Answer - Manitou manufactures a broad range of mountain bike equipment, from shoes to full suspension bikes. They make only one tire, The Fang, which has become popular. They can be reached at: answerinc@aol.com or at: (805)-257-4411.

The review is divided into two parts. First, a chart rates the tire's performance on four kinds of terrain on a scale of 1 to 10. Click on the tire name in the chart to jump to the second part of its review below the chart: a written description of each tire's construction and its handling characteristics on different kinds of terrain.

				General Information				Cornering Performance				Climbing or Braking Performance
Name of tire				OverallPerformance	Weight (Grams)	RollingResistance	Durability	Mud	Soft	Hard	RootsRocks	Mud	Soft	Hard	RootsRocks
Fang(R)				10	550	10	9	10	10	9	9	10	10	10	10

Manitou Fang (Kevlar Bead)
Weight: 550 grams
Advertised carcass width: 2.1 (53mm). Actual carcass width: xx mm.
Casing TPI:180
Rubber Density: Soft

Rear Use: The Manitou Fang is the best rear tire reviewed. Tall side knobs and aggressive center tread form a semi-square profile that makes The Fang climb and corner well in all conditions. The tread pattern rolls smoothly. When climbing in muddy or soft conditions the tire sinks in enough to get excellent traction but not enough to hinder rolling. The aggressive knobs penetrate and grip well. It repels mud. The tread pattern clings to hardpack, roots, and rocks. The side knobs dig deep in soft loose muddy or mulchy dirt and hold without slipping. On hard surfaces the knobs hold well except in very hard leans, when they dig in at the wrong angle to hold firmly. When traction is lost in any conditions the tire slides predictably and controllably. The rubber is soft for excellent climbing traction on hard surfaces but causes the knobs to flex slightly and to chip on rocks. The knobs wear well on pavement because the tread rolls smoothly. The Fang's 180 TPI casing is by far the thinnest, lightest and most supple mountain bike tire casing made, but also slightly more susceptible to cuts. It can be used at high pressures for low rolling resistance and still feel supple and soft. The Fang makes an excellent rear tire for XC racing or trail riding but it is too supple and light for serious downhill racing.