Schwalbe

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.

While NOT 100% puncture proof, these have been the ones that are the most resistant. I'd bought my first pair in 2004 and never looked back. From once-a-week flat (from mean plant stickers, mesquite thorns, glass shards, nails and screws are everywhere) I have to fix a flat perhaps twice a year. That was a game changer and helped me brave the other things not so great about my bike commute and keep the commitment to stay a car free person in Austin TX (some swear it is impossible). The only reason I don't give it a 5 star is because storage appears to be not great and some tires in the past have come that get cracks too soon (I don't lock my bike in the sun...so can't blame the TX heat on that).