GOODYEAR NEWTON MTR
Tester: Hayden Wright
Casing: EN (2 x 120TPI)
Compound: Dynamic Grip 3
Weight: 1171g (27.5”)
Size: 27.5x2.4” (29” also available) Width on DT Swiss 30mm rim: 58.5mm PSI for testing: 25
RRP: $100 goodyearbike.au
The Newton MTR is Goodyear’s rear specific gravity tyre, and like the Newton MTF follows what is now a tried and true formula for success in this product type. The tread pattern certainly looks familiar, because it is very, very similar to the Maxxis DHR II. This should not be considered a bad thing, as the DHR II is held in high regard here at AMB, and the Australian mountain bike community at large for being a fantastic rear specific gravity tyre. It’s only once you dive into the details that the differences start to emerge between the two, through the casings, compound and tread specifics. Built upon a 2x120tpi casing which includes additional bead protection and support through the addition of a butyl support strip, Goodyear have also devised their own rear specific triple compound rubber which prioritises rolling resistance in a straight line and lean angle traction. In profile this tyre is about as square as they get thanks to the tall side knobs, which are deeply grooved to increase their pliability.
While there are downhill and trail versions of this tyre available, we were provided with the enduro (EN) variant and tested it as such. Pressures tested varied anywhere from 24 to 28psi, with 25psi being the final resting place. At this pressure the casing provided plenty of support and a surprising amount of rim protection while remaining soft and supple. The rubber compound on these tyres is a little firm, however the duality provided by the casing gave a fantastic ride quality when pushing hard into turns and using high amounts of lean angle. The malleable casing really brought the tread pattern to life, leading this to be one of my favourite rear tyres in recent memory. Of particular note are the tall side knobs, which deform well under load and really dig into soft and loose soils with a predictable nature. Climbing and rolling performance was good considering the MTR’s weight and knob height, thanks primarily to the firm and durable Dynamic Grip 3 rubber. The only place where this tyre left some performance to be desired was on wet roots and rock. In these scenarios the chemical grip on offer felt lower than comparable tyres from Pirelli or Maxxis.
Aggressive riders who prioritise lean angle traction, bump absorption and value from their rear tyres would be well placed on the Goodyear MTR. While not quite offering the get out of jail free braking performance of a Pirelli Race T, or the wet weather performance of a Continental Kryptotal R it does come in at nearly 30% cheaper with comparative performance. Keep in mind there are also downhill and trail casing options should you want to get that ever-familiar tread pattern in a configuration that better suits your riding.