Subaru-Trek team riders – including newly crowned short track cross-country US national champion Jeremy Horgan-Kobelski – have been testing several new Bontrager tires that will be introduced later this year. We were given a sneak preview of the new 29-1 Team Issue, which promises a fast roll but better traction than Bontrager's current race-specific 29er treads.
The 29-1 Team Issue features a staggered, low-knob center tread that's slightly taller than Specialized's Renegade. Knob height increases progressively from there, though, with medium-sized hollow transition knobs and comparatively tall shoulder blocks.
While we weren't able to ride the new tires, the tread pattern – and in particular, the unusually squared-off shoulder for a Bontrager – suggests more secure cornering capabilities in loose terrain but without overly sacrificing rolling resistance as a result. Casing volume is also relatively generous, at a true 2.0in across for better float in the rough.
As usual, Bontrager will offer the new 29-1 at several different levels and in both tube-type and tubeless-ready casings. Final weights, model specifics, availability and prices are still to be announced but team officials quoted the new tire at 450g for the top-end Team Issue tube-type variant. A tubeless-compatible casing will supposedly add another 50g.