I couldn't find any talk about the Pirelli on the XT, but the local bike shop advise it's the tyre of choice around these parts. I looked at the Rallycross, but was advised against this tyre for XTR. Seems it's not so good under the weight of the XT.

I've opted for a 130/80 E09, but it looks smaller than the Tourance.

So, I'll report on the experience.

Fitting was relatively easy despite the much stiffer tyres.

Running 30f/28r after 26/26. The front felt a little spongy at 26.

Have done just over 100km on mostly dry tar. The rear tips into a corner easily, but the front requires a fair amount of wrestling and wants to run wide. Makes me wonder about the compatibility. While these tyres squirm about in a corner the grip seems excellent. So much so that I am riding at the same speeds as the Tourance's. Clearly, the front doesn't brake as well as the Tourance.

I can't really comment yet on the performance in the bush. Have only ridden on gravel roads where even the Tourance was comfortable, that is, until it came to braking.

At this stage I'd say that I'm more than happy and can't wait to see what they're like in the wet.

Cost: Pirelli = $149; E09 = $179

The pictures tell the story. I would expect to get 8-10k from the the front Pirelli and around another 2500km from the E09 rear. The Tourances, fitted to the XT from new, are my only yardstick. That said, the current combination is outstanding in the bush and better than expected (also read better than the Tourance), under wet and dry, on the road. The bike is my daily commute and the 60km round trip is 80/20 tar/dirt. But, on the weekend I ride.....