Hutchison Python Tubeless Tyres - any good?

[AUDIOZ]

My bike shop is proposing to swap my Bontrager Race X Lite Tubeless (which leak) for the above tyres.

Equitable swap?

[Squidly Didly]

Assuming they work too. Bloody UST!

Pythons are fast tyres, but i'd go for something with a little more bite like the Maxxis Larsen TT's in UST.

Saying that... there's a 50/50 chance they'll leak too. Clean your current tyres, and even put some of that liquid latex goop into them (same stuff as 'Stans' only minus the rim-strip).

[edit: if you're talking about coin, the UST Pythons are about $100'ish retail, and UST Maxxis are a tad over $60. I have no idea about Bontrager. Anyone?]

[Grover]

YES, out of all UST tyres Hutchinson's inflate and seal the best. I've been running python's just recently after ditching Larsen's (deceptively fast - they're not, you only think they are).

Python's retail at $118 and if you're getting a direct swap it's definitely worth it.

The only gripe I have with them is that there isn't much grab on the sides. I lost my front wheel when laying it over through corners a few times. My suggestion is to defintely have a Python on the rear and then get something with knobs further down the sidewall - I'm currently using a Geax Mezcal and am very happy.

[Hagar]

I gave up on pythons a while ago due to the fact that they have side walls that tear way to easily. I dont like being halfway through a race or in the middle of nowhere looking at a torn sidewall.

I now use Geax Mezcal front and rear in the 2.1 version. (the 1.9s would pinch flat to often for my liking in both tubed and tubeless version)

I use the Geax tyres non tubeless version on XTR wheels with stans strip and goop, no pinch flats, tyres have held pressure for about 3 weeks before requiring top up.

Pythons also wear a bit fast, same with the racing ralphs (great tyre otherwise) havent tried the Larsens although I hear good things. My personal opinion is pythons work well for a short period of time. Get something longer lasting and use some sort of latex sealing fluid. Turned tubeless from a nightmare into a great system

[BrumbyJack]

I'm guessing you guys all have proper tubeless rims????

What about tubeless conversions on standard rims??

[AUDIOZ]

Yes - I am running Bontrager's most expensive Super Light Race X Tubeless Rims. AWESOME rims and VERY strong.

But have had a lot of problems with the Bontrager Tyres (their best race tyres) leaking air through the sidewalls.

[4heckssake]

YES, out of all UST tyres Hutchinson's inflate and seal the best. I've been running python's just recently after ditching Larsen's (deceptively fast - they're not, you only think they are).

Python's retail at $118 and if you're getting a direct swap it's definitely worth it.

The only gripe I have with them is that there isn't much grab on the sides. I lost my front wheel when laying it over through corners a few times. My suggestion is to defintely have a Python on the rear and then get something with knobs further down the sidewall - I'm currently using a Geax Mezcal and am very happy.

I've got Grover's old Larsen TTs...don't mind them actually on the rear. I use a Hutchy Mosquito on the front for extra grip. I have used python on the rear previously...thought they were good too and lasted me ages...the side wall wore out before the tread.

Hutchison UST definitley seal the best of all the UST tyres i have used. Continental Vert Pro UST are also excellent but not for fast XC.

Grover, i've used one of the schwable black jacks on the rear of my heckler now...no probs there either, big grip, no leaks. those blardy larsens keep going down over a day or two tho. i'm using stans goop in all.

[Grover]

Grover, i've used one of the schwable black jacks on the rear of my heckler now...no probs there either, big grip, no leaks. those blardy larsens keep going down over a day or two tho. i'm using stans goop in all.

I tested those larsen's before I sent them to you, they stayed up for about a week before I let them down to post them to you. Don't know what's going on that they're not staying up, sorry about that, just put half a scoop of stan's in and you'll have no problems. I'm actually regretting selling them now, I could have used them as training tyres, they're so much cheaper to wear out than any other UST tyres.

Anyway back to 'to swap or not to swap'. Swap the Bontragers for the Python's, when the rear Python wears out put the front Python on the rear and put a Geax Mezcal on the front, you'll be set.

Cya, John.

[j5ive]

I wrenched for the dream team in last years croc trophy.

We had....
5 pro itallian/american/belgum riders
5 felt xc bikes
10 UST pythons
1700km of corroded/sandy/rocky road in 14 days

And 2 punctures.


The results speak for them selves really.

We used just a little bit of sealant in each tyre. Mainly to stop thegoat head thorns. We only changed the tyres on the last day to helpgive just a little edge as things were close, but even after 1700km indreadful conditions, I took a pair home to use myself andthey are still going ;)

[4heckssake]

I tested those larsen's ...<snip>.... I'm actually regretting selling them now, they're so much cheaper to wear out than any other UST tyres.
Cya, John.

he he he...I'm happy with them John...you can't have them back sorry!

outcome: larsens are good, pythons are even better...possible the best for fast rolling but grippy tire in nearly all conditions.

[AUDIOZ]

Thanks for all the help guys - ive decided to accept the swap - the bike shop (templestowe links cycles) has gone out of their way to look after me - and for that I am grateful.

Will let you know what I think of them when I get back from Buffalo :D