Editors Note: Yeah, yeah…..another year end review! Tis the season! So, here are my favorite things that have passed through the Twenty Nine Inches review process during the past year. I want to point out a few parameters that I used for what I chose here.
1. The product had to be in the review process during the time period of December 2008 through to the end of November 2009. Reviews that are currently in process I did not include and will be eligible for my 2010 Top Ten list.
2. They had to be products or bicycles that I personally used during this period. Nothing any of the other Twenty Nine Inches staff reviewed on their own could be considered for my list. This list doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinions of anyone but me, Guitar Ted.
3. The reviewed products were provided to Twenty Nine Inches at no charge for review. I was not paid or bribed for this review. I will give/gave my honest opinion or thoughts through out.
That said, let’s get on with this……
Number Ten: Specialized 29″er Tires: Specialized sent us (Grannygear and I) a few models of Specialized 2Bliss 29″er tires for testing back at the end of 2008. Although Specialized came to the table late with rubber for wagon wheelers, these treads impressed. I reviewed The Captain 2.2″ers, the Eskar 2.3″ers, and the svelte Fast Trak LK’s in a 2.0″ width.
Why They Made The List: Specialized tires have a high reputation for performance over the years. Would the 29″er sizes measure up? Well, in a word- “yes”. The varied selections we tested covered a wide range of applications and the fact that they can be run “2Blis” was a definite bonus, which helped place the tires on the 2009 Top Ten List. Not only that, but several models are available in different casing constructs, which is a rarity in tires for wagon wheelers. I liked that you can use the tires on different tubeless wheels like Bontrager’s TLR rims/strips, Stan’s wheels, and Specialized’s own Roval wheels with their blue “Stan’s-like” strips.
My Two Cents: Specialized 29″er tires, love the company or hate it, are hands down some of the best tires for wagon wheelers you can buy. The varied selection in tread styles and casing constructions is a huge plus that other tire lines would do well to take notice of. If chosen correctly for the terrain, Specialized tires hold their own and in many cases excel over the competition. If you consider that all this has been accomplished in the span of just a few years, it is even more amazing. Of the tires tested, my favorite was the all rounder, The Captain. That said, all three models tested were top notch treads and came in very close to, or right at claimed widths and weights. A very refreshing thing. Specialized 29″er tires: Your Number Ten on the 2009 Top Ten List!
Stay tuned for Number Nine on the Top Ten 29″er Products of ’09 list and don’t forget to throw in your choice for a Reader’s Choice award by reading this post and voting.
Pretty good entry GT! I recently picked up a Captain Control 2.0 2Bliss. Weight was 650ish and volume was ideal for me – as a replacement for a Maxxis 29×2.1 Aspen (which is a good tire but not tubeless ready). The Captain set up marvelously on my rear Flow and held air, without sealant for over 24 hours (and would have gone longer). The three tubeless ready tires I’ve used on the Flow (Xdx, Python and Captain) have all set up well – but this has been the best. Too bad I waited this long to try a Specy tire – it won’t be the last one for me though.
Hey GT, so how would you compare the Fast Trak LK 2.0 to the other racey offerings that you tested this year? The Barro Race, Race King and the Bonty 29-3′s to be precise. I am intrigued by this tire in either the S-Works or standard edition. How were the Captains for rollong resistance? I have heard good things about them. My shop does not carry specy products anymore so I have to get them elsewhere so If I am going to buy a set then I want research.
@steve-0
I will chime in with some thoughts on that. I have ridden the Race King and the Fasttrak quite a bit. I prefer the Race King overall. It looks like it would not have as much grip as the Fasttrak, but it has more in nearly every condition except muddy rides.
The Captain is a very smooth and fast feeling tire IMO. That center ridge of knobs does the trick. I like it both as a front and rear tire, but especially as a rear.
grannygear
@Steve-O: Yeah, I pretty much concur with Grannygear. The Fast Trak LK is my favorite of the Fast Trak tires. The S-Works is just too silly narrow and light for my personal tastes. The LK is a bit plumper, just a tad bit heavier, and has a better sidewall toughness. (Not much, but some)
The Race King is just a better all around tire.
The rear 29-3 is a better tire traction-wise, but is smaller than the LK Fast Trak and much smaller than the Race King.
The Barro Race TNT is stiffer in the casing, and heavier.
For all out racing, my vote would go to the “rear” specific 29-3 first because it has traction far beyond its diminutive size, yet is light. The Fast Trak S-Works doesn’t come close, and the Fast Track LK is not quite as tractable, but has better volume.
Now as for the Race King, it is mis-named in my mind. More of an “All Round King”, but I’ll be getting to that shortly!
Thanks GT ans grannygear!! That is awesome feedback and is exactly what I needed to help make my decision for next year. I have a season on the Barro Race and looks like its going to be the Captains or the 29-3 rear. Thanks again!!
the captains are awesome i ran schwalbe 2.2 sidewalls way to thin (hence the lighter weight) scuffed them early on some rocks marked the scuff then they let go out on the trail sealent couldn’t stop the sidewall leak. captains are great weight 650g 2.0 675g. 2.2 excellent grip and smooth on hardpack. who could ask for more.running stans rims and sealent 28-30 psi also the scwalbes wallowed at lower psi week sidewalls