A radically redesigned version of the time honored Racing Ralph, Schwalbe took their most successful competition tire, kept the low profile lugs in the middle, and added newly designed 'U-Block' side grips for exceptional traction.
Strengths: Light weight, EASY tubeless set up (seat and seal well on sun Black Flag Pros..even with hand pump).
Weaknesses: Puncture resistance poor. I have the snakeskin version, no sidewall problems, but I have gashed the tops of the tires twice (Comfort TX, McCallister Park San Antonio) on loose rock. One gash 1/8" wide, the other 3/8".....Stan's will NOT seal these. If you run these, keep one of these in your tool box (I got at O'reilly auto for $2 and some change):
I have successfully patched my rear tire twice. Get the rubber clean and dry (towel and spit worked to get Stan's residue off....alcohol wipes would be better), don't abrade the rubber much b4 applying rubber glue as you get to the threadcasing immediately (tires are THIN).
Bottom Line:
I have the 2.2Snakeskins set up tubeless on Sun BF Pro wheels. Breeze to install, no burps or blowoffs in 650+ miles. Traction good in rocks and good/decent overall, I don't find this tread pattern so stellar compared to Wolverines or Saguaros......but the lower/weight quick/spin-up out of a slightly slower corner speed makes these faster on avg (over my WIRE bead TUBED Saguaro).
A FOLDING bead Saguaro is only a 60g penalty over this tire........cheaper, tread pattern better IMO, and more durable(based on 750 miles on Sagauros....which are barely showing wear on the R tire I might add).
I'd hate to be in a race and have my tire slashed like I have on these....been riding the same trails for years....never had a tire slash like this, at least they are patchable and not a complete wa$te.
I am impressed with TUBELESS ride in general(less bounce=more control=momentum)......I bet if this tire were set up tubed you'd find out how "average" the tread pattern really is(when you remove the tubless grip/control factors). At least the lugs don't rip off like my Conti X-Kings did (every ride pieces missing).
Decent tire overall, wouldn't race them on a course with loose/sharp shale or limestone....or equip failure might F u.
Bike Setup: Raleigh XXIX+G, Sun Black Flag Pros, TimeClipless, EC90bars....I weigh 195, bike weighs 27lb12oz
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Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2012
Strengths: Weight, Made to be run tubeless
Weaknesses: Sidewalls, Price
Bottom Line:
I had a guy at my bike shop tell me the only problem he had with Schwalbe tires was that he couldn't get enough of them. Everyone in the area who was running tubeless was using Schwalbe because they are so tough and can't be flatted. Even at $85 people came running to by when a new shipment arrived. I thought that was interesting and went on my way with my $25 Wolverines and though nothing more of it. Then I had a sidewall tear. I have yet to wear out the tread on a mountain bike tire because of the sharp rocks that cover Missouri trails. Sidewall tears get me every time. So I went back to the shop to talk some more about the Schwalbe. The snakeskin, EVO sidewall was the way to go, according to the salesman. I went for it. I like to run tubeless, and I hate flats. I decided to run a nobby nic on the front and a racing ralph on the rear. 175 miles later, small hole in the sidewall. Big enough that Stan's couldn't seal it up. This is not a criticism of the tire. This happens to mountain bike tires. But was it worth the extra money? No way. The tires are good. If I was to do it over again, I would get a nobby nic for front and rear and reverse it on the rear. The rolling resistance on the racing ralph is great, but traction over roots and rocks while climbing is not good at all. This tire will spin and cause me to lose momentum in those spots where other tires have been fine. I think the nobby nic would handle this better. The real problem is the value. I am willing to spend more if I see a value in it. While the tire is fine, I want to fall in love with it for this price. I am not in love. I think I will go back to buying whatever OEM bargain bin tire I can find when the need arises. I can get three of those for the same price as one of these. Considering the warranty on a mountain bike tire lasts pretty much from the time you take it out of its packaging and get it onto a rim, I'm going cheap from now on.
I think if I lived in an area that is less rocky I would consider the nobby nic. You can really lean it into corners aggressively. I guess the the racing ralph would be good if you raced on courses with a lot of fire roads and prairies.
Submitted by
jackiebrown
a Cross Country Rider
from boulder, co
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2012
Strengths: light, rolls fast
Weaknesses: a bit on the pricey side
Bottom Line:
rolls fast and at 570 grams each, they are light. They actually hold air well for such a light tire. Sidewalls have been duable too. Downside is price and weartime on the tread. Great for dry, or wet rocks and sand. Not a good mud tire, but acceptible. All in all, I have been suprised at how well these tires have held up, considering they are a good 100-200 grams lighter than other tires in its class.
Similar Products Used: Renegade, Butcher, Purgatory, Ikon.
Bike Setup: Stumpjumper HT Comp Carbon on American Classic rims.
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Submitted by
Romad_Twitch
a Racer
from San Marcos, Texas
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2011
Strengths: excellent traction, wet rocks, loose gravel, some snow conditions, hardpack, roots, you name it...
Weaknesses: operator Error is the only weakness I've seen with this tire
Bottom Line:
I've been using this tire now for just over a year and a half and I'm on my second set. I've mainly used it for a front tire (the 2.25)I cant even count the times its saved me from sliding out taking a turn too hard or hitting a bad line, its always caught hold and kept me upright. The tread doesn't wear down as fast with the snake skin version so you don't have to worry about spending tons of $$$.
I've raced this tire in the mud, dirt, sand, lots of rock beds where I come from, even rode it in the snow at one race (although it eventually melted where the trail was and turned to mush)
I will continue to use this tire until they either stop making it or I find something better.
Bike Setup: Orbea Alma S10, Mavic Crossmax wheels, XT grouping
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Submitted by
247
a Cross Country Rider
from Philly, Pa
Date Reviewed: August 18, 2011
Strengths: Light, Fast, best grip I ever had.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
These are the best tires I ever had. Light, sturdy, grip as well as anything I have tried. I have tried from Exiwolf to Bontragers to Michelin AT's. I ride from smooth hardpack to Rocky, Rooty trails. They are like having 'top of the line' Michelin tires on your car--nothing better!!
Bike Setup: Fisher Paragon, 2x9 XT, 2010 Reba Race, Elixer R brakes, Chris King headset, X9 shifters/derailer, Salsa Bars, Rocket V saddle, Laser Disc Trail 29er wheelset (with WTB Lite hubs), Bontrager RXL stem and seatpost
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Submitted by
dlongto
a Weekend Warrior
from Golden, CO
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2011
Strengths: Lite, fast, cushy
Weaknesses: lite, expensive
Bottom Line:
Super lite, super fast. I ride Colorado Front Range and have had zero problems with these. They are expensive, but for me i could not see riding 29er on anything else.
Similar Products Used: MutanoRaptor, ExiWolf, lots of different 26" tires
Bike Setup: Raleigh XXIX completely worked over - 21.4 lbs.
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Submitted by
hags707
a Weekend Warrior
from Red Deer AB
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2011
Strengths: Fast Rolling, Light, Great traction(wet and dry), tough sidewall
Weaknesses: Price,???how long they last???(will up date if they wear quick)
Bottom Line:
So far I am impressed will recommend and buy again. This might change if treads wear quickly. Bought these on vacation on the north shore BC to replace stock Bontrager 29-3's and it was night and day with traction.
Bike Setup: 2011 Trek X-Caliber, Ralph Racing 2.25 f/r Snakeskin with tubes
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Submitted by
besnard
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis, TN
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2011
Strengths: SUPER EASY TO INSTALL, great grip, and very fast rolling..
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
I just bought the 2011 TL Ready Racing Ralphs to replace the Continental Race Kings I've been running on my Jet 9. I had big problems setting up the Race Kings tubeless, had to use tape, burping, not holding air long, etc...
I was able to install the Racing Ralphs faster than it took me to remove the Race Kings and the tubes I've was forced to use.
These are awesome tires in my opinion and I think faster than the Race Kings. After two rides the past two days, there has been no burping, and they have held pressure perfectly.
Similar Products Used: Nevengal, rampage, karma, small block, etc.
Bike Setup: Xc hardtail
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Submitted by
FotoJesse
a Racer
from Gainesville, Fl
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2011
Strengths: Light, fast rolling, supple casing
Weaknesses: low traction, maybe thin sidewalls
Bottom Line:
Not a bad tire, but for my conditions is N. Central Fl there are better choices. I feel like the Maxxis Ikons and the Specialized Renegades make for a better racing tire at similar or lower costs.
Bike Setup: Niner Air9, 15mm Fox F29 Fit RLC, XTRM970 Cranks, XT770 Ders, XT 11-32, Stans 355s/ZTR race wheels with Specialized Renegades, Stans Archs/Hopes training wheels with Schawlbe Racing Ralphs, SLX Brakes, RaceFace/3T/Syntace/Fizik cockpit.
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Submitted by
knottshore
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland, USA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2011
Strengths: Light Weight, Fairly Fast, Seals up great Tubeless
Weaknesses: Not For rocky tire eating trails- expensive
Bottom Line:
I ran the 2.4's on a full rigid and liked the cush but never fell in love with the feel of them run tubeless (not what they were designed for). The sidewalls seemed to roll when I had them at a pressure that offered the traction I wanted.
I am now running a set of the 2011 Tubeless ready 2.25's and will soon be giving it a try in snakeskin. They set up super easy tubeless and seem to be just slightly more stout than the previous versions lacking the Tubeless ready stuff.... - they work very well on the rear end even in the past few months wet trails- grippy both climbing and stopping. I have them paired with Nobby Nics up front for now but will be installing a Rocket Ron as soon as the weather allows. I guess I could try the Ralps up front but I prefer a bit more grip than what I run on the rear. Compared to a 2.2 Icon it seems to offer more grip while braking but similar rolling and climbing traction.
While I hate the price (though most current rubber is silly anyway...)they really are a top performing tire that rolls faster than it should compared to it's grip. Use it for what it is intented and you will be pleased.
Similar Products Used: Ignitor, Icon, Crossmark,Ardent, Fasttrack, Captain, Aspen, etc...
Bike Setup: Full Suspension, Rigid & Hardtail- used on all of the above on Stans Flow Rims
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Submitted by
Chain-L
a Cross Country Rider
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2011
Strengths: Weight, but at a cost. Expensive. Offered to replace tyre, so aftersales good.
Weaknesses: Tyre jumped of rim, punctures easily
Bottom Line:
Tyre jumped of the rim on a level district road after 500 km for no apparent reason. Pressure was always within range. Used Stans sealant. Agent said he has seen it happen in the past. Cannot afford the risk, imagine a front tyre coming of the rim on a rocky descent....Will go for a heavier UST tyre for more confidence.
Weaknesses: not enough sidewall or rubber on the tread.
Bottom Line:
The higher volume tires are an incredible asset for comfort and security. More distance between my rims and the hard unforgiving surfaces. Potholes are no match for the RR 2.4s. Great peace of mind knowing the wheels are safe. Also the smooth ride is noticable. I could add that I suspect flat surface speed is improved with the RR 2.4s giving a larger diameter wheel compared to my Maxxis ignitors but more research is needed.
Bike Setup: steel frame hardtail 29er used for commuting and very tame trail riding. I have RR 2.4s on both front and rear.
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Submitted by
Mark_123
a Cross Country Rider
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2011
Strengths: light weight, high volume, fast rolling
Weaknesses: thin sidewalls (no problems for me)
Bottom Line:
Running the 2.4 on the front since April with over 1800 miles, sidewalls now very thin and showing threads. Fast rolling hookup well. Ran 2.25 on rear for 1000 miles good light tire but wore quick. The 2.4 front is the best tire I have used to this point. 2.25 I used on the rear was nice but not as good a value due to quick wear.
