Don’t worry, to compensate for that we’ll get the P Zero Race RS in a different sidewall colour and two Schwalbe gravel tires with the same casing and size…
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Replying to myself just to give an update. First ride on the Rick XC Pro Speed.
While I was initially underwhelmed by the weight of the tire, I have to say I’m impressed by everything else.
I installed them and was concerned about the size of the tire at 50psi. It was something like 2.39. I left it that way for a couple days until I could finally get out and give them a good shakeout. They now measure just about exactly 2.4" on 30mm ID at 19/20psi f/r.
As for performance, they are indeed fast tires. I set PR’s climbing and descending on these on a course I’ve ridden probably a hundred times now. 12ish miles, 1500ft or so climbing. And it was COLD out.
They feel good even in freezing conditions. They never felt hard or especially slippery. I went in really wanting to not let them off the hook, so I definitely pushed them until they let go. They lean easily and it isn’t hard to properly rail corners with them. Toward the end of my ride, they did pick up a bit of mud that they had a hard time clearing, which they ultimately did, but it was noticeable and slowed me down.
To sum up: Noticeable improvement in RR over the Ron’s, less overall traction but not tremendously so. Both tires feel supple, however the Rick is really smooth. On pavement, it rolls like a big road tire. Roots can be a problem. I have a rooty, techy, muddy race at the beginning of April and I’ll probably go back to the Ron’s for it.
I’m happy with the size and performance in the cold and wet. It remains to be seen how it handles the terrain once it warms up a bit and mud enters the picture. Python Race is due in a week or so and I’ll give them a comparative shakeout.
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I just got another BRR sub to put the Python Race back in the winning position. I’d encourage anyone else invested to do the same if needed — $10 for a year of 2x voting is cheap, all things considered.
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signed up and voted for the python race
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That stinks… the last thing the cycling community needs is another variation of a gravel king or similar to be tested. They’ve tested numerous versions and they all suck. Give it up!
/rant
Not that it specifically applies, but Trainer Road super fan Dylan Johnson just did a video about using XC tires as the fastest tire for gravel racing.
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Python Race squeaked ahead at the last minute on BRR, review coming soon.
Any nominations for this month?
Edit - Schwalbe Rick in Speedgrip is on there. Wolfpack Speed comes up now and again, but not sure it’d make it. Feel like you need to start voting that one up when it’s first put on the list.
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The ones that caught my eye and still had at least 2 months of voting left:
Schwalbe Rick XC Pro Addix Speedgrip 29x2.4 <– this seems most likely to have a chance to win
Tufo XC12 TR SG 29x2.35
Wolfpack Speed TLR 29x2.4 – untested brand in MTB
Maxxis Minion DHF 3C Maxx Terra 3CT/EXO/TR 29x2.30 – for the LOLs
Schwalbe G-One Speed Pro 60-622
WTB Trail Boss TCS/Light Fast Rolling 29x2.4 – untested brand in MTB
Agree the Rick Speedgrip is the most pragmatic choice, and Wolfpack would be an interesting one for next time.
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i would add Hutchinson Python 3 Racing Lab TLR 29x2.4 to the list as an interesting tire, and yes as you mention the Wolfpack Speed would be also one. But chances are pretty low for both of them to make it to the winning spot
Despite being the one that actually entered the Python 3 in the list, as of now my interest in that tyre is pending on the results of the Python Race, being the same casing and all.
We never had anything from Onza being tested, right ? I’d be kind of rooting for them, being a swiss brand
I wouldn’t mind seeing how the Wolfpack Race fares, or one of those new XC tires from Bontrager. I am curious if there is a gem hidden in there, although I am doubtful.
In any case, we’ve been quite effective as a voting block, so I’ll defer to the group.
Bontrager tires in the past are so bad i wouldnt even consider them. The factory teams refused to ride using them.
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Here’s my thoughts
With the Wolfpack Speed, I think you need to let it drop off the list, and then as soon as it gets voted back on, start voting it up so you have the max amount of time. I don’t think two months would do it.
With that said, I’d say lets get another tire tested, maybe the Speedgrip Rick because that’ll probably garner some votes on its own. Then, when the Wolfpack Speed comes back onto the list, maybe start voting for that?
Unless anyone’s a fan of the Tufo XC12 which is on there.
(If rumors hold true there’s a new “Race King” coming at some point, but I don’t think that will need any help whatsoever…)
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Refused or just paid more by Pirelli?
They raced on Bontragers before 2023. Word of the street was riders were really unhappy with them
Thanks. Voted for the Schwalbe Rick Speedgrip based on your comment!
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Ive ridden the RSL Mt St Anne 2.4. I thought it was a great tire. Looks very similar to a Pirelli XCRC, IMO
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Same
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https://www.pinkbike.com/news/spotted-32-maxxis-aspen-xc-tires.html
32" Maxxis aspen prototypes. 32" XC bikes in the near future??? lol
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Gravel bike future?
I know some wheel manufacture’s have had rims for 32" and 36" for a while
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