The Terrene Chunk 2.6 has an upgraded tread design and new size over its predecessors 2.3″ and 3.0″ widths and its a stable, precise, and confidence inspiring tire to push the limits of aggressive All Mountain and Enduro riding in a variety of terrain and trail conditions. The 2.6-inch width offers an ideal blend of float, footprint, and girth and is meant for broader mountain biking 30-40mm rims. The tire provides an aggressive open block tread design that is optimal in demanding trail conditions, where control, braking, acceleration, and cornering confidence are paramount.
The Chunk 2.6 comes in both Light and Tough casing models and 27.5″ and 29″ sizes and retails for $75. The test pair of Chunk 29″ x 2.6″ Tough weighed in at 1189g and 1214g each.
For additional information refer to terrenetires.com.
Tread
The Light model features an Ultralight 120 tpi casing tire which intended for less aggressive or weight conscious riders, while the Tough version incorporates a full bead to bead cut resistant TekShield protection layer and a more robust 60 tpi casing for riders that want a more robust and reliable tire. Both versions have an Aramid bead, and are tubeless ready and utilize a softer 51a durometer rubber on the edges for improved cornering bite and a harder 62a in the center for greater durability and increased rolling resistance.
The tread pattern features alternating L-shaped blocks on the shoulders, paired with an alternating set of separated dual knobs and paddled close together dualies down the center, which are all are deeply sipped. The square-faced and tall knobs all work together for excellent braking and traction, clearing out mud and debris, and biting nicely into loose trail conditions.
Weights:
- 27.5 Light 918g
- 27.5 Tough 1158g
- 29 Light 959g
- 29 Tough 1220g
Impressions
My local testing terrain is predominantly loose rocky conditions, with many long steep climbs and descents, rock gardens, slick rock, occasional smooth singletrack and lots of ugly, loose gravel. Anyone that has ever ridden in the Colorado Front Ranges Pikes Peak gravel knows what a humbling experience it can be when trying to grab any traction in deep kitty litter on a trail. I tend to enjoy gnarly technical terrain, where precise steering and maneuvering are required and intricate follow-through, and full commitment is required.
I mounted the Tough tires on a set of Derby i30 carbon rims on my superb Ibis RipMo 29er. I ran them tubeless (no setup issues), since that is always my preference for any tire, as it offers a better feel, no pinch flats and allows lower pressures. Thankfully, I never had any leakage, loss of air and burping problems while running them in this manner. I tested the tires with a huge variance of pressures, but found the lower, the better, and tended to keep them at 18 psi for my 165 lbs weight, as that’s where they offered a great compromise of cornering support, suppleness, and grip. The rounded profile tires averaged 1200 grams in weight, and they measured out to a knob width of 2.55″ and a 2.46″ carcass, which puts them on the skinny side of 2.6″ tires, though they’re still a big tire.
The slightly narrower casing and lower volume make for a tire that isn’t as squirmy and offers up a snappier turn, faster rolling and more control and precision while riding, with a tad drop in the float and traction in looser conditions. The all-around tires offered up great traction and braking qualities, and predictability in any situation or terrain, and they roll and accelerate decently for their size, and they never felt ponderous, though they aren’t cross-country race tires.
For cornering they seamlessly transited over onto their edges/shoulders and hooked up exceptionally well, and the side knobs offer a great bite and feel, providing a rail-like experience. Even when the front end would lightly wash out occasionally, it did so in a predictable manner, and you never felt a loss of control. The outstanding cornering was quite surprising, and they can be pushed hard, making for an energetic turning machine.
Even though the tire doesn’t feel that soft, it’s decently pliable and conforming, and when motoring up and down through gnarly terrain, including ledges, rock gardens, roots, and slabs, it offers great traction and composure and steering. I used them in wet sand, gravel and some mud, and they adhered to rocks and roots without any undue slippage. I’d like to see a softer and stickier compound down the center since I think that would significantly improve the traction, braking and grip characteristics.
I have tossed them into some ugly terrain, everything from burly rock gardens to high speeds on mountainous terrain, and I have as yet suffered any sidewall’s tears or damage. The tread has been very durable, and though it has some normal wear and tear, no knob has torn off as yet. The side knobs on the rear started to show some wear, with the L-shapes almost gone, but nothing out of the ordinary when tossed on abusive terrain. Plus, I always terrorize tires!
Bottom Line
The Terrene Chunk 2.6 Tough is an excellent all-around aggressive tire with great traction and braking characteristics, and exceptional cornering attributes along with favorable durability and pricing. It features a super durable casing and their TekShield protection layer and a dual compound design with a softer edging and a harder center. The tire comes in a Light and Tough version, and 27.5″ and 29″ sizes, which offers a rider a tire that can suit their requirements. Though on the skinny side of 2.6-inch tires, it provides a non-squirmy ride with snappier and more precise turning, and faster rolling. I’d like to see a softer compound for the center and some directionality in its tread design, but it’s a small nitpick.
The Chunk 2.6 Tough is rugged and durable tire, and though it doesn’t provide the end all in ultimate traction when pushed to its limits, it offers plenty of traction, braking control when needed, and it spins well for a big tire and corners like a demon.
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