e*Thirteen has introduced the new Grappler mountain bike tire for Downhill and Enduro Riding, with a tread pattern designed to give the most bite and best control in loose, loamy or wet conditions. We first caught sight of it on Rémy Métailler’s Cube Stereo 170, but the tread pattern has developed quite a lot since then. It is available in two casing options; DH and EN, and two compound options; the dual-compound harder-wearing Endurance rubber, and the softer, slower-rebound MoPo rubber designed for ultimate grip. Sizing options are 29″ x 2.5″ and 27.5″ x 2.5″ only, with pricing starting at a reasonable $59.95 USD.
e*Thirteen Grappler EN and DH Tires
The Grappler enters the e*Thirteen tire line as their most aggressive offering, with a tread pattern that features pyramid-shaped knobs at the transition zone between the center- and edge-tread knobs, in a bid to keep grip consistent as the tire is leaned into a turn. That is in contrast to their All-Terrain tire that has a more defined line of center- and edge-tread knobs which are themselves much broader.
The Grappler is not specific to the front or rear tire, pictured here on Rémy Métailler’s Propain on the front and rear wheel. It’s tread pattern is directional, however, with a slight ramp seen at the leading edge of the center tread blocks to improve rolling resistance. Parallel sipes on the twin block center knobs are said to add stability while transitioning from straight line riding to cornering, while the perpendicular siping on the larger, centrally positioned center tread knob is meant to deliver improved braking traction, also presenting an additional edge against which to apply force.
Of note at the side knobs is the unusual use of angled siping, said to soften the corner of the knob and increase traction when cornering. The arched cutaways on the outside face of the side knobs is said to increase their flexibility.
The Grappler tire is available in two casing options. The EN casing is the lighter of the two. Claimed weight for the 29″ x 2.5″ MoPo compound option is 1225g. It has the more supple casing made up of 2-Ply 120 TPI fabric. It has an aramid bead, additional fabric reinforcement directly underneath the tread pattern, and specific Apex EN side-wall inserts to add a bit of protection against snakebite punctures.
The DH casing is the heavier, more robust casing made up of a dual ply of 72 TPI fabric. Again, it also has an aramid bead, a reinforcement under the tread pattern, and a DH specific Apex insert at the side walls. That one weighs a claimed 1405g in 29″ x 2.5″ with the MoPo compound.
About that… the MoPo is e*Thirteen’s tackiest rubber comprising a relatively soft 42d compound sat atop a harder “medium” base compound for support and durability. The other option is the Endurance compound, featuring a 56d rubber at the center tread, a softer 50d rubber at the side knobs, and a much harder base compound. This one is said to be faster rolling while offering improved durability.
For the higher mileage associated with eMTB riding, e*Thirteen recommend their Enduro Casing tires with the Endurance rubber compound.
e*Thirteen Grappler Tire Weights (claimed)
| Size | Compound | Casing | Weight (g) |
| 29″ x 2.5″ | Endurance | DH | 1405 |
| 29″ x 2.5″ | MoPo | DH | 1395 |
| 29″ x 2.5″ | Endurance | EN | 1290 |
| 29″ x 2.5″ | MoPo | EN | 1225 |
| 27.5″ x 2.5″ | MoPo | DH | 1320 |
| 27.5″ x 2.5″ | Endurance | EN | 1175 |
| 27.5″ x 2.5″ | MoPo | EN | 1150 |
| 27.5″ x 2.5″ | Endurance | DH | 1315 |
Pricing & Avaialbility
Pricing for the e*Thirteen Grappler tire starts at $59.95 USD / €59.90.
