Completely agree! I used the NMS21-235 Nitro bib in the 90/100 which is a little snug when new, but perfect with some hours on it. It works really well on our super rocky mountain single track in Montana. Holds up great for me. Had 52 hours/800ish miles on the first one and it still had all the side knobs. A few torn/feathered and obviously rounded but still was working well. Put another new one on and it feels great. I love the M59 but I would loose knobs after 10-15 hours.
Last time I was in your shop one of the guys was saying how awesome that tire is. I almost went with it but stayed with the tried and true m59. I’ll try that one next.
Alec convinced me to try the X31. I love the M59, but just tried the 216 "chubby" and compared to the M59, not as confident. The 216 seems to let go in loose turns, at least for an instant, but then regains its composure. This nanosecond of letting go is unnerving though, so looking forward to trying the X31 in the hard pack and rock of SE AZ.
Thank you for the recommendation!! Just installed the tire on my new 2023 Husqvarna TE300 and absolutely love it. Posted a video riding in ice and snow. Gave you credit for the tire choice and I hope sent other riders your way. 💪😃👍
I appreciate you doing these product reviews. Being from the land down under it’s not economical for me to purchase from your store (I do get some gear from you that isn’t available down here) but I really appreciate your advice. Cheers
Hello: 90/100-21 tires give a smoother ride in rocks at the expense of good handling. The small gain in comfort is totally outweighed by the poor handling. 90/100 tires of any brand are a very poor choice for rocks, roots and ruts. They only work well for their intended purpose, sand. If you're looking for comfort, revalve your suspension.
That’ll be my next tire to try for my channel. Iv been comparing the m59 to the goldentyre 80/100 and I liked it more for braking power and stronger carcass. But it’s definitely on the skinny side. So I’ll try the battlecross
Thanks for this video, I've just started watching your channel. So you say new favourite (I'm in the UK) front tyre (don't you love these spellings?) which begs the question, which is your favourite rear type? Cheers.
Hello Mike: For 99% of trail riding I prefer the 80/100-21 Bridgestone X31 slavensracing.com/shop/battlecross-x31-soft-to-intermediate-tire-by-bridgestone/ for carving tight trails, but when I go to Baja and ride lots of sand, I want the wider contact patch of the 90/100-21 to float on top of the sand.
Been enjoying the videos! Have you ever tested the Kenda Track Master 2? I have these on my DR200S (2018), been questioning the front tire lately seems too push more than I like when turning at times on the trails. The DR has more rake angle than any bike I know of could that be the reason. It might also be my skill level too. Just curious on how I could alter my bike to help with this without buying another bike!
I am try for land speed record on Utah Salt Flats 300 mph + what about this tire LOL you are the best of the Best I wish you and your family Blessings and Prosperity
I ride with tubes, but have found the front tire likes a bit more pressure than other fronts I’ve used. 12-14psi in single track seems to be the ticket.
The Shinko 216 in 90-90-21 doesn’t climb out of ruts. It’s the best of both worlds, IMO. That said, I want to try the new X31, and I’ll probably go with the 80-100-21.
I just returned from an 800 mile ride on my 500XCF-W. I used the X31 80/100-21 slavensracing.com/shop/battlecross-x31-soft-to-intermediate-tire-by-bridgestone/ with an 80/100 Nitro Platinum mousse. slavensracing.com/shop/nitromousse-by-nuetech/
@@slaverace1 Okay thanks. I like mousse front tubeless rear... get too many front flats. Just wondering if your mousse testers preferred one over the other. I usually run michelin mousse as it's a bit softer... most tire perform better this way.. not sure if the x31 does? Anyways thanks.
@Slavens Racing mousse 80/100 in the nm21-210 or nm21-220? I called and someone there told me the nm21-235? But that’s for a 90/100/21… correct me if I’m wrong. Thanks for the video! 👍🏻
I tested the X31 today and was super impressed. I just finished testing the Dunlop MX34 and thought it was a good tire but the Bridgestone X31 is my new favorite.
Completely agree! I used the NMS21-235 Nitro bib in the 90/100 which is a little snug when new, but perfect with some hours on it. It works really well on our super rocky mountain single track in Montana. Holds up great for me. Had 52 hours/800ish miles on the first one and it still had all the side knobs. A few torn/feathered and obviously rounded but still was working well. Put another new one on and it feels great. I love the M59 but I would loose knobs after 10-15 hours.
Agree with this, x31 front is basically M59 with castle blocks and stiffer. Very good tire!
Last time I was in your shop one of the guys was saying how awesome that tire is. I almost went with it but stayed with the tried and true m59.
I’ll try that one next.
Alec convinced me to try the X31. I love the M59, but just tried the 216 "chubby" and compared to the M59, not as confident. The 216 seems to let go in loose turns, at least for an instant, but then regains its composure. This nanosecond of letting go is unnerving though, so looking forward to trying the X31 in the hard pack and rock of SE AZ.
Thank you for the recommendation!! Just installed the tire on my new 2023 Husqvarna TE300 and absolutely love it. Posted a video riding in ice and snow. Gave you credit for the tire choice and I hope sent other riders your way. 💪😃👍
I appreciate you doing these product reviews. Being from the land down under it’s not economical for me to purchase from your store (I do get some gear from you that isn’t available down here) but I really appreciate your advice. Cheers
Tires are expensive to ship but our hard parts prices, including freight, are cheaper than you pay down under.
Been racing MX here IN Colorado with the X 31 and love it.
Agreed. Exceptional tire.
Looks very similar just with some bigger knobs. I'll have to order one!
The tread design looks the same between the M-59 and the X31. Which means it has to be good. Love the M-59. Gonna have to try an X31. Good video!!
Good video. Descriptive and detailed. Thank you.
You're welcome.
How is the x31 compaired to the irc vx30?.
I have been loving the shinko 216 front ill have to try this tyre next
which size would you prefer for your described conditions in Colorado, 80/100 vs 90/100?
For Colorado I personally like the 90/100 for the rocks
If lower desert, sand and or rutty 80/100
Hello:
90/100-21 tires give a smoother ride in rocks at the expense of good handling. The small gain in comfort is totally outweighed by the poor handling. 90/100 tires of any brand are a very poor choice for rocks, roots and ruts. They only work well for their intended purpose, sand. If you're looking for comfort, revalve your suspension.
That’ll be my next tire to try for my channel. Iv been comparing the m59 to the goldentyre 80/100 and I liked it more for braking power and stronger carcass. But it’s definitely on the skinny side. So I’ll try the battlecross
Interested to see what you think.... never tried 216 80/100 only fatty
@@Fontainebleauify I have two videos on the 80/100 on my channel. It’s a really good single track tire
Sounds great, would this be a good trail tire in Colorado as well?
Hello Tim:
We are located in Colorado and ride in Colorado.
Nice review. Thanks. Do you know if it uses the same mousse as M59?
Yes it does
Thanks for this video, I've just started watching your channel. So you say new favourite (I'm in the UK) front tyre (don't you love these spellings?) which begs the question, which is your favourite rear type? Cheers.
slavensracing.com/shop/irc-jx8-gekkota-gummy-rear-tire/
What is the Durometer reading of the X31, don't think you said the actual number in the video?
My question is simple, beings that the 500 EXC comes from the factory with a 90/90-21. Do you use/prefer a 80/100 or a 90/100 on your 500?
Hello Mike:
For 99% of trail riding I prefer the 80/100-21 Bridgestone X31 slavensracing.com/shop/battlecross-x31-soft-to-intermediate-tire-by-bridgestone/ for carving tight trails, but when I go to Baja and ride lots of sand, I want the wider contact patch of the 90/100-21 to float on top of the sand.
Thanks Jeff
Been enjoying the videos! Have you ever tested the Kenda Track Master 2? I have these on my DR200S (2018), been questioning the front tire lately seems too push more than I like when turning at times on the trails. The DR has more rake angle than any bike I know of could that be the reason. It might also be my skill level too. Just curious on how I could alter my bike to help with this without buying another bike!
Hello: Go straight for the gusto and get an X31, 80/100-21. slavensracing.com/shop/battlecross-x31-soft-to-intermediate-tire-by-bridgestone/
Jeff, quick question, the 123's recommended, is that cold or after warm up?
Mike, What are 123's?
I am try for land speed record on Utah Salt Flats 300 mph + what about this tire LOL you are the best of the Best I wish you and your family Blessings and Prosperity
Thanks, you too!
I've found this tire works even better at 8-9psi with tubliss.
Most tires do.
I also run them with a spark arrestor.@@slaverace1
I ride with tubes, but have found the front tire likes a bit more pressure than other fronts I’ve used. 12-14psi in single track seems to be the ticket.
Jeff commented in the vid about specs being on the website. Anyone have a link where I could see that as well as for some other tires?
Tim,
Sorry, I need to complete that project. Stay tuned please.
80/100 or 90/100 for hard enduro single track with big rock gardens and roots?
Definitely 80/100
What’s the durometer?
Are you going to run this on your 500 dual sport? If not what is your tire of choice on that bike.
It’s already on all of my bikes. Last week I rode 780 miles on the Colorado Back Country Discovery Route and it worked very well.
Any reviews on how this tire does on wet forest Singletrack, w/ some slight muddy conditions
We have tested this tire in wet rock and roots here in CO and it performs excellent.
@@slaverace1 Does it cake up in the mud? My m59 likes to hold onto mud almost to the point it looks like I have slicks on
@@BeansBikesBandaids go faster - tyres clean themselves 🙂
Do you prefer this over the VX40?
Sorry, haven't tried the VX40.
@@slaverace1 ruclips.net/video/yYMpf8QGPsg/видео.htmlsi=SaW7fpJqcbrZCmZG
How does the fattie handle?
I tried the shinko fattie and hated it because it wanted to climb ever side hill it touched
I agree the Fatty is only good in really really wet conditions imo
Had to same issues with the shinko front. Never gave me that issue with the GT
The Shinko 216 in 90-90-21 doesn’t climb out of ruts. It’s the best of both worlds, IMO. That said, I want to try the new X31, and I’ll probably go with the 80-100-21.
90/100 tires of any brand are a very poor choice for rocks, roots and ruts. They only work well for their intended purpose, sand.
Favorite rear tire?
Already have a video on that. slavensracing.com/shop/irc-jx8-gekkota-gummy-rear-tire/
Bib size recommendations from your testers?
I just returned from an 800 mile ride on my 500XCF-W. I used the X31 80/100-21 slavensracing.com/shop/battlecross-x31-soft-to-intermediate-tire-by-bridgestone/ with an 80/100 Nitro Platinum mousse. slavensracing.com/shop/nitromousse-by-nuetech/
@@slaverace1 assuming you prefer the nitro to the michelin bib mousse for this tire?
@@Fontainebleauify I don’t prefer one over the other but the Platinum seems to last longer. For trail riding I prefer the TUbliss
@@slaverace1 Okay thanks. I like mousse front tubeless rear... get too many front flats. Just wondering if your mousse testers preferred one over the other. I usually run michelin mousse as it's a bit softer... most tire perform better this way.. not sure if the x31 does? Anyways thanks.
@Slavens Racing mousse 80/100 in the nm21-210 or nm21-220? I called and someone there told me the nm21-235? But that’s for a 90/100/21… correct me if I’m wrong. Thanks for the video! 👍🏻
Is it available in a 90-90-21 ?
Yes, slavensracing.com/shop/battlecross-x31-soft-to-intermediate-tire-by-bridgestone/
you will have to look for the E50
@@slaverace1 it doesn't show a 90-90-21
Suggest you test the the Bridgestone Battle Cross E55…!!!
Hello: I might if they made one, BUT there is no E55.
Apologies E50
IRC vx30 better
Whatever works best for you is what you should use. Our customers prefer the Bridgestone X31.
I tested the X31 today and was super impressed. I just finished testing the Dunlop MX34 and thought it was a good tire but the Bridgestone X31 is my new favorite.