SCHWALBERacing Ralph Evo Faltreifen // 60-622 (29x2,35') Super Ground

My bike from 2010 came with the original Racing Ralf tires 2.25 front and rear. Although this older version was efficent on rolling hills terrain, the short mid and side nobs felt sketchy on looser gravel descents. This led me on a journey try a few different tires to find one with the right properties for my preferred rides. The new Racing Ralf feel to me like a big important. The rolling efficiency is similar, the general climbing traction is a bit better and the cornering side nobs much improved as comparedto the original. It feels more predictable and in turn, more confidence inspiring. The 2.35 29 version I purchased does have a bit more spin wieght which is to be expected but in the future I may try the 2.25 to get back the faster acceleration. 2.35 is great for more comfort and a little more traction. I have a Rocket Ron up front which run the set around 20 PSI. The new Ralf is better than an Ikon in terms of rolling efficiency. I never tried Ikon 2.35 but the 2.2 felt sketchy in looser conditions. I also really like Rocket Ron as rear but the tred does ware faster than expected as a rear tire and the center is shallow to begin with. The Ralf I hope will have a bit more life expectancy and I can update later on this.Update: 10/30/23At this point I am thinking the Ralf is my preferred rear tire for XC. I feel it has the right amount of rolling efficiency and grip with decent cornering nobs in mostly dry hardpack conditions. I run this at about 20 PSI on rims with ID of 25mm. Widest nob width profile does measure at 2.35 unlike some other tires :)I would say if you are looking for light and fast, the Ralf is a good choice and 2.25 is likely even faster. These tires do show some signs of small sealant leaks after abuse of sharp rocks but hold up fine and the tread ware is acceptable for 90/10 dirt/road use. I am likely sticking with Ralf out back. Looking to put the Ray up front to complete the Ralf/Ray combo.Update 02/10/24Still running the same setup. This winter has given us a good amount of rain an with this my favorite dirt routes are littered with puddles and various mud trenches. After running a 29x2.35 on the rear all this time I can appreciate the the extra cushion over rough areas. The extra traction is more noticeable in these wet conditions and although the Ralph is not too nobby, it still catches in the slick stuff providing enough grip in mud patches, while still maintaining speed. Also shedding reasonably well. Still I am inclined to get the Ralf 2.25 for the summer months.

I had been using Schwalbe Thunder Burts as a low-resistance race tire. They worked well but, as a race tire, wore out faster than my wallet would prefer. I also couldn't get them in the slightly larger sizes.I bought a set of Racing Ralphs (2.25 for the back, 2.35 for the front). Like all Schwalbes, they go on tight. That last bit of bead takes some technique. Good traction for their size, front and rear.

They look awesome! Can't wait to try them out!

Replacing existing 2.25 RR. This tire is actually <<2.25