Specialized’s Purgatory is one of our favourite all-round trail tyres regardless of the fact it’s a bargain price too.
Tyre historians will notice mixed tread similarities to classics from Michelin and others, and the design has recently been tweaked. It rolls okay on harder surfaces but grips really reliably on all terrain, from loose to random rocks or wet mud. Block bite is enhanced with a harder centre, medium shoulder compound that cuts a good balance between wet grip and wallet-friendly wear life.
The carcass is a decent size and its tubeless-ready with a glug of sealant. It can squirm at lower pressures and it’s supple rather than super stable, but it shrugs off trailside scuffs well. It’s usefully light for its size and price is very good for such a versatile tyre.
This article was originally published in Mountain Biking UK magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.
