The result is The Captain, with fast-rolling center knobs for exceptional transition and edge knobs to attack any trail. Now with 420D1 Control Casing that improves cut resistance.
Submitted by
mdcrisp
a Cross Country Rider
from SA, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2011
Strengths: great tread design, great traction in the rock and dry dirt
Weaknesses: terrible sidewalls, its suppose to be "2bliss" and ready to add stan's or other tubeless sealants. but the sidewalls keep weeping? I've had to re fill this tire 3 times now with sealant! each just keeps weeping out the sidewalls. I'm going to take it back and see how good specialized is at their warrenty
Bottom Line:
great tread design for the dry and rocky terrain that I ride, horrible sidewalls, should not be rated "2bliss" maybe the armadillo models will be better with their reinforced sidewalls...
Similar Products Used: kenda, WTB, Maxxis, Panaracer
Bike Setup: sweet
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
madsedan
a Weekend Warrior
from Rockwall, TX
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2011
Strengths: Weigh, runs tubeless with stans, pliable casing, great grip on climbing and cornering.
Weaknesses: Nothing yet
Bottom Line:
I was looking for something that gripped like the Captain Control Armadillo's but was lighter and had a more pliable casing with less rolling resistance. My LBS recommended buying these non 2 bliss standard Controls in a 29x2.0 and I couldn't be happier.
Everything I loved about the previous tires and everything I wanted out of my next ones, great. The weight is about 100 grams lighter than the armadillo 2 bliss they replaced, and the more pliable casing grips great on climbs and handles high speed loose over hard single track great, just load up the outside pedal and lean into it. Still experimenting with pressures but fr 28 and rr 30 this morning was great.
Similar Products Used: Fast Trak LK 29x2.0, Captain Control Armadillo 2bliss 29x2.2
Bike Setup: Niner EMD, 1x9, all SRAM X9, flows
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
acesEPIC
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfield, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2011
Strengths: SWorks Captain 29 x 2.0"
These tyres actually roll really well on road for knobby tires. The center tread design keeps rolling resistance down when the bike is upright.
Weaknesses: sidewall threads show thru after a long period of use
Bottom Line:
I built my Titus 29er with these tyres thinking the center tread design would allow them to roll quickly on road. Many of my training rides consists of several miles on road until I hit the dirt. I set pressure at 30# front & rear & go. These tyres have impressed me all terrain types, both dry & wet. I don't change tires based on the terrain or season, rather ran these all year long for 2 years. Pump them up to 45#, hook up the Burley Solo & I'm towing our 4 year old on a family ride. They actually roll on road impressively well!
These tyres grip really well when leaned over at speed in the dirt, roll quickly up fire road climbs & handle the abuse of technical rock gardens. Although the sidewall threads showed thru almost since the beginning. I never had a problem as described by others that the "sidewalls blew out after only a few rides..."
I like the challenge of very steep technical climbs, which the Captains have handle without much wheel spin. When I wore my pair our, I bought a pair of 2.2" Nobby Nics, which also produced superb grip. Almost too much, in that I'm already thinking about switching back to either a 2.0" or 2.2" Captain. Coincidentally, the 2.2" Nobby Nics are very similar in design, however, they have a smaller volume than the 2.0" Captains.?., which is why I switched to the 2.2" Nobby Nic.
If you're the XC to aggressive XC type, I think these are the perfect tire for you. I've ridden Fast Trak LK's, which felt a tad faster, but the Captain's provided much better grip when leaned over in the loose.
Similar Products Used: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29 x 2.2" newest version (2011)
Bike Setup: Titus Fireline HT, XTR, Fox 80mm RLC, Eriksen Ti post
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mtb_dood
a Weekend Warrior
from Lexington, KY US
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2011
Strengths: Good grip in different conditions, with good side bite in corners without sacrificed rolling resistance.
Weaknesses: Sidewall durability is not very good as there is a small tear in the sidewall. This is a non-2bliss model so they may have improved it by now.
Bottom Line:
Good all around tire that has good traction and rolling characteristics. I would recommend getting 2bliss model for durability concerns otherwise a great tire.
Weaknesses: None for cross country riding and racing. If it's it super wet or smooth and dry, use a different tire, but for in b/t those extremes this tire is perfect.
Bottom Line:
This my first review. Thought I'd chip in my $.02 as I'm a believer in this tire. I've used the same 2.0 Captain with the Control casing on my front wheel in the BC Bike Race, Creampuff 100, and multiple 50 miles races and rides and it's still going strong. Amazing.
Similar Products Used: Too many to list. I've also tried the S-Works Captain and these just didn't hold up. I tore up the casings straight away. Too light for anything but perfectly groomed courses.
Bike Setup: Turner Flux
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
seattle43
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: March 2, 2011
Strengths: Consistancy, traction and durability.
Weaknesses: A bit heavy
Bottom Line:
Coming from Road/Tri background I don't have much experience on MTB tires, yet my first race was a 6 hr endurance ride in 35* weather, thru mud, rocks and roots. The tires kept their grip and kept me upright when other were falling. Have since used on very rocky terrain and no issues with punctures. I'm 6' / 175lbs and run PSI @ 32 F&B with tubless set up. As the weather gets better I will most likely put a faster/lighter tire on the back, yet for the front - this tire works and keeps me upright...can't get any better than that!
Submitted by
motox155
a Cross Country Rider
from socal
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2011
Strengths: Decent rear tire
Weaknesses: poor feeling front tire
Bottom Line:
After tearing the sidewall on my second set of Crossmarks, the LBS talked me into replacing my ruined front crossmark with "The Captain". Mounted it up tubeless and did a couple local loop. Right away I didn't much care for the feel it had...kinda sketchy compared to the very neutral feeling crossmark. Almost like the tire felt like it was going flat. I put a bit more air in it which helped but I still didn't care for the feel. I switched it to the back and have been using it ever since. Works okay in the back but once it wears out I wont be getting another.
Submitted by
Varaxis
a Weekend Warrior
from Perris, CA
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2011
Strengths: Good performance in relatively deep sand and loose soil. Clears mud fairly well.
Weaknesses: Terrible traction on side knobs on hardpack
Bottom Line:
Not really good for SoCal hardpack/compressed granite. Slips on off cambers, around ruts, and on corners. Ikons have been better in all but mud and sand.
Bike Setup: Superfly 100, Edge Rims, Chris King hubs, Tubes
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Evans
a Cross Country Rider
from Palm Spings, CA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2011
Strengths: seem to provide good traction and cornering but I can't really comment as I this is the only set using my 29er.
Weaknesses: lots of flats and very weak sidewalls
Bottom Line:
These came with the bike. Have less than 500 miles and have gone through 6 tubes patched many times. Just tried to go tubeless but there are so many holes and tears in the rear it wouldn't hold tubeless Slime. Looking for replacement - definitely won't get these again.
Submitted by
The Trooper
a Racer
from Running Springs, CA
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2011
Strengths: Good grip, even in loose conditions. Seals well with Stans NoTubes. The tire draws a good compromise between light weight, durability, and traction.
Weaknesses: A little pricey, as is everything with the big S.
Bottom Line:
Good traction, and the tire carcass is tough. I've got a year of riding and racing this tire at Rim Nordic, and never suffered a sidewall tear. Nuff said. With Stans, it seals well and loses very little air between rides. It ain't the lightest tire, but it's light enough. I've had terrible luck with S-Works tires, but after switching to the Control series, no more sidewall tears. I'll gladly trade a few grams for piece of mind.
Bike Setup: Mounted on the front of my Stumpjumper carbon hardtail.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Earthpig
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2010
Strengths: Fast rolling with good, predictable grip. Lightweight. Seal up tubeless (on tubeless rims) very well. Good volume.
Weaknesses: Price, availability
Bottom Line:
The Captain Control is one of the best all around tubeless-ready tires I've found for dry and loose over hardpack conditions, both in the 26" and 29" versions. I've used these for over a year on my 26" wheeled bikes and put a set, front and rear, (29 x 2.0) on two 29'er hardtails this year. They mount up very easily on tubeless rims (and on a tubeless-converted DT rim) and seem to hold air well. Light for their size, which is true to the stated measurement (if not a big larger than stated. The 26 x 2.2 is larger than some "2.35" tires I've used, and the 29 x 2.0 is far larger than the Ignitor 2.1) I like high air volume tires, and these definitely have good air volume. Very good and predictable grip on loose decomposed granite and sand, hardpack, and loose over hardpack. Maybe not fantastic in wet, but I don't ride in the wet, so I don't have a lot of feedback on that use. I highly recommend as a "all around, every day" sort of tire. They probably aren't the "best" tire for any one particular application, but are good to great for almost everything. At $50 per, they're not cheap, but they do seem to last a while. Also not available online except at Specialized's own website.
Great tire if you want it to last long and work in most conditions reliably in most conditions. I've used it on my front tire for over 400 miles on the dirt and pavement and I haven't seen a hint of wear yet.
One thing I've noticed is that they like to run at 35-45psi.
4 chilis for value because their a little pricey
5 chilis overall because you really can't beat them for all around performance
Similar Products Used: Nevegal, Maxxis, Specialized Fast Track
Bike Setup: Northrock(Giant) XC6, Rock Shox Psylo SL
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Karlos Locos
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2010
Strengths: Works great with Stan's. Good all-around traction. Lightweight. They're on sale through Specialized website (29x2.0).
Weaknesses: None I've found.
Bottom Line:
My bike originally came with the S-Works version and they leaked like a sieve when run tubeless. BUT, the control version has a heavier sidewall and holds air nicely. Sure, you'll need to add some air every week before you ride, but they won't leave you flat. I have had zero problems with them and I've ridden some very rocky and rooty terrain that beats the heck out of me and the bike. They may not be the best for constant sand or muddy conditions, but they are a good all-around tire. I think some of the previous posters must have been using the S-Works version, because my sidewalls don't leak one bit with Stan's.
Submitted by
ssort
a Cross Country Rider
from North Central, WA SA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2010
Strengths: nice grip, they seem light but i've had issues with more then one of these tires used in on the back wheel. Sorry to say that bottom line: These tires suck. thin sidewall, do not use them tubless. especially in the rear.
Weaknesses: These tires suck. thin sidewall, do not use them tubless. they seem to be OK with a tub but they are part of the 2Bliss series
Submitted by
92gli
a Weekend Warrior
from west chester pa
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2010
Strengths: - Absolute breeze to air these up and seal on stans rims. I inflated them to 50lbs and let em sit overnight to take shape before adding sealant, the next morning they were both only down 2-3 lbs.
- The 2.2s are actually 2.2 wide.
- predictable, reliable grip in southeastern pa conditions.
Similar Products Used: I've used the s works captains on my 26" bike - the sidewalls are delicate and the compound wears like pencil erasers. The control version that these 29ers tires come in greatly improve both those problems.
Tried continental mountain kings but they were so grossly undersized I never even rode on them.
Are there any UST or Tubeless-Ready alternatives to the Captains? I don't like using tires that have loose rim-to-tire interfaces and prefer the thicker beads of UST and TLR tires Read More »
Anyone have experience with this tire? Looking for a good all round race and trail tire and these seem to fit the bill. Also anyone know how they roll compared to a saguaro> Thanks Read More »
ok so i am looking at a new [B]rear[/B] tire and i'm thinking about the Specialized [B]The Captain[/B]. i was wondering if it would be best in [B]Sport or Control[/B] model. i ride Read More »
