Review: Goodyear Newton MTR & MTF Tires

Sep 19, 2023
by Dario DiGiulio  
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Goodyear is a familiar name in the automotive market, but they've had a pretty minimal presence in the bike world - especially when it comes to dirt. They've had a solid little lineup of tires for a few years now, but early issues with the performance of their mountain bike tires may have slowed their entry into the market. Looking to change that, they've been hard at work making incremental changes to the Newtons, optimizing their compound, construction, and pattern to best suit gravity riding.

It's a common complaint, but the mountain bike market has a tendency to be pretty myopic when it comes to tire choice. To be fair, Maxxis and Schwalbe do a damn good job making their lineups perform well and cover all the bases, but there are plenty more options out there that do the job just as well. After a summer of riding, I think the Goodyear Newtons belong on the list of capable competitors.
Newton MTF & MTR Details

• Intended use: Enduro, Downhill, Trail
• Front- and rear-specific patterns
• Claimed weight: 1280g (F), 1130g (R)
• Configuration tested: 29 x 2.5" & 2.4", Enduro casing, Grip3S
• Measured width: 2.53” and 2.41"
• Measured weight: 1409g (F), 1244g (R)
• MSRP: $70-80 USD
goodyearbike.com


Newton MTF
- Size options: 27.5x2.5, 29x2.5
- Casing options: Trail, Enduro, Downhill
- Compound options: Trail2, Grip3S
Newton MTR
- Size options: 27.5x2.4, 27.5x2.6, 29x2.4
- Casing options: Trail, Enduro, Downhill
- Compound options: Trail2, Grip3

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Details

The Newton MTF and MTR are designed to work well in a "broad range of conditions from loose dust to wet loam ... at home on challenging terrain where high levels of control are required." This pretty much spans the gamut of what you'd expect of an all-round gravity tire, and that's certainly what the Newton aims to be. Up front, the fairly open and pronounced front tread is meant to clear well, with reinforced knobs that should resist any serious fold-over while cornering. There are wide sipes that only go about halfway into the knob, adding surface are without effecting the structure too much. The MTR is a more standard affair, resembling a cross between a Maxxis DHR II and a Schwalbe Big Betty. The knob pattern is similar to the former, with the structure and casing shape more like the latter.

Both tires feature Goodyear's Enduro casing, which utilizes two 120 TPI plies to provide stability and durability. The MTF utilizes the Goodyear Grip3S compound, which is their stickiest and softest offering. The 40/42/60a density combination is meant to offer a very slow rebound and provide the most grip possible. In the hand, it feels similar to MaxxGrip or Conti's Super Soft rubber, with fairly slow rebound and easy deformation. The MTR uses the slightly stiffer Grip3 rubber, which has a triple-density 40/50/60a layup, meant to balance durability and grip.

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Big, well-supported edge knobs up front.
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And smaller, more flexible knobs in the rear.

The tread of the MTR looks a lot like the Michelin Wild Enduro, to the degree that they may share some lineage. Goodyear's early attempts (2018-2019) at the mountain bike tire game were a little unsatisfactory, with hard rubber produced by a third-party manufacturer. According to some people on their team, they made a concerted effort to move away from that supplier, moving production to their own facility in Nantou, Taiwan.

bigquotesGood quality products take time and resources to develop and produce. As a key component to a tire, the compounds (3 different types in the Newton) were at the top of our priority list; finely balancing grip, and longevity. At this point we have lab and real word tested hundreds of compound mixtures to get to where we are today. Unfortunately, we can’t learn too much from the automotive world when it comes to compounding as the gross vehicle and rider / driver weights are off the chart in comparison to bicycle.Ben Evans; Commercial Director, Goodyear

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The Enduro casing on test here uses a dual-ply 120 TPI construction, which manages to be quite supple for how durable and supportive it can be. If you're after something stiffer, the Downhill casing is a dual-ply 60 TPI, while the Trail tires use just one 60 TPI casing. For my purposes, the Enduro strikes a nice balance, and feels similar to other tire casings I tend to like, such as Maxxis' DoubleDown and Continental's Downhill tires.

Setup-wise, I was able to run quite low pressures with the Newtons without running into any stability or durability issues. In the dry, I was running 22 or 23 psi in the front, paired with 25 or 26 in the rear. When things got a little loose or wetter, I dropped down to 21psi front, 24psi rear. Generally a couple lower than an equivalent DoubleDown casing, for reference.

It's worth noting a strange issue I had with the very first set of these I was sent. They were nearly impossible to get seated on the rim due to a loose fit, requiring me to resort to some old janky tricks from the early tubeless days. Instructions, should you ever encounter this issue: Put a tube in the tire, inflate that until the bead is seated, pop only one side of the tire off the rim, install the tubeless valve, then inflate the whole thing with a compressor or charger pump.
I reached out to Goodyear to inquire about the issue, and they assured me that the set was probably part of a non-production batch, or some sort of anomaly. After mounting up another 2 sets of the Newtons, I had no similar issues, so I do think that loose fit was some sort of early batch issue.

Ride Impressions

Pretty much every time I hop on a new pair of tires, I expect a few sketchy moments to occur in the adjustment period, as I get used to the boundaries and edges of grip. After fitting up the Newtons, I kept waiting for those moments to occur, but the tires never really delivered a terror-inducing slip. That's not to say there's no end of grip on these new Goodyears, but it's well past the point of commitment, meaning they hook up quite well when you're pushing them hard.

I received my test set a few weeks before the start of Crankworx, and had some time on them at home before deciding that bike and tire combo would be the one I took with me for two weeks of Whistler laps and lots of pedaling. Long story short, I'm quite happy with my choices. More on the bike side of things later, for now let's stick to the tires.

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The Newton MTF has a really nicely rounded profile, a feature I've come to look for in aggressive tires, as the smooth lean angle you get with a nice round casing means they're less likely to break away on sketchier terrain. If you're only riding in deep soil, you can get away with something edgier, but when loose conditions are present, round feels correct. Out back, however, I like the fairly flat-top profile of the MTR as it serves as a great braking anchor when needed, plus it breaks away before the front, a sensation that I tend to prefer.

That shape profile is matched with the slightly different rubber compounds in the front and rear tire, which biases towards sticker and slower rebound up front, and firmer and faster rolling in the rear - again, a combo that makes sense to me. The Grip3S front rubber is very soft, without feeling too wiggly on rocks and roots, and holds its own in wet conditions. Same goes for the rear, though it's ever so slightly worse in the wet. One of the longer days of Crankworx was an all-day pedal ride with a bunch of industry folks that happened to coincide with a dawn to dusk downpour that only let up as we were finishing our day up back at the Village. This was the first truly wet weather I'd ridden the Newtons in, and I really came away impressed. They stuck to muddy slabs nearly as well as the MaxxGrip boots everyone else was wearing, and though they might've been ever so slightly slipperier on wet roots, I never felt like they were holding me back.

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Luckily, most of the weather through Crankworx was much more warm and pleasant, meaning there were plenty of dry park laps to take the Goodyears down. Despite the soft rubber and prominent knobs, they really held up well, only showing minimal wear after plenty of downhill miles. I've continued to ride the same set in Bellingham (where tires do seem to last a very long time), and they're still going strong. I'm now running three pairs on different bikes, and haven't had any flats or unusually quick wear.

One area where the Newton MTF falls a bit behind other aggressive tires like the Specialized Cannibal, Maxxis DHF, or Schwalbe Tacky Chan is in very hard-pack corners, where you'll have to lean the Goodyears a little bit farther than you might want to really get side knob engagement. I didn't find them too sketchy in these settings, but I'm also relatiively light at 180 lbs, so bigger riders might be stressing those fat side knobs a little more than they can handle in huge bike park berms.

The only real downside I can think of with the Newtons is the weight. At 1200-1400 grams for the Enduro range, they're in keeping with other competitive options, but the measured numbers are a good bit higher than the stated weights. To me this wasn't really an issue, but I know there are plenty of people who'd rather not roll around on a few kilos of rubber. Those people probably don't want tread this aggressive though, so they'll likely keep their distance.



Pros

+ Excellent mechanical grip in loose and challenging conditions
+ Sticky rubber that works fine in the wet
+ Front and rear combo compliment each other nicely
+ Impressive durability

Cons

- A good bit heavier than claimed weight
- Not the absolute best wet-weather grip, but quite good





Pinkbike's Take

bigquotesAfter subjecting them to a wide range of conditions, plenty of miles, and quite a few bad lines, the Goodyear Newtons have really impressed me. I'll admit some initial skepticism given their earlier offerings, but the sticky rubber, robust yet supple casing, and well-rounded tread patterns won me over. I'd feel confident throwing the Newtons on any sort of gravity-biased bike, knowing the grip will be there even when things are loose. Dario DiGiulio


Author Info:
dariodigiulio avatar

Member since Dec 25, 2016
167 articles

127 Comments
  • 99 6
 NSMB had a much different take on these tires…
  • 61 17
 Yeah and I tend to trust them more
  • 20 4
 The tire looked visibly thrashed in the NSMB review. Reviews seem to exist in two separate universes.
  • 24 11
 Just checked out the NSMB review. I never ride those types of trails so maybe his review is relevant for the small fraction of the MTB community who rides steep slabs and granite or laps Whistler. But that review is useless to me. Very local oriented product review. It's honest. But not relevant to my terrain. It does make me want to spend 110.00 and test for myself vs rely on the opinion of the opinionated and jaded.
  • 99 5
 That’s why it’s good to look at multiple reviews, and not just take one as gospel. I will say, Dario put a ton of miles on these tires this summer, and his thoughts on their performance remained consistent throughout the test period.

They were tested in Whistler and Bellingham, among other locations, so they experienced the gamut of conditions from hardpacked and rocky to softer and looser.
  • 11 0
 Common points: kinda heavy, good rear tread pattern, front tread pattern needs more side knobs.
  • 10 3
 @mikekazimer: When reviewing tyres could you measure how wide they really are please? Thanks
  • 17 17
 @G-Sport: At what spot, Tread, sidewall, widest part, at what PSI, on what width rim?
Does it really make that much of a difference if its .1 off of what the sidewall states?

If youre frame tolerance is so close that .1 or so is the deciding factor, youre prolly running too wide a tire
  • 9 6
 @onawalk: you do realize some people ride on older frames, which is why they need to ask, right?

Not everyone has the luxury of being able to clear huge tires, but they can still run a 30mm ID rim on said frame.
  • 12 9
 @nickfranko: Of course I do, its not an attempt at being elitist.
My comment still stands, at what point are the measurements to be taken, at what psi (max stated on tire, or what the tester rode), what rim width, volume. All these variables play into the measured tire width.
If youre running tires that are that close, youre running the wrong size tire, as wheels and tires deflect when being ridden.
The info is about as useful as knowing what fork settings Kade Edwards uses at Hardline
  • 1 0
 @nickfranko: if you used a 25mm rim, your tires would inflate smaller
  • 5 0
 @mikekazimer: vital seemed to like them a bunch too. Like you said, it’s good to check multiple sources.
  • 3 0
 @analog7: You've gotta tread lightly on these
  • 4 0
 @G-Sport: but needs to be stated with wheel inner width. mount a 2.5 maxxis to a 25mm wheel and a 30mm and you get like .15" difference in width.
  • 3 0
 @onawalk: and @G-Sport: Last time I measured some Goodyear tires they measured .2" smaller than claimed. claimed 2.4" measured 2.19"
They were some XC tires, so the number itself isn't relevant here, only the fact that measurement is important.
  • 12 2
 I've been running these Goodyear MTR and MTF for well over a year now and I love the things. I weigh 225lb and race local pro/regional expert enduro in the rugged southwest US and I've never had an issue with these. And I think I'm on my 6th rear, 2nd front. 1500 miles this year so far on the MTR, plus about 6 months of riding them last year. 2 of my rear wheels have them right now. I think wear is slightly better than MaxxTerra. Sidewalls look prestine after hundreds of miles instead of shredded canvas like on my old doubledowns. So far they have been some of the most trued tires I've ever owned. And for how heavy the tire is, 1270g last one I weighed, it rolls oddly fast for now aggressive it looks. Faster than my Conti Xynotal DH Soft. Hard packed drought scorched AZ desert and I have no problems with drag running a MTR enduro rear and MTF trail front.
The front tire is pretty decent. Even after putting about 1000 miles between a MTF Enduro and Trail I can't really find much it does better in one particular area compared to the other big brands, it just kinda works. Not the grippiest tread or even compound. The wide spaced sideknobs work despite what armchair experts would claim. It's just not the grippiest front tire out there. If I want maximum front grip for a steep venue I'll just put a doubledown maxxgrip Assegai up front. But they suck to pedal. Putting the MTF Trail on after a race weekend felt like I had a tailwind on the canals and gravel I pedal to the trails
  • 1 0
 @bubba31147: this is a nice relevant review for me being in Mesa. I ordered a Goodyear last year but it was much narrower than the stated sidewall I returned it. Haven't looked at them again. But now I am intrigued. I'm guessing you use these in the standard spots of SoMo, Hawes, Pinals, Flag, Sunrise etc? Have you ridden the Mazza and can compare? Thanks.
  • 1 0
 @onawalk: It doesn't really matter. As long as they are consistent between tyre reviews then it would be useful data.
I think most people have experienced how some (for example) Maxxis 2.5" tyres on a typical 30mm rim actually come out at more like 2.3" (at typical riding pressures 25psi say) while a Specialized 2.4 actually comes out a little over 2.4 (or at least it did for me on my last swap).
There is PLENTY of space on the internet to measure BOTH the carcass and the knob-width (sn*gger) and put it in the article.
Carcass volume is a HUGE factor in how tyres behave, it isn't just a case of running the fattest tyre that will fit.
  • 61 0
 The old non-production batch...gets you everytime.
  • 30 0
 Logically the ones to be sent for review
  • 6 0
 The number one cause of bike industry interns getting fired...
  • 3 0
 I hate that excuse but having been on tires majority of the time since about last June I think there was a running change on them. The first ones were tight af getting on the rim, especially with cushcore, and measured like 2.31 or 2.32 at the widest, and 1 had a stubborn spot to bead. The last batch I got were easier to mount and seat on the same ex511 and measured 2.37 at the casing
  • 47 1
 sneaking in a glimpse of the REEB STEEZL. clever. can't wait for that review...
  • 8 0
 the bike rips. that's my review from 3 laps on one....
  • 16 1
 bike looks great, reminds me of a Turner
  • 6 0
 I thought it was an old Turner, so thanks for that
  • 2 0
 I was wondering what that was and now it makes sense. Far more interested in that bike.
  • 2 1
 Yeah,
Bike looks great,

reebcycles.com/collections/steezl
  • 4 0
 @chakaping: I thought of Ventana when I saw it...with the green and all!
  • 5 0
 The Steelz is the review I am looking forward to.
  • 4 2
 @pedalhound: good call, I forgot about Ventana bikes.
I think its the gusset at the seat tube top tube junction, the square raw tubing used in the rear triangle, and the link/shock layout.

looks great
  • 3 0
 @Mtbdialed: if it rides anything like my Sqweeb, I'd say it's a winner.
  • 2 0
 @Mtbdialed: Totally agree, bike absolutely crushes. Rode it at Outerbike CB and talking to one of their reps, sounds like there's a number of ways you could set it up. And that green and other sparkly flake colors, yum.....!!!
  • 44 4
 I got an MTR this summer to save $10 over a Minion. Here’s my 4-word review:

Buy a Minion instead.
  • 20 20
 call it what you want, but man am I glad I never have to make a decision between this or that, over $10.....

being old and being able to just buy what you want, is pretty nice.
  • 41 11
 @Mtbdialed: it is nice. The downside is now you can’t ride for shit.
  • 25 1
 @endoguru: in my head I can!

really, in my mid 40's, I am faster and more technically proficient than I was in my 20's. a lot of riding, waaaaaay f*cking better bikes, and I didn't let my body go to shit. lol. hopefully I got another 8-10 at this ability before time tells me to back it down. cheers!
  • 5 0
 @Mtbdialed: Life is too short to ride shitty tires.

Also - amen to all of that. Part of it is trusting your own skills, and the bike and not ride scared or over brake which is when you have problems.
  • 1 0
 Thanks mnorris. That's answered my question.
  • 2 0
 Or, if you know how to plan and buy before you need a tire now. You can get the good tires at shitty tire prices with sales, coupons, or buy from Euro site etc and have it ready when needed.
  • 4 0
 @Mtbdialed: good thing I like trying new things and don’t mind all that much when things don’t work out ‍♂️
  • 1 0
 @ReformedRoadie: that's why I don't ride maxxis anymore.
  • 1 0
 @deli-hustler: what dont you like about em? The casing wobble is an issue, but they warranty that every time.
  • 1 1
 @mnorris122: the only maxxis tyre I've used and liked, in fact it's one of my favourite tyre ever was the first gen Shorty. I just can not get on with the DHF, DHR2 is ok but the Hans Dampf or Eliminator are better, and why does the HR2 even exist? They are only any good for skids on tarmac Smile
  • 1 0
 I bought one on sale a couple of years ago and it's maybe the scariest tire I've ever ridden. It just pinged off everything. Garbage.
  • 3 1
 @NWBasser, the new rubber compounds are much better than the previous version - those original ones seemed like they were made of plastic.
  • 2 0
 @mikekazimer: They may be much better now, but I've been very happy with my Specialized tires and will likely stick with them.
  • 4 0
 @NWBasser: I really like the Specialized stuff, hard to go wrong there.
  • 2 0
 @NWBasser: Specialized tyres are also inexpensive
  • 3 1
 @Mtbdialed: Of course I was being little sarcastic. If you stay in shape you can still ride hard well into your 60’s, and hopefully into your 70’s in my case. There will be a little extra caution thrown in that you don’t have when your younger.
  • 2 2
 @mikekazimer: oh, please. They keep saying that. I tried whichever version was new and improved a couple years ago and it was horrific at the bike park. No grip. Moving back to Maxxis felt like Velcro in comparison
  • 2 0
 @VelkePivo: having ridden the old stuff vs the ones reviewed here, it’s a significant difference.
  • 1 0
 @dariodigiulio: so it’s new compared to 2 years ago? When did the “new” happen? Thanks
  • 1 0
 From how I understand it, the first run was 2018-2019, then there was a pause for a couple years, with production getting going again in 21-22. Part of what's frustrating with products like this is you'll have a rolling change made with little visual indication, making it hard to differentiate the generations.
  • 1 0
 @deli-hustler: Oh yeah, that was also a big selling point for me.
  • 19 0
 If only Continental would produce a new tire with the name "Leibniz" to rival this one...
  • 10 0
 Then Schwalbe would have to produce the "Martin Heidigger"
  • 12 0
 I thought anything would roll off the tongue better than "Xynotal" but "Leibniz" is making me reconsider that thought
  • 8 0
 I was having issues with my leibniz, and my urologist recommended Xynotal.
  • 2 0
 I’d go for a tire called Mike Oxlong
  • 2 0
 @dustyvoid: I guess that tire would be a derivative of a Vee, with fluxion technology.
  • 1 0
 @sjma: They seem to be taking their tyre names from Aphex Twin album tracks.
  • 1 0
 sounds like a cookie....
  • 14 1
 I like experimenting with tires and there are many less expensive tires today than $70-$80, especially when on sale. I won't buy Maxxis anymore, unless they are at a 50% discount.
  • 3 0
 Same here brother. I love, when it works out, trying new tires. I don't like paying over $80 for tires so I try to find options for under $70, and preferably closer to $60 or less.

Tried some a few Contis, Schwalbe, E13, Vittorias, and I have a GY MTF hanging in my garage when I retire the Mazza I have now. I like Maxxis, but I like experimenting more.
  • 5 0
 @Zalgorithm: You'd be proud; I read that "brother" like Hulk Hogan would say it.

BTW, I have had success with the Delium Rugged All-Round 29 x 2.5 on the front. Not bad, for a $50 tire. 8.4/10. "One bite, you know the rules." The Delium Fast Light 29 x 2.4 center tread didn't last long on the rear, but the side knobs stick pretty good: 7.8/10. Can't complain that much for $40.

Want to test the American Classics next... listed on Amazon for $50.
  • 1 0
 I had Onza Porcupines last year and this year I thought, "lemme go back to ol' trusty DHF for this season." I like the Porcupines better for east coast hard pack/roots. They roll faster, they feel more consistent, sometimes experimenting finds you a new surprise. I'm gonna go back to them next season.
  • 23 11
 “ Those people probably don't want tread this aggressive though, so they'll likely keep their distance.”

This is a ridiculous comment. For a lot of people and places around the PNW, aggressive tread with sticky rubber and a light casing is exactly what is needed. It’s why I stick with Maxxis as they are the only company to offer MaxxGrip (or equivalent) in sub 1k weight (27.5). I’m 195lbs, don’t ride slow and never flat exo rear at 25psi. Why drag all that extra weight around if you don’t have to.
  • 6 1
 Specialized T9
  • 3 5
 Exo rear will last you about one run of hard riding on the shore
  • 2 0
 I tend to agree though have opted for more robust casings the last couple of years. But for me as well have tens of thousands of miles on plain old exo casings in a variety of rocky mountain terrain with only a few torn sidewalls.
  • 2 0
 Not just the PNW. Lighter riders all over the world and especially places like the Alps benefit a lot from light front tires with very sticky rubber.
  • 2 1
 I hear this quite a bit and it ignores quite a few advantages that tyres with thicker casings have:

Thicker casings seem to give better damping.

You can run pressures much lower than 25 psi and not have problems.

Heavier tyres deflect less on rooty/rocky sections of trail.

I think a lot of people run their tyres way too hard. There was a review on here a while back of the Vittoria Mazza in the heaviest casing and the reviewer was running it at 28psi! You don't even see heavier world cup DH riders running their tyres that high at most tracks.

For any natural stuff, especially in the wet, I've found pressures towards the bottom end of the spectrum to give so much more extra grip that it's worth the trade off in rolling speed.
  • 2 0
 @Jprestidge: Yes the damping is nice on thicker tires. I'm not a big fan of really low pressures. There's two many sharp pointy rocks where I live and I really haven't found it to offer much greater grip. But I also live in the desert so the grip issues are more related to loose soil not wet. Having the right rear tire is more important to me for desert riding.
  • 1 0
 @Jprestidge: That’s all well and good if you are of average male weight or heavier. But light riders can already run pressures far, far below 25 psi.

They run into the opposite problem, that every thick casing tire feels harsh and can’t conform to the ground.
But they still need soft rubber for grip. Maybe even more so than heavier guys because there is less weight on the contact patch to generate traction.
  • 7 0
 Just recently reviewed this same setup for our local magazine and came away with nearly identical impressions! Good tread. Reasonable rolling resistance and predictable grip. Pretty decent rubber- somewhere in between maxxgrip abd maxxterra. Slightly heavy, but it pays dividends on hucks, where the tire soaks things nicely The only other downside imo was the slightly tough casing- had to run them at 3-5 lower psi than my other setups. Once I did, they weren't that punishing. Having said that, kudos to Goodyear for an accurate online tire pressure calculator, which recommended precisely the pressure i ended up preferring.
  • 1 0
 oh that is neat.. have to check it out
  • 6 0
 Lots of good tires now compared to a few years ago. Vittoria, Conti, Specialized, and maybe now good year. Not just maxxis by any means these days.
  • 5 0
 I just buy whatever tyres are on sale. Something more nobbly up the front, something with smaller nobbles on the back and send it. Incidentally my rear tyre happens to be a Goodyear Newton. Rides fine.
  • 6 0
 Good Year: "thanks for the inspiration".
Michelin and Maxxis: "you're welcome".
  • 4 0
 Next up...Yokohama and Dunlop!
  • 3 0
 Rider:
225lbs

Bike:
2023 RM Instinct XL
160mm Fox 36
157 Marzocchi Bomber CR coil

I’ve been running this Enduro combo all season. I instruct and have 550 hours on the bike season. Mostly trail riding, about 7 days lift access. It has been wet in Eastern Canada I’d say 85% of my rides this season. Ridden at Gatineau Parc, VBN, SDM, Sutton, Bromont, Beachburg, MSM, Camp Fortune, Vorlage, Wolf Bike Park, Tremblant.

The Goodyear tires are great for me. Using a Maxxis DHF + DHR as a standard, and a Maxxis Assegai+Agressor as my preferred combo, I’d say the Goodyears hook up better in the rear across broader conditions that DHR or Agressor (to be expected) and rolls slightly slower. The front corners slightly faster that a DHF but not as fast as and Assegai but is easier to hold in a lot of conditions and is between the 2 for speed. I think the Goodyears grip better overall especially in roots and rough rock gardens.

The front tire has a nice rounded profile like a DHF but has better grip ip for me and better braking even when leaned over cornering. The rear is much more square than and Agressor and bites more than a DHR in corners which makes it hard to break it away from the turf if you like that style. In certain tight corners more rear wheel unweighting or even lifting is necessary to get the rear end out of the dirt.

I run Tannus inserts all the time but I don’t think they are necessary with the Goodyears at 22+psi. Installing them on RaceFace rims is easy if you lube the bead with some dish soap or Schwalbe bead lube. Without lube the rubber is very sticky going over the bead. If you’re using inserts in the rear 2.4” be sure to use soap and water all around the tire insert so it can slide against the sticky rubber for installation.

Both tires were done for me at 230 hours and replaced which is slightly less than an DHF or Assegai (250 hours max) and less than Aggressor (300 hours) and more than a DHR rear (200 hours max). Overall value is in the increased performance across broad conditions and terrain.

Is it worth trying these? If you ride a lot and you know you’re going to go through 2 sets of tires, I’d say try them as a pair. At $70.ea, yes do it. If you’re looking to match tires to your riding style, maybe holding longer berm corners (better rear grip) or pumping with more front for aggressive carving across trails, these are worth a try. I have Assegai + Aggressor on my Chromag Rootdown and I don’t find them as predictable as rhe Goodyears. (And I like breaking the back tire away on the hardtail’

If you’re paying full price for tires and you don’t need new ones more this once in a season, stick with what you know, it’s hard to fault DHF + DHR for most riders.
  • 1 0
 Good info. How is the grip in the wet?
  • 1 0
 Agree with your review. I got my pair on sale for US$56/ea. Hard to beat.
  • 2 0
 I ran these for the first part of the year. A massive improvement over the previous generation tire, I'm on the heavier side of the spectrum at 195-205 depending on the time of year and live in a really rocky area and these did hold up to the abuse. My main complaint is both the front and rear tire developed a rather pronounced casing wobble, I thought it was improperly installed inserts at first but after removing them they wobble persisted. Overall a solid tire that never left me with a flat/puncture/tear. But after recently swapped to the Conti DH offerings that are noticeably lighter than the Enduro casing Goodies and I don't see myself going back anytime soon.
  • 2 0
 Why does everything in the mtb world have such enormous branding on it? From frames to tires to stems and handlebars and wheels and drivetrains... Can't we just buy something without the product name or brand written in huge letters???!!
  • 1 0
 Free advertising
  • 2 0
 I swapped from the classic Maxxis combo to these on my 160/135 Banshee Prime mullet here in the PNW. I like these WAY better. The traction is better in the loose/wet than Assegai (the knobs in the MTF are spaced a bit farther apart) and the rear is comparable to the DHR II. I agree that hardpack isn't perfect but that's such a small subset of the stuff I ride here. Riding style is blacks/double blacks but I would definitely not call myself a racer.

Most importantly, they have lasted much longer than the Maxxis. Maxxis side knobs blow out so quickly. So I'll take the Goodyear stuff now. I just ordered my second set at US$56 per tire on sale.
  • 3 0
 I would like to do a reverse-Sharpie move, and slap the famous Goodyear logo on any tires I'm running. Even when I'm confident these suck, that logo is a huge draw for me.
  • 8 0
 I want yellow Goodyear hot patches like the NASCAR and NHRA tires
  • 1 0
 Mopo e13 are probably the best grip a non MAXXGRIP tire has that I’ve tried. I tend to find Schwalbe decent but not quite as grippy for kitty litter and moon dust over hard pack, and rocks. Dh casing MAXXGRIP on the park bike fwiw and I rarely flat unless I bust a wheel. They’re heavy but they can get in lower pressure for same support, but still have to run 28-30 psi rear and at least 25 front if I don’t want to hear rim pings.

I wish e13 mopo dh casing tires lasted longer and didn’t flat as easily cuz they’re cheaper and often run sales. And as close to maxxgrip as I’ve found.
  • 1 0
 Just be aware that „Goodyear Bile“ who sells these tires is not the Goodyear Tire Co. who make automotive tires.
These bike tires are designed by „Rubber Kinetics“, who license the Goodyear name for this range.

See: www.rubbernews.com/article/20180410/NEWS/180419995/licensee-rolls-out-goodyear-brand-premium-bicycle-tire-range
  • 1 0
 „Goodyear Bike“
  • 2 0
 I found with these tires that your psi needs to be EXACT for your setup, the front tire reminds me of the old plus tires from back in the day, remember the 2.8 Minion?
  • 2 1
 Is there any extra layer in the tire to add sidewall support and/or protection? A double-120tpi isn't magically "quite supple for how durable and supportive it can be" without help.
  • 1 0
 there is a butyl insert on the enduro and dh casings
  • 1 1
 I've ran several sets of the old version , really like them for local relatively well drained loamy trails with plenty of roots. Better than DHF/ DHR combo in my experience and had a few Maxxis just start wobbling and had to bin them anyway.
  • 1 0
 Hopefully last longer than the Newton ST Enduro casing that I ran as rear this spring. Tread was roasted and torn in 2 weeks. If didn’t get it on closeout price from local distributor, would of been pissed.
  • 2 0
 I had the first versions of the Newton DH, worst tires I ever ridden, no grip whatsoever, crashef everday, replaced them with Assegai, sooo muche better.
  • 1 1
 I know they are not the ones being evaluated here, but I have been using a Goodyear Escape on my trail bike for some time and they work very well. Goodyear is doing a good job.
  • 4 2
 only comparable tires to the ever popular DHR2 + Assedai copies are the Conti Kryptotals Fr and Rr.
  • 8 2
 I think they are even better. More durable, lighter and cheaper, what no to like!
  • 2 1
 @donaarblitzen: you read that right, assegai is a boat anchor compared to the krypto fr
  • 1 0
 @souknaysh: Quick Google search:

Assegai 2.5 1082g,
Krytotal FR 2.4 1040g

Pretty comparable.
  • 2 1
 @donaarblitzen: scale and on trail are two different things mate. I've run both, would not go back to assegai.
  • 3 0
 @donaarblitzen:

200g difference between the DH casings (1290g vs 1493g)
  • 3 0
 but no Supersoft in anything other than DH casing, I dont want DH casing for the front.
  • 1 0
 @HeatedRotor: agreed, such a big product miss which must really limit their addressable market. For me, really it’s also just about the fronts.. pretty much one extra tyre option per family
  • 4 0
 Waiting for BF Goodrich.
  • 1 0
 Sounds like they've almost got it right after the debacle first time round.
  • 1 0
 You know these are just as trashy as everything Good Year makes and does.
  • 1 1
 I purchased a set of these bad boys on CRC for a great price. Just waiting for them to arrive and slap em on!
  • 1 0
 oof can't wait to hear more about the steezl
  • 1 0
 Dario, this or a Delium Versatile for the money?
  • 3 0
 This for sure.
  • 1 0
 @dariodigiulio:

What do you make of the Tacky Chan compared to the stalwarts?
  • 5 4
 PB is paid to promote these...notice how everything is always good?
  • 6 2
 Nope, that's not the case - there's no charge at all to get a product reviewed on Pinkbike. I'd suggest reading more reviews if you think everything is always positive: www.pinkbike.com/news/tags/reviews.
  • 2 2
 I tried a pair, then another after I read they had been improved. Horrifically bad tires. No grip. Never again.
  • 1 1
 "Good Year?" "No, it was the worst! "
  • 3 0
 It's a good year if you get a good year out of a Goodyear
  • 1 1
 How much to you weigh D? I imagine a fair bit less than I...
  • 1 0
 180 lbs, give or take
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