Like many other manufacturers, Vee Tire Co. is also relying on the new, old tire width of 2.6 inches this year. Or maybe not, because the "Crown Gem 2.6" with its 66 millimetre casing width is as wide as many 2.8-inch tires from other manufacturers.
The skepticism that the tire is wider than specified is quickly dispelled. The tire boasts relatively low rolling resistance. Of course, it can't keep up with thinner trail tires, but it is ahead of its Plus competitors.

The tread seems unspectacular at first glance, but it has it all. Combined with a grippy rubber compound and a robust carcass, there is no terrain that the Crown Gem cannot master. One of the strengths of this tire are the Vee-appropriate Synthesis sidewalls. Not only do they have good damping properties - provided the right air pressure is used - they also offer good protection against sharp-edged rocks.

Unimpressed by wet conditions

Nose roots are just as unimpressive for the Crown Gem as wet stones. The upper lugs are the ideal height. They not only offer good traction, but also bite hard when braking, even on steep or loose terrain. It goes without saying that it does not perform miracles in mud, given the dense tread. With a body weight of 70 kilograms, including equipment, I rode the tire with a pressure of 0.9 to 1.0 bar, with an inner rim width of 35 millimetres. It was also convincing on routes with berms, even at higher speeds, as the tire flexed very little. Only when braking at an angle does the Crown Gem tend to break away, as the side lugs are relatively far apart.

Conclusion

The "Crown Gem 2.6" from Vee Tire Co. is a potent all-round tire that can cope with any terrain and also takes punctures well. It rolls noticeably better than its Plus competitors. But be careful, because of its larger width than specified, you should first check whether the tire fits in the rear triangle on non-plus bikes.

www.veetireco.com