Schwalbe Racing Ralph Dual Compound 29 x 2.25" Tire - last one

The name says it all; the Schwalbe Racing Ralph is their most successful race tire. It's light enough to satisfy the weight weenies, and it's faster in a straight line than the Rocket Ron due to a greater concentration of knobs in the center of the tread. That the tread pattern is designed for flat-out speed means that it loses a little ground to the Rocket Ron when it comes to ultimate grip, but not by much. When you lay into the turns, an increase of open space through the transition knobs allows them to dig in and grip the trail.

The low-profile tread of the Racing Ralph is fast, and it's still an excellent cornering tire thanks to the U-Block shoulder tread. These tread blocks are angled at 20 degrees or so towards the outside of the tire. A small sipe doesn't quite divide the block, creating the "U" shape. They work to counteract the lateral forces endured when cornering to maintain traction and to keep the bike stable.

• Size: 29" x 2.25"
• Compound: Dual Compound
• Weight: 2.25" = 690 grams