Here's the word from Avon:
FAQs | Avon Tyres
I think gcarper was the first to mention these tires, here's a copy&paste from a couple of threads last October:
"Update on my Shinko 705----getting an order in for another rear tire, I have just over 4000 miles on the 705 and there is maybe 2 rides in the mountains left. Yep, getting another 705. I put an Avon Trailrider on the front [ had to buy a rear tire to get tubleless in a 110/80x18 size, which I installed backwards ] The trailrider is very good and I would have put one on the rear but for cost. $177 for the Avon vs $98 for the Shinko."
"Look at the Avon Trail Rider---i put one on my Icon and lit looks good and handles better. The 110X18 front tire they show is tube type, but they have a tubless in the same size only call it a rear tire. Just turn the mounting arrow around and it works fine---just ask the ouside soles of my boots if they stick!"
(Thanks gcarper, hope you don't mind the copy&paste!)
These tires get excellent reviews in general, and seem like they may be the ticket if you expect to encounter light dirt, sand and gravel on occasion. We're planning a ride in the Southwest this year, and may see a bit of all of that, so I'm studying up on tires.
Sarah