ok so now we're 3K in on the rear and just under 3k on the front. the rear is wearing really well with atleast 10mm of tread left on the centre blocks and apart from some minor breaking up on some the blocks the tyre could almost pass for brand new.

as a road combo they are both working very well and wearing very well.

I wanted to test out a new rear shock I had fitted and finally had chance to get some dirt under the tyres for the first time in about 6 months, the ride was spirited. I was very pleased how the bike tracked and bit into the surfaces and the odd planned roost.

The new shock has certainly allowed the rear to work better and to more of it's true potential. It's breathed new life into this set up and doesn't appear to have had any noticeable changes to the wear rates.

The rear did pick up a large fencing staple during the spirited ride, I don't know if it was sheer luck or the construction of the tyre but it didn't result in a puncture despite going through the body of the tyre.

I really appreciate your tyre reviews,the army specials have been on my radar for a while now, have a mitas desert on the rear at the moment and I'm quite impressed to say the least, very good road manners and amazing people pick up off the road,a fair bit lighter than the E09 too. I do prefer the E09 for the tougher sidewalls though, what are the sidewalls like on the army specials?..

I'd say the sidewalls are about the same, a little stiffer when fitted due to the narrow tyre profile.

I did try asking trellesport about a comment on their website about the army being replaced by the MC23 (mt21 copy by the looks) but still no reply as of yet.

the army certainly bites better in the soft stuff than the E09 did.

just a little side note I forgot to mention. the rear is pretty well squared off now despite still having plenty of useable tread.

What I'm finding in the bends with the rear being squared and tall is the rear feels like it is tipping, and is certainly more prone to slide now.