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[Closed] Differentiate ARC casing Bontrager Mud X's from non ARC casings ?

Posts: 138
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[#3663049]

Hi.

I'm after a pair of Mud X tyres but apparently the 2012 versions have not got the stronger ARC sidewall. Is there any distinguishing markings (written on the tyre ?) to differentiate the ARC sidewall versions from the Non ARC versions ?

I'll be looking for old stock (or possibly V. good SH ones) so need to be able to tell the difference incase the retailer/seller can't or doesn't know.

Did the ARC versions come in both 1.8 & 2.0 sizes ?

Many thanks

Michael


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 12:55 pm
 awh
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The original Mud X I had didn't have the ARC sidewall, 2nd set did. The non-ARC sidewall made them noticeably more grippy. What is the reason you want the ARC sidewall?

My current ARC Mud X are 2.0.


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 1:27 pm
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Hi AWH.

Thanks for your response.

I've read on a few forums and reviews that the non-arc sidewalls are pretty thin and prone to splitting/tearing ??
Personally I would rather carry a weight penalty (especially in the winter) when riding, knowing my equipment is up to the job/the best option available, rather than save a few grams and have the worry of potential failures.
I've ridden with far too many people with the opposite approach and had to wait too many times while they fix a puncture in their 'race light' tubes or patch up their 'ultra light sidewall' tyres.
The idea the sidewalls on the normal Mud x's are thin and not overly resistant to cutting etc is just one that I've been led too via reading online, I've no experience of it myself (not ridden Mud X's as yet) so am open to info to the contrary ?

What are your experiences of them, especially as you seem to have ridden both types ?

Cheers

Michael


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 1:44 pm
 awh
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I used my non-ARC Mud X for a couple of winters without splitting/tearing them, probably very dependant on if you ride flinty/rocky trails. Mine were used on mostly local muddy trails with few rocks, but survived many trips to Afan/Cwmcarn without a problem. The tubeless ready sidewall, even on the non-ARC, makes them tougher than a light xc tyre. Are you going to use them tubeless? I've pulled lots of thorns out at the end of winter I hadn't realised were there because the sealant worked perfectly.


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 2:09 pm
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Yes, would be running them tubeless on a set of Mavic 819's.

Will probably only be running them around the local woods (no rocks), so maybe it won't be the problem I was led to believe ?

Have heard they come up really quite narrow (especially the 1.8) for their given size, compared to other manufacturers. Do you find this the case ?


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 3:59 pm
 awh
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Yep, they're quite narrow. You should be fine in muddy woods, especially as you'll be running tubeless.


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 4:20 pm
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OK, cool. Back on the original point though, was there any difference to the sidewall writing as far as you can remember ie A.R.C. actually written on it or something similar ?


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 4:34 pm
 nuke
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Just been comparing two: its a very subtle difference for the ARC with no extra writing...the sidewalls of the ARC Mud-X has a very fine pattern to it compared to the smooth sides of the non-ARC.

I have a mix of both types so ARC go on the rear tubeless. I have had the tube burst through the sidewall on the non-ARC.


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 4:50 pm
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mmmmmmmmm, another story about thin/splitting sidewalls !

Well, unless I can find some very good condition ARC ones SH, looks like I've not got the choice of which ones to get tbh :0/


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 5:08 pm
 nuke
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You could consider Spesh Storm...very similar by all accounts and also tubeless ready


 
Posted : 10/02/2012 5:11 pm