Hutchinson Cougar Tubeless Ready Bike Tire Review

The French invented the 650B tire size. So it is only logical that Hutchinson leads the field in development in this ‘new’ MTB segment. Hutchinson has 5 different tires in the 25.5″/650B category with more models to come. The Cougar was developed in conjunction with the Hutchinson-United Ride Professional Downhill Racing Team. With input from racing legends Mick (Sik Mik) Hannah and Fabien (Cous-Cous) Cosine it is designed to go fast and keep you in control. The placement of the center knobs, transition knobs and side knobs were developed to allow you to keep complete control in all phases of your ride. Additionally, the technology has been stepped up with NEW triple compound rubber. The center knobs have a durometer of 50 Shore A and the surface of the side knobs are a sticky soft 42 Shore A. The ‘secret’ is that underneath all of this is a 60 Shore A rubber that provides stiffness to the side knobs allowing them to grip well without ‘flopping over’ and losing traction. This harder layer continues under the center tread to provide puncture resistance. All of this technology is wrapped in Hutchinson’s HARDSKIN casing with a tough textile layer to help prevent side all cuts and abrasions. The bead is Tubeless ready and this tire can be run tubeless with sealant or with traditional inner tubes.