TESTED: Onza Ibex MTB tyres

Onza are a brand that were at the core of mountain biking throughout the 90s. With their elastomer sprung pedals and bright ski-bend bar ends, Onza were well-known for their products, as they graced the bikes of pros and weekend hacks alike.

Fast forward a couple of decades, and Onza are back, although quite different. As a Swiss-based tyre company, Onza are specialising in mountain bike tyres – not surprising given the terrain and access the Swiss have.

With a range from hip tanwall XC treads through to all-mountain monster truck tyres, we received a set of the 29×2.25" Ibex tyres to test. With a supple 120tpi threadcount casing, a low 65/55a durometer and an open spaced tread – it looked like these tyres should be great on loose terrain and still hold their own on more solid rock slabs.

The tread shape isn't unlike that of a Maxxis High Roller II, but with a few more cambered edges. The weight of the tyre is great too, at 749g for the ones we tested. Not bad for a tyre with a 'freeride' casing and tubeless ready bead in a 29" size.

Inflating the tyres onto some hookless carbon rims was a cinch, done with a pretty standard track pump and some sealant until they popped into place. The profile is round with a squared edge, given the prominent edge knobs. Onza claim the tyre is 'four out of five' for cornering, and 'three out of five' for rolling resistance.

On the trail

With the tyres fitted to my bike, I was happy to agree with Onza on both their ratings within the first few kilometres. Brisbane in summer is loose and rocky, and the increase in cornering grip compared to the usual Ardent Race I run on the front was far more than incremental. It was a case of not needing to check speed before some corners, knowing the tyre would bite. There was more rolling resistance, but for trail riding I wasn't concerned at all, as the extra grip was well worth it in terms of cornering speed, braking traction and just all-out fun.

I was out in the wet a couple of times, and while the lower rubber durometer is great for traction, wet rocks and roots are still bloody slippery. In plenty of other situations they still hooked up just as I would expect.

Wear has been good, the mix of 65 and 55 durometer has resulted in a good mix of grip. The casing has proven to be supple, runinng very nicely at 24-25psi, without burping, and so far free from sidewall tears. The combination of the high quality casing and good durometer in an $80 tyre is really impressive. Tyres aren't cheap and Onza have really come up with a quality riding tyre at a reasonable price point here – plus they have proven to not cut up easily under normal rocky trail riding.

Overall, I think Onza have hit the mark with the Ibex as a trial tyre. Some riders might prefer someething wider, but look through the range and you're likely to find something that fits.

RRP: $79.95ea

From: Pushie Enterprises