If you’ve ever tried riding trails on a stock XR with the wrong tire, you know how sketchy it can get. After my beloved Enduro tire gave up and I found myself stranded without a decent replacement in Europe, I managed to score a Thunder Tire from Vid from Slovenia. Big thanks, man. And wow—what a surprise this tire turned out to be.
First Impressions: Mud-Proof and Trail-Ready
After mounting the Thunder Tire on my XR and putting in around 50–60 kilometers, including a solid six on trails, I can already say: I’m in love with this tire. On trail rides around Košice, it handled everything—from soft dirt to deep mud—with ease. Unlike the Enduro, which quickly turns into a slick with just a bit of moisture, the Thunder Tire grips. Through slippery sections and soft hills, it never failed me.
Thunder Tire vs Enduro
The grip is where the Thunder Tire shines. On muddy and loose terrain, it performs significantly better than the Enduro. It turns when you want it to turn—even in thick mud—and gives you the confidence to push harder. The only downside? The sidewall is a bit thicker, which slightly reduces comfort on choppy terrain. The Enduro’s thinner sidewall gives it a softer ride in that setting, but in most other conditions, the Thunder Tire wins hands-down.
If FunGineers released a version with a thinner sidewall, I think this would easily become the go-to tire for a lot of riders.
Urban Riding and PSI Sweet Spot
I tested a range of PSIs—from very low to very high—and found that 9 PSI works best for my setup, weight, and style. Whether I’m cruising around town or hitting trails, that number hits the sweet spot. Your ideal PSI might vary, so I definitely recommend experimenting.
Haters Gonna Hate. But I Don’t Get It
Honestly, I don’t understand the hate this tire gets online. Reddit’s full of negative takes, but my real-world experience says otherwise. It’s a fantastic trail tire, and on smooth pavement, it performs just as well. Sure, it may not be for everyone, but it deserves way more love than it gets.
Final Thoughts
The Thunder Tire is fun, reliable, and trail-hardened. Whether crawling up steep hills, gliding through narrow forest paths, or navigating rock gardens and soft mud, it just performs. It might not turn your XR into a GTS-killer, but it’ll give you a ton more control and fun than stock or even the Enduro in wet and loose conditions.
So to all the keyboard critics out there: stop complaining. The Thunder Tire is legit, and I highly recommend it. Try it, play with the PSI, and see for yourself.
Want to see it in action? Watch my full ride and tire breakdown on YouTube:
Ready to ride? Put it on, hit the trail, and stop worrying about your tire. Thunder’s got your back.