Understandable, although for me they measure about 2.4 on my 30mm internal wheels and the weight isn’t a major concern considering I got through numerous races with no issues.
Hopefully the Pythons hold up and I might try them pending the BRR results.
I ran the Python Race all summer long without any issues.
I use the Rick as my ‘winter tyre’, since they offer better corner grip when it’s damp and cold at the same time.
The Hutchinson had superb grip in summerish conditions though (temperature has an influence, they are not too happy when it’s cold)
Nice!
Looking at the tread pattern, Is the Rick a direct comparison or would the 2.35 TB be a better comparison?
Where did you get your Python race’s?
Alltricks and Bikeinn has it on stock, Bike24 had it last week, but now its out of stock
let’s hope it will make this month’s winning list on BRR, really-really interested in the measured numbers…
VOTE
And those 150g less in wheight are not at the cost of less anti flat protection?
Im asking because between less 150g marginal gain across a mtb race I guess having for instance twice the flats around the season and going DNF in a couple of races might just not worth it.
So, after 5 months on the Racing Ray/Ralph I decided to give the Aspens another go, this time the 170tpi Team Spec version. Did the same XC route twice this week, 20,76km long, 410m of gain, takes me a little under 1h to complete. Both times similar temperature around 0°c, ground mostly frozen but with some mud pits where the ice puddles are broken. Little slimy over hard where I know the Aspens struggle. Both rides with the same AVG HR of 152bpm. No power meter on this bike.
Result… Aspen run was 1min22s faster. Obviously, this is far from scientific, but felt all the great things about the Aspens that I remember. More comfort, calmer bike, more traction over roots, more climbing traction, better mud clearing.
Think I’m going to settle with these until someone releases a true 2.5 (or maybe even 2.6) with an open thread that tests faster than the Aspens (on puncture resistance as well).
I am not surprised.
You ran Aspens Team Spec F and R?
Some people report these aspens are prone to flats. Not to jinx you but I’d advise making sure you have a solid plan B, just in case.
I’ll be replacing my r ralph with an aspen pretty soon. I was hoping for the Pirelli XC RC I ordered to make it on time but a patched cut on the ralph isn’t holding.
With how expensive races are these days a flat can ruin a good day. Considering the cost of a flat I’d err on the side of more protection and getting to the finish.
Not only that but it could cost you a better placing in a championship if you’re racing in a series. A few watts and grams savings just isn’t worth it IMO.
Yes, normal Aspen thread (not ST) 170tpi Team Spec front and rear.
Yes, there’s talk about them being more fragile, but according to BRR they are actually the most puncture resistance Aspen casing so far:
They also get the same sidewall puncture score as the Racing Ralph and a significantly better on the thread puncture score
I ran the Aspen Team Spec 170tpi (Not the ST, normal Aspen thread) for a MTB stage race in Italy last september. 6 days and 400km on often rocky trails without issue.
And I saw some people with the Pirelli XC RC and Vittoria Mezcals on the side of the road with flats.
Purely anecdotal ofcourse, but I don’t mind running the 170 tpi for any race.
I didn’t have any flats during the 4 months that I rode the 615 grams Python Race front and rear.
2 years ago I was running the 660 grams Pirelli Scorpion XC RC Lite 2.4’s and had a flat front tyre after about 2 months.
I ride quite mellow trails and this was my only flat in many years since I run tubeless.
Yep thats my thought too specialy doing some ultra mtb races up to 10h or so.
I miss the time I used on my 26er the Maxis Larsen TT from 24h races up to stages races never had a puncture or tear that the liquid didnt solve without me needing to stop. But thse days with realy tubless tires are gone tubless ready tires are more light to compensate in weight the bigger size on the 29er and more now with the tendency going from 2.0 to 2.4 or more.
Im using the scorpions but not the light version. My 2.2 wheights more that what you had on those 2.4 
but so far with over 1500km havent had a problem. Before I had the maxxis ardent race 2.4 and almost had to drop an ultra mtb race half way but after some time the liquid finally took care of it but that eas the end of it. I know luck also has a huge part on having less or more flats but if the flat protection is better you have better odds on having luck 
Just considering other options because of the weight of the scorpions 2.2 im using because id like to go back to 2.4 but not getting extra weight.
I really liked and can recommend any of these tyres:
I prefer any of the 3 above over the Pirelli Scorpion XC RC, Schwalbe Rick XC 2.4, Continental RaceKing 2.2, Maxxis Ardent, Maxxis Ikon, etc.
The Kenda may be my favourite overall.
Never used kenda but my LBS sells them. Have to check the specs. Tks.
All three of my favourites weigh below 700 grams.
Kenda are around 690, Maxxis around 680 and the Hutchinson around 615.
The Kenda Rush Pro 2.4 in TR version are about as light as the Hutchinson but are only suitable for lightweight riders, that’s why I prefer the SCT with my 83kg weight.
Is 2.4 available as TR? On Kenda’s site i saw only SCT and SCT - CSK for the Booster 2.4 listed