Schwalbe

I have run the 45, 50, and both color sidewalls of this tire over the past year. It has proven to be very durable, fast rolling, and hooks up well in the rough stuff. The transparent sidewall seems to weep more than the black wall until the sealant sets up. No problems after the initial setup when it comes to holding air. Measures as stated on 25mm internal hookless rims. Other tire favorites of mine are the Tufo Gravel Swampero (love it, just want to run larger than 44) and the Mezcal, (same, want to run larger than 44). This has been a great choice for a 45-50 aggressive gravel tire.

Put these on my Ritchey Outback 650b style for a trip to Florida to help with the occasional sandy gravel. Brought my 29" "more-roadworthy" gravel wheels with me to swap out and never needed them. Put ~200 miles on the tires during the trip and found I could keep up with roadies on N/S rides along the gulf (and into the wind). These things are fast. I've yet to test them on chunky gravel but on hardpack and pavement, they rip. I'm all Schwalbe these days across 12 bikes unless there's a unique situation (20" mini velo or 26" resto mod) where they don't make the exact tire type I'd like.

My pocket electric pump warns that if you're using it to top off tires that it should be started before connecting it to a tire or it could prematurely wear out the pump motor. I found it awkward to connect a running pump, and thought of these. These complete the solution if you're planning to use an electric pump to top off tires. But even if you're using a hand pump, these make connecting and disconnecting just a little easier. Even my Luddite brother was impressed.

Completed last xc season on this tire. After many years on Maxxis Aspen, Thunder Burt, Ralph and Ray combos, as well as various xc oriented Vittoria years back, I can say that based on my PRs and races the Rick's have performed very well. For a 2.4 tire, they do mount up slightly less wide than the Aspen 2.4 and I have found I need to run a little more pressure. Compared to my prior set up with an Aspen up front and Thunder Burt in the rear, the Rick's have better grip, especially with rear bite with acceleration and climbing. Beginning this season with the same set mounted last May '25, the wear appears to be pretty good. My budget requires tires last me at least 2 years. I also train on other bikes and limit my recreational and training miles on my race bike.