Rear & Front Specific Tires? New Schwalbe Racing Ralph and Ray. Review.

Yup! The Schwalbe Racing Ralph has become a rear specific tire, as the new Racing Ray has been designed as a front one.
This is my initial review after some 100 km...
Do you guys also run front and rear specific tires?
Here are the presented tires: www.schwalbetires.com/node/3061

[@philmeyers7118]

I just tried for my now 1st and 2nd time on RRay and RRalph and, without a doubt, a noticeable improvement on terrain I've ridden for years. Absolutely better grip on turns and better climbing over rocks I know like the back of my hand. Apples to apples here. I vote you switch if looking for an improvement. Best of luck friends! 👍

[@CyclecraftRu]

The best Tires i've ever ridden!Brilliant!👌

[@DimitrosSJ]

Racing Ray 2.25 speed grip front, Racing Ralph 2.25 speed (2018-2019) rear. Happy about this setup.

[@adifigenblat6281]

Came from Conti Race King to those Schwalbe Race brothers and it's a huge improvement specially in grip

[@MrAnimal1971]

Im running Conti Race kings on my focus hardtail now and have been mulling over the schwalbes or the conti mountin/ trail king combo. any thoughts.

[@magion5354]

Thank you, really helpful rewiev!!

[@xiuxiu1108]

I love how Schwalbe names their tires; they're so personable and easy to remember

[@buggs9950]

Yes but then it all falls apart when you get into the casings and compounds and such. So many different and seemingly ever-changing terms, you need an enigma machine to work it all out!

[@dandurkin7670]

any updates on your Ray/Ralph review?

[@gssatcc]

Thanks for the great video. I had this setup for the last season but now the rear one (Ralph) looks like it's goin to take the rest. I was wondering to move Ray on the back and buy a wider one for the front. What do you think? Is it okay to put used Ray as a rear tyre?

[@edalbagem]

Im looking forward to the follow up of this video. What will the verdict be? Its been almost a month now... :)

[@travelblogger7102]

Useful video. Thanks! Currently, I'm looking for new tires for my cross-country fullsuspension bike. I'm riding mostly in dry conditions 60/40 of hardpack/tarmac just for fun. So how about to use this new Racing Ray on front and rear both? Or maybe Racing Ralph on front and rear both? What would be a better combo for aggressive riding on dry trails?

[@luiscastagna4944]

Hello Szajbajk, great video as always. I’m using this setup on my XC bike, but I’m not happy, the rims dance around the tyre (even at high pressure, like 40 PSI) they are too soft. Although I could have made a mistake, my rims are 22mm wide and I installed 2.4 tyres. As far as I can see I have too options: repace my wheels to use such wide tyres or return to 2.2 heavier compound tyre. Do you recommend any fast roller tyre reasonably light and a bit more rigid? All the best

[@Paganiproductions84]

I have a Vittoria barzo 29x2.25 Tnt as front tire now and a Schwalbe Racing Ralph Evo 29x2.25 as rear tire so far so good it's ment as my Autumn/Winter setup.

[@TheAegisClaw]

Originally we all put a Racing Ralph rear and a Nobby Nic front. That combo worked well.

[@tacituskilgore8379]

TheAegisClaw ditto. In fact, I still do. No good reason to change.

[@tferreira]

My setup in my xc bike... love it and I may change the ralph in the future but not the nic... that's for sure...

[@richardkaz2336]

I tend to think that a lot of the tyres are just marketing BS. The talk of gripy compound is a fallacy. Why the bulk of single track XC and down hill is either muddy, sandy or gravelly these are extremely slippery. These surfaces require some serious tread patterns that will bite deep in the ground and grip but also not get clogged with material. Sticky compounds only come into play on tarmac or rock shelves but since these surfaces are only a very small part of a MTB rides. Rolling resistance is more of a road bike thing or tarmac issue. rolling resistance in the dirt is more about getting tyre pressure right for a given tread pattern, track surface and rider weight.

[@TheProjectX3]

Great thoughts, it is a marketing trick for sure for casual riders, but for XCO elites it is a real talk. The riders can be very similar in fitness performance and the bikes are all top notch so where they mostly compete is tyres and rolling resistance etc. It all comes to the finish sprint sometimes.

[@KetzalSterling]

I disagree completely. Tire compound is incredibly important in off road tires. It's possibly more important than on road compounds. The compounds make a dramatic difference if you have the skills to push them to there limits. Schwalbe ultra soft tires have significantly more tradition than their XC race compounds. I recently swapped from their old Pacestar compound on Rocket Ron's to the new Speed Grip compound. I doubted I'd be able to tell the difference. I was very mistaken. The new compound has significantly more grip, especially in the wet and on roots. It also has better damping characteristics. Basically feels like you're running approximately 2psi less tire pressure. I'd normally agree on marketing BS etc. However, in this occasion the claims are almost not substantial enough. Durability is proving to be much improved while simultaneously improving grip and rolling resistance. Stunning effort and I very much recommend the new Speed Grip compound for any front tire.

[@WartakMedia]

i rock leo tires 1.95 26ers. hahaha they're cheap like 8 usd for one set front and rear. and I have been riding xc on them for over a year now. raced twice. got a podium once. and it is still holding up well and still has more than enough thread.

[@richcole3931]

great video. thanks.

[@highhaaaaays2378]

Would you recommend a Racing Ralph as both front and rear tyres?

[@markablett4571]

Having a front only and rear only is like going back in time to the panaracer smoke and dart

[@markturner-smith5309]

Front one does very much remind me of the Tioga factory XC of the early 2000's. Just extra feedback lots of my fellow XC races started using the new schawbe "addix" compound tyres end of this race season in the UK and all have had reliably issue with them regarding tyre & compound with rips/damage that should not have caused issue, some of them on the new tyres you tested. I run Vittoria Barzo TNT 2.25 (29r) as main tyres for XC racing/summer riding & Vittoria Gato 2.2 (the new design) without a issue some courses & in both cases full season of races as they have raced. Cuts/rips to the carcass seem to be the issue pointing maybe weak carcass?

[@denisviveros8496]

Great video bro!! Thnx

[@allbogdan1991]

what di you think about continental race-king + x-king&? or it wil better to use racing ralph 2018 + rocket ron

[@delyrium_]

Hey. Are you still using "the brothers" 2022? If so, how did they age and how do they feel on the trail after a few months/year? Me, I switched to Mountain King front + Cross King rear, one major factor being "the brothers" were not true-to-size even after months of using, might have to do with the rim size-21mm, though with the Continental tires on the same rims they are on point since day one of inflation, measuring 58 mm-2.3 inches, the brothers were never going past the 55mm-55.5mm marker, only when inflated to maximum pressure, which is useless...also the wear didn't like it that much, especially on the rear tire, which is understandable, the front tire was still top notch when i replaced it. I will use the Conti combo for the remaining of this season and we'll see what next year brings us, maybe switch to Maxxis or Vittoria, who knows?? Can't wait to hear from you. Take care!!

[@cal8317]

Probably I'll change my tyre setup from ikon and ardent to this 😍

[@lukeisthedaddy]

I found this tyre combo awful with tubes, no grip, high road noise, perception was they didn't feel all that grippy or fast rolling (maybe the noise is UK roads!) BUT tubeless they became super, average on road but offroad 👌. Like chalk and cheese, put something like 22/23psi in the rear tubeless and on a rooty slippy climb the grip is so amazingly good. Bit of a trade off though as you lose some good rolling on the flats at that psi. I wouldn't swap that rear out for anything, if you do loose dryer offroad xc climbs. I also found the tyres tended to feel like they were folding with low PSI and tubes, that could be rim width/tube related but no such issues tubeless. If you have these tyres you simply must use them tubeless!

[@Nikica358]

Well considering that they are currently 60euros and old versions are 35-38(speed grip snakeskin) I went for old versions. Still working great !! They don't last me that long since here in Portugal is a lot of rocks. But I must say reason I like racing ralph/rocket Ron is predictably and grip is the same over time they don't loose grip.

[@player1tv]

Just put the exo aspen on mine. Then panicked about the choice. You made it seem better staying put on both front & rear.

[@MRmwr2452]

Those old IRC Mythos were the bomb!!!!

[@tintin112358]

where can I get a pair of those silver shades (sunglasses) you have?

[@giovannibrotto442]

Hi, why you leave Cannondale?? Do you still have your FSI?? I rember you as a super supporter of Cannondale ...but now you are dealing with Merida.. which is the main reason??

[@Tonuky]

Well, I need to try those one. But my issue with the regular racing ralph is they wear out sooo quick.

[@dabok2]

great video.. could you review about Chou Yang tyre merlin tlr 29er or 27er version 1.95 size.. compare with maxxis maxxlite and shwable thunder burt or furious fred

[@nexusninebeee6568]

How often did you have to glue a puncture on those 100 km? I had flat tires all the time until I switched from Schwalbe to Maxis.

[@mishu12315]

can someone please tell me the name of the background song from the beginning of the video?

[@dereksmith3632]

I wish a company would make a front tire with only three lines ( like a tractor ), almost solid center, and two solid lines on the edges for dry sandy loam.

[@lawsiesteve1649]

I have had this combo on my Giant, Anthem 1 27.5 for around a month now. The front tyre (Racing Ray) is a big improvement over the older racing Ralph as a front tyre. It is actually sticky to the touch and you can feel how soft yet firm(if that makes sense) it feels. Very good grip around corners on loose over hard and in the wet. Rolling resistance is better than previous iterations in my opinion. We haven't had decent rain here for over 18 Months so I can't say if it is any good in the mud or not. I think that this tyre combo in a 2.3 and above would probably see the benefits of this tyre diminish. I think the size is part of what makes it a great all-round XC/ Trail tyre. The rear tyre(Racing Ralph) is much improved. Much sturdier compound and I believe much better grip than previous models. Very predictable on corners and really compliments the front tyre. I think the new racing ralph will last much longer due to the newer compounds. I know the manufacturer already states much of the above already but I can confirm that in my case it is true. Only negative was that installing these tyres was equivalent to sticking a watermelon up a garden hose. Yep it took that much effort. Thought I was going to bust a nut.

[@Dr4g0nW00d]

Two rocket rons during summer and fatbike for winter riding

[@Klips005]

Need more miles before the follow up? haha waiting on it thanks...hopefully you link it here somewhere too👍

[@nialtubby]

o_O yeah, im not impressed no follow up and forces us to view all his bloody videos

[@johnnysmile01]

Nice tell me so faria about the rear tire racing Ralph

[@twakskawt]

what rims are you using?

[@hugoburton5222]

Do you have the RS-1 RL or RS-1 RLC?

[@pibblesnbits]

I like his bike. XC bikes have changed a lot.

[@bingooscar9668]

Was it an advertisement if schwalbe ?

[@johnnste1]

Panaracer made the Dart for the front and Smoke for the rear in the ‘90’s. The grip was phenomenal.

[@Briggs4ever92]

Agree. Had them on my Canonodale Delta V

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Still available

[@viniciovieirajr.]

God job!!!

[@FootstepsOfFear]

Ok. 1st Like for the music. 2nd as always for the content

[@CCCL350]

I'm curious about those colored stripes on thread. What's the point of them, and do they rub off?

[@dave021]

Its just to separate the two different tires, Speed is red and Speedgrip is blue. Prob rubs off yes. There is also a blue and a red "Addix" branding on the side.

[@lukeisthedaddy]

@@dave021 Ran mine for a year 1500km off-road, markings are still there.

[@jasonpatrickdeleon4701]

if XC i go for Ikon rear 2.2, front Ardent 2.25 if aggresive trail rear ardent rear 2.35 , front Dissector 2.4 ☺️

[@adifigenblat6281]

What is the parallel combo from maxxis ardent + ikon /ardent race + ikon/ardent + ardent race? (dry + thorns condition)

[@aaronpietersen2018]

Adi Figenblat I run ardent race up front and ikon in the rear, both EXO 3cmaxx speed and it works really well

[@simplelife6827]

Off topic but I thinking of buying Vitus Zenium Disk Tiagra £630 thoughts? It's for commuting, exercise, on and off road riding (light gravel and moor trails).

[@simplelife6827]

SickBiker you are a top fella and your channel is the up there with the best.

[@elwenz]

ROCKET RON (FRONT) + RACING RALPH (REAR) = VERY GOOD COMBINATION

[@R0bertP]

that's exactly what I'm riding now. The new ones seem convincing though and there's a big chance I might wanna try them once the old ones wear off.

[@diehlleonardo06]

Someone using maxxis forekaster in the front ???

[@tmayberry7559]

My comment is this how much does the weight of the tire factor in I have found that the lighter tire is better as a rear tire as it gives you more speed traction. It also make the bike more responsive While the heavier tire in the front allows you to be planted more and provides more contact with the ground . Am i correct in my observation

[@PSNragglefraggle1]

If you do rocks, DH, techy enduro etc. You're going to want a beefyer rear tyre to support your weight + the abuse & maybe a lightish front tyre to float over obstacles.

[@howtobebasic2122]

I've ridden on mismatched tires, the bike handles the same as if it had the same tire type.

[@madcapper6]

Cannondale F900 SL? Damn, sweet bike. Hats off to your parents. Were they into cycling too? Most people who aren't into it won't understand forking over that kind of cheddar for a bicycle.

[@m.d.498]

Haha, you sad hater. You mustclive off your parents to think like that

[@quentincamacho3609]

Racing Ralph R 2.35 and DHF double down 2.5 front

[@heinifalk809]

Running the Rocket Ron front and back 2.25 x 29" and I wont go back to Maxxis again

[@nameless9826]

So what do you think about this pair or instead of racing Ralph and Ray is the racing Ralph and rocket Ron

[@nameless9826]

Should I give it a go or no I had a rocket Ron at front should I just replace my back ikon to racing Ralph or change both to racing Ralph and racing Ray

[@kais953]

11 minutes and no zero nada result to report.

[@prantikabiswas2166]

Lovely tires I want some 😍😍😍

[@prantikabiswas2166]

O I am from india

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

i'm no expert but I just love my racing ralphs , maybe I should try this combo when they wear out ? :)

[@daryldaryl887]

Do you use Ralph both front and back?

[@DavidCulshawmer-r]

@@daryldaryl887 yes , but i'm no pro rider , just love the feel of these tires ( its like riding on a carpet )

[@sergeipagi]

I think that Schwalbe didn't done anything new with this Racing Ray. Knobs and their placing..why this tire reminds me Continental CrossKing? :)

[@AntonBlaschuk]

because it is XKing slightly modified))

[@policies8534]

I think you would like the Continental Cross Kings

[@magnumllama400]

NO!

[@policies8534]

@@magnumllama400 why?

[@maaduece5132]

i prefer a squared edged tire on the rear and a round egded tyre on the front

[@MTBkid42]

For reference, the DHF stands for Downhill Freeride and the DHR is the DH Race tire. It's not actually front and rear.

[@starertree7736]

Yes, but maxxis recommends to use the dhf on the front and the dhr in the rear

[@petesmitt]

nope.. Maxxis doesn't use Freeride or Race; DHF is front and DHR is rear.

[@MTBkid42]

@@petesmitt care to link a source?

[@petesmitt]

@@MTBkid42 a source to state they don't use those terms? hardly; better you link a source from Maxxis to support your claim they use those terms.

[@MTBkid42]

@@petesmitt did some reading. Back in the old days, it was just the DHR, there was no DHF. DHR was a dh race tire. DHF joined the party shortly before DHR II came out. Historically there seems to be some evidence supporting Freeride/Race. The maxxis site now seems to favor the DHF/DHR setup, indicating that the F does better up front and R does better in the rear. You still have pro riders running dual DHF or dual DHR so it doesn't seem to matter a whole lot beyond preference.

[@shredfreak83]

vittoria or nothing for me. i got hooked on them trying out the terreno for cx and havent looked back since

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Smoke and Dart.....

[@dimitriospanagopoulos3163]

Ι wish for a 2.35 Rocket Ron . It could eliminate the tires in this category .

[@liquidSpin]

No joke. This would be perfect for my wider rim. I searched high and low and finally went to their website and found out they don't offer Rocket Rons in 2.35's it jumps straight to 2.6

[@benmillns8976]

Agreed, a 2.35 Ron would be amazing. The 2.25 was a lot smaller than my 2.25 Racing Ralph which made it look funny on the front and meant a bit less cushioning. Are you listening Schwalbe??

[@RadekPilich]

+1

[@Alfons66666]

My Racing Ray had run 8500 KM on my front, then the profile was too low for the winter. 8500 KM is a great distance, unfortunately the Racing Ralph seems to be more sensetive, I had much punctures during this time. I've used 3 Racing Ralph, all had punctures wich can't be fixed by the sealant. Also the profile seems max for 2000 - 3000 km, than it's like a slick tire. Now I've switched to Rocket Ron at the Rear and a new Racing Ray 2.35 at the front for the winter.

[@blazen4872]

¨why rocket ron on back?? Rocket ron seems to be good in winter on front, racing ray is more racing, smaller nobs etc. and on back some great grip tire.

[@blazen4872]

My words so no hates pls

[@Alfons66666]

@@blazen4872 There was no racing ray in stores here, so I had to buy the rocket ron to continue biking :)

[@fatinfadillah4265]

I dont know but i already got 2 times punctures with my racing ralph the first one is on the front and today with my rear i dont know if this tyre has a thin form or i just unlucky and i want to change my tyre to the maxxis

[@diegomanjarrez4101]

yea I also punctured the one n only front schwalbe ive had in like 6 rides, but thanks to tubeless sealant i didnt even have to stop; but what I liked a lot more about schwalbe is the rolling resistance, its noticeably less than maxxis rolling resistance.

[@diegomanjarrez4101]

and i also think schwalbe tyres r much thinner than other tires like maxxis or specialized

[@hrvojesindik8101]

Continental mountain king 2.4 rear Schwalbe rocket ron 2.2 front :) Works great :)

[@johncarrington8612]

It is better to have the bigger tire on the front, your weight helps the rear tire grip so you do not need as wide of a tire there.

[@hrvojesindik8101]

@@johncarrington8612 Tnx :) i will try

[@tinhinnh]

John Carrington I’m cheap so I run same tires front and rear and switch them when the rear is worn

[@Remmie1977]

Continental Speedking rear Continental RaceKing front for dry and simi wet make you the the fastest man in the world.

[@deansaul6925]

Had this new combo now for about 3 months after many years with the original Racing Ralph front and rear. Front Racing Ray great, more grip without compromising rolling resistance. Rear Racing Ray was terrible, completely worn out in 3 months, terrible climbing grip compared to old Racing Ralph. will not use again.

[@liquidSpin]

Worn out in 3 months? You either are not being honest or you like skidding on your tires in the parking lot. None of the brands use rubber compound that wears out that quickly. Sure some are softer compounds made specifically for "race day" occasions but even those last longer.

[@diluteduk]

I just have maxxis ardent front and rear. Works for me, but I ride for pleasure I'm not racing

[@brunoburdini8056]

Where is the "tomorrow" video?

[@dimitriospanagopoulos3163]

What a question . You will see it... tomorrow !!

[@andrei3720]

I have a nobby nic on the rear and a smart sam on the front. Should I swich them?

[@samhaven4562]

Ice Bear I’d say yes

[@cortarelva]

yes

[@dimitriospanagopoulos3163]

Ρε φίλε, πρωτη φορα το ακουω αυτο !!

[@JasonLiske]

What tire review and no actual weights ? 🤣

[@MrTchelyshev]

Thunder Burt rear + Racing Ralph front. Nothing else.

[@Klips005]

On the other hand I think that setup works depending on conditions and ride style...Also that video didn't suggest the opposite. If I'm not mistaken, that would mean he'd be running TB in the front and a RaceRalph in the back...not to say you couldn't do that, as both are considered decent low rollers...but most (even Schwalbe) say they're great rear tires that can be ran upfront depending on conditions....I didn't see the new 490-Ralphs in the video link shared so not sure how it compares to being "sketchy up front" as the old model...New model apparently "improves on everything" but I understand it really depends on riding conditions...I'd like to try two 490 model Ralphs over the Thunders just to see the difference. Rolling resistance .com also has some stats on older models too, pretty cool.

[@MrTchelyshev]

Ralph would be a good rear tire together with Rocket Ron on the front. This set up will fit for more muddy/sandy conditions. But I prefer better rolling.

[@MrTchelyshev]

Tubeless of course.

[@Klips005]

Cool...I'm not muddN much but ripping urban pavement with the occasional gravel hill runs daily for shortcuts...So getting some RaRa490s soon I think. I'm running FastTrack Control LK's (low knobbs) currently, and their fast & grippy af in a good sense but I'm also interested in a bit more rolling. Perhaps I can even try a FT Lk Control & RaRa combo ha

[@MrTchelyshev]

@@Klips005 try my setup :)

[@yshgdtsggsgtwudhgs3943]

1:02c

[@vladimirifeelgood8811]

Try Maxxis Rekon Race and Rekon

[@Klips005]

Vladimir Ifeelgood he should👍

[@solobellimino2356]

These are pokaroo tires Keep hearing about em, but cant find for sale

[@richcole3931]

True. Schwalbe might be behind on their spring booking orders.

[@Dima-dc5mf]

What bike is it?

[@neptunevibe]

Custom made Russian style.. with a hammer and some fish cans..

[@Dima-dc5mf]

@@neptunevibe looks sick. Russians definitely have some stylish bikes.

[@kevingonzales848]

is maxxis larsen tt are good tires?

[@mohdizaniabdulmajid843]

Yes

[@Overdozeofthedemoscene]

i bought this combo, and i am disappointed. I used for the previous year the rocket ron + thunderburt, and rocket ron + racing ralph 2018 addix speed combos - no big difference here, slightly smaller rolling resistance or more traction, but basically great combos for fast xc riding. this ray-ralph 2019 combo is slower, it has even more traction, but i felt, like i did a switching between an xc-trail tire. i think at an xc tire they should focus primary to the speed then the traction. it is too much, not good balance for an xc tire.

[@bussovod]

Maxis Ikon has a hideous roll. After Schwalbe, Maxis does not go at all.

[@adistar168]

Nice bike. Merida is the best

[@mamneo2]

Everytime you said "S" it was painful for my left ear... idk why

[@immortalplayer3057]

Mow po polsku człowieku

[@Dima-dc5mf]

Learn English, bro.