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Hutchinson Spider
By Jon Sharp
Hutchinson produces some great tires. GearReview.com has had the opportunity to review many of their tires as they continue to improve their technology by leaps and bounds. With the recent launch of their Tubeless Light line of tires, they've taken two of their most successful tires, the Python and Scorpion, and shaved some weight. Here reviewed is their new Spider mountain bike tire. With this tire, Hutchinson aims to round out their line with a better multipurpose all-mountain tire.
Compared with other Hutchinson tires we've reviewed, the Spider has a more aggressive tread pattern. Instead of having an almost continual tread pattern of the Python, or the lower center blocks with ramps of the Scorpion, the Spider has large, wide blocks spaced further apart. The blocks are of alternating shape and size--some being as long as they are wide, while others are almost paddle shaped. The side knobs are also large and very meaty.
Both on hardpack/pavement and loose trails, the aggressiveness of this tire are apparent. On pavement the Spiders definitely feel heavy, rough, and squirmy. On the other hand, off road, these tires really hook up. On a few steep, loose climbs I was amazed that I could continue to put more power down to my pedals without slipping out. Straight-line acceleration is excellent with the Spiders. Benefits can be found in cornering, also, but not to the extent of straight-line acceleration.
Summary: The Hutchinson Spider is a great mountain bike tire. With the Spider, Hutchinson has succeeded in rounding out their tire line with an all-purpose, go-anywhere mountain bike tire. I tend to use this tire often, as terrain varies between rocky, loose dirt, and sometimes hardpack. The Spider handles it all--though, as I mentioned, it isn't great on hardpack. I have been able to climb better, accelerate faster, and last longer on my bike with these tires. The weight of the Spider is 695g. I recommend them to anyone looking for a great all-around mountain bike tire.
Jon Sharp is a contributing editor for GearReview.com specializing in mountain biking.
For more information, contact:
Hutchinson USA
Phone: (888) 664-8824
http://tires.hutchinson.fr/
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