It’s finally time to reveal my current top pick for the best front dirt bike tire. Many local and national readers have been asking us to test this tire, so here goes.
Today, I’ll share the results from our tire testing, focusing on the Bridgestone X-31 Battlecross front tire.
Bridgestone Battlecross X31 Review
Pro & Cons
- Durable construction for off-road riding
- Excellent traction and stability
- Not good in extremely wet or muddy conditions
A Shift from the Gold Standard
For several years now, we’ve been in the search for a tire that can outperform the erstwhile favorite – the 59.
This tire served us well for probably two or three decades. The 59 is indeed a wonderful tire, offering excellent performance on the tricky terrains of Colorado, which are filled with rocks, roots, and ruts.
However, the 59 usually lasts for about 200 miles before it starts showing signs of wear and tear – chunking, carcass degradation, and an overall loss in stability.
Don’t get me wrong, I still hold the 59 in high regard. But the Bridgestone X31 is just a level above, providing better-breaking traction, improved turning ability, and enhanced performance in wet conditions.
The Rigorous Testing Process
Let’s dig deeper into our testing. In our selection process, we have the 59, the X31 (both new and used), and the 8100 and 9100 series.
We don’t conduct testing in isolation; we work alongside a team comprising of local riders, some from different states, and customers who purchase these tires from our website.
We collate and analyze all the feedback, looking for patterns, similarities, and differences.
All testers, without exception, preferred the X31 over the 59, with some recording up to 400 miles on these tires. Even after such extensive use, the side knobs remained intact, a testament to the tire’s durability.
Quantitative Evaluations
In my toolkit, you’ll find a fish scale for weighing the tires, a durometer for testing the tire’s softness, and a tape measure for checking the tire’s rollout.
The new X31s were about three-quarters of a pound heavier than the 59 but still maintained their lightweight feature, which significantly contributes to the bike’s overall handling.
Avoiding heavy tires is crucial as they can impact the bike’s handling negatively.
The durometer showed the X31 to be five points softer than the 59, which isn’t gummy but certainly improves the performance on rocky and root-filled terrains.
You will find all these quantitative evaluations – the weight, the rollout specs, and more on our website.
Notable Observations
Interestingly, we observed that the tires were taller when deflated than when inflated. This is because the narrow and pointy appearance of the tire expands outwards rather than upwards when inflated. This might seem counterintuitive, but our repeated measurements confirmed it.
The X31 also showed slightly improved puncture resistance due to its beefier construction. In our testing process, we always control the air pressure to find the handling’s sweet spot, which for both the 59 and the X31, was 12 PSI.
After about 10 months of testing in varying conditions – dry, slick, pea gravel terrains, wet terrains, rocky terrains, and even in black dirt areas, I can vouch for the X31’s versatility and superior performance.
While it’s not specifically designed for sandy terrains, it excels in many areas as a general-purpose tire.
Our testers unanimously agree that the X31 is a remarkable choice. This tire boasts a level of performance that has impressed us all, even in Colorado’s demanding and diverse terrains.
Superior Performance and Durability
Not only does the X31 outperform the 59 in traction and handling, but it also holds up remarkably well over time. Our testers have put hundreds of miles on these tires without significant wear and tear.
Even the side knobs, which usually show the first signs of wear, remained intact and functional. This durability and top-notch performance make the X31 a tire that we wholeheartedly recommend.
Excellent Versatility Across Terrain Types
While the X31 isn’t a dedicated sand tire, it has demonstrated a high degree of versatility across a wide range of conditions and terrains.
This tire has consistently delivered excellent performance from dry, slick, pea gravel conditions to wet, rocky, or black dirt terrains.
The X31 has proven to be an asset in the unpredictable trails and terrains we encounter in Colorado.
Weight and Performance Balance
Another crucial aspect of the X31 is its weight. Despite being slightly heavier than the 59, it maintains an excellent balance between weight and performance.
This balance is essential in ensuring good bike handling and keeping the rider in control. Heavier tires often detract from the overall bike handling, but the X31 provides exceptional service without compromising handling.
Features And Benefits
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Breaking traction | Improved control |
| Turning traction | Better maneuverability |
| Performance in wet conditions | Reliable across weather conditions |
Concluding Remarks
In conclusion, the Bridgestone X31 Battlecross front tire is an outstanding choice for any rider seeking top-tier performance, durability, and versatility.
This tire surpassed our beloved 59 and emerged as the new favorite among our testers and customers.
Despite the supply issues faced by vendors due to widespread demand, we’ve managed to stock a decent supply of the X31 on our shelves.
We encourage you to try it – based on our testing, and we are confident you will love the ride.
Remember, the best way to appreciate a tire is to ride it. So, please consider the Bridgestone X31 for your next purchase, and most importantly, get out and ride!
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