SchwalbeRacing Ray ADDIX 29" MTB Tire (HS489)(Return to Product Page)

I've been riding the Racing Ray SpeedGrip HS489 up front with the Racing Ralph Speed Addix HS425 on the rear. Caveat - any new tire setup (to me anyway) feels great compared to worn tires that I just replaced no matter what kinds I've ridden. That said, my initial impressions compared to a wide variety of XC tires that I've ridden over the years (mostly Maxxis Ikon 3C, but also Specialized Fast Trak, Conti Race King, the older Racing Ralph, Schwalbe Thunder Burt) are (1) Cornering - Excellent, I really have to push these hard compared to other XC tires on my well-known trails to get them to break loose, under a variety of dry conditions (2) Climbing traction very good with the new Racing Ralph, probably a bit better than the old Racing Ralph (3) Rolling Resistance - hard to say but likely no worse than the Ikons (4) Durability - TBD. I've only ridden the combo about 10-12 hours but so far so good. (5) Installationtubeless - a bit tough to get the last part on the rim, but not impossible.

As with all tires, it depends on the use, but for this tire's stated purpose, which is cross country racing, it's the best I've found. I have directly compared it to other products, including the specialized s-works super lightweight tire, and its faster (repeated on the same bike and rims) and more grippy on turns. I paired it with the Racing Ralph on the back. It performed well on a recent 70 mile XC race with roots, rocks , gravel, creeks, and regular hard pack. I have not had problems with punctures, and tubeless set-up was easy.

I have no plans to change from this product for XC riding unless a really compelling alternatives comes up.

I bought this tire to pair with the Racing Ralph to reduce weight and rolling resistance compared to my Maxxis DHFDHR for some amateur cross country racing on a Santa Cruz Hightower full suspension bike.

Its a great light race tire, but is an ok trail tire. Needs taller knobs and a larger size to be a great trail tire. But that why theres other models to choose from.

I'm running this tire on the front (Racing Ralph in the rear). I used to run Racing Ralph front and back, not a bad set up, but this is better. I got the 2.1 width. I wish I had gotten a bit wider version.

I love this tire! Along with the Racking Ralph in the back it is my new go to set up. The grippier rubber compound is VERY noticeable compared others I have run like Aspens and Fasttraks. This tire had never not once come unglued in a corner, even when taking it with extreme speed. A very planted secure feeling tire. Even though it is a grippier compound, I have been going consistently faster around my local MTB trails here in Tucson AZ. I reckon it is because the extra grip lets me take corners faster.

I have 700 miles on it and no flats or complaints whatsoever. I reckon I can run this puppy at least 2000 miles easy if not more.

Love this tire!

Fast rolling and great grip. Best xc tire I have ever owned and I started riding ln 1988.