Specialized has recently introduced a number of new tire models that some of you may not be aware of. We had heard rumours of tires being developed last May and posted on that here. Now it appears that even more than we had heard about was in the works. Along with the Eskar and Captain models we see that there is now several variations on the Fast Trak on the website including two models in the “2Bliss” casing.
Pictured: Specialized Eskar
We’ve been hearing some good things about the Captain models and the additions make Specialized 29″er tires one of the broadest offerings from one company that we are aware of. MSRP prices range from $30.00 to $65.00.
Ok… now you have me waiting for the Guitar Ted reviews of these tires!
I’ve always been interested in them, but never felt I had a good set of opinions to go upon. You could change that.
So get to revewin’!
I am very excited about this since my Captain Control has been falling apart with out a tube.
I ride a niner rip9 on the east cost
I was thinking about sticking with this
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP…=41811&eid=355
but then I thought,
Maybe I should run this in the front
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP…=41800&eid=355
And this in the rear
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCEqP…=42176&eid=355
Any thoughts? does anyone care?
mjbrox: Linky no worky for me. Otherwise I may have something to say here……
Can anyone explain the whole 2Bliss thing? Not sure i’m understanding how this would be better than Stan’s yellow tape + sealant.
Greg: Well it is rather simple, really. With any Stan’s set up, you need an appropriate tire that will not only seal up, but not blow off because of a weak bead, oversize bead, etc. So the “2Bliss” concept is that here is that tire. It is designed to be run tubeless with sealant from the get-go. No wondering if your tire will weep sealant, or if the bead will degrade and fail. Of course, nothing is fool proof, so it isn’t a guarantee, but it is a better solution than trying to make a tire designed for a tube to convert to tubeless use.
The 26″ Eskar sucked for east coast hard pack – don’t expect the 29″ to be much different. The 2bliss concept sound good but in real world application it sucked too. The sidewalls are too thin, causing squirming while riding and prematurely worn out or ripped sidewalls.
ss: I have heard that the top end models were the ones that were prone to the weaker sidewalls but that the non-racer/non-weight weenie models of 2Bliss tires are much tougher.
In fact, I have it on good authority, and saw the tires being bragged about, that the 29″er versions are some of the best trail tires out now.
Look for an upcoming test on these treads coming soon here!
2bliss tires work, but I’m not a fan of the 26″ version of the Eskar – actually I felt very nervous on this tire, it rolls great – but cornering was sketchy! I’ve had great success with Stan’s No Tubes Strips – the key is laying down a layer of rimstrip first to build up the Stan’s strip. Doing this helps the tire bead and the rim make a tighter seal. After pouring in the sealant, I usually spray my tires and rim down with soapy water before and after using an air compressor to inflate my tires (IT IS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO SUCCESSFULLY install and inflate any tubeless system with out an air compressor to start.) As the tire fills with air you need to tap it to get the bead to seal completely. Anyhow I’ve all ready written too much – Going tube-less is amazing… No flats, better traction, smoother ride.
Trailrapist: Incidentally, I consider a tire/tubeless system a failure if I can not get it to seal up with a quality floor pump. So far I’ve had success with the Mavic/Hutchinson combo, the Bontrager system, Stan’s with a few different tires, and my own borrowed “ghetto” tubeless solution/system. (No- I’m not going to share what that is
)
So, yes, I realize using a compressor is much easier, but I feel that a standard bicycle pump should do the trick, otherwise you are tied to a compressor in cases of field service, and that is not optimal in my mind.
Will do, thanks. Let me know how you like this tire, so far I think my favorite front is the Ardent 2.2. If I had an Ardent 2.4 I think it would be even better. If you could compare it to the Ardent in your review that would be great.
Ran a set of 29er S-Works Captains that were good, but a friends control version (a little heavier) held up much better. They must use a different tread compound too, cause the treads on the S-Works tires wore quicker than his tires on basically the same terrain. Grip and handling of the Captain has been really good in my opinion – very predictable handling in a range of conditions. Good tire to just mount up and leave mounted. The 2.2 should be a great tire with extra volume and 2 Bliss beads. Lookin forward to trying them.
I should be putting the 2.2 Captains on for this weekend’s ride. I just weighed all the samples and I will be taking what I hope are meaningful measurements when I get them mounted up. They will be replacing an Ignitor/Crossmark combo.
For 2009 All of the 29er tires will be @Bliss.
They also now have 29er tires in Armadillo Elite, so if you live in rocky/thorny terrain, here’s your solution. I have run Armadillo’s for a long time on my road bike and they are awesome protection. There’s a guy who rode 11000 miles on one(one the front) with no flats!
There has been a long discussion on the Eskar 26″ on here:
http://www.leelikesbikes.com/followup-specialized-eskar-tires.html
Ive just put the 29″ eskar sworks on my flow rims, no soap, sealed and pumped with a floor pump no problem and held air for several hours. I find the grip and feel very similar to the Bonty Jones acx ( which has the worst sidewalls Ive ever seen, lasted 5 rides on the rear.
this is the first tire that I havent had to soap and pump like a madman to seat. Hopefully the sidewalls hold up. I see on their website that they now have an arnidillo version thats supposed to be more puncture and tear resistant