The rapid rise in factory scrambler models and custom scramblers has led to a whole new category of tyre and Bridgestone has joined in with their new Battlax Adventurecross AX41S model.
Based on their Battlax Adventurecross AX41 adventure tyre, the “S” in AX41S stands for “scrambler”.
It sports a different block and tread from the AX41 and comes in wider tyre sizes.
The Japanese manufacturer says the tyre is the result of “hours behind the drawing table”.
Scrambler tyres
So what is a scrambler tyre?
Basically it’s a cross between a road and dirt tyre, but with a low block, often wider dimensions and lower profiles than an adventure tyre.
It not only needs to have better dirt grip than normal road tyres, but also an attractive appearance on a road bike.
What it doesn’t need is the tough, puncture-resistant high profile of adventure tyres.
Scrambler riders often don’t head for the dirt, but also don’t turn back when the tarmac runs out.
Those scrambler riders who seek out the dirt will opt for adventure tyres and more dirt-oriented scramblers such as the Ducati’s Desert Sled and Triumph’s new Scrambler 1200 XE.
Triumph Scrambler 1200 XEBridgestone scrambles
The AX41S scrambler tyre adopts a single sport-touring compound on the front and a sport-touring compound in “3LC configuration” on the rear.
Bridgestone says this ensures a balance of wet and dry grip levels.
They say it has been developed for the road and make no mention of how it will go on the dirt. Although the above official photo shows a dirt road!
It looks fairly similar to other scrambler tyres on the market with a low-profile block, so it should handle smooth dirt roads quite well.
They claim the low block avoids “heel and toe wear” that is common when riding higher-block adventure tyres on the bitumen.
The AX41S should not only suit factory and custom scramblers, but also cafe racers.
Bridgestone Battlax Adventurecross Scrambler AX41S 
| SIZES/DESCRIPTION | PRICE | AVAILABLE |
| TYRE 120/70HR17 (58H) AX41S F Tbl | $199.95 | Now |
| TYRE 110/80HR18 (58H) AX41S F Tbl | $189.95 | Now |
| TYRE 120/70HR19 (60H) AX41S F Tbl | $199.95 | Now |
| TYRE 160/60HR17 (69H) AX41S R Tbl | $279.95 | Now |
| TYRE 170/60HR17 (72H) AX41S R Tbl | $289.95 | Now |
| TYRE 180/55HR17 (73H) AX41S R Tbl | $299.95 | Now |