Hey Nick, they were a super fast rolling tyre, uber light, everything I wanted. Low centre tread blocks, higher side blocks, quiet and good traction. These were the very first generation to hit Australia, got them about 3 weeks before I headed to NZ.
My first preference was actually the Geax Mezcal, had these for years and 100% proven, but just couldn't get them in time. Thunder Burts were available.
But we failed together. I should have added WAY more sealant initially to account for how much these things weeped. As in sweated on the whole sidewall. They have refined perfectly the amount of rubber to use on the carcass, but then gets made up on the inside in a latex coating. I had little spray jets of latex puffing out all over the place, ended up sticking some cloth patches on with super glue. Sealing particles all done used up
The bead bucked off the rim on the second day and couldn't reseat with a handpump, I had to stuff one tyre with fern fronds (after my last spare tube flatted) to get me to a place where I could beg another tube from a racer until the next town.
But the woes didn't end there. The back tyre started to split down the middle. Due to very little rubber covering the carcass between the tread blocks, the rough trail surfaces were chopping the inter-block spaces to shreds. The rubber had worn away and the carcass fabric was wearing on the rocks. Had little choice but to swap the front to back so I could keep an eye on the tyre. Was 2/3rds into the ride, and the closest shop that would have a tyre was about 300metres from the finish, so I had to finish on this tyre.
Should not have raced a tyre with no proven track record (I normally prefer to have a season on gear to prove itself trustworthy). Should have loaded up with more sealant.
Damaged tyre was replaced under warranty.
Still great fun
