The Metzeler Karoo 3 is the successor to the Karoo 2 and it is the latest generation of hardcore adventure tire within the Metzler lineup. We have seen numerous changes lately withe the Metzeler lineup. The Karoo 3 is essentially the most aggressive tire so far – the so called 70/30 which means 70% road 30% off-road.
These tires have a few key differences consisting in better mileage, better handling but also better performance. There are a lot of you, guys on medium-sized to heavy Enduro bikes spending a lot of time on the road. So it’s good to know the fronts on the Karoo 3 are going to be 18 to 21 in size while the rears are going to be both 17 and 18.
The huge improvement for this tire is the handling. Metzeler went from an average block tread pattern to a trapezoidal or more chevron pattern. What this feature does is giving you less buzz when you are on the road because you are getting better coverage.
You will also have better handling if you lean over because the larger grooves are going to taper as you get to the outside. The result is a block pattern that comes together a little closer. In simple words, this feature means more surface area, more contact patch when you are more aggressively riding it.
Besides the coverage, this tread pattern offers less squaring off, the nice sound factor but also better longevity. It’s a more cohesive tread pattern that has slightly bit extra consistency to the footprint itself. This is the reason you get less of the wear factor. So keep in mind the three upgrades we’re dealing with in this tire: longevity, better handling as well as comfort. Go ahead and try on the Karoo 3, the most aggressive in the Metzler lineup for off-road riding.