Review: e*thirteen’s 2018 TRS Race and TRS Plus tyres
Get an overview of how they have been updated and read more about my first ride impressions.
I was impressed by e*thirteen’s first tyres (review here), and the American company has done it again with their 2018 line-up. This year, they reworked the TRS Race and Plus as well as launched a new LG1 Downhill tyre. I had the chance to check out the TRS Race and Plus tyres before their release and see how well they shred on the trail.
The updates
First of all, their maximal grip and aggressive side lug tread remained the same. The tyres are still offered in 27.5” and 29” diameters with a 2.35” width. Besides that, the tyres have changed quite a bit. An Apex layer in the carcass was added to all models and for the LG1 Downhill version, e*thirteen used a double-ply. The rubber compounds of the Plus and Race versions were also reworked with the Plus version using a single compound and the Race a double.
About to hit my favourite trails.
I used the TRS Race for the front.
The accordion side lugs offer enormous grip.
The carcass
Besides the new LG1’s dual-ply carcass, which makes it more robust to the demands of downhill riding, an Apex layer was added to all models. According to e*thirteen, this reduces the rolling resistance, reinforces the carcass and adds more comfort when riding. The Apex layer also increases the flexibility of the tyre, allowing it to form itself better to the terrain. Another change, the Race version of the tyres comes with an Aramid Reinforcement to increase puncture protection, sidewall stability and maximise air retention.
The rubber compounds
e*thirteen also updated the rubber compounds of the Race and Plus versions. The TRS and LG1 are available in both. The Race version comes with a dual compound with a tacky rubber on the tread and a high tack compound on the side knobs. The Plus version uses the same tacky compound as the Race, but all the way throughout. The Race versions high tack compound on the knobs increases grip when cornering, while the Plus version maintains speed.
The e*thirteen TRS Plus uses a singel compound throughout.
I used the TRS Race in the front and the TRS Plus in the rear.
The e*thirteen TRS Race has an Aramid Reinforcement.
The weight
The previous TRS tyres were hitting the 900 g mark, and the new versions are coming out a bit heavier. However, e*thirteen focused on decreasing rolling resistance, increasing grip and making the tyres more fun on the descent. Considering these factors, the little bit of extra weight doesn’t make too much of a difference.
| TRS Single-Ply (Enduro) | LG1 Dual-Ply (Downhill) |
|---|---|
| TRS Race 27.5": 995 g | LG1 Race 27.5": 1,158 g |
| TRS Race 29": 1,094 g | LG1 Race 29": 1,257 g |
| TRS Plus 27.5": 990 g | LG1 Plus 27.5": 1,119 g |
| TRS Plus 29": 1,033 g | LG1 Plus 29": 1,162 g |
| weights can vary +/- 30 g | weights can vary +/- 30 g |
I rode both tyres hard on some of my favourite trails.
The first ride
I had the chance to take the TRS tyres out on a ride and get some first impressions. I rode the TRS Race version up front and the TRS Plus in the back. Of course, both mounted tubeless. I love riding Enduro and spend a lot of time in bike parks. I’ve also spent some serious time trying out different tyres to find one that fits my riding style. I was really excited to try e*thirteen’s newest tyres because I was such a fan of the first versions. After installing them, I headed straight to my local bike park, where I know every berm and drop by heart. Right from the start, the new TRS tyres gave me astounding grip and I could go all the way to my limit in every corner. The tread does a great job of keeping traction, especially the Race version I rode up front.
After a few rounds in the bike park and on local forest trails, I have to say the TRS Race and Plus tyres are astounding for Enduro riding. e*thirteen has done it again, by increasing grip and lowering the rolling resistance. The tread and improved carcass and sidewalls really shine and if things were to get a little more rowdy on a Downhill course, then I would go straight for the LG1 Dual-Ply carcass tyre.
The TRS Plus gave me great grip coming out of slides.
Why change a tread that works so well?
Bike park riding with the TRS tyres is great!
The summary
e*thirteen has done a great job at updating their already great TRS tyres. Both the Race and Plus versions ride great on the trail and most importantly, the rolling resistance has been reduced throughout the line-up. Great job e*thirteen, keep doing what y’all doin’!
