The problem is that most gummy tyres excel in one area while sacrificing performance somewhere else. Some work brilliantly on rocks and roots but struggle in soft terrain. Others are fantastic in loam but lose their edge when conditions become technical and rocky.
After 12 rides, approximately 720–800 kilometres and around 30 hours on the bike, I wanted to find out if the Goldentyre GT333 Extreme Gummy was any different.
This isn’t a first ride impression or a tyre fitted for a weekend review. This tyre has been ridden through just about every type of terrain an enduro rider is likely to encounter.
Bike:
2023 KTM 350 EXC-F “The Reaper”
Rear Tyre:
Goldentyre GT333 Extreme Gummy 110/100-18
Rear Insert:
Mefo Mousse
Over the course of this test, the GT333 has seen a huge variety of terrain and riding conditions.
• Rocky hill climbs
• Sandstone ledges
• Wet roots
• Creek crossings
• Deep ruts
• Single track
• Fire trails
• Road transfers
• Mud
• Hard-packed terrain
• Soft loamy forest sections
• Waterfalls and technical hard enduro climbs
This tyre hasn’t lived an easy life.
Most tyres are a compromise.
Some tyres are outstanding on rocks and roots but struggle once the terrain becomes loose and loamy.
Others perform exceptionally well in soft terrain but lose traction once the trail turns rocky, technical or steep.
The GT333 Extreme Gummy is one of the few tyres I’ve ridden that genuinely performs across almost every type of terrain without feeling heavily biased towards one condition.
Over the last 12 rides, I’ve used it in rocky creek beds, sandstone climbs, wet roots, hard-packed trails, fire roads, mud and soft loamy forest sections.
The surprising thing is that it never feels out of place.
It hooks up on technical terrain exactly how a gummy tyre should, but it also performs exceptionally well in soft loam where many soft-compound tyres begin to struggle.
If there is a compromise, I haven’t found it yet.
For the average trail rider, enduro rider or hard enduro rider who encounters multiple terrain types in a single ride, the GT333 is one of the closest things I’ve found to a genuine do-everything rear tyre.
The only area where I’d look elsewhere is motocross. If your riding is primarily high-speed MX tracks and aggressive berm riding, there are better options available.
For enduro, hard enduro and everyday trail riding, the GT333 simply works.
From the very first ride, the GT333 delivered exactly what most riders want from a gummy tyre.
Traction.
The tyre finds drive incredibly well on technical climbs, loose rocks and slippery terrain where conventional tyres often struggle.
More importantly, it inspires confidence.
Instead of relying purely on momentum and aggression, the tyre allows the bike to crawl, tractor and work its way through terrain that would normally require a much bigger run-up.
Looking at the tyre today, most riders would assume it’s finished.
The leading edges of the centre knobs are almost completely gone.
Several knobs have effectively become ramps rather than square-edged blocks.
On appearance alone, you’d probably expect the tyre to be ready for replacement.
That’s where things become interesting.
Last weekend’s ride was probably the toughest test this tyre has faced.
Conditions were loose, soft and difficult. Traction was hard to find and everyone was struggling.
There were riders on brand-new tyres having the same issues.
Nobody was getting unlimited grip.
I did notice a slight reduction in traction compared to when the tyre was fresh, particularly in some of the deeper loose terrain.
But the drop-off in performance was nowhere near what the wear would suggest.
Despite the rounded knobs and obvious wear, the GT333 continued finding drive in terrain where many riders around me were experiencing similar or greater traction problems.
That was probably the biggest surprise of the entire test.
The tyre looked worn out long before it actually performed like a worn-out tyre.
The tyre is about to be flipped to take advantage of the remaining edge on the opposite side of the knobs.
Even after approximately 800 kilometres and 30 hours of riding, there’s still usable life left in it.
Absolutely.
The GT333 Extreme Gummy has delivered outstanding traction across an enormous range of terrain while providing significantly better longevity than many riders expect from a soft gummy tyre.
It grips on rocks.
It grips on roots.
It grips in creek beds.
It grips in loam.
It remains predictable as it wears.
Most importantly, it keeps working long after it starts looking tired.
After 12 rides, 720–800 kilometres and approximately 30 hours of riding, the Goldentyre GT333 Extreme Gummy has exceeded every expectation I had for it.
Not because it lasted.
Not because it grips on rocks.
But because it does both while continuing to perform across almost every type of terrain an enduro rider is likely to encounter.
There are tyres that specialise in one condition.
There are tyres that specialise in another.
The GT333 Extreme Gummy is one of the few tyres I’ve ridden that feels genuinely at home almost everywhere.
For trail riders, enduro riders and hard enduro riders looking for one rear tyre that can handle virtually anything the ride throws at it, the GT333 is very difficult to fault.
Grip. Guts. And Good Gear.
