I really appreciate all of the work you’ve done and have spent hours on your site.
One comment I saw in a different forum was concerning tire circumference when reducing pressure. Since the speed sensor is dependent on an accurate circumference to calculate speed, this person felt that by reducing pressure, thereby reducing circumference, and then not re-measuring, all calculations favoring lower pressure were simply due to this error. Does this seem plausible?
You have to dig into it, but its basically the tread pattern, the casing construction, and the rubber compound. Just go to bicyclerollingresistance.com and pick out the faster of them 
This is funny because the Thunder Burt is available in two casings, and one rubber compound.
The Rick is available in one casing, and two rubber compounds.
The SKU consolidation was from dropping one available width:
TB SG AS 29x2.1
TB SG AS 29x2.25
TB SG AS 29x2.35
TB SR AS 29x2.1
TB SR AS 29x2.25
TB SR AS 29x2.35
RXCP AS 29x2.25
RXCP AS 29x2.4
RXCP ASG 29x2.25
RXCP ASG 29x2.4
I think the XC Pro casing is closer to or the same as Super Ground, from how the tires are listed on European websites.
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It actually isn’t so clear cut. BRR has never tested the exact same tire in Super Ground and Super Race. This guy has: [Testing Schwalbe's Super Ground versus Super Race tyre versions ~ More Speed, Less Power]. See my discussion (Niko) in the comments for some explanations of the discrepancy with BRR.
The Super Race is slightly faster, just like Schwalbe claims. I still run the Super Ground though.
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Cool…more confusion. 
According to this post, they did test them…this is also dated after the date for the test you linked to.
Schwalbe Thunder Burt Super Race Addix Speed Rolling Resistance Review.
The Super Ground was tested in size 2.25 v 2.1 for the Super Race. SG was also tested with a tube and then had the crr values later converted to “tubeless” using a conversion estimate.
Many of the fastest tires fall under this protocol which colors their results: Our Tests Explained | Bicycle Rolling Resistance
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I don’t see a notation that they tested the Addix Speed version…it only states Super Race or Super Ground.
Or is the Addix version the only version available for both tires?
Just mind-numbing that it needs to be this complicated.
It’s the only version available. It’s also in the title of the test, the link, and in the manufacturer’s specs repeated at BRR under “compound”.
Sorry, I was referring to Nin’s link to test results, not BRR’s…no mention of Addix.
But if it is the only version available, then i guess it doesn’t matter except to introduce an element of confusion.
I’ve got these saved as reference. Hopefully the XC Pro casing gets a post so we can see how it compares structurally to the SG/SR.
Any news on when (or if) the RKs will come out in 2.0 or 2.1 with Black Chili?
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Yep. Schwalbe has a lot of options. I’ve tried their Super Race tires as a rear for my MTB, and didn’t like the lack of grip. I’ve switched to the Super Ground (with speed grip compound) and that seems to work pretty well. Although on some of the trails I ride I think the Super Trail might be a better option for puncture resistance.
They also have other monikers like “Evolution” that they throw into the mix to further complicate things.
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Things seem to be pretty settled that yes, an XC tire is fastest for gravel in 29" flavor. Where does that leave us that have frames that can’t clear big 700c rubber?
My bike can clear 45x700c or 2.1x27.5", which is faster in cases like mine?
How does the Thunder Burt Superground Addix feel on tarmac, especially when carving down hills? this would be on my Crux.
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I have found my 650b wheels feel slower vs almost any tire in 700c
They are awesome when it gets chunky, but definitely feel slower when speeds pick up.
Emphasis on “feels”….no data to back it up (except struggling more when riding with others)
Do you already have 650b wheels? If you do then it’s worth a shot, there is a lot of overlap between the fastest 650b set-up and the fastest 700cx45 set-up. The rougher the course the more likely it’s favorable to 650bx2.1.
If not, it might be more worthwhile to invest in a frameset with bigger clearance. I’ve been somewhat negative on 650b for racing but after doing a lot of riding over the Summer on both 650bx2.1 and 29x2.1 Thunder Burts I think I was too harsh and each have their place. I think if you are planning to use 650b wheels you should also plan to increase your top end gearing.
They feel ok, they don’t feel as fast as the testing indicates but they also don’t feet like MTB tires. Very little draggy feeling, more spritely and active. I recently did a 100 mile ride with ~50 miles smooth pavement and ~50 miles rough gravel on 29x2.1 Thunder Burt SG and averaged between ~18mph on the pavement sections, about 1mph slower than what I normally see on the same sections on 700cx35 GP5000 All-Seasons.
2.35 Thunder Burts feel terrible on pavement.
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I think another question to ask is… where is the threshold in regards to the pavement:gravel ratio that wider is better. For example, if you are racing a course that is 1/3 pavement, is a MTB still the fastest tire?
At what point does going more narrow (talking 42-45-ish here not something like 28’s) become a better choice?
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This was an interesting read. Thank you!
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One thing to note is that if the course is 1/3 pavement and you go 30kph on the gravel and 45 on the pavement, you’re only spending 1/4 of the time on pavement.
My (very limited!) experience from racing somewhere flat is that if I can keep up with a group on the gravel, then I’m not really in danger of getting dropped on the pavement where drafting is so much stronger. Riding solo is different of course.
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Schwalbe has just announced a new line of “faster” gravel tires that go up to 50mm size.
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