Cycling

Tested: Bontrager Gunnison XR Pro – Trail Tire for all conditions

When we talked to Bontrager about getting some tires for our trail and enduro mountain bike tire test, they told us that new tires are on the way. But as you may have noticed, it's not just a new tread or two, it's a redesign of the range with new treads and casings. I was sent a Gunnison PRO XR in 29 × 2.4” to review. This is billed as a trail tire and Bontrager also sells this tread in 2.6” and 27.5 x2.4”.

A closer look at the Bontrager Gunnison

The Gunnison tires use a 60tpi casing, which should prove tough in light trail use. The rubber is a dual compound rubber, like a hard rolling rubber in the middle with a softer material on the shoulders. The tread pattern is the classic 2-3-2 layout, with lots of traction on all tread blocks, save for the middle one in the 3 layout. The leading edges roll at cornering speed but have quick edges to get more traction when the front is pushed into a turn or brakes. The rim angles are staggered, helping to create consistent traction at the most narrow angles of a round profile tire. My Gunnison Pro XR test sample weighed 897g, 22g over the claimed weight.

Set up

I put a 2.4” tire on my Black Inc wheels, which are 27mm inside diameter. Inflation reaches 58.5mm and is easy to inflate with a track pump with a valve stem removed. Bontrager has a guide inside the tire packaging that suggests the amount of sealant their tires need, as well as a pressure recommendation based on rider weight. The tires remained as airtight as any during the test – not surprising for a 60tpi tyre. I tested these at 20.5psi on my front tire.

The Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR is launched on Black Inc Wheels
The Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR is launched on Black Inc Wheels

On the road

The conditions I had, or was riding in, during the test ranged between hero dirt after small amounts of rain, and firm loose over firmness. Based on looks alone, I expected the Gunnison to ride a lot like the Maxxis Rekon, one of my go-to wheels for light trail, or XC+ use in my neighborhood.

READ: AMB Bike Sealant Group test

My first few rides were pretty normal over tough hardpack conditions on my local trails, where the Gunnison performed as you would expect; it rolled quickly at the front and predictably this was best in wet conditions and hero dirt, as you would expect.

I was impressed with the support offered by the Gunnison – the 60tpi casing remained firm and supple, but the nylon reinforcement on the sidewalls meant I had no tire roll despite reducing the pressure a bit. Sometimes I found that the transition to edge knots wasn't as visible as I expected. I think with an innie and outie pattern it's easier to get it consistent than a tire with long, consistent edge knots. Those tires usually come with other components that mean they don't roll as quickly.

Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR
The 60tpi casing is durable and soft

Although I had all but convinced myself that the Gunnison was a light trail tire that equated to trail light riding, a recent ride took me down a forest road that I always avoided as it was too steep. It's a car favorite, and this time I was tempted to check it out. With the loose and dry conditions it was a test of patience and brake control at first, before letting the bike go on the moto singletrack climb. On a series of steep sections, mounted at a grade of more than 30% the braking control with the Gunnison tire was more than I've found in other similar tires, while it also steered me through fast, rough terrain with a confidence I didn't expect.

The Bontrager Gunnison Verdict

The Bontrager Gunnison XR Pro is possibly the easiest trail jack for all trade wheels. I often swap tires for wheels to better fit an upcoming race or ride. But finding a pair that works for 90% of your riding works best with timing, tire usage, and even tubeless sealant! A tire like the Gunnison XR Pro can be that tire for those who ride narrow trails or expect more grip and confidence from their XC bike.

The Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR has a classic 2-3-2 tread pattern
The Bontrager Gunnison Pro XR has a classic 2-3-2 tread pattern

RRPPrice: $79.99
From: trekbikes.com

Hits:
· Jack of all trades
· Good value
· Set and forget

You miss it:
· It is not clear at some small angles

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