Tire chat (nerds only)

4/9/2026 10:25am Edited Date/Time 4/9/2026 11:54am
Johnnyfoes wrote:

I agree! Continental should explore and test a Tread pattern in between Xynotal&Magnotal for XC/TRAIL and EVEN A TRAIL/ENDURO REAR SPECIFIC TIRE ONLY!! 

jasbushey wrote:
Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the...

Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the rear and I like it but sometimes wish wonder what a faster tire would change my 5010.  I've tried a WTB Trail boss light fast (why are tough now 1500g!?) and liked it (but flatted it), and I would love to try a Forekaster, but I haven't had great luck with Exo+ in the rear but have had luck with Conti Enduro.  I am curious to try a faster Magnotol or Forekaster, but no enduro casing takes it out for me. 

Something like a Dissector Exo+ Grip / Forekaster Dual or Terra DD sounds be sweet for me.  Or a Xynotol trail super soft and magnotol enduro soft (or something between).  Whats a Schwalbe equivalent?  

Your wishes will be addressed soon.

But also worth noting that enduro/gravity casing tires can only go so fast. A tires casing is one of the biggest contributor to rolling speed. See my previous comment about this exact topic.

5
4/9/2026 10:38am
Johnnyfoes wrote:

I agree! Continental should explore and test a Tread pattern in between Xynotal&Magnotal for XC/TRAIL and EVEN A TRAIL/ENDURO REAR SPECIFIC TIRE ONLY!! 

jasbushey wrote:
Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the...

Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the rear and I like it but sometimes wish wonder what a faster tire would change my 5010.  I've tried a WTB Trail boss light fast (why are tough now 1500g!?) and liked it (but flatted it), and I would love to try a Forekaster, but I haven't had great luck with Exo+ in the rear but have had luck with Conti Enduro.  I am curious to try a faster Magnotol or Forekaster, but no enduro casing takes it out for me. 

Something like a Dissector Exo+ Grip / Forekaster Dual or Terra DD sounds be sweet for me.  Or a Xynotol trail super soft and magnotol enduro soft (or something between).  Whats a Schwalbe equivalent?  

This thread is gonna invent a DH casing semislick from first principles.

8
storm.racing
Posts
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Location
Silverton, CO, USA
4/9/2026 10:44am
Johnnyfoes wrote:

I agree! Continental should explore and test a Tread pattern in between Xynotal&Magnotal for XC/TRAIL and EVEN A TRAIL/ENDURO REAR SPECIFIC TIRE ONLY!! 

jasbushey wrote:
Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the...

Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the rear and I like it but sometimes wish wonder what a faster tire would change my 5010.  I've tried a WTB Trail boss light fast (why are tough now 1500g!?) and liked it (but flatted it), and I would love to try a Forekaster, but I haven't had great luck with Exo+ in the rear but have had luck with Conti Enduro.  I am curious to try a faster Magnotol or Forekaster, but no enduro casing takes it out for me. 

Something like a Dissector Exo+ Grip / Forekaster Dual or Terra DD sounds be sweet for me.  Or a Xynotol trail super soft and magnotol enduro soft (or something between).  Whats a Schwalbe equivalent?  

This thread is gonna invent a DH casing semislick from first principles.

this count?IMG 3886 0.jpeg?VersionId=81oCLc11s9szaBOUaRjyiF7IclBTMQ

13
4/9/2026 11:05am
Evil96 wrote:
Curious thing I haven’t noticed on the first round of radials“Not tlr: mount only on hooked rims”My carbon rims are hookless like the majority at this...

Curious thing I haven’t noticed on the first round of radials

“Not tlr: mount only on hooked rims”

My carbon rims are hookless like the majority at this stage I’d say 🤔🤔

IMG 9780.jpeg?VersionId=IzlEwZKtSHIdOdLAbEv

these are early moulds that may be used to produce both TLR and non-TLR tires.  All Schwalbe TLE/TLR tires can be used with hookless rims, NON-TLR tires should be used with hooked rims.  

You have a TLR tire, as indicated by the label, so it is compatible with hookless rims.

1
ex-ballz
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4/9/2026 11:39am Edited Date/Time 4/9/2026 11:39am
Johnnyfoes wrote:

I agree! Continental should explore and test a Tread pattern in between Xynotal&Magnotal for XC/TRAIL and EVEN A TRAIL/ENDURO REAR SPECIFIC TIRE ONLY!! 

jasbushey wrote:
Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the...

Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the rear and I like it but sometimes wish wonder what a faster tire would change my 5010.  I've tried a WTB Trail boss light fast (why are tough now 1500g!?) and liked it (but flatted it), and I would love to try a Forekaster, but I haven't had great luck with Exo+ in the rear but have had luck with Conti Enduro.  I am curious to try a faster Magnotol or Forekaster, but no enduro casing takes it out for me. 

Something like a Dissector Exo+ Grip / Forekaster Dual or Terra DD sounds be sweet for me.  Or a Xynotol trail super soft and magnotol enduro soft (or something between).  Whats a Schwalbe equivalent?  

This thread is gonna invent a DH casing semislick from first principles.

How about a beefed-up Tioga Edge 22? 🤩

1
Evil96
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4/9/2026 11:58am
Evil96 wrote:
Curious thing I haven’t noticed on the first round of radials“Not tlr: mount only on hooked rims”My carbon rims are hookless like the majority at this...

Curious thing I haven’t noticed on the first round of radials

“Not tlr: mount only on hooked rims”

My carbon rims are hookless like the majority at this stage I’d say 🤔🤔

IMG 9780.jpeg?VersionId=IzlEwZKtSHIdOdLAbEv
schwalbai wrote:
these are early moulds that may be used to produce both TLR and non-TLR tires.  All Schwalbe TLE/TLR tires can be used with hookless rims, NON-TLR...

these are early moulds that may be used to produce both TLR and non-TLR tires.  All Schwalbe TLE/TLR tires can be used with hookless rims, NON-TLR tires should be used with hooked rims.  

You have a TLR tire, as indicated by the label, so it is compatible with hookless rims.

Yeah I find it pretty odd, since it’s the latest version I the tyre, also, the max pressure has dropped from 38 to 36 psi

1
4/9/2026 1:26pm Edited Date/Time 4/9/2026 1:30pm
schwalbai wrote:
Your wishes will be addressed soon.But also worth noting that enduro/gravity casing tires can only go so fast. A tires casing is one of the biggest...

Your wishes will be addressed soon.

But also worth noting that enduro/gravity casing tires can only go so fast. A tires casing is one of the biggest contributor to rolling speed. See my previous comment about this exact topic.

Blasphemy. I would rather take poor lines with reckless abandon than put on a lighter tire and ride faster by being smart.  Give me the goldilocks. 

Your previous comment is in regards to soft vs Ultra soft.  I get that ultra soft is worse.  But my argument would be asking the difference between trail and gravity casings.  My opinion has been I'd rather ride a 100-150g heavier tire if it prevents flats.  This is why I've trended towards Enduro casing on my trail bike opposed to trail (or exo+).

1
4/9/2026 1:57pm Edited Date/Time 4/9/2026 2:01pm
Johnnyfoes wrote:

I agree! Continental should explore and test a Tread pattern in between Xynotal&Magnotal for XC/TRAIL and EVEN A TRAIL/ENDURO REAR SPECIFIC TIRE ONLY!! 

jasbushey wrote:
Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the...

Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the rear and I like it but sometimes wish wonder what a faster tire would change my 5010.  I've tried a WTB Trail boss light fast (why are tough now 1500g!?) and liked it (but flatted it), and I would love to try a Forekaster, but I haven't had great luck with Exo+ in the rear but have had luck with Conti Enduro.  I am curious to try a faster Magnotol or Forekaster, but no enduro casing takes it out for me. 

Something like a Dissector Exo+ Grip / Forekaster Dual or Terra DD sounds be sweet for me.  Or a Xynotol trail super soft and magnotol enduro soft (or something between).  Whats a Schwalbe equivalent?  

schwalbai wrote:
Your wishes will be addressed soon.But also worth noting that enduro/gravity casing tires can only go so fast. A tires casing is one of the biggest...

Your wishes will be addressed soon.

But also worth noting that enduro/gravity casing tires can only go so fast. A tires casing is one of the biggest contributor to rolling speed. See my previous comment about this exact topic.

Like you say in the linked comment, the difference of compounds is much more significant than the difference in casings for enduro tires.

So if you don't need more grip in the rear, go for a rear tire with a hard compound for sure. It will be much faster.

From maxxis, there are sadly not many Dual tires with DD casings.

Schwalbe Soft is a bit slower but grippier than Dual and available with thick casings, so that's a pretty good rear tire.

Conti Soft is rolling good enough for an Enduro tire, but some might like a harder compound with a thick casing in the rear.

Sadly, there a pretty much no semislicks on the market anymore. They are great if you ride a lot of hardpack in the summer and roll significantly faster

1
4/9/2026 2:29pm Edited Date/Time 4/9/2026 2:31pm
jasbushey wrote:
Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the...

Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the rear and I like it but sometimes wish wonder what a faster tire would change my 5010.  I've tried a WTB Trail boss light fast (why are tough now 1500g!?) and liked it (but flatted it), and I would love to try a Forekaster, but I haven't had great luck with Exo+ in the rear but have had luck with Conti Enduro.  I am curious to try a faster Magnotol or Forekaster, but no enduro casing takes it out for me. 

Something like a Dissector Exo+ Grip / Forekaster Dual or Terra DD sounds be sweet for me.  Or a Xynotol trail super soft and magnotol enduro soft (or something between).  Whats a Schwalbe equivalent?  

schwalbai wrote:
Your wishes will be addressed soon.But also worth noting that enduro/gravity casing tires can only go so fast. A tires casing is one of the biggest...

Your wishes will be addressed soon.

But also worth noting that enduro/gravity casing tires can only go so fast. A tires casing is one of the biggest contributor to rolling speed. See my previous comment about this exact topic.

hardbash wrote:
Like you say in the linked comment, the difference of compounds is much more significant than the difference in casings for enduro tires.So if you don't...

Like you say in the linked comment, the difference of compounds is much more significant than the difference in casings for enduro tires.

So if you don't need more grip in the rear, go for a rear tire with a hard compound for sure. It will be much faster.

From maxxis, there are sadly not many Dual tires with DD casings.

Schwalbe Soft is a bit slower but grippier than Dual and available with thick casings, so that's a pretty good rear tire.

Conti Soft is rolling good enough for an Enduro tire, but some might like a harder compound with a thick casing in the rear.

Sadly, there a pretty much no semislicks on the market anymore. They are great if you ride a lot of hardpack in the summer and roll significantly faster

You are spot on about harder compound on the rear wheel will be faster.

Quick clarifier: My comments were more about casing orientation (radial versus diagonal) rather than casing layup (gravity, trail, race, etc).

"a softer and more grippy rubber compound has a larger effect on rolling speed when compared to choosing a radial casing versus a standard bias-ply."

The casing layup (number of carcass layers and their composition) has the biggest affect on rolling resistance.
A Gravity/Enduro casing will roll slower than a Trail casing because there is more material.
Practical example: a Gravity Soft tire will roll slower than a Trail Ultrasoft tire.
@jasbushey i think that answers your question? 

3
NoahColorado
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Fruita, CO, USA
4/9/2026 3:18pm
jasbushey wrote:
Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the...

Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the rear and I like it but sometimes wish wonder what a faster tire would change my 5010.  I've tried a WTB Trail boss light fast (why are tough now 1500g!?) and liked it (but flatted it), and I would love to try a Forekaster, but I haven't had great luck with Exo+ in the rear but have had luck with Conti Enduro.  I am curious to try a faster Magnotol or Forekaster, but no enduro casing takes it out for me. 

Something like a Dissector Exo+ Grip / Forekaster Dual or Terra DD sounds be sweet for me.  Or a Xynotol trail super soft and magnotol enduro soft (or something between).  Whats a Schwalbe equivalent?  

I had one Maxxis Ikon DD years ago, it was a sad day when it wore out.

I share the desire for fast rolling, tough sidewall rear tires. Give me a Schwalbe Wicked Will Radial Addix Speedgrip, please.

5
4/9/2026 4:48pm
jasbushey wrote:
Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the...

Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the rear and I like it but sometimes wish wonder what a faster tire would change my 5010.  I've tried a WTB Trail boss light fast (why are tough now 1500g!?) and liked it (but flatted it), and I would love to try a Forekaster, but I haven't had great luck with Exo+ in the rear but have had luck with Conti Enduro.  I am curious to try a faster Magnotol or Forekaster, but no enduro casing takes it out for me. 

Something like a Dissector Exo+ Grip / Forekaster Dual or Terra DD sounds be sweet for me.  Or a Xynotol trail super soft and magnotol enduro soft (or something between).  Whats a Schwalbe equivalent?  

I had one Maxxis Ikon DD years ago, it was a sad day when it wore out.I share the desire for fast rolling, tough sidewall rear...

I had one Maxxis Ikon DD years ago, it was a sad day when it wore out.

I share the desire for fast rolling, tough sidewall rear tires. Give me a Schwalbe Wicked Will Radial Addix Speedgrip, please.

Those were made basically because Richie Rude wanted them 

8
Fox
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Durango, CO, USA
4/9/2026 8:39pm
jasbushey wrote:
Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the...

Likely no company is reading this, but I will give my wishes.  Make enduro Casing fast trail rear tire.  I run Xynotol enduro soft in the rear and I like it but sometimes wish wonder what a faster tire would change my 5010.  I've tried a WTB Trail boss light fast (why are tough now 1500g!?) and liked it (but flatted it), and I would love to try a Forekaster, but I haven't had great luck with Exo+ in the rear but have had luck with Conti Enduro.  I am curious to try a faster Magnotol or Forekaster, but no enduro casing takes it out for me. 

Something like a Dissector Exo+ Grip / Forekaster Dual or Terra DD sounds be sweet for me.  Or a Xynotol trail super soft and magnotol enduro soft (or something between).  Whats a Schwalbe equivalent?  

This thread is gonna invent a DH casing semislick from first principles.

ex-ballz wrote:

How about a beefed-up Tioga Edge 22? 🤩

Funny you should mention the Edge 22. 

I tried one about 16 months ago. 

That tire has phenomenal cornering traction and it rolls fast and brakes just fine as well. The dual row of long and stout but not that tall side knobs hook up really well for turning. The rubber compound was a bit hard and it had a weird way of slapping the ground when it hit the ground from being in the air and the casing was not very supportive but the tread pattern works very well in spite of its odd appearance.

3
yzedf
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4/10/2026 6:01am

If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my bikes. Sadly it’s just 2.3 EXO casing. 

1
Friday
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Atlanta, GA, USA
4/10/2026 7:08am

Those were made basically because Richie Rude wanted them 

Having ridden the Ikon quite a bit recently, I think he was onto something! Obviously an actual steep trail would overwhelm the braking traction pretty quickly, but this tire is impressive in the dry.  

2
seanfisseli
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Santa Cruz, CA, USA
4/10/2026 8:15am

I think semi slicks like minion ss and specialized slaughter are totally underrated. I was turned into these by ridemonkey DH forum guys and the combo of a fast rolling tread with big cornering lugs is addicting. way more grip than the appearance of the tire would suggest, but maybe that’s why it’s been so slow to catch on? People just assume it won’t grip?

3
ex-ballz
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4/10/2026 12:25pm
I think semi slicks like minion ss and specialized slaughter are totally underrated. I was turned into these by ridemonkey DH forum guys and the combo...

I think semi slicks like minion ss and specialized slaughter are totally underrated. I was turned into these by ridemonkey DH forum guys and the combo of a fast rolling tread with big cornering lugs is addicting. way more grip than the appearance of the tire would suggest, but maybe that’s why it’s been so slow to catch on? People just assume it won’t grip?

I love the Slaughter, some people claim it is too draggy. 🤷‍♂️

2
4/10/2026 1:25pm
yzedf wrote:
If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my...

If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my bikes. Sadly it’s just 2.3 EXO casing. 

An updated Minion SS in a 2.40” was on my suggested projects list for many a company meeting…

8
sspomer
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Boise, ID, USA
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4/10/2026 1:44pm
yzedf wrote:
If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my...

If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my bikes. Sadly it’s just 2.3 EXO casing. 

An updated Minion SS in a 2.40” was on my suggested projects list for many a company meeting…

would def ride.

6
seanfisseli
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4/11/2026 12:04am Edited Date/Time 4/11/2026 12:05am
yzedf wrote:
If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my...

If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my bikes. Sadly it’s just 2.3 EXO casing. 

An updated Minion SS in a 2.40” was on my suggested projects list for many a company meeting…

sspomer wrote:

would def ride.

I think it would be a really popular tire if someone made some content explaining why it absolutely slaps in anything that’s not mud…

1
sspomer
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4/11/2026 9:05am Edited Date/Time 4/11/2026 9:51am

prototype specialized DH tire on finn's bike

20260410 iXS EDC Portugal H8A7586 0.jpg?VersionId=eTIol
1
4/11/2026 11:52am
sspomer wrote:
prototype specialized DH tire on finn's bike

prototype specialized DH tire on finn's bike

20260410 iXS EDC Portugal H8A7586 0.jpg?VersionId=eTIol

Question to all tire experts in this forum. When you have a lot of rubber hairs from production on the tire like the one Finn has on his bike, will that influence the grip a bit before they obviously fall off at some point. Also seen a rubber centre "mohawk" on some tires from production as well and one should think the knob pattern suffers slightly from this.

Thoughts?

1
jalopyj
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Concord, CA, USA
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4/11/2026 1:25pm

Tire hair implants incoming. 

2
ZAKBROWN!
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Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Fantasy
4/11/2026 1:51pm
yzedf wrote:
If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my...

If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my bikes. Sadly it’s just 2.3 EXO casing. 

An updated Minion SS in a 2.40” was on my suggested projects list for many a company meeting…

I swear there was a 2.5 DH casing version of the SS available briefly - am I hallucinating?  

I definitely have a 27.5x2.3 DD in my tire pile, and would buy an updated 2.4 or 2.5 for sure.

2
4/11/2026 4:18pm
yzedf wrote:
If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my...

If Maxxis made the Minion SS in Double Down or Downhill casing in 27.5 with a 2.4 or 2.5 width they would be on both my bikes. Sadly it’s just 2.3 EXO casing. 

An updated Minion SS in a 2.40” was on my suggested projects list for many a company meeting…

ZAKBROWN! wrote:
I swear there was a 2.5 DH casing version of the SS available briefly - am I hallucinating?  I definitely have a 27.5x2.3 DD in my...

I swear there was a 2.5 DH casing version of the SS available briefly - am I hallucinating?  

I definitely have a 27.5x2.3 DD in my tire pile, and would buy an updated 2.4 or 2.5 for sure.

There was quite briefly. The 2.5 profile was a little too square and the 2.3 had a better profile but not enough volume. 

3
Slavid666
Posts
162
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Location
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
4/12/2026 12:35pm
sspomer wrote:
prototype specialized DH tire on finn's bike

prototype specialized DH tire on finn's bike

20260410 iXS EDC Portugal H8A7586 0.jpg?VersionId=eTIol
Question to all tire experts in this forum. When you have a lot of rubber hairs from production on the tire like the one Finn has...

Question to all tire experts in this forum. When you have a lot of rubber hairs from production on the tire like the one Finn has on his bike, will that influence the grip a bit before they obviously fall off at some point. Also seen a rubber centre "mohawk" on some tires from production as well and one should think the knob pattern suffers slightly from this.

Thoughts?

Venting in the tool to get rid of gas during the molding process. The Mohawk is a result of the tool flashing at the parting line, where the two half’s meet.

1
4/12/2026 1:20pm

An updated Minion SS in a 2.40” was on my suggested projects list for many a company meeting…

ZAKBROWN! wrote:
I swear there was a 2.5 DH casing version of the SS available briefly - am I hallucinating?  I definitely have a 27.5x2.3 DD in my...

I swear there was a 2.5 DH casing version of the SS available briefly - am I hallucinating?  

I definitely have a 27.5x2.3 DD in my tire pile, and would buy an updated 2.4 or 2.5 for sure.

There was quite briefly. The 2.5 profile was a little too square and the 2.3 had a better profile but not enough volume. 

What happened to the griffin? That was a pretty sweet semi slick hard pack dh tire. I believe Jessie may have won an ews round with one.

2
4/12/2026 2:31pm
ZAKBROWN! wrote:
I swear there was a 2.5 DH casing version of the SS available briefly - am I hallucinating?  I definitely have a 27.5x2.3 DD in my...

I swear there was a 2.5 DH casing version of the SS available briefly - am I hallucinating?  

I definitely have a 27.5x2.3 DD in my tire pile, and would buy an updated 2.4 or 2.5 for sure.

There was quite briefly. The 2.5 profile was a little too square and the 2.3 had a better profile but not enough volume. 

thegromit wrote:
What happened to the griffin? That was a pretty sweet semi slick hard pack dh tire. I believe Jessie may have won an ews round with...

What happened to the griffin? That was a pretty sweet semi slick hard pack dh tire. I believe Jessie may have won an ews round with one.

You mean the tire with the ant 🐜 staircases??? That tread didn’t sell well, probably because it was ugly af. 

2
4/12/2026 9:03pm

There was quite briefly. The 2.5 profile was a little too square and the 2.3 had a better profile but not enough volume. 

thegromit wrote:
What happened to the griffin? That was a pretty sweet semi slick hard pack dh tire. I believe Jessie may have won an ews round with...

What happened to the griffin? That was a pretty sweet semi slick hard pack dh tire. I believe Jessie may have won an ews round with one.

You mean the tire with the ant 🐜 staircases??? That tread didn’t sell well, probably because it was ugly af. 

You're not wrong they are tiny stairs but Jessie climb those stairs to the top step. Kind of surprised this wasn't a 29er in 2017.nsmb 2017 ews whistler rockymountain team-427.width-1920

2
4/12/2026 10:30pm
sspomer wrote:
prototype specialized DH tire on finn's bike

prototype specialized DH tire on finn's bike

20260410 iXS EDC Portugal H8A7586 0.jpg?VersionId=eTIol
Question to all tire experts in this forum. When you have a lot of rubber hairs from production on the tire like the one Finn has...

Question to all tire experts in this forum. When you have a lot of rubber hairs from production on the tire like the one Finn has on his bike, will that influence the grip a bit before they obviously fall off at some point. Also seen a rubber centre "mohawk" on some tires from production as well and one should think the knob pattern suffers slightly from this.

Thoughts?

Slavid666 wrote:
Venting in the tool to get rid of gas during the molding process. The Mohawk is a result of the tool flashing at the parting line...

Venting in the tool to get rid of gas during the molding process. The Mohawk is a result of the tool flashing at the parting line, where the two half’s meet.

But do we think those imperfections influence grip for a couple of runs before they wear off? I was thinking in the context of World Cup racing with incremental gains that it could matter. Just saw video from Paris-Roubaix as well and the mechanic took a sandpaper over brand new tires to ensure no release agent is left on the rubber from production.

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4/12/2026 10:58pm Edited Date/Time 4/13/2026 12:06pm
But do we think those imperfections influence grip for a couple of runs before they wear off? I was thinking in the context of World Cup...

But do we think those imperfections influence grip for a couple of runs before they wear off? I was thinking in the context of World Cup racing with incremental gains that it could matter. Just saw video from Paris-Roubaix as well and the mechanic took a sandpaper over brand new tires to ensure no release agent is left on the rubber from production.

My first thought is that the sandpaper thing is insane. Paris-Roubaix is 158 miles, and the mold release probably wears off in ones of miles.

But then my next thought is that it's actually a good idea for the cornering section of the tire tread. The center tread is going to wear off super quickly in the first few miles of the race, but if you hit a weird cobble section or damp asphalt in mile 20 on a leaned over tire with mold release still clinging to the edges of the tread, those far edges of the tread that you only hit when you're buried at maximum lean angle in a turn, it starts to make a lot of sense to pre-burn in those sections of the tread before the race when dealing with a brand new tire. Why risk it? Plus how long does it take to buff out a tire? 20 seconds? A minute?

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