Schwalbe Rock Razor Tire - Review

Apr 23, 2014
by Matt Wragg  

Schwalbe's Rock Razor is an important tire. No doubt half of you will stop reading as soon as we mention that it was developed from enduro racing, but bear with me. One of the best things about the discipline, is that companies are pushed on to develop products that are really very good out in the real world, and not just up in the rareified air of World Cup racing. Here in Europe, top enduro racers have been running semi-slick rear tires, like the Maxxis Larsen for a number of years. The logic is that if you have long transfers to tackle on the saddle, a fast-rolling rear tire helps you save precious energy for when the clock starts. Yet, there was always a big sacrifice, because for technical terrain, you had no tread to help you when things got ugly. That lead some clever folk at Schwalbe rethink the semi-slick tire saying, "Why can't we at least have tread on the side?" The result is the Rock Razor.

n a

Rock Razor semi-slick is one of the most innovative tires of recent years



Details:

• Purpose: All-mountain/trail/enduro/downhill (dependent on carcass)
• Sizes available: 26 and 27.5, 29-inch from summer 2014
• Carcass: 2.35-inch, Evolution-Snakeskin and Super Gravity
• Compounds available: Pacestar, Trailstar (intermediate)
• Tubeless ready: Evolution Snakeskin and Super Gravity carcasses
• Weight: 665g or 925g (26" / dependent on carcass)
• MSRP: $93.25 (Super Gravity - tested)

Construction

We looked in depth at the construction of Schwalbe's new aggressive tires when we reviewed the Magic Mary, so we won't go into depth about that here. The Rock Razor comes in roughly the same sizes and options as the Magic Mary. It is the tread pattern, though, that matters with the Rock Razor, that is where the big innovation is. It as a semi-slick design with DH side knobs. And they are big side knobs - a shade smaller than Magic Mary, but still so substantial that they would look more than at home on most full-blown DH race tires. The side blocks are lined up consistently - all the same size and the same space apart - which is vital for cornering when you dig the side of the tire into the ground. On the top, the small block pattern is square, also with consistent spacing, and while there may not be much tread, what is there behaves utterly predictably. Schwalbe adds a little moto influence to the crown tread, with every other row slightly raised to increase braking bite.

n a
n a

It is the combination of fast-rolling center blocks and a burly, aggressive edge pattern that makes the Rock Razor so good. Schwalbe offer it in three different casings to suit any style of riding.



Setup

We tested Schwalbe's 1,000g, Supergravity casing, with the Trailstar rubber compound, in both the 26 and 27.5-inch wheel sizes. Mounting the tires tubeless depended very much on the rim. With the DT Swiss EXC 1550 wheels, the Rock Razors needed a compressor to seat the beads. With the newer DT Swiss Spline ONE EX 1501 and Stans Flow EX wheels, they were a joy to work with, more or less seating with a floor pump.

Out on the Trail

Climbing: Switching from a full knobby tire, like Schwalbe's Magic Mary to a semi-slick tread pattern is nothing short of a revelation for long road and fireroad drags. Even though the Super Gravity version of the Rock Razor weighs the same as a Magic Mary, it transforms how the bike climbs, as the rolling resistance is dramatically lower. What was less-expected was how well it did when we got onto real dirt, offering a surprising amount of traction. We kept running the Rock Razor all the way through the winter and it really impressed us. The ride that sticks out most was trying to get up an ice-covered fireroad. There were two us; one on the Rock Razor, the other on another semi-slick rear tire with a more diagonal tread. While the other semi-slick fishtailed and floundered, the Rock Razor quietly got the job done with a minimum of fuss. Of course a full knobby tire would offer more traction, but usually, we ended up feeling that our talent was letting us down before the Rock Razor did.

Cornering: This is what makes the Rock Razor so much better than any other semi-slick. The side tread is nothing short of awesome and, much like with the Magic Mary, you can lean the tire in and hold the bike firmly on the side tread. When you transition from centre to side tread, the difference in the tread profile means you can feel exactly when you get onto the side, which is a great help to manage traction. However, the Rock Razor may not suit less confident riders. To corner well with this tire, you need to lay the bike onto its side. Try to keep the bike upright and you will feel yourself sliding.

n a

We ran the Rock Razor in all conditions and were continually impressed by how well it performed.



Braking: After riding the Rock Razor in the rear for a few months, we got complacent and dropped into one of the ultra-steep DH lines near our test area in Sospel. Once you get used to the tire's excellent grip when leaning the bike into corners, you can easily forget that it is still a semi slick. On the kind of steep terrain, where you need to use your rear wheel to control your speed, we found ourselves sliding out of control into the catch berms. It is a tire with limits and when you drop into that kind of terrain, you are asking for trouble. You need to think about braking with this tire and get it done ahead of time. We really like the combination of this tire on the rear, paired with a Magic Mary front (although we have heard reports than Brendan Fairclough runs them both front and rear on his trail bike in the off-season, but he clearly brakes a lot less than we do). We have spoken to riders struggling with this tyre when paired with a less-aggressive Nobby Nic front tyre and we do believe that you need a bigger front tire for it to work. All the traction for braking is coming from the front, so you'll need something more muscular than a semi-slick to stand up to the task. Again, these kind of constraints won't suit everyone.

Lifespan: We have been pleasantly surprised how long the Rock Razor has lasted. It seems to have a harder compound than some of Schwalbe's other offerings. Our current rear tire has been on the bike for nearly three months now and we are only just starting to think it may need to be retired. There isn't a huge drop-off in performance once this tire starts to age either. It may lose the sharpness of a fresh tire, but it still feels good out on the trail.


Pinkbike's Take:
Schwalbe's Rock Razor is not a tire for everyone. You'll need to be honest with yourself when you are considering the Rock Razor. If you are not confident leaning a bike into corners and braking precisely, then it is probably worth looking at a more forgiving option. As Nukeproof's Greg Callaghan says, "These tires will make a man of you." That said, we love it. Paired with an aggressive front tire the Rock Razor is a perfect combination for aggressive trail riders and enduro racers, and we have ran it all conditions with few misgivings. Schwalbe have produced a welcome evolution to semi-slick tyres. We expect the Rock Razor to be the most-copied tire of the 2014-2015 seasons. - Matt Wragg

www.schwalbetires.com

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Reviews Tires Schwalbe


Author Info:
mattwragg avatar

Member since Oct 29, 2006
753 articles
Report
Must Read This Week
Pole Bicycles Has Filed for Bankruptcy
56684 views
First Ride: The Sub-$600 RockShox Domain and Psylo Forks
42976 views
[UPDATED] Final Elite XC Results & Overall Standings from the Mairiporã XC World Cup 2024
42206 views
Tree Root Pierces Harriet Harnden's Foot at Round 1 of the British National Downhill Series
39345 views
Pinkbike's DH Fantasy League: Get Your Team On The Line - Fort William is in TWO WEEKS!
35171 views
Review: Race Face's Era Chainring Uses Steel, Carbon, & Aluminum
28427 views
First Ride: Fox's New Transfer Dropper Post - Adjustable Travel, Up to 240mm of Drop
27071 views
Industry Digest: Crowd Funding 36" eBikes, Canfield Bikes' Relocation, Recalls & More
26814 views
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup

176 Comments
  • 29 8
 Not exactly the most innovative tyre. Maxxis has been there and done that with HR Semi Slick years ago. But Schwalbe took that idea one step further.
  • 12 6
 Indeed, and hasn't there been a thing on the DH circuit for some time now where the wrench-hands are cutting down the centre tread of a DH carcass leaving a semi slick centre, but big side knobs? Schwalbe most certainly weren't the first to figure this out... they just put an 'enduro' tag on it.
  • 5 1
 This tire is more of a short knob than a semi slick like the Maxxis highroller semi slick. Thus it will roll slightly slower but have more traction for climbing. The other difference, and this is where I think Schwalbe takes the cake, is the supergravity casing. DH sidewalls with singleply top makes for a lighter tire.
Intense and Maxxis have both done similar designs but always with thicker full DH casing (you could even get the intense in 4ply which was so stiff you could run 10psi!)
  • 4 2
 This reminds me of a tire Tioga had bad in the 90's
  • 8 5
 Still! $100 bucks for a tire! But in the end, ya that sounds about right seeing as they are Enduro...
  • 6 4
 Kendal happy medium has been out for years. Granted the middle tread of the small block 8 design isn't the greatest for dh....but it's clear a couple other companies have done this for a while. Raising the middle knobs a bit and slapping an "enduro" badge on it makes it innovative I guess?
  • 7 2
 I had forgotten about the HR semi-slick, I ran one on my 4X bike years ago, but the HR has an inconsistent side and the centre is les grippy. Plus Schwalbe offer this tyre in all the carcass and diameter options.
  • 33 5
 You could just pull a couple of worn out tires from the recycling bin at your LBS and save $200....
  • 4 0
 Reminds me of Kenda's El Moco a bit. Looks like the center tread is a bit more tightly placed on the RR but still, small fast knobs down the center and big, fat, consistently placed side knobs. If this tire rides anything like that, it should be a good fast tire as long as you lean - lean a lot - because there is no traction in the transition zone.
  • 4 2
 I'm with parkourfan! The Kenda "Happy Medium" AND "BBG Pro" have been around for a bit and are designed to do the same thing.

Instead of acting like this is new shizzle, how about a comparison amongst the big players with this type of tire?
  • 15 7
 I don't care how good this tire is, no mtb tire is worth $93
  • 4 2
 They didn't come in a beefy casing but go back about 8 years and you'll find Hutchinson's Piranha tire which was BIG arsed side knobs and a very shallow center section tread.
  • 4 2
 My personal favorite all rounder tire is the Maxxis Crossmark. Fast, smooth, and just enough bite for hitting the trails. This tire looks very ideal, not so ideal is the price.
  • 3 13
flag taskmgr (Apr 23, 2014 at 8:25) (Below Threshold)
 you lost me at enduro.
  • 3 2
 Anything that can stand up to a season of Utah, Nevada and Montana razor rock trails, I would pay well over "$93" for. But luckily Continentals Protection Baron and TK msrp for about $90 and $75.

Seems like a deal to me if I don't chew up a tire every week.
  • 1 0
 Even Hutchinson's Toro has a similar design, but with better transition knobs, however the main knobs are all on an angle Frown . Bring back the Bulldog! Mine are old and worn, but make for an awesome semislick with great transition Smile .
  • 2 0
 It will be interesting to see how the specialized slaughter compares. Seems like it has an even bigger difference between the center and side knobs than the rock razor.
  • 1 0
 After about 5 bike park days, many steep rock slabs and a couple races my Muddy Mary's basically look the same as this tire brand new. If it really is more durable than some of Schwalbe's other offerings this would make a great rear tire for my AM hardtail but at almost $100 a pop they better last at least a whole season.
  • 1 0
 I was going to say that. I've got a couple of 3-year-old Wicked Wills that looks pretty similar. The central tread is reminiscent of the old Panaracer Mach SKs I used fifteen years ago. That was a great tyre, if a little thin, but fast as hell. I bet these go good.
  • 1 0
 happy medium +1 cheap not durable but fast rolling. side grip also stronger than this one looks. tbo this tyre looks like an updated happy medium. i don't care about the price, if I were racing this over happy medium. but no, non racers won't ever need a 93$ tire...
  • 21 3
 $93.25 it's a truck tire?
  • 6 2
 But it is super gravity tested
  • 5 7
 Car tire's price for undred bike tire, that's expensiv, I'm not sheep Wink
  • 4 4
 its enduro £ $
  • 6 1
 These reviews always fail to mention the performance line. Not the same tire compound but good enough for more than half the riders on pinkbike and come in at a $35 price range.
  • 4 3
 It's cheaper in Europe. And once you try schwalbe you won't want anything else!
  • 3 0
 That is the MSRP which never hold. I bought the Rock Razor Super Gravity for 33€ The same for Magic Mary and Hans Dampf all Super Gravity versions
  • 1 2
 At this price I'm not sure to buy "schwalbe" Frown

www.cycle-tyres-direct.fr/pneu-schwalbe-rock-razor-trailstar-supergravity-tubeless-ready-2102.html
  • 2 0
 www.bike-components.de/products/info/p36229_Rock-Razor-Evolution-Super-Gravity-Faltreifen-Modell-2014.html
37€ thats not bad
  • 1 0
 Nice link "limkilde" just miss "geax" tire Wink
  • 2 0
 Hit a wet root with one of those and you will die. Instantly.
  • 1 0
 Actually they have a good grip on wet roots due to the low presure you can run them at and the small center-knobs grips really well on roots
  • 1 0
 My comment was about the performance compound. Which is awful
  • 1 0
 @kroky777 I have a Magic Mary up front and Hans Dampf rear both performance line and never have any problems in any conditon: wet, dry, roots, rocks or all of the above. Unless you're trying to pull every ounce of grip out of a tire for flat out racing the performance line gets the job done at half the cost and twice the life span.
  • 1 0
 Ya, I've heard people saying that. I had two performance nobby nics that were dangerous when wet. If they work for you,that's good as they are so cheap. For me personally the tire is the only part of my bike that touches the ground,so it's the most important. Good tyres boost my confidence and are much safer. Even if your not racing.
  • 1 0
 Kroky777
Ahh ok, but you cant get the Rock Razor in the performance series.
Rdot84: and the same goes for the Magic Mary so you are not running a MM performance in front, so maybe thats why have good grip.
  • 1 0
 @limkilde Magic Mary performance tire www.artscyclery.com/Schwalbe_Magic_Mary_Performance_Tire_26x235/descpage-SWMMP235.html boom. Photo is in my profie too.
  • 1 0
 @kroky777 You make a valid point with tires being an important aspect of the bike. I never had much luck with Nobby Nics no matter what compound they were. I switched to Continental Trail Kings for awhile and they were great in the Black Chili compound and just recently switched to MM/HD combo to try something different.
  • 1 0
 ok, weird since it is not on Schwallbes homepage when you choose the performnce line
www.schwalbe.com/en/offroad.html
  • 8 0
 No 29er available yet. Also we have the Situation that Schwalbe are fairly cheap in Europe but Maxxis is super expensive. Same as in US but other way around. So while I couldn't care less about Maxxis tyres, I'm happy that Schwalbe is picking up some of their ideas for our market.
  • 6 0
 • Sizes available: 26, 27.5 and 29-inch

What do you mean no 29er available?
  • 1 0
 He means Schwalbe doesn't even list the Rock Razor in a 29 offering on their website.
  • 6 0
 It states in order to get best performance from the edge tread the bike needs to be 'leaned over' ? obviously no need for a 29 version ;-)
  • 7 0
 Looks like a decent tire for my trail bike. I don't ride anything super aggressive so I want a faster rolling tire that still has a little corner bite in dusty stuff. I don't really lean in to corners very much but sometimes I have to and a little more grip would be appreciated.

And what kind of trucks/cars do you folks have that your tires only cost $100? Cheapest tire I can find for my truck is $200 and my car is $190 with my actual tires costing $300 and $260 each not including installation or shipping.
  • 9 0
 I can buy MTB tires at the local Canadian Tire for $12.00. Doesn't mean I will use them. Try racing moto- $180.00 rear tire and its done in a weekend.

Already sheeplem stop bitching about prices. We all know there are cheaper options than Schwalbe. I won't run anything else anymore. The price is worth it for me.
  • 2 1
 Its funny, the longest lasting and most durable tire I've ever owned cost me $14. Some unknown brand called "Golden Star" made in Vietnam. Decent grip, ride quality wasn't the greatest but did the job. But wow could it handle abuse!
  • 8 0
 I agree with you Willie, if people don't want to spend the cash they won't. Personally if I think something is too expensive I simply don't buy it but I respect the fact that other people will.

If EVERY tire cost $100+ then people could complain that there were no other options, however at this juncture this is not the case. If you want a $50 tire buy a $50 tire. If you want a $100 tire but can't afford that tire then that is not the manufacturer's fault, just means you have to save up a bit longer.

I'm finally old enough and in the position that cost for bike parts is no longer an issue, some would argue that I'm not "good" enough to justify the parts, but I just like buying them because I can.
  • 1 0
 Most Schwalbe tires are offered in a performance version that work well tubeless, are light, and cost about half as much. If this is a popular one I imagine it'll get the same treatment.
  • 1 0
 It's not son much that people WON'T buy something that costs too much, it's that they CAN'T.
  • 3 0
 Some of us have worked hard and sacrificed for 20+ years raising our families. We can now enjoy a bit of disposable income. I couldn't afford a tire like this in my 20's, but I can now.
  • 2 0
 Or simply wait for the annual NSMBA gear swap and pick up a couple pairs of minions for $80, Love Vancouver =]
  • 3 0
 Chain Reaction always has your cheap-ass back. Mine too!
  • 2 0
 ^^+1 ^ +1
  • 13 3
 I read past the "enduro" word. I stopped reading after the price tag.
  • 1 0
 ............then ur gonna miss the sales on this one
  • 7 1
 Well, this idea has been done before. My personal favorite tire (Specialized Eskar) was discontinued because it was similar (though it has more center tread). The issue, from a sales perspective, is that most riders are not very good. So committing to a turn is not usually a strenth. So, most will settle for a tire that gives them confidence rather than an out-right performer.
  • 2 0
 I loved the Eskar, an under rated tyre
  • 2 0
 I've got the Eskars on my Enduro and I'm really pleased with how they run except for the sidewalls. Both have multiple tears that i've patched to try and prolong their life.
  • 1 0
 Yes, exactly what I was thinking when I read this. Between rolling and traction, I've not had a better balance in a single tire than the Eskars that came with my Enduro. That being said, the sidewalls were weak, and if you ran them tubeless, they were prone to burping. And when they burped, they tended to develop a wobble in the rubber that you couldn't get rid of. Wish they could have beefed up that sidewall a little and kept the tread.
  • 1 0
 I just picked up an older pitch with some eskars on it front and back, and I wasn't planning on running them, but when i saw them in person they look sweet. On the topic of sidewall tears, I got a captain used that had a tear in it as well.
  • 1 0
 i love the happy mediums, makes me a better rider or so i hope/feel. got less tread than this wobby tire for sure. so if your eskar doesn't even sell well then..
  • 4 0
 I have been running it mated with a hands dampf up front . Perfect set up. I used maxxis version with the tiny centre knobs back in the day and they slid out constantly. I don't know about this review as the Rock Razor is predictable and dependable in the 26 inch I use. 9/10
  • 2 0
 glad you wrote that madmon, I bought 1 of these a few weeks ago but not fitted it yet, I was waiting for the magic mary to become available but I think I will try it with my hans dampf thats fitted to the front already, I'm running 26" as well
  • 1 0
 it is a big tyre and may not clear some frames in the rear but so far the only drawback I can find is it's tubeless ready not full on UST and that means the sidewall is thinner than UST and it needs a compressor instead of a normal pump to ensure a proper fit. It feels slow riding to the trail on pavement but once you start trail riding it opens into total grip with a smoother turning feel than full knobs like a knobby nick
  • 1 0
 @madmon: i've used Racing Ralph, Rocket Ron, Nobby Nic and Hans D from schwalbe (all tubeless) and i've never needed a compressor.
  • 1 0
 i needed a big pump for tubeless ready.
  • 1 0
 I needed a compressor for my hd's, although a 20gram co2 can may work if out on a trail and you get a flat
  • 6 3
 ...will make a man?

hm, had it on my trance sx and was overal not very impressed.

* climbing on lose gravel is not very good - roll resistence on flatter parts was next to nothing
* descending/cornering is good as long as everything is bone dry
(nearly managed to produce my first highsider with a mtb on wet gras ;-) )

in my personal opinion it is not a good tire for alpine (Tirol/Austria) terrain - there are areas where this tire is usefull but in my opinion there are other (cheaper) ones that are better for every day riding
  • 9 2
 I live in the alps, so tested it in the alps. As I hoped I made clear in the review, it's not the tyre for everybody.
  • 5 2
 I thought the review was crystal clear and fair. I will not be trying this tyre out anytime soon as I am not exactly an aggressive rider (yet) but in the future some of the tyre combos sound interesting and would be fun to test but not on slick rock for sure.
  • 4 0
 kenda tires are the gold standard for cheap fucks like me
  • 2 0
 love my nevegals
  • 2 0
 paired a nevegal 26" 2.1 with a maxxis highroller 26" 2.35 on the rear on my giant trance x4 and it is a great combo - $120 for both tires….better suited to my poor man budgetand totally competent on the slimy north shore moss covered rocks/roots
  • 3 0
 I've used it a few times on my kona process 153 in wet rooty woods. Very sketchy! Obviously not it's intended use but still, enduros will cover alot of terrain. I'm going to give it another go though as it rolls really well and corners brilliantly
  • 1 0
 Probably not the best tire for here though anyway. I've the Magic Mary on the back for about a month now and its superb, going to get one on the front asap.
  • 2 0
 Ya I know, will be good if it dries out like last year. I have the magic mary verstar on the front, it's amazing. Got on for the back now too. Can't wait to try it front and rear
  • 4 1
 Best all round rear tyre I have ever used at least on the terrian I am riding. Rolls and corners awesome, and braking hard in loose stuff in a straight line is... interesting.

The super gravity version seems to hold up well, seen quite a few snake skin versions with tears in the casing? No idea if it's bad luck or other wise.

Bike discount.de has them for around $50.
  • 1 0
 Do they ship to AU?
  • 6 3
 Hmmm... $93..

Recently I got new tires for my wife's car.

Good for 55,000 miles (probably 3-4 years), mounted, balanced, installed with TPMS, and discarding old tires all for just under $360. That's $90 per tire.

What is wrong with this picture, I don't get it. $93 and I have to install myself and it might last a few months here in Colorado..
  • 4 2
 they produce millions of car tyres and a few thousand bike. do the math......90 bux is actually reasonable.
  • 5 5
 What kind of car and tire are you buying. There is literally no car tire I would put on my wife's car that costs less than $200 per corner. Besides that, the tires she runs for autocross cost about $800 per corner and last maybe a summer.

Top performance anything costs a premium.
  • 4 2
 You guys like the Kool-aid don't you? $93.00 for A (one) mountain bike tire is excessive. I am aware enough to know that the best usually cost a premium, but they're putting sand on it before giving it us at 93 bucks a pop!
  • 3 1
 Have you moved from Italy to Sospel Matt? Would love to see your photo skills at the 1001enduro races!

It's a shame Schwalbe dont make a 29er version, will have to test the specialized slaugther or michelin wildracer2 equivalents.
  • 2 1
 I'm not good in tires understanding, but couldn't they just add bigger blocks next to the side knobs, so the tires can fit also less confident riders, that doesn't lean that much? They'll keep the small blocks in the middle, so rolling speed shouldn't be sacrificed.
  • 6 2
 The way I unerstand it, the problem is that as soon as you add those intermediate knobs, there won't be as much pressure put on the big side knobs so they won't be digging as deep so there will be less grip. Tire will be more predictable, but overall grip MAY be smaller.
  • 1 0
 I guess you are right. Most DH tires however have big intermediate knobs, but maybe they have more spacing between them and the side knobs to create this higher pressure you are talking about.
  • 6 5
 I honestly truly hate Highroller, because it is a make it or break it tyre. Lean hard or GFY. Even though Minion has the same, actually even wider channel between side and center knobbs, the center knobs must be playing some role in cornering because Minion is way more predictable than HR. I also hate Hans Dampf which is on another side of spectrum. I never know when is it going to let go, then although the slide itself is quite predictable, you never know if there will be any edge to that sliding. To me HD is just a Nobby Nic on steroids.
  • 3 2
 Waki- Are you talking about the HR or HR2? HR2 is the most predictable tire I have ever ran. The Minion is similar in that regard except it doesn't roll near as fast. Pretty sure that you just shot down all of the best tires on the market currently! Haha. The HD is a good tire when it's dry. After trying most of the good tires on the market, the HR2 still seems to be the best all around tire on the market. Wet, dry, doesn't matter. Magic Mary seems really nice for traction, but rolls really slow.
  • 1 0
 @waki Never rode a minion but think the center blocks have big sipes so they spread out to fill part of that channel and grip when the tire is halfway leaned. Conti mountain king II i am playing with now fir fast rear but not semislick is similar in behavior to HR. Quite fast but only grips when well leaned. Was also less than impressed with HD. Any tire that works for you then?
  • 2 0
 As Matt says, you have to know yourself, your limits and what kind of rider you are to make the best choice... I agree with you about the Maxxis HR, it would hold me up in corners and then... gone...no... wait.. grip is back again: obviously not my style.

I suspect too that for my riding style that the profile makes as much if not more difference to the grip I get than the knob spacing mentalhead. Try some different profiles (more rounded or more square edged)..
  • 2 2
 sualsuspension dave - HR1 . haven't tried HR2 for any quality period of time. The issue I have with both HRs as rear tyres is ramped knobs which won't work on climbing on wet roots which come in abundance on trails around my place. First HR was also rubbish to me as a rear tyre as center knobs were disappearing in sight due to braking.
Sonator - I love Butcher Control/ Purgatory Control combo for trail riding, NNic RoRon for brainless XC and Minions DHF for anything gravity fed. Lately I am looking for something with more stable carcass that doesn't weigh a ton. But I guess I may want too much. I screwed up Purgatory on a ugly side ways landing off a max 1,5m drop. I may go for it again though as it was more of my fault.
  • 2 0
 "Stable carcass that doesn't weigh a ton".. quit the CAD job Waki, go into marketing....I'll take 2 of those!
  • 2 0
 Heheh, Maxxis Exo is fine enough for me, 800g-900g is still fine with me, it is just that they don't do any fast roling rear tyre that works on my trails. Ardent comes closest but in total gloop it gives up on roots. I am working in marketing in a way. At the very moment I am modyfying visualization of future housing estate so that buildings look smaller to the city planning office, so that they allow the investor to build as building high as possible so that he can sell as many apartments as possible, so he gets the most money of plot of land he bought for fortune from the city. What you do is you give the last floors with very bright facade materials. Then you put a white cloud behind them... You also put sht loads of stuff on lower floors and on the ground so that they draw attention. Plenty of people, plenty of greenery. The best part starts when the project gets approved and then I do the opposite. I make the highest floors stand out, because these are the most expensive apartments as they have the best view.
  • 1 0
 This seems like the perfect tire for where I ride. We have hard packed clay everywhere, but loose dry dust builds up at the edges of the trail. It has always been a tossup between the Nobby Nick and the racing ralph, each with a compromise. (I had ordered a bunch of tires before my knee surgery, and haven't had as much saddle time as I would like in the past two seasons.)
  • 4 0
 Waki that sounds kinda douchey actually :/
  • 3 1
 Smell the Glove - I know... think about that before you buy an apartment... now, I am still quite ok, there are folks who put people of all ages and races for the showing in planning office, then they take them away and put only white good looking people between 30 and 50 for sales brochures
  • 4 0
 Waki is just Waki. He thinks way out of the box. Some people can accept it and some others just don't......
  • 2 1
 Usually a big fan of Waki's style. However I am not a big fan of bloody blocks of flats popping up all over the place with absolutely no regard for planning restrictions, green belts, fitting in with their surroundings etc. Short sighted money grabbing wankers the lot of them if you ask me. (although I am well aware you didnt Razz ) I know I don't know you at all Waki. but somehow I thought you were better than that....Frown
  • 3 1
 gabriel-mission9 - problem with urbanism is that forces leading to erection of any larger group of buildings are massive and have little regard to environment around, including built environment. Politicians, investors and contractors aim at building as much as possible at a given time. The reasons is simple: numbers - on accounts of investors (and of some politicians) and on election brochures (vote on us, we've built so many apartments for people) We architects have little to do with "volumes" - we give aesthetical form to demanded volumes. Sure we do volume studies and there are competitions for urban forms, but this is more about refining details rather than saying: in this district thy shall not build apartment blocks. If there is a political and private will, it will happen. In some cases we architects can only do damage control. From technological point of view things get fkd as well. Technology forces many solutions, the more of the same windows, materials, balconys, kitchens, bathrooms you use the better for investor and contractor, so they always force uniformity on us. In such climate it is hard to force young architects to be creative, and bosses gladly munch the following bate: you get paid same money to draw a nice house, as for drawing an ugly house. It is ONLY your work ethics and will to excell and create aesthetic environment that creates nice buildings. Everyone is against you as an architect and against the end user. Many investors don't give a flying fk about how clients will feel inside the building: they want to sell a flat or an office space. Don't think politicians want good of people and environment, they'd need o tbe educated in planning and they don't have time or will to do so, hence they approve projects sold to them by pictures full of greenery that will never be planted and smiling people in numbers that will never be there.
  • 3 0
 So what's your favorite tyre?
  • 1 0
 Conti Baron 2.3 and Magic Mary ar damn nice front tires for going fast down and pedalling up. At least on the front. The back is more puzzling.
  • 1 0
 If you dont like buildings popping up everywhere, try living in Lappland: Here skyscrapers have three floors and the most recent ones were built in the 80's.
  • 1 0
 Sounds awesome. Where do I buy a ticket?
  • 2 1
 Been looking for one of these but still around £50 a go over here for any of the options. Could be cheaper! Also, the weight for the Evo Skin was supossed to be 655gms but here it's 795gms. Any body have the weight of an actually weighed tire?
  • 1 0
 Bike components.de going for half nathing bai
  • 3 0
 Hmm I run the razor with a Hans Dampf up front. This has been a really good combo for me. Sticks in the turns and climbs well, but as the article says it is not for everyone.
  • 1 0
 I've ran this combo also and think it is great, as long as it is dry.
  • 1 0
 Mine didn't last 60 miles. Brand new? Great. 40 miles in, not so much. Kinda par for the course with Schwalbe though. I'm on the new mavic tireset, front looks like a HR2 and rear is the same concept as this but lasts longer / grips better. Happy so far.
  • 1 0
 Also, maybe the tires that come as OEM on the trance advanced SX are different somehow, but the side knobs really aren't that big. It's just the middle knobs are tiny, making the sides look comparatively bigger in photos. Digging the new mavics; crossmax charge & roam but I've only got 30 miles on them so far.
  • 2 0
 Mavic tires are made by Hutchinson as far as I know.
  • 1 0
 I've been contemplating these tires for a few months. Problem is that I'm so hard on rear tires. I'm running a DH casing MInion DHR2 right now and this is the longest I've had a rear tire on(4 months). I hate that I have to run a 1300g tire just to stay on the trail. I've always run tubeless with 2 scoops of Stans, but it doesn't matter when you rip lugs off and cut sidewalls.
  • 1 0
 I have been running this tire for the last three months and it absolutely kills Socal conditions of loose over hard. A ton of traction and low rolling resistance. BTW don't get MSRP and Street Price confused. My local shop/internet retailer sells these for $65 which is not cheap, but reasonable since I have not had a single sidewall or casing issue. Compare that to Conti where I replaced three of their Protection/Black Chili tires in less than a week. I just gave my buddy who still runs tubes a stack of more than 15 Conti's that had pierced casings, but practically brand new treads.
  • 1 0
 I got some Charge Splashbacks from my LBS secondhand but as new £10 for the pair. They are duel compound soft knobbles on the edges and just what can only be described as dimples in the center. Apart from being very light they dont slow down at all on duel or bmx and crank right over on hard pack / sand. Sadly they are shit scary on wet roots or mud :-/
So these tires may be the all rounder answer
  • 1 0
 I didn't see anyone mention the Maxxis blingbling that is a sweet tire! I bought a bunch when they where on close-out years ago, still got some in the shed. A tire for expert riders who want to go fast. These look like a good replacement.
  • 2 0
 Maxxis bling bling? Things just go round in circles. ... can't buy blings any more, so have just been trimming high roller 2s for a while. Good to have options though?
  • 4 2
 The Bling Bling had more centre tread and a quite frankly weird edge.
  • 2 0
 There are differences true. I'm just pointing out that fast rolling aggro tyres with double ply have been around for ages. I'm not sold on swalbe tyres personally, I ride kaiser projekt front and trimmed down high roller 2 on the rear. I like having options, but this review doesn't make me want to pay my hard earned cash to gamble on one of these. Tyres are very personal though and I'm sure they will be good for somebody! .
  • 1 1
 Innovative? , i don't think so.
Mountain Bike Action. magazine started using the Specialized. captain 2.2 as a rear tire on downhill bikes about 2 years ago .
It comes in three different compounds and its almost half of price of the Rock razor
  • 5 0
 The Captain is nothing like the Rock Razor - the side is much bigger on the Schwalbe tyre, which is the big deal here.
  • 1 0
 The 2.2 captain has a bigger volume than advertised and since its mounted on 26" wheels, it doesn't lean as much as the bigger wheels
  • 1 0
 I hated the Captain as a rear, terrible braking/climbing. Surprizingly I like it as a front, it holds a line very well for a cross country tyre.
  • 1 0
 I had captains front and rear for a while, on my trail bike and even used the for some fairly gnarly freeride stuff and really liked them, in dry conditions they rocked!
  • 1 0
 The Rock Razor came on my bike with a snakeskin casing. I ended up tearing the sidewalls in the first ride and have had multiple flats since. I am sure the super gravity casing is much better though.
  • 2 0
 Conti rubber queen (or whatever the new name is) beats like for like nobby nic's etc.... Schwalbe's tires disappear in front of your eyes, total rubbish in my opinion.
  • 1 0
 Paper thin sidewall = punctures or rim damage if you are riding anywhere slightly knarly. Mate ran one on the back last night around Ullswater and got two snake bite punctures - the only punctures of the ride...
  • 1 0
 Looks like a good tire not doubting that BUT for 93$ ill stick maxxis. already tried tested and approved plus they mount nice on tubeless.
ill buy 2 for the price of one of these..
  • 1 0
 If you are looking for a best used tyres in Bradford ,Here at Cappuccino Tyres.Our friendly team is standing by to assist you today. Read More
cappuccinotyres.com/used-tyres-bradford
  • 3 1
 Maxxis did the same thing ages ago with the Highroller Semislick and to a lesser extent the Blingbling (horrible name).
  • 4 3
 Semi slick Minion DHF would be a killer.
  • 2 1
 As did Kenda and several other companies.
  • 2 1
 WAKI - That would basically be a Blingbling; DHF sideknobs paired with low, siped centre blocks. For some reason they never really became popular so they got ditched by Maxxis at some point.

Thinking about it, I'd like to try one again, used to run these for dual slalom ages ago..
  • 3 2
 Daemm Bonkywonky - you are right! I guess those tyres were ahead of their time Big Grin
  • 1 0
 still running a bling bling on my dirt jumper. one of the most versatile tires evAr. also run a larsen tt on the rear which is dope. also running a rock razor on the rear of my trail bike. they're all super awesome tires. the rock razor is just a larsen tt on steroids. where it shines is the high volume at low weight for pacestar compound in 26x2.35
  • 3 0
 Waki - that's essentially what this is. I ran Minion DHFs for years, front and rear, but I feel the Schwalbe side tread is an improvement.
  • 1 0
 Matt I already ordered one according to your advice, we'll see!
  • 1 0
 Geax Mezcal 2.3 TNT FTW! Wink

Although a BlingBling Lopes looks good.
  • 1 0
 horrible name yes, but I wish they brought it back
  • 1 0
 I rode the RRazor for the first time yesterday. I am very impressed. Cornering grip is magical, predictable and very sharp, spontaneously feels even better than Minion DHF. I need to wait for the rain to psay how it grips on uphills and how it brakes.
  • 2 1
 bit more aggressive than the WTB vulpine's I use on the road - I expect with will be fine for hardpack but nothing else. far too expensive for a limited condition tyre
  • 1 0
 Question - was sealant required during setup? I have a pair of Easton Havoc USTs and Magic Mary S.G and am wondering if I will need sealant or not.
  • 3 0
 Any idea if and when the 29" version will be available?
  • 2 0
 nothing says i'm going to skid the F out of local trails like a semi-slick rear tire
  • 1 0
 :-D
  • 1 0
 Have some and the team love them. They are like the son of a Muddy Mary and the old Michelin DH-15. It's a super rear tyre under a good rider.
  • 1 0
 This is an awesome tire but heed the warning about braking. If it's your rear tire on steeps you'll be sledding more than braking.
  • 1 0
 looks like a good tire not doubting that BUT ill be sticking with maxxis 2 for the price of 1. plus they mount up nice tubeless
  • 3 1
 A larger Racing Ralph with stroger sides for wider rims. Enduro it!
  • 2 1
 Maybe for the rear but I've had more than enough near death (well, kinda) experiences running a HD up front, let alone a RR.
  • 2 1
 Developed from enduro racing? Really? It was done by other tire companies before 'enduro' existed.
  • 2 0
 Can't beat a maxxis. HR2 EXO 2.4 is the shit!
  • 2 0
 Special guys slaughtered this tire
  • 1 0
 I get it.
  • 3 1
 Enduro is becoming so Tyresome.
  • 3 3
 Everything's been done in the bike business, including Enduro! It belongs to the motorcycle world, and now a big marketing machine in mt.biking! I guess that's innovation!
  • 1 0
 Stopped reading at $93 retail. So as free market goes.... This bike officianado won't be purchasing them. Smile
  • 1 0
 You can get most Schwalbe tires for half US MSRP by buying direct.
  • 1 0
 100 bucks for a tire that looks half worn out. Small block 8,s are a bargain.
  • 1 0
 I would love a high roller 1 in 27.5
Anyone know if there are any plans for maxxis to release it?
  • 1 0
 Looks like the tires Brian Lopes created with Maxxis and Kenda. Isn't this a 4x/slalom innovation?
Looks fast!
  • 1 0
 I don't see this being a great option, north of the Canada/US border - unless it were in a groomed park setting.
  • 3 1
 Errr, Maxxis Larsen?
  • 2 1
 A Cross Mark is what you want...
  • 2 0
 Crossmark is amazing in everything bar woody roots and mud. So so fast in hardpack and corners awesome
  • 1 0
 I was going to say but someone beat me there is only 26 and 27.5 available
  • 1 2
 Evolution (incidental improvemt of pre-existing designs) is not the same thing as innovation (entirely new platform designed in a bubble and unlike all before it).
  • 1 0
 Looklike a small block 8 on steroid.
  • 1 0
 please make the 29er available now
  • 1 0
 i can get a car tire for cheaper than that.
  • 1 1
 What kind of shitty tyres are you putting on your car? If you buy good car tyres they cost around twice this price and personally I think it's a good investment seeing as I do 20,000 miles per year and the only point of contact between my car and the road is those four tyres...
  • 1 0
 Settle down Matt Wragg. Mods behaving badly. When does cost equal quality?
  • 2 2
 SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY
  • 1 0
 It was a high roller ss
  • 1 0
 Enduro is expensive...
  • 1 3
 how to make cash for simple people
dh £
enduro ££
29 er £££
whats next
29 enduro ££££££££££££££££££££££
  • 1 0
 I would roll on one.
  • 1 0
 Sick Tire!!!!







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv65 0.051771
Mobile Version of Website