RUST magazine: RUST #44

LATEST GEAR
Stuff
flat so stuck with the road pressures
of 36/42 (2.4/2.9bar) and rode that bit
steadier. The tyres felt to perform just
as well. Pinch flats, where you get
little (or large) cut in the sidewall, are
the most common kind of puncture
I’ve seen on super-advs and while
you can typically plug these on the
trail you are faced with immediate
tyre replacement, so I take it easy
anytime the rocks look at all sharp
and menacing.
Finally, let’s talk on-road practicality.
First, I have to say I was very
impressed with the low road-noise
these tyres generate. Some knobbly
tyres make the sound of a Sherman
tank, but the AX-41s roll pretty quiet
for a tyre of their type and that’s good
especially for long distance work.
Secondly, I was impressed with their
durability. I got up to 3500 miles on
them before the long termer had to
go back. Looking at the wear to that
point I’d say there was well over 4000
miles available from the rear with a
lot more yet to be gained from the
front. But as well the rear AX-41 hadn’t
squared off despite the long highway
miles, which meant the handling was
still good, too. Now there are higher
mileage 50/50 adventure tyres out
there, but that durability typically
comes at the cost of grip, and for me
I don’t think I’d like to be trusting
£17,000 of super-adv to such a tyre
(false economy).
In all, the Bridgestone AX-41s
impress. In every measure of
performance they’re a match for
the other premium tyres. Unless
you tested them back-to-back it’s
impossible to say unequivocally
whether these are better, or some
other tyre. But if I’m riding an
expensive adventure bike for sure I’d
be very happy to fit the AX-41s, for
performance and for security. Top
tyres!
Jon Bentman
100
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