NUTRAK SNAP WLT FULL 40 GXE CORE MUD TYRE

‘Nutrak’ is the new UK branding for Vee Tire Co's tyres, and the Snap WLT is their mud and loam-specific option, ideal for rainy days when the trail surface is anything but grippy.

- Tom Marvin

£59.99 www.freewheel.co.uk

The tread pattern is as simple as they come, consisting of a central strip of double blocks in a narrower/wider pattern, plus a pair of tall shoulder knobs sitting in the gap between each set. Because the centre blocks are spaced around 20mm apart, there's plenty of mud-shedding space.

While the tread is directional, you're unlikely to suffer too many consequences if you mount the tyre backwards, because the knobs have a sharp, upright shape, without much in the way of ramping to reduce rolling resistance. A cross-shaped sipe in the centre of each block allows it to deform for grip. There are also low-rise markings between the shoulder tread, but we think these are likely more aesthetic than performance-enhancing.

Although Vee offer a DH-casing version of the Snap WLT, Nutrak currently only offer this lighter-weight, endurofocused GXE Core option. This has a 1.5-ply construction, with a moderately high 90tpi thread count in the main casing. The '5' refers to an extra strip that runs under the tread to ward off punctures. An additional pinch-flat shield is built into the sidewalls, in the lower portion towards the bead.