Racing Ray and Rocket Ron, and which is which
Schwalbe's naming takes a moment to decode, so here is the short version of what sits on our shelf.
The Racing Ray is a front-specific cross-country tyre. Its tread is arranged in ramped rows that cut through loose surface material and give you a clear edge to lean on. Schwalbe designed it to pair with the Racing Ralph on the rear, though plenty of riders run it front and back.
The Rocket Ron is the more all-round choice — a taller, more open block pattern that keeps working when the trail is loose or damp. It is the tyre to pick if your riding is more Tokai singletrack than fire road.
Addix, TwinSkin and SuperGround
Addix is Schwalbe's rubber compound family. Addix Speedgrip is the middle option and the one most of our stock uses, balancing grip against how quickly the tread wears out.
TwinSkin and SuperGround are the two casing constructions here. Both add sidewall protection, SuperGround more so, which matters a great deal on Cape rock. Every tyre in this range is tubeless-ready, marked TLR or TLE on the sidewall.
Common questions
Performance or Evo?
Evo is Schwalbe's top tier — the lighter, more supple casing and the better compounds. Performance is the same tread pattern built to a price. If the bike is raced, Evo earns its money; if it is ridden, Performance is plenty.
What else do you carry?
Maxxis and Continental sit alongside these — see the full mountain bike tyres range. Come and squeeze all of them at our Hout Bay shop if you would rather decide with the tyre in your hands.
