Schwalbe Rocket Ron: My Favourite Fast & Filthy XC Tire

[@maxlloyd3740]

Always used to race in the summer with a Rocket Ron on front and Maxxis Ikon on rear. Was always a great option if it started raining as i knew i had grip on the front if i needed it! Did try it on more technical terrain on the rear with a Nic on front and always found it a bit more fragile there and got a few punctures! I don't race much these days and my bikes are more trail tough. Currently running a Nobby Nic rear (with Vittoria XC insert) and Magic Mary front both in 2.25 for winter. Ran Wicked Will Super Race and Nobby Nic Super Race in summer both in 2.4 and with Vittoria XC inserts with some success.

[@adamcoppock5018]

Thanks for the video. It's a great tire. I found it better than the wicked will that tbh felt slower and had less grip. I ride out here in BC. Dry loose conditions. Rocket Rons work great. Before this I was using the Reckons a d reckon races and they feel laggy and less grippy in comparison. I first came across the Rockets in 2009 and they have always felt super quick and great

[@daytch9485]

I've had great experience running them.Came stock on a Scale 710, fast and grippy, predictable and controllable slide , a blast when its tacky. It looks like a basic generic tread pattern but it has some voodoo. They need to make it in some wider casings.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@daytch9485 yeah a proper 2.4 would be great eh?

[@bob69365]

Magic Mary / Hans Dampf are my all year round go to!

[@GuyKesTV]

@@bob69365 classic combo

[@Josh-balti]

Been tempted by Schwalbe tyres in the past but every time i go to have look i get utterly bewildered by the quintessentially confusing European naming conventions for the many, many different compounds and casings options that don't actually tell you a thing about what the tyre is for. Cheers for making it a bit less confusing! Been after something just like this for winter XC/Trail missions in the Yorkshire slop

[@lionelthompson8008]

Thanks Guy, good review, and backs up my recent positive experience after moving to NN and RR from DHR/Dissector which were just too draggy for my use case. Looking forward to your thoughts on the wicked will, which seems to the a tyre that’s getting a lot of love from the review community on YT at the moment….from the tread pattern and compounds that are available, the WW looks like it should be a solid performer, but that doesn’t always translate to riding experience

[@Tre7we88]

Great review. Gen-Xr loving the humour… pretty sure you wanted to play some Backman Turner Overdrive right at the end… 😉

[@GuyKesTV]

@@Tre7we88 I’ll save that for my charidee work mate 😜

[@craigellis680]

@guykes I'm a Yorkie like yourself. I'm also a big fan of schwalbe and have used their gear for a long time. I had a 2014 t129s with a magic Mary soft front and a Nobby nic speedgrip rear. Great combo. Currently I've got a t160s with a magic Mary ultra soft on front and a big Betty soft on rear. Both are super gravity. I've also got a 429 that I use for XC. Had a pair of rocket rons on it last year. Changed to a wicked will rear and Nobby nic front for Yorkshire mountain bike marathon and good job I did. Weather was shocking but bike was mint. Both are speedgrip super ground. I picked up an offer on a speed racing ray and speedgrip rocket Ron that I intend to fit in the spring.

[@GuyKesTV]

Ey up Craig, glad you get on well with Schwalbe and well done for surviving the marathon. Some of my mates did it and said it was horrific

[@waynephillip5621]

I've used Rocket Ron's for years ❤ . I only went to Magic Mary's once I went to EMTB . But on my other bike I'd always go / surgest riding / trying them ❤

[@GuyKesTV]

@@waynephillip5621 great to hear

[@wheelzandgillz]

Ive thought about running a Ron in the front for gravel, I ordered a pair of Pirelli Scorpion XC-H's front and rear I'm hoping they do good as a pair if not or if one happens to slash I think I'll go ahead and try a Ron in the front 🤞🤞

[@Barryens]

I live in the Chilterns and have just got a Canyon Lux trail with Wicked Will Front (speedgrip) and Racing Ralph (speed) rear with the race carcass. The front doesn't let go suddenly which I like, particularly with the slippery chalk we have here. Will be interested to hear why you don't like WW. I have had Nobby Nics in the past (old tread pattern) and found them too much of a compromise - too slow in the summer and not enough grip in the winter. This winter I am trying Hans Dampf (speedgrip) / Magic Mary (soft) on my hard tail.

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks for the feedback Barry, that's super useful. I had a frustrating time with speed grip WW last year but now as I didn't feel it gave as much grip as the speed it took away if you see what I mean. I was riding in sloppier, rather than slippery conditions though so it's great to have your input from the chalky Chilterns. I have the soft version on test so giving it a second chance and it definitely seems more predictable if I'm not too heavy handed with the front brake

[@Sunspot-19]

The difference is... My three pair of Rocket Rons are 3.0's and I love the ride! Unfortunately, they were discontinued and I have had to hoard RR's and Nobby Nics to keep my bikes in good, high quality shoes.

[@deanf2259]

Hi Guy, I ran the 2.1 version on my Giant Revolt for the Borderlands Gravel. Really impressed with it for grip, speed and toughest. I much prefer it to the Racing Ray and Ralph I use on my Blur in summer. My experience is that the racing ray and raphh combination give not real extra speed but llack a bit of grip. I much prefer the nobby nick. Great fast winter Trail tyre and work well in the dry as well. I ride them in preference to ralph and ray.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@deanf2259 thanks for the feedback mate. Great to know they fit in a Revolt. Borderlands is a great course eh?

[@deanf2259]

@@GuyKesTV Borderlands is epic. I entered after your ride/review. I really enjoyed Minds & Moors as well. Struggle are great events. A Revolt with 2.1 Rocket Ron's is a real fun - scream if you want to go faster lol.

[@paulkeavney7657]

I've been using various iterations of the Rocket Ron for years. Still have 2 liteskins but mostly snakeskin. I have yet to use super race/ground. Great tyres, fast but with decent grip in any conditions. I tried the Barzo, decent but I noticed slower rolling. Tyres that are quicker just dont have the grip.

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks for confirming chief

[@paulkeavney7657]

2.35 barzo front, 2.25 ron rear was good. I did find the 2.35 trippy but not so durable. I'll possibly use a bontrager xr4 front, see how that compares. 2x rocket ron is usually enough though. Mostly North Yorkshire Moors mixed terrain.

[@paulkeavney7657]

Grippy😂

[@jnasaunders]

Great to know about your comparison re Barzo. I live in the UK. Lots of mud coming. Typically I have been running barzo front and mezcal rear for summer and barzo front and rear for deep winter but agree that it does feel a little draggy, though the barzo gives me good confidence in the slipper conditions. Would you say the RR are just as grippy in the classic UK mud / wet roots but roll a little better? Very on the fence right now.

[@jnasaunders]

Great to know about your comparison re Barzo. I live in the UK. Lots of mud coming. Typically I have been running barzo trail 2.35 front and mezcal rear for summer and barzo front and rear for deep winter but agree that it does feel a little draggy, though the barzo gives me good confidence in the slippier conditions. Would you say the RR are just as grippy in the classic UK mud / wet roots but roll a little better? Very on the fence right now.

[@TheBikeRoom]

Magic Mary soft compound front and Nobby Nic rear. I'd defo give the Rocket Ron a go to compare.

[@GuyKesTV]

Let me know if you do. I’d suggest the Super Ground version

[@marksmith3089]

Thanks schwalbe , thanks Rocket Ron 😂😂😂😂😂🎉 good ole boi, Kes lad 🤘🏻🦖💨

[@GuyKesTV]

@@marksmith3089 🤣🤘🏻

[@kevincross9206]

What were you on before making this Guy? 🤣 I think one of your patreon’s sent you some special tea and biscuits!! I’m not a technical rider in any way shape or form, and went down the Hillbilly T5 route last winter to cope with the slop down here on and around the South Downs. I read good reviews of them, and. Was looking for something confidence inspiring, and have been pretty disappointed all in all. Transpires that they’re not supposed to be run any less than 25psi which I would do (marginally) and when I contacted Specialized to check what the implications / risks of running them at lower pressures were after acknowledging the email, heard no more - thanks guys! Maybe I need to be looking at Schwalbe then, generally would have been either them or Maxxis previously.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@kevincross9206 maybe they weren’t normal mushrooms in the breakfast omelette 🤷‍♂️

[@kevincross9206]

@ 🤣

[@benmillns8976]

I used to run Rocket Ron Liteskin in Pacestar compound and then the Addix Speed but I moved away when the new carcasses came out and were too heavy. Can Schwalbe make tyres that run true nowadays or do they all still have a wobble?

[@GuyKesTV]

I think the extra weight is what stops the dreaded Schwobble

[@FelixLux-jl8cb]

Never rode those Schwalbe RR XC tires. Looking forward to your DC/trail tire reviews. There's your comment, cheers :D

[@GuyKesTV]

Thanks Felix, DC coming soon

thx

[@mellissanash7517]

I'd like to see you test out the Schwalbe Thunder Burt and Specialized Ground Control t5 or t7(don't think it comes in an S-works casing).

[@GuyKesTV]

@@mellissanash7517 GC review is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4u7eXudrLWhjLMsi=0D_WC7dzhyoLfOQk hopefully getting new Schwalbe Rick XC to review soon

[@mellissanash7517]

@@GuyKesTV That would be great. WTB Marco and the new Hutchinson Python Race would be great too, especially now that newer traditional gravel bikes(not drop bar mtbs or progressive gravel) can fit 29x2.2/700x56mm.

[@GuyKesTV]

@ jeez, you are working me! You’re totally right though, I’m totally here for the big tyre gravel thing! Macro here - m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaW0fJpqedGqpM0 Hutchinson Skeleton and Kraken on a bike in the workshop ready to review. I’ll try and grab a new Python by the tail ASAP

[@mellissanash7517]

@@GuyKesTV That would be awesome and I would very much would watch those videos!

[@MarcusOliver2006]

Loved this vid, Kes. On the special tea leaves? I run Ardents on the rear of both my Tallboy3 and Whyte 629. Not always the best but I find it a good compromise between predictable grip/slip, comfort, speed and weight. Got a DHF up front on my TB3 and Forekaster on my 629. Both work well on mixed trails around North Downs/Swinley Forest and occasional Welsh trips. Recently blasted the Brecon Gap. Lovely ride.

[@Markozzy]

this be a awesome advertisement for Schwalbe

[@GuyKesTV]

I don’t think they’ll say the same about the Wicked Will review when that comes round.

[@Zyzzyx42]

Oh no!

[@GuyKesTV]

@@Zyzzyx42 now that’s an awesome retro MTB name

[@Markozzy]

@@GuyKesTV keep positive its a great tyre i had them on my old hardtail a few years ago

[@GuyKesTV]

@ sorry boss, thought you were saying it was just an advert not a review and got over sensitive 🤣

[@richo192]

At last, singing in MTB tech vids!!! 😁

[@nosamsemaj]

Thoughts on the WW? I've just ordered a pair, but watching this I fear i should've gone for the Ron instead. Slapping then on my Chisel, which is a bike I know you've ridden/own.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@nosamsemaj I’m actually really enjoying the soft/super race as long as it’s not too sloppy. Where are you riding?

[@nosamsemaj]

@GuyKesTV Exmoor mainly. So a good old mix of everything down here. But also gearing up for the Strathpuffer 😬

[@GuyKesTV]

@ Ah OK, wasn’t sure if you were in the US with the time you posted. WW will be cracking for summer / dry but RR would definitely be my choice for the dirty months and Puffer. Sorry 😬

[@tjb8841]

How do you find the Ron do handle mud? I worry that the lack of open “channels” would make it pack up with mud.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@tjb8841 it’s actually pretty good. It’ll eventually clog in clay but the supple carcass helps it flick most mud off easily

[@electricallergychanneleach3120]

Guy, how would you rate this compared to Fast Track?

[@GuyKesTV]

@@electricallergychanneleach3120 not as light as Fast Trak and a lot more expensive but slightly quicker and definitely a more floated feel

[@brucehumphries6889]

Hard to get here in the States for some reason.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@brucehumphries6889 that’s annoying

[@marksandoval5361]

Don't give up your day job to pursue a singing career! I don't buy Schwalbe tires because they are so expensive and they almost never go on sale. I can often get a Maxxis tire on discount for near half the price of a similar Schwalbe tire.

[@GuyKesTV]

The internet can be so hurtful sometimes 😂 but yes, definitely expensive in terms of real world prices

[@matthewkramer8613]

RoRon front and back is very fast and fairly grippy considering the low profile nobs. I found it wares faster than I like as a back tire. A better combo is Racing Ralf on the back and then go with the RoRon on the front. As a front tire I find it somewhat wondering since there are no channels and rounded profile even in a wider XC tire like 2.35. Lower pressure is must as front tire. Loose rocky terrain, RoRon tread depth may not be enough for the front. The best schwalbe combo for XC mixed terrain is probably the Ralf/Ray setup. Tread death on Ray is good and the channels work well for tracking and grip while still fast rolling. If you want more stopping power and front end traction go with a Nick up front. Nobby Nick certainly has more drag then these other tires but it still rolls fast and provided sold control with the bigger nobs. Here in California the ground is mostly hardpack with areas of loose gravel and rocks here and there. Rocket Rons are great tires in varied conditions providing more grip than you might expect from this lower tread depth.. better than an Ikon in my opinion(faster rolling), though Ikon may last a bit longer. Rocket Ron works best as rear tire where you would mostly be riding in the dirt to maximize ware life. Curious to know how a Barzo or compares to Rocket Ron or even a Conti Cross King. Schwalbe has been been a goto for lighter XC tires that perform pretty well but yeah they are a little spendy. 29er tires on a aluminum frame, ideally we get tires in the low 700s grams or less.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@matthewkramer8613 thanks for such comprehensive intel mate. Just skinned up Cross King for testing so I’ll let you know how they compare soon

[@lynngraycom]

The best XC race front tire, bar none. Can't wait to pair it with a Rick XC. Racing Ray and Ralph are both highly mediocre. Racing Ray is NOT faster than Rocket Ron.

[@GuyKesTV]

@@lynngraycom I’m going to mix it with a Addix SpeedGrip Rick to see how that goes. Then team the Ray with an Addix Speed Rick. See how they compare