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As for the Bridgestone Ba lecross X31 rear,
it specifically uses some cool features to
help broaden the range of terrain. The tread
pa ern is a castle block design (a block inside
a block), which was pioneered by Bridge-
stone to help give extra bi ng edges for
grip on hard surfaces like rock, hard pack,
and roots, while the lug pa ern and block
s ffness are designed to dig in to loose dirt.
The compound gives the re great durability
and helps prevent tearing knobs. We've run
the Ba lecross X40 on several of our test
bikes over the last two seasons and do like
it as it lasts and behaves like a much so er
compound. The X31 rear compound is a li le
so er than the X40 and more compliant in
the rocks and roots.
Another benefit of the X31 rear is what Bridgestone
refers to as the "Bunker Groove," a depression between
the lugs you can see on the front and rear. This helps
the casing flex in the center of the re so the footprint
is larger and can grab trac on, yet the sidewalls of the
re have good support for stable, hard cornering.
It's no secret that we're re freaks here at Trail Rider,
and it's always exci ng to see new technology and
innova on when it comes to rubber. If you're looking
for a re combina on that not only performs but also
delivers by outlas ng the other op ons, you owe it to
yourself to order up a set of Bridgestone Ba lecross
X31's!
For more info visit: h ps:// res.bridgestone.com/en-
us/ res/motorcycle/ba lecross/x31