Tech: Racing Ralph HS 42

In addition the modified profile and PaceStar compound provide even better control.
29ers have a much larger contact area. For the first time the arrangement and proximity of lugs
on the new Racing Ralph have been specially adapted to this greater contact area. It emphasizes even better the advantages of a 29" - rolling resistance and grip.
Plus: Fast roller, positive traction in the dirt, a good tread for high speed trail that does not have the technical demands of slick rock. This tire handled high-country epics on the continental divide and ate up ascents and descents well. Corners well - better in the firmer soils.
Minus: Soft rubber is a double edged sword - it grips nice but wears out quickly. Definitely not the best tire for off-camber slickrock riding.
Gut Feeling: From RT: Very low rolling resistance. Would be a great cross country race tire.  Not great on slickrock of Moab.  Was very impressed with traction in corners from such a fast "race" tire.  Personally, I tend to like larger tread on the front, but would ride this tire if I ever raced.  Would be great for Hartmans (Gunnison, CO) and/or Phil's World (Cortez, CO). The tire made me think of Phil's World often. Very Impressed. Price may be the only con. The Racing Ralph is good for the dependability and the trustworthiness of a low resistance front racing tire.  Could be really fast for racers on the front and rear, if you are in it to win it!
From Cakes: I put these tires on right before I moved down to Sedona so I have faced a double challenge of evaluating new tread while learning how to negotiate challenging new terrain. The tires handles the Colorado high country trail riding very well - fast, grippy, and durable. In Sedona I have seen the tires wear quickly. They do not have the bite on the off camber slickrock I was hoping for. That said, I have lowered my psi and grown more accostomed to the terrain and found them to be a solid tire.
Web: Racing Ralph http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/off-road_tires/racing_r alph


Nobby Nic
Pitch: Allgrounder! Now in a class of its own. Because we improved, “by evolution”, our all around, beloved MTB, tire test winner of many years.Nobby Nic HS 411

 

1. Phase shifted blocks. A variation in the interblock space has resulted in a profile cluster, which very positively affects grip.
2. U-Blocks. The center blocks are non-directional. The tire is fitted to the rear wheel in same direction as the front wheel. So the U-blocks can act optimally against the cornering forces on both wheels.
3. Cut resistance. The rubber tread compound migrates into the sidewalls. The shoulder area is thus better protected against cuts.
4. Durability. Larger blocks increase the lifespan.
5. Triple Nano-Compound. Naturally with our best rubber mixture for top performance grip and rolling resistance.
Many detailed optimizations add up to a big difference:
15% less rolling resistance than the former Nobby Nic.
30 g weight saving. With its unbelievable power the new Nobby Nic is the true Allgrounder.
Pros:
Cons:
Gut Feeling: Nobby Nic From RT: The Nic Also didn't like slickrock.  Didn't really do anything that blew me away. I rode this as a rear tire. Might be a knobbier front tire option. Seems to be a competitor to the Kenda Nevegal (similar tread). Good choice for trail bike riders who aren't concerned about really low rolling resistance tires.  Impressed by the sidewalls of both of these tires. No evidence of slashes, cuts, or rock damage.
From Cakes: I rode the Nic up front with the Ralph in back and found this to be a desirable combination. I also prefer a meatier tread as a rule of thumb, but enjoyed the bite of the Nobby Nic. The durometer of the rubber is grippier on the Colorado dirt than in the slickrock of Arizona’s Verde Valley, but that is going to be true with almost any combination of tire. The Nobby Nic has enough meat to keep me feeling covered in the rough stuff but still rolls fast when its time to open up.

Web: Nobby Nic http://www.schwalbetires.com/bike_tires/off-road_tires/nobby_ni c_hs411