CST GRAVATEER

Tester: Ben Morrison

Casing: DH

Compound: EPS 3C Triple

Weight: 1520g (29”)

Size: 29 x 2.5” (27.5” also available) Width on DT Swiss 30mm rim: 58mm PSI for testing: 20/22 front/rear RRP: $84.95 kwtimports.com.au

The CST Gravateer was a total surprise package on this group test! Based on the 1520g weight alone these are a tyre I would look straight past for a DH bike let alone my Firebird even at $84.95, but let’s put that aside and chat about how you should never judge a book by its cover.

Installation was pretty easy, all done by hand and the Gravateer inflated without issues as you would expect from a tyre with a DH casing. 1520g is a fair bit on each wheel but if I gave you my bike to ride (not pickup) you wouldn’t notice it. I know others have ridden the Gravateer and moaned about the weight, but honestly it was not an issue. This is likely all attributed to the outstanding lack of rolling resistance, which is noticeably faster than the Pirelli Scorpion Enduro M tyres I have come off that are over 500g lighter and more expensive than the Gravateer.

Despite all the weight CST have managed to keep a very supple feel to the Gravateer, thanks to their triple compounds rubber. During my time on the Gravateer I settled on what some may deem to be rather low pressures of 20psi front and 22psi rear. I found with the supportive DH casing I was able to reduce pressure creating a smooth ride to add a little more grip but not lose too much in rolling resistance.

It should come as no surprise that the EPS 3C Triple compound offers truckloads of grip considering CST and Maxxis have the same parent company. Despite its slightly different siping and ramping you can’t help but feel the Gravateer was inspired by the Minion DHF, in fact to touch both 3C MaxxGrip and EPS 3C feel pretty much the same. The amount grip on Stromlo’s “anti-grip” was perhaps the biggest surprise, it is not unusual to have tyres roll fast there but often that speed is worthless if they don’t grip especially considering how fast you lose any elevation there. By the same token the grip was excellent in the soft dirt of Canberra’s pine forests.

Personally I loved these and while in Maydena I saw many hire bikes sporting them too, this is testament to the value and performance of the Gravateer. With fast rolling speed and outstanding grip at a very competitive price I think the Gravateer is worth a look especially considering they have worn better than some other tyres on test.