Anybody running the new AT81's yet? I'm hearing they are the hottest thing since TP on a roll, but looking for some real world input.
I've been tempted to try them, but haven't heard or read anything yet to make me want to buy one. I tried an MX51 up front and had knobs come off with only a few rides. Similar experience with a rear AT81 here http://www.enduro360.com/2013/12/21/products-tested/ride-impression-dunlop-at81-desert-rc/. Some reviews here http://www.thumpertalk.com/topic/1041393-dunlop-geomax-at81-anyone-try-em/
Some fairly positive feedback from my local organization: http://www.ecea.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=27468 http://www.ecea.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=27301 That's interesting. I have run quite a few MX51s (on my old KDX and my WR300) in sand and rocks, and only had knobs start to tear when the tire was pretty well worn out anyway. I am going to try the AT81, but I have 2 new tires to wear out first (Washougal and MX51), so it's going to be a while. I, too, would be interested in hearing about guys who have run them!
The MX51 front I had looked almost brand new except missing several knobs. It pained me to remove it to put on a new tire. I really want to hear something great about the AT81 to make me try it, since the Dunlop proving grounds, where it was developed, is about a mile from my work.
AT-81's with Tubliss, running 7 psi on the front & 4-5 psi on the rear works great in rocks, roots, sand, mud & hard pack here in the Southeast. Started using the AT's over the MX 71's about 6 months ago & they are an improvement.
AT-81RC with Tubliss, 0-psi first couple of rides then 3-psi. Trials tire grip on everything, no imprecise feeling ever. I like the MX31 with tireballs @ 8-psi on front.
I think its awesome but I can only compare to MX51 and Motoz. Rear AT81 10psi made me go from a zero to a hero! Killer in any terrain.
Dunlop dropped off ten of them for us to try, granted we tried them at GlenHelen MX track and not out on the trail. They were a throw back for the racing team, didn't bite well enough in the corners. It's tough to beat a MX51. I would give it a thumbs up for the California desert. It is very similar to my Metzler MC5 tread pattern.
A friend of mine has them on his 511. He just put them on not too long ago, but so far he says they work pretty well for him. I'd like to try them out next time I need tires.
Motorhead 2 of my crew are using them for our mostly dry decomposed granite and scattered loose rocky kinda high dez stuff, one on a 13 kato450xcf-w the other a 13 kato300xc-w, one with tubeliss at @8psi the other with tubes @12psi they both like them, both are solid A level 40A riders, one just finished 2nd 40A behind Ty D at the Tecate HS and the other is a fast ISDE vet. Both rail and both like the off road versatility in these 81s.
Today I ran an AT81 rear for the first time, in a 2 hour hare scramble. The race was at a fairly rocky and hilly location, lots of open grass track sections too. We had 2 inches of rain in the day leading up to the race, so it was a total muck-fest. I was very impressed with the tire's performance, it might be one of my favorite rears (at least, so far). It hooked up well on sloppy tight singletrack climbs, which had a bunch of exposed roots as the race went on, and some rock. At one point there was a very steep climb on a wet loose dirt road, and the tire easily hooked up well enough to pick the front up and carry it a good 25 yards over the top of the hill, in 3rd. Awesome! I'll let you all know how it continues to work out in some varied conditions.
They are priced at ~$80 on-line so maybe they have a chance at being reasonably priced here .... Not that I'm looking to replace the IRC tires I run now unless a big change in performance or price is warranted. But if I saw one, and the price is a number I find reasonable, I'll try one.
@Tinken I agree. I have used the at81 for a little while as well and on the mx track I noticed a lack of side grip. Forward grip was great but side bite left a little to be desired. In the woods they are good. I personally like the Vee Rubber tire I had on before the AT81 better but it also wears faster, but has better over all traction.
