# XC Race Tire Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Tags:** tires\ **Created:** [January 2, 2021, 11:35pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967 "2021-01-02T23:35:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 147
**Author:** ![wfenwick](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/wfenwick/32/150323_2.png) [@wfenwick](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/wfenwick)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 3:16am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3113 "2026-02-04T03:16:12Z")
Sounds like radial ricks may be ready and in testing at least… [![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/e/1/e11f54c5fd60cf550065e3037ff213307a34558c.jpeg "The Side Of Pro Mountain Biking The World Doesn't See") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mQQYiE64vkw) ---
**Author:** ![Majoeric](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/majoeric/32/166482_2.png) [@Majoeric](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Majoeric)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 11:18am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3114 "2026-02-04T11:18:29Z")
My current shopping cart at lord gun! Just nervous of the tariffs ugh Also not sure about the RH. Albeit is very fast, I assume it handles as bad as a Burt! ![IMG_1435](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/9/e/9e7e3c2c46b01ff1327ff00352c0ed2080c031dc.jpeg) 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![addds](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/addds/32/143469_2.png) [@addds](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/addds)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 12:49pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3115 "2026-02-04T12:49:55Z")
I rode fast/air and air/air for 2000 miles last year. All in Utah mountains and desert. I didn’t have a single issue with those tires and can recommend. My only complaint is they seemed to wear out faster than other brands. I’m a heavier rider at 93 kg, so consider that. I went through several sets during the season. My wife {50 kg) and daughter (40kg) both ran fast/fast all season (750 miles) and replaced 2 sets each, no flats or issues. My son (70 kg) started the season on fast/air, flatted twice during races, so I switched and ran the Barzo/Mezcal + rear airliner insert for most of the remainder of his season (250 miles) and they still look brand new 🤷. I’m confident recommending the specialized setup if you are an intentional rider, which my son is not. My only observation is they wear faster than other tires. My local shop usually has the specialized tires for ~$60, plus they offer a NICA discount, so they come in much cheaper than other brands. ---
**Author:** ![losifer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/losifer/32/120573_2.png) [@losifer](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/losifer)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 4:01pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3116 "2026-02-04T16:01:47Z")
I saw that and immediately thought of Radical Rick from the old BMX Plus! days: ![Screenshot 2026-02-04 090055](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/original/3X/9/9/990232f66df0a050f7c3767fde670d0f54c3dda0.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![IamLeven](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/iamleven/32/54013_2.png) [@IamLeven](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/IamLeven)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 4:07pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3117 "2026-02-04T16:07:34Z")
If those pirellis came in 2.2 or 2.1 they’d sell out instantly for every grvl bike ---
**Author:** ![teddygram](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/teddygram/32/12895_2.png) [@teddygram](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/teddygram)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2026, 5:22pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3118 "2026-02-04T17:22:16Z")
Whoa that Pirelli is looking like a game changer, I know this is the XC thread but wonder how this tire would test then: > **[Cinturato™ Gravel RH | Pirelli Cycling](https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/bike/tyres/catalogue/cinturato-gravel-rh)** Scanning their site I am wondering if you will want a Scorpion XC RH for the rear and a Scorpion XC H for the front. Although the XC H has a different rubber compound but more knobs. RR gives the XC RH very good wet grip though so it may be pretty great traction actually - the XC RH has roughly 1mm (roughly same as Rick) shorter side knob than the Racing Ray, The XC RH probably needs lean commitment. ---
**Author:** ![Bdchunk](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/bdchunk/32/7757_2.png) [@Bdchunk](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Bdchunk)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 12:40am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3119 "2026-02-11T00:40:22Z")
Just had my first day on an air/air combo (coming from fast/fast…. and Assegai’s on my trail bike 😉 ) . Really liked them. Was surprised by how will they cornered. Riding PNW trails so pretty slick right now, but they didn’t feel sketchy. Think they are going to be great for Cape Epic! ---
**Author:** ![addds](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/addds/32/143469_2.png) [@addds](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/addds)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 6:01pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3120 "2026-02-11T18:01:50Z")
Glad to hear the initial impression was good. I’d love to hear how your Cape Epic goes. Keep us updated! ---
**Author:** ![Majoeric](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/majoeric/32/166482_2.png) [@Majoeric](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Majoeric)\ **Post date:** [February 11, 2026, 11:05pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3121 "2026-02-11T23:05:24Z")
Alright… I’ve got a XC/RH, Peyote/Mezcal, and Air Trak/Air Trak setup coming. Currently just yanked off the Dubs and put on the Ricks F/R. Planning to do a lot of testing at my local trails to get dialed in for the upcoming seasons. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![stonerider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/stonerider/32/158103_2.png) [@stonerider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/stonerider)\ **Post date:** [February 12, 2026, 11:23am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3122 "2026-02-12T11:23:12Z")
Keep us posted with your findings. ---
**Author:** ![LPlante](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/lplante/32/141139_2.png) [@LPlante](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/LPlante)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3123 "2026-02-28T16:59:45Z")
Hi all, I was looking at the new Pirelli Scorpion XC RH in either the Prowall or Lite casing. My other options where either to run Continental Dubs or try the new Specialized Air Trak/Fast Trak Flex Lite TLR. Bicycle rolling resistance (BRR) where very critical on how slow the specialized tires were so that’s a little concerning and if they’re anything like the previous S-Works casing, very prone to puncture. They are so well priced and light though…I’ never tried the Conti Dubs but they seem to always test well and the new Scorpion XC RH is extremely fast according to BRR so I’m very tempted to try them as well. What should I pick for my all condition race tires? ---
**Author:** ![Elgro](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/elgro/32/166633_2.png) [@Elgro](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Elgro)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2026, 5:23pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3124 "2026-02-28T17:23:40Z")
I’ve heard those pirellis are the hardest tire to get the bead seated and inflated. I’m sure they are fast but think probably better to stick with Ricks, Dubnitals or Peyotes. ---
**Author:** ![LPlante](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/lplante/32/141139_2.png) [@LPlante](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/LPlante)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2026, 5:53pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3125 "2026-02-28T17:53:18Z")
The peyote are just too expensive if you ask me and I’m not surprise to hear about Pirelli being hard to seat and inflate, took me everything to set-up my P-Zeros tubeless so if their MTB tires are the same, it would be quite the fight!!! Seems like it’s the Rick XC Pro then. ---
**Author:** ![WithOrWithout](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/withorwithout/32/76773_2.png) [@WithOrWithout](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/WithOrWithout)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2026, 11:15pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3126 "2026-02-28T23:15:50Z")
Did you already order the Air Traks? I have a set I’m looking to get rid of and want to try out the dubs. Maybe a little tradesy ---
**Author:** ![Majoeric](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/majoeric/32/166482_2.png) [@Majoeric](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Majoeric)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2026, 12:09pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3127 "2026-03-02T12:09:17Z")
My tradeinn order finally shipped so I already have the Specilaized tires coming. Also, I raced the Dubs most of last year and they are well used. Hoping to get the tires this week so I can start testing asap before it gets too hot. Another note, I raced yesterday and took note of what the other experts were using. Maxxis Aspen ST Pirelli Scorpion M Specilaized Air/fast Trak Vittoria Mez/peyote And I was using Ricks front and rear. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![dhengen](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/dhengen/32/88582_2.png) [@dhengen](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/dhengen)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 4:27am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3128 "2026-03-03T04:27:42Z")
No Dubnitals? ---
**Author:** ![Majoeric](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/majoeric/32/166482_2.png) [@Majoeric](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Majoeric)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 10:27am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3129 "2026-03-03T10:27:25Z")
Nope…. And all of last season I only noticed one other person using them besides me. After my second pinch flat, I decided they might not be best for me. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![XCO\_mtb](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/xco_mtb/32/132199_2.png) [@XCO\_mtb](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/XCO_mtb)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 11:53am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3130 "2026-03-03T11:53:07Z")
Having successfully used Rocket Rons all winter, I am leaning towards Ray/Ralph for my race setup this year. Last year I used Ground Control/Fast Trak but think it was an unnecessarily slow rolling combo although very predictable and trouble free. (Racing in UK type conditions) ---
**Author:** ![dhengen](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/dhengen/32/88582_2.png) [@dhengen](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/dhengen)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 4:17pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3131 "2026-03-03T16:17:46Z")
no tire pressure issues when you pinch flatted? I just got a pair of dubs for the season, now I’m worried I got the wrong tires! ---
**Author:** ![DMC](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/dmc/32/175666_2.png) [@DMC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/DMC)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 4:41pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967/3132 "2026-03-03T16:41:24Z")
I love the Ray/Ralph combo as a race and everyday tire. I’m a pretty decent handler and descender. Probably the combo I’ll run for Breck Epic too. [Previous page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967.md?page=146) [Next page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/xc-race-tire-thread/49967.md?page=148)