Out Of The Box: Intense Tire Systems EX-2 Sticky Lite 29"er Tires

Intense Tire Systems introduced a 29″er tire at Interbike last fall and this is it: The EX-2 Sticky Lite tire. This tire features a “Dual Sticky Rubber Compound”, “Iso Ply Construction”, home grown rubber, and a folding bead.

Intense Tire Systems proclaims that the “Sticky Rubber Compound” is exclusive to them and also that the majority of rubber used in their tread options is made from natural rubber that they grow.

The tires we recieved are of a “low tread” type design with ramped center blocks for improved rolling resistance and the lower knob height which will lessen knob “squirm”. The tread pattern is of the smaller knob, chevron arrangement that is popular in many tread designs these days. We noticed immediately that the Stcky Rubber Compound was indeed sticky on the outer edges of the tread pattern with the inside rows of knobs being a bit harder rubber for longer wear. The outer knobs are so soft they will retain the impression of the edge of your fingernail indefinitely. Very soft indeed!

Our test samples weighed in at 830 and 850 grams respectively. Not necessarily light by 29″er standards, but these casings seem to be a bit thicker than most and seem to promise a much better protection against sharper rocks that might shred the sidewalls of thinner tires. We will pay some attention to this as the testing progresses.

The folding bead seems to be molded very crisply and has less “mold release lines” than many tires we see through here. The casing looks pretty girthy and is listed as a 2.25″ wide tire. Intense Tire Systems told us that it should turn out to be very true to the promised size. We will be mounting these up and getting some measurements very soon with a First Ride Impressions post as well.

Stay tuned!