Schwalbe's new Racing Ray and updated Racing Ralph tyres are designed to be used as a front/rear tyre combo for XC racing.
- Cannondale F-Si Hi-MOD World Cup first ride review
- Everything you need to know about the new Cannondale Lefty Ocho fork
With the increasing challenges and variability of modern XC courses, Schwalbe wants to create a balance between “cornering, acceleration, grip, rolling resistance and braking performance".
Schwalbe claims to have designed specific treads for the front and rear tyre, providing the riding characteristics required at each end.
We saw them in the flesh while riding the new Cannondale F-Si Hi-MOD. Sadly, the riding conditions were so claggy that the tyres felt too overwhelmed in the mud to draw any real first ride conclusions. However, our resident XC bad man Joe will be getting a pair in for testing, so keep your eyes peeled for a review soon.
New Schwalbe Racing Ray
- Front-specific tread
- Aggressive tread with pronounced, stable side blocks for reliable cornering
- Relatively closed centre tread for good rolling characteristics
- Designed with edges facing along the length of tyre for cornering grip
- Only available with Addix Speedgrip compound
Schwalbe Racing Ralph
- Intended for use at the back, though can be used at the front in dry conditions
- Updated tread pattern from the old version
- Large blocks in the middle for good traction
- Lots of square edges for propulsion and grip
- Good rolling with an even bearing surface
- Available with Addix Speed compound
The new tyres are tubeless-ready and will be available from July priced €57.90 each (international pricing TBC).