Specialized has always put a lot of effort into its tyres, so it's no surprise to find these ones are rather good. The busy, V-aligned centre/medial tread is ideally suited to looser, sandier conditions, but as long as you stay clear of mud (which fills it), it can be pushed pretty hard, with the soft shoulder tread railing nicely round rocky or hardpack corners.
It's not particularly fast rolling, but the medium weight spins up to speed okay and it'll certainly be an improvement over standard rubber. The squarish profile and tread overhang helps protect the thin carcass from scuffs and rock fields, and we've hammered it through really techy terrain at night without any damage.
The nominal 2in blows up nearer 2.1in too, making it comfortable, while harder compound centre tread increases wear life. The price is already excellent value but a heavier Sport version is also available for £15.
