Goodyear was part of our 24 trail and enduro tyre test earlier in the year, and both the Newton MTF and MTR left a good impression on Hayden Wright. However, with their focus on intermediate to wet conditions, they left him wanting more in Queensland’s dry and rocky conditions, enter Goodyear Wrangler.
The new Goodyear Wrangler MTF and MTR continue Goodyear’s push for front and rear-specific tyres, with a block pattern, rubber compound, and carcass specifically designed to best suit each end of your bike. I tested the Enduro casing with a double 120 TPI layering; however, there is a specific e-bike casing (ELECTRICDRIVE) with an exclusive construction that considers the weight of e-bikes. It would be a good option for someone looking for a stronger tyre, even on an analogue bike.
The Enduro casing Wranglers are not designed to be light though, with the front tyre at just under 1100g and the rear tyre at over 1300g. They measured at 2.44” on 30mm internal width rims, with a rounded profile in both the front and rear tyres. Installation was a breeze, both tyres went on without much trouble (easier than a lot of lighter tyres I’ve used) however would recommend an Airshot device to inflate them. Something to keep in mind if setting them up at the carpark. I tested these without inserts.
READ: AMB’s Tyre Insert Group Test
The front-specific MTF has a 2-2-3 pattern with offset side knobs and Motocross-inspired siping in both central and side knobs – all in the name of more grip and predictability. Whereas the rear-specific MTR has a different pattern from the front, a 3-2-3 arrangement, with smaller gaps and bigger blocks to promote good rolling resistance and grip.
Trail performance
The tyres that have been on my bike for the last year have been by far the most predictable and comfortable tyres I have ever used so jumping over to the Goodyears I knew the level of expectation was high – but Goodyear has been delivering high-quality tyres. The expectation was met with a high level of grip, predictability and confidence, which is exactly what you want from an Enduro-specific tyre. Reliability? So far so good. For such a supple and pliable sidewall, both the MTF and MTR have been able to take everything they’ve faced in their stride.
I found it easy to build confidence in my front end thanks to the nature of the tyre, knowing it allows for last-minute line adjustments and maintains grip on the driest of conditions.
The siping on both central and side knobs has an extra edge of grip when you don’t expect much more from a tyre, allowing you to push your riding and your limits. Very few tyres have delivered that sort of no-holds-barred grip in my recent experience, the ability to almost slow down time and hit the line you wanted…or not be scared of the line you ended up on.
Having been heavily influenced by Goodyear’s experience in motocross and designed with e-bikes in mind, the MTR pattern benefits uphill grip, with its dense central knobs, a real bonus for those with motor assistance. Considering how soft the compound is (the front being slightly softer again) the rolling speed is acceptable although not as fast as other tyres. I’d say that’s a good thing. MTR’s drop from central to lateral knobs is natural and a perfect match to the MTF, with a round profile that continues to communicate back how much grip is left and how close to failure it is – which is much further than expected.
Final thoughts on Goodyear Wrangler
Unlike its brother Newton, the Goodyear Wrangler is not as all or nothing when it comes to braking bite, certainly rewarding those who have a more modular approach to their braking and prefer to keep the rear from locking up– perfect for the rocky and soft conditions that it was designed for.
The casing, just like other Goodyear tyres, is soft and supple, so if you’re a fan of stiff sidewalls, this tyre would not be your first pick.
For me though, the Goodyear Wrangler MTF and MTR are a very strong contender for best aggressive trail and Enduro tyres I have tried and have earned their spot on my Enduro bike. At $129, the Wranglers earn their price and so far, the wear has indicated that they will last long enough for me to see the value in them.
Pros
– Soft and grippy
– Balanced transition between knobs
– Holds you in uncomfortable situations
Cons
– Weighty
– Expensive
