The Toro is an excellent "all-around" tire that excells on a variety of terrain and conditions. UK magazine Singletrack recently called it the best tire to keep on your bicycle all year around. Available in a variety of tubed and tubeless versions, the Toro also has "Hardskin" and Race Riposte options. Hardskin is a puncture resistant aramid fabric barrier (breaker) that protects the casing (and the tube) from punctures. Race Riposte is a special compound that grips well yet has excellent wear capabilities. Toro tires up to 2.3 are two compound treads while 2.3 and wider tires offer a third harder compound under the tread that helps stablize the knobs in DH conditions.