For all the hype that goes into the marketing of gear, there are only two rig-to-dirt points of contact on a bike. That's right, your front and rear tires are two of the most important elements to having a good ride. But a funny thing happens on the way to the trailhead! We all have different riding styles, on different terrain and on different bikes. So how do you pick the best tire? The simple answer is, you don't. You pick the tire that's most likely up to the challenge and won't impair your riding style.

IRC says the Mythos XC is a world-class cross country tire. The tire was originally developed some time ago with input from Tinker Juarez and Alison Sydor for the 1996 Olympics. A scaled down tread design and a lighter weight casing makes the Mythos XC suitable for cross-country racing. In the rear, the tire pattern incorporates a "paddle" type center tread. The concept here is to assist climbing, acceleration and improve braking. A mighty noble pursuit but does it work?

In the past two months I've put these tires through the ringer. From the mud of the Napa World Cup course to the dry flats of central Washington the tires have performed. But the performance of the ride has differed greatly. You know those types of people that hang around too long and too close? Well that's sort of like mud to the Mythos'. The muck just clings and sticks and keeps on hangin' on. No points here for "self cleaning." Bunny hopping during the flats to knock off mud isn't what you want to do during a race or anytime.

On the dusty hardpack singletrack of Kennewick, Washington the tires absolutely shined! Hammering downhill through tight singletrack both front and back gripped tight. Climbing up loose or rocky lines also proved well within the capabilities of the rubber beneath my bike. On a couple of weekend rides over classic Northwest slick roots and rocks the tire continued to perform. A couple of times I showed my ability to pick horrible lines and slammed the tires onto jagged edged rocks. The result - no flats to date and god do I hate flats!

IRC pushes these as general purpose tires. For the most part I agree but when designing for "general purpose," there will always be some instances of nonperformance. In the case of the IRC Mythos XC's it's mud. If you ride in predominately dry conditions these slabs of rubber should do you right.

Who needs these: riders in dry climates

Who doesn't: those who live to ride in mud

Price: $40-$45 but can usually be found for much less

TIRE	Bead	Size	PSI	Weight
MythosXC front	Kevlar	26x1.95	40-60	510g
MythosXC rear	Kevlar	26x1.95	40-60	538g
MythosXC front	Kevlar	26x2.10	40-60	538g
MythosXC rear	Kevlar	26x2.10	40-60	595g
MythosXC front	Wire	26x2.10	40-60	635g
MythosXC rear	Wire	26x2.10	40-60	635g