Trail Rider Magazine

24 Trail Rider www.TrailRider.com Product Feature Product Feature Bridgestone Battlecross X31 Bridgestone Battlecross X31 By Kurt Flachbart By Kurt Flachbart Over the last year or so, we've been running a re combina on from Bridgestone that has con nued to impress us in a host of different condi ons. This combo has stood up to the test of me with longevity we don't typically see with res that work well in rocks and roots. The combo we're speaking of is Bridgestone's Ba lecross X31, a "do-all" intermediate re combo that works well in mixed terrain such as rocks, roots, mud, sand, and loam. By now, most Bridgestone fans are well aware of the X31 front, a great alterna ve to the highly regarded Bridge- stone M59. The fact remains, many are unfamil- iar with the Ba lecross X31 rear, and we felt it was high me to showcase this great combo. For those who might be unfamiliar, we'll begin with the Bridgestone X31 front and how it compares to the front re by which all others are judged, the ever-so-popular M59. We've found the X31 to work every bit as well as the M59 in our condi ons here in the Northeast. The X31 front delivers every bit of the confidence-inspiring ride that made the M59 oh so famous in the rocks and roots. Where we feel the X31 surpasses the M59 is in the mud and so er condi ons, as the compound feels a bit s ffer. Where the X31 really shines is in its longev- ity. The X31 lasts way longer and does not shed outer knobs like the M59. In this day and age with the costs of everything skyrocke ng, we appreciate products that perform and deliver, standing up to the test of me. Basically, earning their keep.

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