Bontrager describes the Big Earl as the following:
Land the big air and float down the trail on a set of confidence-inspiring Big Earl tires. A big tire for maintaining big momentum over big obstacles, the Big Earl’s special Gum-bi tread compound is the ideal blend of superb grip and long-wearing, fast-rolling durability. Tread pattern designed specifically for dry conditions.
Features
- Big tires for maintaining momentum and controlled landings
- Gum-Bi compound gives stellar grip without premature wear
- Aramid bead makes these 2.5″ tires lighter than their SCC versions
- Wet and Dry condition-specific tread designs
Part No. MSRP* Bead Rim Dia. Sidewall/Tread Size TPI Eyeletted Weight 264687 44.99 Aramid Dual Black / Black 26 x 2.5 Dry 60 Clincher 725g
This is a lightweight single ply tire that is specifically designed for dry conditions. I had these mounted when I recently rode 7Springs resort in Pennsylvania. 7Springs is known for its dry hardpack conditions and these tires were nothing short of amazing throughout the day of riding. Long story short, the Big Early Drys provided velcro like grip in all aspects. Turning, braking and off camber trail sections were handled with ease. There were a few times while exiting high speed berms when I expected to wash out, my bar end only inches from the ground, but the tires just hooked up and pulled me through. Life’s not all good in tha ‘hood with these tires though. The single ply sidewalls just don’t provide enough pinch-flat protection when things get rocky and rough. I weigh in at about 210# and even with 30psi in the front and 42psi in the back (with a Maxxis DH tube) I managed to pinch-flat both the front and the rear in rock gardens. Bontrager does make an “SCC” (dual ply, wire bead) version of the Big Earl but it has a softer compound and slightly different knobs that I wouldn’t expect to hook up in the dry hardpack quite as well and it weighs in at 1280 grams which may bother some weight weenies. With the right pressures and super thick DH tubes this tire is truly awesome in dry/hardpack to dry/loose conditions. It also does fairly well in loamy conditions too but if things get even slightly wet you better have a spare set of wet condition tires on hand as these will pack up and become very squirmy in the mud.
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