FL (May 11, 2023 at 10:02) (Below Threshold)
 @stormracing: based out of a country know for their cuisine
  • 9 0
 @blowmyfuse: yeah, within 1min of searching I found a Assegai 29 MaxxGrip DH for 60 bucks and a MagicMary SuperGravity Ultra Soft for 55 euros. with a little patience you can get them sometimes for around 50 bucks
  • 4 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: looking for a bike shop in Iceland>
  • 6 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: so cryptic, help some brothers & sisters out by giving a site. This clue narrows it down in almost no way at all... other than it's NOT in the UK, ha!
  • 2 8
flag artistformlyknowasdan FL (May 11, 2023 at 10:42) (Below Threshold)
 ?? There are only 6 countries that fit that profile….Spain, Portugal, Greece, Italy and France. I can’t imagine going to any other euro country and getting excited for the food
  • 2 3
 @bashhard: it’s so easy, it’s like google does all the hard work
  • 1 0
 @stormracing: I order quite some stuff from amazon.de sometimes other European amazon sites. The prices listed already include 20% sales tax which is deducted when shipped outside the EU but shipping will add on.
  • 1 0
 @Handsomehwang: Provided I correctly understood what you meant, I can assure you that no such legal regulation exists. At least not in Germany.
  • 2 0
 @rrolly: can't pass up some good old fermented shark
  • 7 0
 @RBalicious: he's obviously in Switzerland, where else would it be. Everyone comes here for the rösti, boiled potatoes and butchered Italian dishes
  • 5 0
 @Arierep: Don’t forget:
- Bündner Nusstorte
- Cuchaule
- Saucisson Vaudois
- Malakoff
  • 7 1
 @Armand74: Are these Swiss bike tire brands? lol
  • 8 4
 @bashhard: interesting.

I'll stick to buying my stuff from my local bike shop.

If I don't, they won't have a dime to buy any of my services and we'll both be out of jobs.

But hey, send money to murderous Asian dictators with a stranglehold on slave labor or Bezos.What could possibly go wrong.
  • 4 2
 @blowmyfuse: Yes, I was talking about top-of-the-line stuff.

At one of the most popular retailers with no discount, the Maxxis Assegai / Minion DHR combo in 29" DD MaxxGrip would cost roughly 130€ :

www.bike-components.de/de/Maxxis/Assegai-3C-MaxxGrip-DD-WT-TR-29-Faltreifen-p69490/?v=53239-schwarz

www.bike-components.de/de/Maxxis/Minion-DHR-II-3C-MaxxGrip-DD-WT-TR-29-Faltreifen-p66489/?v=53042-schwarz

Continental, Schwalbe, Specialized and Vittoria are usually cheaper.
  • 1 1
 @Handsomehwang:
RPM (retail price maintenance)is recognised as generally being anti-competitive and, thus, an illegal practice under both UK and EU competition law (under the UK Competition Act's Chapter I prohibition and under Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union respectively).
  • 2 0
 @fudgedredd: ONZA !!!
  • 1 0
 @Handsomehwang: can easily order a top of the line Schwalbe for around $42, and maxxis pretty similar
  • 2 0
 @jhess8: If y'all please could not buy up all the stock all the time that would be great. I've been trying to get a hold of set of Kryptotals for months now Wink
  • 1 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: That's honestly mad that it works out like that. Sure, you don't have to pay German VAT, but the shipping is probably quite a bit and I presume you'd have to pay some form of import duty or tax?
  • 3 0
 @Muscovir: shipping is very reasonable for items like tires, etc…frames and bikes is another story. I usually save about $20-25 USD per tire with shipping vs what I can find in US for the exact same product. Crazy also they tend to get to me faster than most retailers over here. Sometimes the key is to stock up to make shipping worth while, it kinda depends. Also the shop I use is not out of Germany, so I can't speak to whatever rules/shipping they may enforce.
  • 5 1
 @blowmyfuse: It's good for you if you want to spend the money at your lbs. I never used one of their services so I do not support them either by buying their overpriced stuff. But come on, wtf are you on about. I do not use amazon and the stuff you buy at the lbs comes from the same factories as if you buy them online. Just because you spend some money on top of that that goes into your lbs pocket doesn't mean no money will end up where the bike parts are produced.
  • 2 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: hehehe good ranking skills there. Being from Spain I would have the same ranking,love Portugal food.
  • 2 0
 @homerjm: I love Spanish food!
  • 1 0
 @Handsomehwang: I don't think it is legal to mandate a selling price in a contract, but there is plenty of soft pressure from the supply side. IIRC if you sell below MSRP your next order suddenly goes to the bottom of the pile or is lost by an intern. Is that different in the US, can manufacturers sue a shop that sells their product for less than what they want it to cost?
There are plenty of LBS that only sell bikes and components at MSRP around here. And some that advertise on their website with 'come to the store to get a good deal' because they don't want to rub the suppliers the wrong way by publicly advertising a price below MSRP. But some online stores (many of these have a brick and mortar store too, like Bike-Components, Bike-discount and Rose) are big enough that they can't be ignored so they can flip the bird and sell for whatever the hell they want. I've been told that for some components, the retail price at big online stores is more than what the LBS pays wholesale. Apparently they don't manage to form a union and gain some negotiation power.
  • 3 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: I got my own map of awesome cheap places to eat all over the Iberian peninsula. You would be mad in some of those restaurants with "menu del dia" hehehe.
Working all over Portugal and Spain got always some excitement at lunch time,no matter the place, it is awesome.
Try Peruvian food,it is quite good too,I would take it on my 3 position of and international rank behind Spain and Portugal.
  • 1 1
 @jhess8: Amazon has good deals and faster shipping
  • 2 0
 @homerjm: I don’t think I’ve had Peruvian food before but now I’m going to have to try it!
  • 1 0
 @Armand74: I know it's kind of touristy but when I lived over ther I did enjoy my
ZüriGeschnetzeltes Smile
  • 1 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: ceviche is awesome don't know if it's specifically Peruvian
  • 2 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: Then you have to try East Europe cuisine Wink
  • 2 0
 @blowmyfuse: i dont like to brag but very recently i got myself an assegai exo+ maxxgrip and a dhr dd maxxtrail at under £100 for both including post from a german online shop (alpinetrek)
I guess y’all got duty and possibly postage to pay across the pond?
  • 2 0
 @Kebabroll: German online shops are quite fast and got always nice sales. Most of my stuff come from Germany.
  • 3 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: Peruvian food is everywhere on the East coast, their rotisserie chicken is the first thing that comes to mind, but ceviche, plantains, yucca, cabbage, all types of sea food, are all excellent.
  • 1 0
 @BikesBoatsNJeeps: prob unpopular opinion but as someone who grow up on the east coast it's the best selection of food anywhere. No where else has a much 'authentic' variety as there. NYS alone you could do a proper 'world tour of food'.
  • 3 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: I've been to a lot of different areas of this country and would agree. Although Mexican food in California seems to be better than just about anywhere else (except Mexico, obviously), the East coast has the best selection I've found. I'm a bit spoiled, I can get excellent food from almost any nationality within a five-mile radius of my home. I also have neighbors from all over the world. I'm happy to help out, and if they ask me how I'd like to be compensated, I almost ask for a native dish. I cut down my neighbor's tree for ox-tails recently and just yesterday I helped a neighbor set up a new grill for pakoras with chutney.
  • 1 0
 For us in asia it's the other way around, maxxis is dirt cheap like a 3c dd assegai can be bought for around 40 quid while any aggressive offering from continental schwalbe, goodyear and Michelin would be around 50-100% more expenses that their maxxis counterparts

Cheapest ive ever seen the magic mary supergravity go is 65 and contis are around 55

Michelin is probably the most ridiculous at 100 quid
  • 1 0
 @BikesBoatsNJeeps: "I can get excellent food from almost any nationality within a five-mile radius of my home. I also have neighbors from all over the world"
As a Colorado resident now I truly miss that. Not that there isn't any mix but compared to where i grew up in NYS, CO is very monochromatic
  • 1 0
 @fudgedredd: they taste pretty much as bad as tires, so maybe?
  • 1 0
 @artistformlyknowasdan: your access to excellent outdoor sporting is far better than mine. When I first visited Colorado back in the 90s it was a pretty amazing place. Last time I was there a few years ago I was a little shocked by the amount of traffic and sprawl. Seems like the I25 corridor is just one big traffic jam. Almost as bad as the DC region where I live.
  • 1 0
 @BikesBoatsNJeeps: This is why I moved to where I am, the riding and skiing is ridiculous good.
  • 2 0
 @BikesBoatsNJeeps: Your "Will Work for Food" sign is doing well.
  • 2 0
 @blowmyfuse: Who the f*ck sends money to a murderous Asian dictator for tires? Unless you buy Specialized tires, or Yeti frames (each made in Vietnam, a country with a 4 out of 40 Freedom Index Political Rights score) you will not simply accidentally support a tyrant. It's worth mentioning you are quite likely to find both Specialized tires and Yeti bikes at your LBS.

Maxxis is made in very free Taiwan, Schwalbe in mildly free Indonesia, Versus is also in Taiwan (that took some digging), and Conti in Germany. Supporting your LBS, and denouncing Amazon is cool and all but don't just talk out of your ass.
  • 1 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: some Continental tires are made in Gemany but not the new mtb line.
  • 3 0
 @homerjm: I was under the impression their top-end tires/compounds were still in Germany, while their cheaper tires are made in China/India.
  • 1 1
 @ryanandrewrogers: When they released their new tires they said something like new tires where made in Asia with a new compound.
  • 2 1
 @homerjm: The DH-casing tires and some of the enduro casing tires are still made in germany, the rest is made in asia
  • 1 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: why are you staring at my ass online?
  • 1 0
 @blowmyfuse: Because it's quite astounding you manage to type with it.
  • 2 0
 @ryanandrewrogers: stay tuned. It only gets better.

My ass that is.
  • 1 0
 @Muscovir: I'm loving them. Yes, they are hard to get ahold of at the moment (soft compounds).
  • 1 0
 @jjhobbs: That's on sale, not MSRP. That said... Jenson has a really good deal on Maxxis right now. Assuming other online retailers are blowing out stock as well.
  • 1 0
 @fudgedredd: yes, but that's the point, they can sell at price they wish, as it's against the law for manufacturers/distributors to dictate prices, they are never at full price here.. unless you got to lbs and face don't fit
  • 1 0
 @bashhard: None of the new enduro/dh tires are made in Germany. Continental is kind enough to have a "made in Germany" filter in their web site so you can see what tires are made there.
German made tires are old models only and some other non mtb tires.
  • 1 0
 @homerjm: So please explain why my Kryptotal-F says "Made in Germany" on the sidewall
  • 1 0
 @homerjm: continental is probably one of the few that actually makes their tires out of asia, not all companies abuse the "made in xxxx" loophole
  • 30 1
 Thanks for trying out the tires @Henry!

It's worth mentioning that we aren't exclusively DTC. Now that we can finally get tires again, we're starting phase 2 of our rollout and are partnering with select retailers across the US & Canada, as well as opening international distributors.

Besides our website, the tires are also available at Dreamruns in Orange County, CA, Howler Bike Shop in Springfield, MO Kore North Bicycles in Meridian, ID, BikeXtore in Mexico, Da Bomb Bikes in Dubai, Bike Suite in Singapore.

If you work at a community focused bike shop or International Distributor, please get in touch as we're actively looking for partners.

See you on the trails!
  • 3 0
 Will there be more size offerings?
  • 1 0
 @VersusTires: Be prepared for a message coming to you on Insta in 3,2,1,...
  • 3 1
 Glad to see Ryan at Kore North on your retailer list. Really good dude, rad shop.
  • 2 1
 @Lostrodamus: Super rad. Met them @Bootleg last year. Great Crew.
  • 2 0
 I always loved those tires from the first day I saw them! Glad to see they are coming in Canada because shipping and duty fees are killing us when ordering from the USA
  • 1 0
 @MarioandKristie: Yeah, it definitely sucks. Fedex has a new option that's A LOT less expensive than previous versions though, shipping a set of trails to Canada comes out to be under $20usd (we pay part of the international shipping since shipping is included to the US).
  • 23 1
 I support LBS, when it comes to tires, havent bought one at an LBS in about 20 years.
  • 14 2
 And why would you? I don’t think a LBS could realistically add anything of value to the process of buying and installing new tires.
  • 14 0
 @Muscovir: advice to the un-seasoned. Everyone starts somewhere. And good advice goes a long way.
  • 2 0
 @Muscovir: Can't find it now but I saw a mtbr thread about people bringing a scale to their LBS to get the lightest Ikon in stock
  • 11 0
 Luckily we have Specialized dealers around here, so I can pick up some Grid Trail tires when they have the annual sale going on. $52 for some Butcher Grid Trail T7, it's an easy pick over the overpriced Maxxis tires. And I don't have to wait for shipping from Europe.
  • 9 0
 @nickfranko: shhh don't need all those maxxis sheep flocking over and driving up the price of a better tire
  • 9 0
 @nickfranko: those Specialized tires when they go on sale, which seems pretty frequent, are hard to beat. Love the Butcher in T9
  • 8 0
 @bxxer-rider: What advice? Last year I saw a new rider on his trail bike riding Maxxis Shortys front and back the whole Summer. And I couldn't say anything to the guy because he got them in our friend's LBS.
  • 8 0
 @pakleni: that guy is going to be an absolute rocket when someone finally gets him on the right tires
  • 2 0
 @mtmc99: Specialized tires are quite good,they need a more all round tire and they would be much more successful. My last DH butcher T9 was 49 € online,hard to beat. I quite like the Butcher for the rear tire,not so much for the front.
Grid trail versions are very very good for a light tire,I worn 2 rear GT Butcher 0 flats or weird things.
  • 2 0
 @mtmc99: seems like every day I see an amazing sale that only the US gets and Canada pays full price for. Really annoying.
  • 3 0
 @nicholkid: You guys save on health care so that should cover quite a few tires.
  • 1 0
 My lbs don't even know what a torque wrench is, wouldn't go anywhere near them
  • 3 0
 @mtmc99: I really wanted to love my Butchers. On a bike called a BFe it just seemed the perfect dad joke tire. But, my rear was done in under 500 miles and my front is looking pretty ragged at 600 miles. My IRC Tankens gave as much or better grip in SoCal terrain and my current rear is my former front Tanken with over 1400 miles on it. Looks better than the front Butcher wear wise. For my money, the Tankens are hard to beat and better value than the Maxxis, Specialized, etc. that I've tried. I have met the @VersusTires guys (Transcend meet-up) and love what their doing. When they launch 29x2.6 I'll be first in line and may even pick up their TEAL tires for my daughter's bike, until then... IRC.
  • 14 0
 So they've removed two or three tiers of 100% mark-up and shipment for middlemen but it still costs nearly the same?
  • 4 0
 Pretty sure the batches Versus Orders are significantly smaller than other brands which would lead to a higher cost.
  • 11 0
 No use for anyone in the UK. About the same price as full-price Maxxis (£59 - £66), but then shipping is £33. Apparently not grippy or supportive either according to this review.
  • 17 2
 For something like tires, I don't think there's really a market for "cheaper but inferior" product. The price difference (~$30 per tire) is too small to not spring for a the best tires you can buy. Whereas saving on frame (alu vs carbon) or suspension (Fox Rhythm vs Factory) will save you hundreds of dollars and probably make less of a difference.
  • 3 0
 @Lanebobane: Absolutely. Tyres are the thin thing which separates you from the ground, why skimp to save very little?
  • 5 0
 However, let's not forget that a higher price doesn't automatically mean a better product.
  • 1 0
 @nickfranko: True, in this case it means a worse product apparently.
  • 7 0
 I have been running the gravity casings for a couple years now here in the PNW, these tires are solid. Once you are on them and get used to them in our variable conditions they work brilliantly and corner solid in the goop, and can rudder on the loamers. They roll fast on the dry pack and bike park type trails too. I too like a solid sidewall so the gravity casing is a no brainer and the longevity I get out of mine is insane. As they grow, more options will come available for sure. Support small brands. Solid review above though as well.
  • 3 0
 I bought my set because of all the brand, they are the most affordable with good reviews. $150 for a pair. “Versus” $85 from Kenda, $100 from continental, $90 from Maxxis for 1 tire. And I’m talking about DH casing tires. I value side wall protection. Also like how they color their tires. I bought all black but still cool to see blue tires rolling around.
  • 8 0
 @kroozctrl: Specialized has their gravity casing tires for $55 per tire right now. Save another $40.
  • 3 15
flag sanchofula (May 11, 2023 at 10:33) (Below Threshold)
 @nickfranko: for a tire that isn't as good, yeah, they should be cheaper Wink

Seriously, only Spec riders ride Spec tires, just saying ...
  • 3 0
 @sanchofula: Only Spec riders would be allowed by their frame sponsor to display that logo.
  • 9 0
 Can get better tires on sale cheaper
  • 6 0
 Another great tire manufactuter from Germany, wolfpacktires. I´m on my first pair of enduro´s from them and so far they hold on excellent
wolfpack-tires.com/?lang=en
  • 2 0
 The website may look super janky, but if I remember correctly, the owner of Wolfpack is actually the same guy who was largely responsible for Continentals BlackChili compound and Specialized's Gripton compound. So the tires should be legit.
  • 5 0
 I've been running one of these on the back and agree that it is a great all around rear tire. I've ridden it on loose over hard, polished hard and hero dirt. No experience with nasty mud yet. It does corner and drift very predictably, wears really well, has good braking properties. I don't think the review is saying that it is not supportive or grippy, just that there are more supportive/grippy options out there. Not everyone needs maximum grip front and rear all the time and there are many advantages to running a faster rolling, slower wearing but predictably grippy rear tire. I like the Versus for this. Running with an Assegai or Delium Rugged up front and it is a nice, cost effective tire combo (at least with the Delium front).
  • 4 0
 I've been riding on versus tires for a while now I'm now waiting on my sixth pair, from the April fool's deal with the all teal tires. I missed out on the hot pink ones Frown . Great tires, great people and will definitely continue to be a customer.
  • 4 0
 The thing is that you can usually get Maxxis tires here (BC Coast) at a severe discount fairly often. Corsa in Squamish just had a 2 for 1 deal, so it worked out to about $60 CDN for any tires you'd like. TBS often has smoking deals too, with free shipping if you buy 2. Plus lots of pros sell their extra rubber for good deals. Why would anyone pay more for these?
  • 2 0
 Agreed. TBS has great deals and if I order tires today they're on my doorstep tomorrow. Versus tires will no doubt be longer shipping from wherever they're located. Canadian website versus tire price is $94 for the trail casing. Still expensive.
  • 4 0
 Over 1 kilo for a trail tire, no thanks. Gonna recommend wolfpack tires here, dead cheap, made by the man behind the Conti, Schwalbe and Specialized compounds of recent, and relatively light.
Last time I ordered some, the UK tax man forgot to charge me any import tax on the parcel so I even got them VAT free, at £33 a tire Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Good choice. Their enduro tires are great. Light, grippy, cheap. Very easy to set up tubeless.
  • 5 1
 For SoCal loose over hardpack these have been solid tires which makes sense given they are based out here. Much faster rolling and longer lasting than the DHRII/DHF/Assagai combos I used to run. I have tried the DH version without inserts and the trail version with Tannus inserts. The sweet spot for me was the trail version with inserts due to reduced weight and additional sidewall support. Currently on the Big Betty/Magic Mary combo with inserts and still undecided which I like better for my local trails. When it comes time for a new set it may just come down to price and supporting a local manufacture.
  • 3 0
 I just bought a set of these tires. They do feel similar to a dhr but feel softer. I took these tires straight to the rock gardens and they held up just fine. Grip is very predictable and they roll reasonably fast. For what I do here in Texas these are excellent tires. My only issue was tire wobble but when I e-mailed them about it, they responded quickly to resolve the issue. I elected to just keep the tires since it rode great. I went with the trail casing. For those who are worried about wobble, versus is actively getting it sorted.
  • 2 0
 It was just you stretching the tyre with the lever when putting the tyre on. It’s 62 a durometer compound, some rocks are softer than that. Comparison a maxx terra has a hard compound centre nob 50a with soft 42 a side nobs and a max grip has 42a centre nobs (super tacky) with 40a (slow reezey) side nobs. Lower the number the softer the compound and the slower the rubber rebounds.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: oh. I had no idea. Thank you.
  • 4 0
 low lugs are really stupid idea, low lugs is what you get at tires mid life point.

they just made a tire that will last much shorter than a full lug one, why'd you buy it at all?
  • 3 0
 When it comes to value/performance/options... its hard to beat Specialized tires. I often get Spesh tires on sale for $35-55 bucks... with free shipping! Tons of casings, compounds, and tread patterns... as well as Tan Wall options.
  • 2 0
 Versus is a great group of people. Tried a few tires and liked (not loved) them. Main issue was kept getting tires with wobbles. They sent new ones but they were splatter as the standard black was out of stock during the covid years. Still rooting for them to do well.
  • 6 0
 More expensive than spec cannibal, butcher or hillbilly!!! No thx
  • 3 1
 MSRP: $68.50 USD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! for one tire, with a "not so great" compound !!!!!!
You can get Maxxis, or better, Michelin DH34/22 for that price on any direct site in Europe (even got a pair of Michelin DH34 bike park version with GumX for 60euros shipping included recently). What is the target market for these people ? Delium doesn't seem to ship to Europe and I get why : they are fù&#g expensive
  • 2 0
 I rode Versus Trail casing (blue splatter) for about 6 months. I initially tried them as a cheaper alternative @ $150. That said, for equivalent casing and compounds, it's the similar to Conti/Maxxis, etc. I normally roll Assegai Fr and Dissector Rr (softer compound up front). With the Versus, as a front tire, it had less traction compared to the Assegai. Not too surprising based on the tread/compound, so not a huge knock there. Be interested more when Versus release more compounds and tread patterns.
  • 2 0
 I have to say I first bought them for the splatter tires as I thought it was something different and fun for a bike I was building. But what happened is I found I really liked them for our conditions here in southern Idaho. My wife has just worn out set of the teal splatters and I have installed a new set for the upcoming season and I have them on 2 of my bikes. Also I always found I was going through sidewalls on my Maxxis tires and I have yet to wear out a sidewall on these. I am a happy customer!
  • 4 0
 How do they compare to the trail/endurance casing/compund continental offerings that are about the same price and weight?
  • 2 0
 Similar-ish to a Specialized Grid Trail T7
  • 4 0
 so, for 70% of the cost of a Maxxis, I can get a tire with 30% shorter lugs that looks like a continental? no thanks
  • 1 0
 Seems foolish to not have the softer rubber compound with the lighter casing. Reading that really good article about tires a few months back has me more concerned about tire compound than tread design, as all 7 or so manufacturers said compound was more important than tread.
  • 3 2
 These are the most god awful tires I have ever seen. Notice how they don't advertise their TPI? I have seen so many broken beads and wobbling Versus Tires. They just give them out to influencers that are more excited about the color matching their bikes than actual ride quality.
  • 2 0
 While it's pointless to argue on the internet, we love you, too.
Pinkbike didn't mention it but it's stated in numerous places on our site that they're 60tpi.
It's worth noting that we've never paid any athlete/influencer for endorsement ever, anyone riding our tires is because they genuinely want, not because they're paid to do so.
  • 15 10
 No 26" options. I'm out.
  • 32 0
 I admire you people for really hanging in there.
  • 2 4
 @TheR: or too cheap to buy a modern bike
  • 2 1
 @TheR: Thanks. It isn't really hard though. Schwalbe makes plenty of options. Not sure about new weird-named Conti tires, haven't looked into those but Trail King and Kaiser were 26" too.
  • 15 0
 Mold is in the works, hoping to have them late fall/spring.
  • 1 1
 @flaflow:

You’re right, all the Rampager’s with their 26” bikes are too cheap to buy modern bikes…
  • 1 0
 @flaflow: My frame is from May 2018. That's plenty modern.
  • 2 0
 @vinay: Kryptotal 26" was announced at sea otter this year, I can't wait to get my hands on one of those.

Maybe the Versus next summer when it's available! For now, Hans Dampf.

I have been happy with Big Betty on the rear for the wet season...

#minimullet
  • 2 0
 @AndrewHornor: Good to hear about Conti. I'm currently still running Trail King up front and Hans Dampf in the rear, but good knowing that the new Conti tires will continue to be available for 26" rims.
  • 4 0
 EUR 23 for shipping to the EU (Slovakia). You are welcome.
  • 3 1
 Or stick with something like Nobby Nic for 45 Euros or Conty Kryptotal for 50 + 12.99 shipping from Germany to Slovakia
  • 1 0
 @pakleni: Actually shipping from any DE/AT/IT/ES shop is EUR 7 max. And of course I went with Conti Kryptotal - how do you know that?
  • 2 0
 Whatever the site says is our cost MINUS $10. We extend the US free shipping discount to anyone as much as we can.
  • 4 0
 Hmmmm… Where have I seen that tread before?
  • 1 0
 You might be thinking of the famous Maxxis DHFR II tread.
  • 3 1
 I used these in the park last season. The tread lasts forever. Great for lift laps, they last 2 or 3 times longer vs Maxxis.
  • 4 0
 Reviews tires in Canada, quotes price in USD.... Sorry.
  • 2 1
 I thought Canada was just northern USA?
  • 6 1
 @Whataboutism: 51st state
  • 3 0
 Interesting cable routing there
  • 1 0
 That's one word for it.
  • 1 1
 I haven’t rode them yet but the people at the company are a great bunch to mess with and once the come out with purple tires I will be all “SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!”
  • 1 0
 My wife is riding the teal splatters but she keeps asking for purple too.
  • 2 0
 @jeremystclair: Your wife knows what's up!! C'Mon @VersusTires !!! Gie the people what they want!!! lol
  • 4 1
 if i can't use a sharpie to make it say "ASS GAI" then i don't want it
  • 2 0
 American Classic definite disrupted this DTC model for tires. They are a good $20 cheaper, offer a wider range,
  • 1 0
 I really never payd more than 40 euros for a tire, normally 35/37. And I am talking about dual compound maxxiss exo casing! In US tires are Crazy expensive!
  • 2 0
 At that price and without offering a model with a super sticky compound this brand will get bypassed by most riders.
  • 1 0
 DTC yet the same price in Aussie Dollaridoos as what I can already purchas at the LBS or online? I will pass and stick with what I can get local.
  • 1 0
 E13 and S tires offer more for less, I do not see $70 tire to be better then $71 Maxxis, however case see how $30-$50 S tire can be almost Maxxis
  • 1 0
 I order two Versus Trail. The rear tire had 5 punctures before being replaced . Great feeling tire but casing is puncture prone.
  • 1 3
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  • 1 0
 What valve is that? It looks as if it is a Presta valve with a Schrader adaptor or something, but is it?
  • 1 3
 Been running Versus for about a year now and this review is spot on. Tread life and low cost are huge selling points. I would add that Versus tires hold pressure between rides better than any tire I have used.
  • 1 0
 Would love to see the stickier compound in their trail casing @versustires
  • 3 0
 in the works...
  • 1 0
 When can we expect a review of the Hunt Proven carbon wheels? ;-)
  • 3 0
 Very soon.
  • 1 0
 Those side knobs are pretty sexy
  • 1 0
 Lol. Specialized tires are still cheaper and better.
  • 1 0
 Why should we care of their tires aren't cheaper than maxxis are?
  • 1 0
 If its not a Minion its CRAP!
  • 1 0
 made by Vee?
  • 1 1
 Ride what the guys at the shop ride
  • 1 0
 so affordable
  • 1 0
 Looks like a tire
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