Review: Geax Saguaro Tire

Geax tires are relatively new to most of us here in the United States, however Geax has been around in Europe for quite some time and is the off-road brand for Vittoria, a company familiar to those roadies amongst us. 

The Saguaro is another entry into the low rolling resistance, small knob XC tire segment.  One noteworthy feature is that Geax recommends mounting the tire in either rolling direction.  An unusual trait of this tire is the high recommended inflation pressures of 37 to 65 psi.  The Saguaro tire is available in folding bead and a lower cost wire bead version, both in a 2.20″ width.

Saguaro Rotation Direction & Inflation Pressure (Click on the image above to view larger size)

To test the Saguaro, we utilized our Soul Cycles Dillinger 29’r single-speed test rig and ran air pressures between 25 and 30psi.

The Saguaro, like most small knobby tires, excels in hard pack and loose over hard pack conditions.  In loose, silty dirt the Saguaro tread was adequate, however I feel this was due to the extra foot-print offered by the 29″ inch tire format [note: I am aware the tire’s footprint is mostly a function of air pressure, but tire size/shape is also a factor]. Fortunately on one ride a water leak resulted in some muddy conditions allowing me to find out that the Saguaro’s tread quickly filled with mud and were not effective.

The low-point for me in the Saguaro’s performance was in hard cornering.  The Saguaros exhibited a grip-slip-grip transition as the bike transitioned from the center knobs to the side knobs on flat and off-chamber turns.  It was a sensation most experienced riders could adjust to, but nevertheless affected my riding.  I tested the Geax in both rotation directions and found similar results in all areas other than trading a small amount of traction for lower rolling resistance.  I recommend mounting the Saguaro’s in the speed direction first and seeing how you feel about them.

Overall the Geax Saguaros are excellent value due to their relatively low price and long lasting (hard) rubber compound.  These are good tires and I would recomend them to most riders, the Saguaros are good for 90% of riders in 90% of dry southwest style trails.