In my own experience I’ve found the Ray more secure than the Rekon Race as a front, can’t make any other comparisons though but I washed out the front end and rag dolled myself multiple times in high speed corners with the Rekon Race but never with the Ray. I feel like the Ralph takes a little more finesse to maintain the traction in steep climbs than the Rekon Race, I think it may have more traction overall but the line for when it loses traction seems more sudden.
Thats not based on back to back testing but in switching back and forth between the 2 combos on the same set of wheels and trails over the years.
I mounted my Ray/Ralph combo tonight (really smart to put tires I never have used on a day before a race!)
Here are my quick notes;
-Both tires measured at the manufactured specified weight +/- 3g
-Both tires mounted on to my rims with no hassle, by hand (no tools) and inflated with ease.
-The racing ray and ralph share the same furthest side knob location, shape (and I believe depth).
-Brand new out of the box mounted on my 30mm ID Alpha wheelset they measured 2.28" (I am disappointed somewhat on this, I expect after some flex/riding they will land on 2.3")
The tires on my road feel very very fast, like I hardly had to pedal and I was in my 10T, on a side note the Rekon Race 2.4 measured 2.44" on these rims.
I will see how these do this weekend as I will be heading to a mixed condition race (rain forecasted) with some technical sections.
I’m guessing wider is still better UNLESS it’s extremely muddy and they need the tire clearance to avoid mud accumulation between tires and frame/fork.
Well, I just on impulse picked up a Ray and a Ralph (2.35) to try out. I’m going to put them on my 30mm IW wheelset replacing some 2.4 Wolfpack Speed that are getting a little worn and I’ve now punctured and sealed.
I’m waiting on Race Kings that I have on backorder that keep getting pushed out, and while these are probably still my primary Leadville / Lutsen tires, I want to make sure I have something on hand and want to have something a little bigger, still good rolling resistance, probably better traction / all around / descending tires than the Race King.
How are the sidewalls on the Ray/Ralph? I just had another sidewall tear on Mezcal today and could really go for something more durable in rocky terrain.
My Racing Ray lasted the entire week of riding in Bentonville and so far so good for CO. Did the Lil Sugar course, back 40, bike parks without issue. Ralph on the rear, that lasted a day and a half. Not a sidewall tear, but sharp rock I have to presume put a huge gash on the tread. Large enough two stans darts did not do the trick. Bought an aspen to ride out the rest of the. trip. Pretty happy with it so far.
The Ray/Ralph IMO is pretty shit in wet conditions where rocks are prevalent. Fine on wet/moist dirt.
New month of BRR voting. There’s two MTB tires in winning positions currently:
Maxxis Aspen ST Team Spec 170TPI 29x2.4WT
Vittoria Peyote XC Race 29x2.4
The Peyote is neck and neck with a road tire (my vote just put it ahead). We could balance our votes to keep both tires ahead, if feasible. Otherwise, I’d vote for the Aspen if we’re forced to focus on just one vs. the road tire brigade.
The Aspen is probably going to get voted in without our support. I’m in for the Peyote.
(Side note, both have this month and next month to get voted in before going off the list, but it’d be great to get them both voted through this month…)
While I would, too I wonder whether it would make sense at all? Given how good would be a tire (even if it is good) if you can’t reliably buy it in the future since it’s “limited Edition” (whatever that means).
So my interest would only be academic as in: how good can a Maxxis really be if they really want to make a performance tire and how far can you trust a tire manufacturers claim on “improvements”.
So for what it’s worth I think I will vote for the Peyote…
