Hutchinson hit the market with a new aggressive enduro tire aimed at fast, durable, and grippy riding. The tires come in a variety of diameters and widths. Namely a 29″ and 27.5″ both in 2.4 and 2.5 widths. They have a foldable rugged bead and side to side hard skin protection that place different tread compounds (different rubber mix) in flats, sidewalls, and edges. They weigh in at 27.5 x 2.4 = 930g, 27.5 x 2.5 = 980g, 2v9 x 2.4 = 1030, 29 x 2.5 = 1080.
The 2.5 were designed to be used as a front tire with a 2.4 on the rear. The 2.5 tires have an aligned row with steep edges to help lead corner traction. The 2.4 is slightly faster rolling and a more steer friendly tread pattern while the 2.5 has a thicker and taller knobs for traction in the corners. Most riders will opt for a 2.4 up front and a 2.5 in the rear.
The 2.4 tread pattern has a more off shoulder design. It pushes the knobs out offering a smoother less resistant roll, with really good traction in the corner once they engage. For such a large tread tire, they roll fairly well because of this design.
Ride Quality
I loaded up my Pivot Firebird with 2.4 and 2.5 27.5 Hutchinson Griffus. I have them set up tubeless (Stan’s Sealant) with a pair of DT Swiss M1700 Rims, and no inserts. I’ve ridden them in Park City, Utah USA dry and dusty conditions, Park laps at Deer Valley, Utah, and Moab Slick rock. These are all very dry, sandy, and dusty riding conditions here in the Utah summers. I’ve put a few hundred mile on them and they are wearing very well. The tires were designed for dry conditions but just looking at the tread pattern of the tires, and tall knobs they are still very usable for wet conditions. If you are riding the wets on a frequent, you may want to look at Hutchinson’s other specific wet tires.
The Griffus has a round profile keeping the outer knobs off the flats to improve rolling resistance, but once engaged in transition the tire really shines. The casing is supple and conforms to the trail well. The tires hook up well on dry sand and dust. They also offer gripping braking performance with aligned knobs to improve stopping power of the tire.
The larger volume tires increase confidence. I drug them through a number of jagged rock gardens where I was sure I’d end up with a puncture or torn sidewall, but have yet to have an issue with them yet.
The Griffus has already made it’s way to the podums of EWS. Isabeau Courdurier has won the first two rounds of the 2019 EWS aboard the new tires. The Griffus are a great option for any lover of the Maxxis DHR and DHF, or just looking for great value and traction on dry dusty trails.