Nobby Nic combines the incompatible: It has devine grip and goes like the devil. How is that possible? Triple compound - an MTB tire first -, combined with the super-fast carcass used by Racing Ralph.
Submitted by
Rockhopper66
a Weekend Warrior
from Poole Date Reviewed: July 7, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Whytes Level
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Grips well on loose, dry terrain. Low rolling resistance and light weight.
Weaknesses:
Not good in the wet and pops off roots for a past-time.
Similar Products Used:
Conti Mountain Kings, Conti Vertical Pro, Panaracer Fire XC Pros
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Rize - Straight from the box
Bottom Line:
These are great tyres on loose dry terrain but they do lose it far too easily in the wet. Spent a weekend trying not to lose the front end round every bend. It was only when the trails began to dry out that I felt I could begin to push the bike again. at least I ended the weekend smiling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
badtoad66
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: May 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The Lake District National Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$25.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Lightweight, Grip, non-UST version seals easy on Stans rimstrip and can run low pressure, cornering confidence inspiring, price I paid, adapts to all conditions.
Weaknesses:
Rear tyre wears fast.
Similar Products Used:
Racing Ralph, Ritchey WCS Omegabite, Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Michelin Dry XC2, Michelin Mud2, Michelin A/T,
Bike Setup:
Scott Strike Ltd, Stans Olympics on Hopes, Xtr Shadow/Xt Group, KCNC Seatpost, Fox Float 100RLC, Fox RP3, FSA XC115 Stem, Race Face Carbon Bars, SDG Fly Ti Seat
Bottom Line:
If you want a puncture proof set up then this might not be the choice for you, having said that with the Stans set-up I have not had a noticeable puncture. I was worried about the carcass construction holding up to the Lakeland slate and rocks but running at lower pressures seems to have avoided this. This tyre is totally confidence inspiring in all but the most extreme circumstances, it mixes well with the other tyres in its group (Racing Ralph, Rocket Ron) to produce a set-up for all conditions. If you use this tyre on asphalt then be prepared to replace it often as the compound is soft, also I would say that it is more suited to the lighter rider due to its carcass construction but makes an excellent racers choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rzozaya1969
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico, Mexico city Date Reviewed: May 8, 2009
Favorite Trail:
A lot,
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$40.00
Strengths:
Light, fast roller as a rear tire.
Weaknesses:
Sucks as a front tire, rear works fine. On wet or loose it really feels out of control. Overall, I think that it's fine as a rear, but I wouldn't buy another one.
Similar Products Used:
Nevegals (2.35 Stick-e/2.1 DTC), Panaracer Cinders, Schwalbe Fat Albert
Bottom Line:
I tried a 2.4 snakeskin on front, but removed it after about 4 ride. I still use the 2.25 at the rear.
I guess tires work different for different riders, but I'm unimpressed by the NN...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr.SJ
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany, BW Date Reviewed: March 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Best compromise between weight, reliability, speed and grip I have experienced so far. In rough or wet conditions really good.
Weaknesses:
I can´t see one worth talking about. We all know, that the tread design of this tire on the rear(!!) will not last forever. Those riding a lot on asphalt have to choose another rear tire, but that is pretty clear.
Similar Products Used:
Some.
Bike Setup:
HT
Bottom Line:
There are so many positive reviews about this tire, why writing another one? Well, I tried out a lot of tires, and I have been really lucky with some. But this one offers in my point of view the best cornering grip and speed as a pretty light tire of those I have tried out so far. I am feeling safe, and for me there is no need to look around for another multi-purpose-tire for XC any more. Those looking for an allrounder will be pleased. But I think, it is better as a front tire, on the rear I prefer another one.
However, I can not understand those complaining about the grip on wet roots or wet rocks. Wet roots and wet rocks! The Nobby works in wet conditions as good as a tire can. Pour some sun flower oil over a sloping surface and expect a tire to stick to it like a sucker - ridiculous, no tire can do. Those guys expecting a miracle should ride more often when heaven opens up to gain experience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dropadrop
a Weekend Warrior
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: March 19, 2009
Favorite Trail:
keskuspuisto
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
don't remember
Strengths:
Rolls pretty well, light, decent traction in the dry
Weaknesses:
Really bad traction on wet moldy rock / roots.
Similar Products Used:
Continental, Schwalbe, Nokian NBX, Maxxis
Bike Setup:
Chumba XCL with a light allmountain build
Bottom Line:
I thought this tire was great for the first month or so. Then it rained and I found it's really a safety hazard. It loses traction so fast that you don't really get any warning. Among the worst wet weather tires for where I live, but ok for the dry.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedal
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: October 19, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Stick to most trail surfaces real well, light, seem to roll quite fast, for me they corner good, slow wear rate on knobs, look good, shed mud better than some close patterns, non UST versions seal air OK with Stans, easy to mount
Weaknesses:
Sidewall weak and rips easily on rocks, in one race the rear kept burping air out around the bead when run tubeless with Stans (30psi)
Similar Products Used:
My garage is full of tires - some used a few times and some worn out - the quest is futile and expensive
Bike Setup:
My best wheels & tires get swapped from bike to bike - mainly used on the Yeti 575
Bottom Line:
I really like these tires for grip and roll and have stuck with the front off and on for a year! It's looking sad now but thats good wear. After six months the rear blew a huge sidewall tear on a small rock and was instantly terminated. I ride regularly on rocky trails but this is rare for me and I lost some faith - this confirmed some other reviews here.
I probably won't replace the Nobby Nics because they're an expensive tire to blow out - but for all of the strengths listed above I'd recommend them if your trails aren't littered with rocks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Freiburg, Germany Date Reviewed: August 24, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$43.00
Purchased At:
Local dealer
Strengths:
Light, fast, suprisingly grippy
Weaknesses:
Not especially tough
Similar Products Used:
Conti Gravity, Schwalbe Albert, IRC Mythos and some others
Bike Setup:
Short travel hardtail
Bottom Line:
I'm talking about the standard version in 2.25. Other sizes with options like snakeskin sidewalls or tubeless-ready may well behave differently.
These are probably the grippiest "fast" tyres on the market. As far as i know they were intended as pure race tyres, but they are grippy and hard wearing enough for allround trail riding. Obviously they are no freeride tyres and should not be compared with scaled-down DH tyres like Maxxis Minions.
I chose them for my lighter bike because they are very fast rolling for hobby racing. At the same time, they offer plenty of grip and cornering traction for tackling most types of trail.
The low weight means that they can't absorb as much punishment as meatier trail tyres. The sidewalls on the normal version are quite thin.
Since i'm a light rider and my lines are pretty smooth, this doesn't bother me much.
So for my kind of riding, this is the perfect tyre. Very fast, with an amount of grip and cornering traction that is usually only found on heavier and slower tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
knottshore
a Weekend Warrior
from PA/MD?DE Date Reviewed: August 12, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill, Middle Run
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$78.00
Purchased At:
On Line
Strengths:
Light weight, Great production quality/looks, works well in alot of conditions wet or dry-
Weaknesses:
Expensive even online/ebay, sidewall is not too tuff- seems to be less durable than similar tires-
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevgal, WTB Weirwolf & LT version, Hutchinson Python, Schwalbe Racing Ralph, Maxxis Ignitor... lots of others
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur LT w/rp23, Fox Talas 100-140, Shimano xtr 960 drive train, Juicy 7's
Bottom Line:
Like many others I have been searching for the perfect all around tire... Rolls fast grips on rocks, roots... I have tried alot of tires and have found I lean towards grip over super fast tires so this has some impact on what tires I like. After reading and hearing about these tires I knew I would not be happy until I tried them out.
Overall these tires performed well in most conditions, I never had any traction loss on techy climbs and they worked well on the front on rocky/rooty ups and downs as far as holding a line. I was not overly impressed though- after maybe 30 miles and a relatively mild rocky trail I scraped up the sidewall to the point of exposing the threads... I did not flat but did put a boot patch on it after the ride to hopefully keep them alive to use up the tread. Not bad by any means but after only 90 or so miles I put my old faithful Nevgals on- and after back to back rides I now have my favorite all around tire- the Nevgal DTC...Sorry Nobby Nic-
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Slow
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO Date Reviewed: June 17, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Mounts VERY easily, very grippy (until the knobs rip off)
Weaknesses:
2.25 is actually a 2.1. Rear tire absolutely shredded in 15 rides. A bit on the spendy side- especially considering life.
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 Race Kit
Bottom Line:
I have been a life-long mission to find the perfect MTB tire. I will have to keep looking. I was excited to hear about Schwalbe's. Lightweight, triple compound, grip, cornering, great rolling resistance, blah, blah... I REALLY wanted to love this tire, but was left disappointed. It was absolutely destroyed after about 15 rides. Granted 10 of those rides were Moab/Fruita, but I have never trashed a tire so fast. Almost every single corner knob on the back is peeled back exposing threads. Front tire held up better, but to thin for my liking.
This tire is labeled 2.25, but looks like a 2.1 to me. I ran the UST version on my Crossmax STs. It mounted very easily. I had too much pressure is at first (around 36-38) and they felt a little too twitchy. I dropped the pressure to about 30-32 and they felt much better. But then it started to self-destruct. I understand that it's a tough life being a rear MTB tire, but $60 should buy a better tire.
Maybe a XC racer who used this tire on their race-only wheels would like this, but not for daily use on rocky trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bigfatadder
a Downhiller
from Wollongong, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: June 11, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Best climbing tyre ever tried! Cranks up technical climbs in any conditions! Freak tyre!
Weaknesses:
Very weak tyre, XC use only
Similar Products Used:
Many
Bike Setup:
Ventana La Bruja
Bottom Line:
Get it if you want a climber! It's pretty good all round if you like light tyres.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
supersleeper
a Cross Country Rider
from South Africa Date Reviewed: June 5, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Strengths:
Easy to fit, good grip, rolls good for a trail tire.
Weaknesses:
Price, very soft compound. I bought the 2.1 and put it on a 17mm rim. It measures 1.8 inch
Similar Products Used:
Crossmarks, Kenda kharma, SB8, Specialized control
Bike Setup:
Giant Anthem XT spec.
Bottom Line:
Rolls well for a trail tire. You will feel the resistance when you go over 20km/h though (compared to Racing Ralph).
Good grip on most terrain. Rocks, hardpack, loose over hard, mud. Don't overinflate them on hardpack. It can cause a "drifting" feeling.
I will give them good marks as a trail tire. It will slow you down when you do XC racing. Haven't had any flats (I run the folding tires tubeless with Joe's)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ywain Ap Rhys
a Weekend Warrior
from New Forest, UK Date Reviewed: April 10, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Cwm Carn
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Yellow Cycles
Strengths:
inflates to the size it says it will, which is rare. Very Light. Very Grippy.
Fantastic whilst they last, but I ripped the sidewall going for a quick evening ride in the new forest. If you can look after these tyres, they will look after you, but if you ride gung-ho [and why not] then you need something a bit tougher. Think I'm going for a Maxxis High-Roller. A bit heavier, but better than walking 6miles home.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Warp
a Weekend Warrior
from Mexico City, Mexico Date Reviewed: February 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Too many...
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Red Barn Bicycles
Strengths:
Light, Very Good all arounder, construction of the tyre is second to none, no defects and I've had three Schwalbes now. Simply there isn't a faster tyre for the amount of grip.
Titus Switchblade 2004, Pike 454, SRAM + RF drivetrain, Hope hubs, etc.
Bottom Line:
There is no faster tyre with the same amount of grip. They're stupid light to start with. Though, as they follow by the letter the ETRTO standard, at useable pressures they come undersized.
The 2.25" is a real 2.1" and the 2.4" is a real 2.25"... but they're pretty tall at a hair over 2" tall for the 2.25" and well over the 2" for the 2.4". That gives a very high volume.
They are awesome all arounders. Grip in all conditions is really good without being spectacular. Rolling resistance is really low but surprisingly, traction is really good on all kind of surfaces... More surprisingly yet, is that the compound is very durable.
More likely, they'll give up at the flanks, rather than wear the tread.
The casing is very compliant to terrain even at higher pressures and with thick tubes.
Cornering... Not bad at all. Predictable and sufficient, however there are much better tyres for cornering (Rampages, for example). In my opinion, the tyre should have to be shorter in height to have better cornering. But they do really good.
Only thing is that they should not be very durable in rocks, because of the thin sidewalls.
As mentioned above, the quality of the tyre itself is the highest I've seen... Seriously. I know that matters little on the trail, but it's really impressive. They have much better quality than the Japan Made Panaracer Rampage.
I'm giving four chilies on value because these babies aren't cheap... and well, even when the quality is second to none, it's just a tyre. It'll wear as any other.
Overall... four chilies. For a rear tyre, they're the best all arounder. Fastest tyre for the grip. Light, incredible. However, cornering and durability could be better. Don't get me wrong, they are well above average but that doesn't mean Schwalbe can't improve these two points.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Curt
a Weekend Warrior
from Midway City Ca Date Reviewed: January 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Porc
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$42.00
Purchased At:
The Path
Strengths:
Light for it's size (600g 2.3), great all around grip in the dry S.W. U.S.wears well.
Weaknesses:
Fragile casing (I've had to patch 4 1/2" casing cuts) expensive and hard to find.
Similar Products Used:
All the 2.3-2.4 Kenda and conti tires, 2.35 Rampage, WTB's from 2.25 to 2.4, Geax Burro 2.3.
Bike Setup:
5 Spot 27.5 lbs Marz xc 700 sl
Bottom Line:
Great all around tire if fragile in shale but very expensive these days so I don't know that I'll buy them again, if I could still find them for $42 I'd run them but the 100g weight savings dosn't make up for the $20 higher price for such an easily cut tire.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duncan
a Weekend Warrior
from NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: December 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fast rolling for the amount of grip it gives. This even applies when pressures reduced. Construction appears to be excellent. These pump up straighter than any thing else I have seen in a longer while.
Weaknesses:
I bit exposed to sidewall damage
Similar Products Used:
Many and varied. Previously Kenda Karma and Cortez
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Distance set up for endurance events. X-Fusion forks and shock.
Bottom Line:
I really like these. (26 x 2.25 Evolution) The front was a bit unpredictable and dumped me a couple of times until I reversed the rolling direction. Not sure about direction on the rear. I recommend running these at lower than normal pressures and really taking advantage of the extra grip with very little rolling resistance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KEVIN
a Weekend Warrior
from SAN RAFAEL Date Reviewed: November 12, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
ONLINE
Strengths:
GRIP WELL IN ALL CONDITIONS , PREDICTABLE
Weaknesses:
SIDE KNOBS TORE OFF FRONT AND REAR TIRES AFTER 2 MONTHS
Similar Products Used:
NEVEGALS , VERT. PRO , WEIRWOLFE ETC
Bike Setup:
IBIS CARBON MOJO
Bottom Line:
WAS HAPPY WITH THESE TIRES UNTIL I NOTICED THAT SIDE KNOBS WERE RIPPING OFF REAR TIRE AFTER 2 MONTHS OF WEEKEND USE , FRONT TIRE IS STARTING TO DO IT TOO , $65 EACH FOR 2.4 KEVELAR TIRES THAT ONLY LAST A COUPLE OF MONTHS OF WEEKEND RIDING IS B.S.. THIS HAS NEVER HAPPENED WITH THE NEVEGALS THAT THESE TIRES REPLACED (ALTHOUGH NEVEGAL CENTER TREAD WEARS QUICKLY)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan
a
from Monteggio, Switzerland Date Reviewed: July 28, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$32.00
Strengths:
Light Fast Good "Grip"
Weaknesses:
weak sidewalls
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Pro Schwalbe Albert Maxxis Larssen TT
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper FSR Expert 2006
Bottom Line:
I get the 2.25 x 26, a good tire but too many punctures because of the thin sidewalls!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dedy
a
from Jakarta, Indonesia Date Reviewed: June 14, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Lightweight (VERY)
Weaknesses:
thin wall on the regular version
Similar Products Used:
mythos xc, Schwalbe smart sam
Bottom Line:
using a narrow/xc rims made this tyres very fast.. when i changed to wider rims (sunrim singletrack) it became very "grippy". Guess i should use the SOS for better balance between traction and speed. I'm using 2.4 up front and 2.25 rear.. my rear tyre has "snake skin" wall that made it thick and more reliable when riding on the rocks. Extremely light for tyres this big.. love it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis Fontão
a Weekend Warrior
from Guimarães, Portugal Date Reviewed: May 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Penha
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
hibike.de
Strengths:
Light tires, good rolling, good curving and not the most expensive.
Weaknesses:
Extremely weak side walls, not very large for a 2.4. Not durable
Similar Products Used:
Nokian NBX 2.3 (these are great durable tires), Conti Vertical Pro 2.3, Hutchinson Mosquito
Scratches in the sidewall (on the rear tire) start to open and has been screwed my rides (even after it was patched). They're light and good rolling, but the stupid thin sidewalls makes this a poor tire!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
donal
a Weekend Warrior
from Zurich Date Reviewed: April 24, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Cycle shark, Zurich
Strengths:
Great all round tire.
Weaknesses:
Feedback could be better. Hard to find good balance of tire pressure and ride.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda Nevegal 2.1". Continental vertical pros
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Nobly Nic 2.25" rear (~1.6 bar), 2.4" Front (~1.7 bar)
Bottom Line:
Great all round tire, but a little disappointing after running Kenda Nevegals (2.1 front and rear) for over a year. The Kenda 's had everything. However in comparison the Nolbly Nics are almost technically as good but just don't have the same feedback and reassuring feel that your completely in control. I'm 79 kg with gear and I feel 2.4 is too big for front.
They've been good but I'll be back to Kenda Nevegals for my next set of rubbers!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yizhar Ganor
a Weekend Warrior
from Israel Date Reviewed: April 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Ben Shemen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Haofan
Strengths:
I used the UST version 2.25 on front wheel. totally enjoyed the ride. Sticks like hell ! Great cornering ability. Sidewalls sustained considerable abuse (through desert trails with sharp rocks).
Weaknesses:
Turned out "Wobbly" on mounting. Workshop tried to fix and eventually replaced the tire. Although disconcerting this had no effects on riding. Cannot tell if a mounting issue or a defective tire issue.
Similar Products Used:
Kenda, Bontrager, WTB, IRC
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept
Bottom Line:
A remarkable tire compared to anything I tried so far.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a
from Maastricht Date Reviewed: December 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
www.hibike.de
Strengths:
Light, low rolling resistance, very grippy, a lot of control, all year round, very good allrounder.
Weaknesses:
My old Michelin XRC Mud 2,0 is bigger than the 2,25 Nobby Nick! The 2,1 Nobby Nick looks more like a 1,95 tire!
Similar Products Used:
Nobby Nick 2,1 first, 2,25 later. Michelin XLS and XRC Mud, Continental Escape.
I bought the 2,1 tire trough the internet to replace my old Michelin XRC 2,0 (which is a very grippy, fast, confident inspiring allround tire, that only wears very fast,unfortunately). Wrong choice! It's more like a 1,95 tire! The Nobby Nick 2,1 version is fast, very lively, a bit nervous, quite grippy, but it was not as good as all as the Michelins on technical downhills, in mud, on steep uphills, in fast corners. I replaced it by 2,25's, which feel completely different: they're about as big as the Michelin 2,0's, they weight about the same, they wear less. The 2,25's always feel faster than the Michelins, the knob pattern is a bit less agressive, it's especially noticable on hard pack and rock when it's dry. In light and medium conditions they ride about the same. But when the terrain becomes rough when it's wet and muddy, the Michelins win. Then they offer just that extra bit more traction and control, downhill, steep uphill and cornering. So: both tires are among the best allrounders for use all year round, for lighter riders. I prefer the Nobby Nick 2,25's during summer, on hardpack. But I'll use a Michelin XRC Mud as a rear tire when it becomes wet and muddy, during winter in rougher terrain. Forget about the Nobby Nick 2,1's. And think about 2,4's when you're a tall guy, 80+ kg's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Long Island Date Reviewed: December 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Similar Products Used:
Conti VertPro, Schwalbe Fat ALberts
Bike Setup:
5 Spot
Bottom Line:
I was looking for a faster tire than the FA's. These did not dissapoint. They stick everywhere and accelerate much faster. I found myself leaning the bike over so much, I was hitting my pedals on the trail. Did I say they stick everywhere? Just slightly less cushy than the FA's. Great front tire. The back doesn't have quite the grip of the FA's, but they breakaway very slightly then hook right back up. I was definately riding a few gears up from what I usually do. Very fast in the twisty, between the trees singletrack we have. Good bumb absorption too. I'm using the 2.25's which are like a fat 2.1.
I'll save the Fat Alberts for Sprain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambridge Date Reviewed: October 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$65.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Loft, Burlington MA
Strengths:
Lightweight. Seemed to hook up well enough. Nothing amazing. Hard to review the tire when it didn't last through the third ride.
Weaknesses:
Overpriced, weak sidewalls. Flatted out on the first ride before mile 1. I assumed the light side wall couldn't handle it. I upped the air pressure to compensate. Bad omen. Third ride while climbing a normal hill that I've climbed a zillion times I got a side wall. Yay. Good bye $65. No help from the customer support department. They said they would give me 25% off a replacement tire. Even after they admitted that next years updated version of the same tire would feature a beefier side wall. The bike shop offered the same. To be fair, the guy at Cycle Loft tried to steer me toward a much cheaper Specialized tire. Should have listened.
Similar Products Used:
FirePro XC (reliable and back on the above bike), Kenda Nevagal (good tire), Hutchinson mosquito (good when new wears quickly)
Stay away from this tire it may be light but who cares if you are patching the tube or worse fixing the sidewall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fras
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland Date Reviewed: October 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Glentress Spooky Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Massive grip, lightweight, fast rolling
Weaknesses:
not quite as comfy as the 2.35 high rollers they replaced
Similar Products Used:
Maxxis High rollers, panaracer fire xc, tioga extreme xc
Bike Setup:
Kona dawg matic 2004 with tons of upgrades. fox van 130 fork, 5th element rear shock, dt swiss 5.1d rims, sram pg990, sdg bel air blue camo (sweet saddle) +++++
Bottom Line:
have been using these for about a month now on black and red trails at glentress. found them to have awesome grip on all singletrack, jumps etc in both wet and dry weather. havnt tried on rock yet in wet but mostly running singeltrack trails anyway. these are much lighter than the high rollers saving about a pound in weight but you lose some comfort when landing jumps. this is made up for by the supreme fast rolling and climbing ability coupled with great grip on the downs through berms etc. awesome product. also check out ebay and action sport.de in germany. picked these up for half the price than the uk retail price. kaaaachiiiing. gets five flaming turds all round but no way would i be forking out £38.99 a pop for any tire. thank you ebay
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lars
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway Date Reviewed: September 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
cyclecomponents.com
Strengths:
This is a follow up, from my last review.
Bottom Line:
Yesterday I was out riding with some friends using Intense system 4. We all had the same amount of problems on wet rock. I suppose I was too sceptical in my last review...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lars
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway Date Reviewed: September 20, 2006
I'm very pleased with these tires. They are a good compromise between weight (580 grams) and grip.
The weight savings comes partly from fewer rubber knots which make them slippy on wet rocks (Mythos is better), and partly from tinner sidewalls. A friend of mine had the sidewalls torn up on a rock.
Next time I'm probably going for Intense system 4 or Schwalbe Big Betty, Goofy Gluey.
They are almost perfect, thats why I only give them four chills. (they are 4,5)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Croesus Knob
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$45.00
Purchased At:
Hub Cyclery, Christchurch
Strengths:
Incredible Grip, Very Lightweight, Very Stable, Predictable Cornering in all conditions, Fast accelleration.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Nokian Gazzaloddi, Maxxis High Roller / Mobster, Geax Blade 225, Tioga Factory, Continental Vertical Pro
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, RS Pike 454 Air, Nobby Nic 2.25
Bottom Line:
Came recommended by LBS. I was previously running 2.35 High Rollers / Gazzaloddi Duals on the Heckler. Found the Gazzaloddis gave great mud and soft condition grip but were unpredictable on hardpack and gravel - felt unstable at speed due to wide spacing of knobs. High Rollers were also good in hardpack, but lacked grip in the wet. The Nobby Nics grip is incredible in all conditions, and reduction in tread width was not noticeable. Bike feels far faster, more stable and predictable than before. Also significantlty lighter at 595g per tyre compared to 850g+ for the others, therefore shaved about a pound off the bike weight. Well worth the extra $$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ron burgundy
a Racer
from fall city washington Date Reviewed: June 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any tight, fast stuff
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
hooks up constantly reliable bites like rabid racoon on your leg when you walk out in the morning to get your paper
this tires are true off road rocking! do yourself a favor and bite the large price that these tires cost due from being imported from germany and get ready for some hardcore for those about to ride BC DC off road rocking in any condition!
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Submitted by
joe dirte'
a Weekend Warrior
from hazzard co Date Reviewed: June 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
bicycle jones
Strengths:
size to weight ratio, tall knobs, tough casing, can lean waaayy over before these tires slide out, ride much smoother than the knobs would suggest
Weaknesses:
little squirmy in the loose soil (to be expected with my weight and the amount of pressure I use) a little pricey
Similar Products Used:
Hutchinson Pythons until they'd dumped over in a turn 1 too many times
Bike Setup:
Marin FS rig, CK hubs, DT rims, CK headset, XTR, Juicy 5's, Thomson stem & post, blah, blah, blah
Bottom Line:
My local shop recommended these to me and I'm glad because they've allowed me to have much more confidence in the turns especially compared to the Pythons. I've cleared a few obstacles that were d#$@ hard to get over before. These tires bite the trail. Braking seemed to be more predictable also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kodiak
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Canyon
Bike Setup:
XC Fully (top end)
Bottom Line:
so, here is my longer than expected "systematic" review: DOWN: (softcore) fast Downhill: acceleration: 5/5 deceleration 5/5 speed: 5/5 grip: 4/5 control [the effect of your actions]: 4/5 stability [the behaviour of the tire]: 4/5 Speeds up and breaks really fast. Directional control in faster sections could be better. Technical Downhill: acceleration: 5/5 deceleration 4.5/5 speed: 5/5 grip: 3.5/5 control: 3.5/5 stability: 3.5/5 Because of its acceleration the grip and control in more difficult sections are a little limited. The tire could have a little more grip on its sides to get you out of "holes". Gravel: acceleration: 5/5 deceleration 5/5 speed: 5/5 grip: 3.5/5 control: 3.5/5 stability: 3.5/5 Huuh, it gets really fast here - but be careful, the tires start to "swim" in soft gravel if running on higher speeds. Still, braking (decel., control, stability) works fine! Road: acceleration: 5/5 deceleration 5/5 speed: 5/5 grip: 5/5 control: 5/5 stability: 5/5 Well, I really don't use roads often but I think its possible kick some road-race-bikers a**es ;-) (at least on surpise) UP: Technical Uphill: acceleration & speed: 5/5 grip: 4.5/5 control: 5/5 stability: 4/5 Stay in your saddle! This one takes you up even on the steepest sections... Again, a little more grip on its sides would be great and on gravel sections the grip could be a little better. deep Mud/more extreme uphill: acceleration & speed: 4/5 grip: 3.5/5 control: 3.5/5 stability: 4/5 Still a good tire, but here you pay the price for its race element - If it gets too deep & dirty, you have to test the profile of your shoes... - And because of the lack of side grip it's harder to leave (?)rain grooves(? or whatever you call Spurrillen in english).
The real bottom line: This is a GREAT "ALLROUND" TIRE with a tendency for RACE AND XC use - its qualities in technical sections are better than I expected and even though some guys of you would laugh about what I call "downhill", I think this tire has its "off-road" qualities - But it is NOT A TIRE FOR HARDCORE DOWNHILLING OR ENDURO.
The Sum is a 4.4, but I round it up to 5 so that anybody reads this crap... ;-)
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