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EB14: Hutchinson Releases the Python II, Bites Into XC Racing

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Hutchinson Python II cross country tire (6)

It’s been nearly 20 years since Hutchinson released the original Python and now the popular tread pattern has been reworked into the new Python 2. Thanks to a combination of new tread and new rubber the Python 2 is poised to combine the tire’s beloved performance with modern advances in Hutchinson’s tire design. Nearly every facet of the tire has been reworked to provide better cornering, improved braking, and increased durability and traction.

Snake through for more…

Hutchinson Python II cross country tire (7)

Hutchinson Python II cross country tire (5) Hutchinson Python II cross country tire (4)

Designing a tire that has been in the line up for 20 years probably isn’t an easy task, especially when you consider how many changes Hutchinson made to the tire. Lateral knobs have been made lower for better grip under heavy cornering, the transitional “Pistol knobs” are back and offer improved grip when making the jump between the center tread and the lateral knobs, and the center knobs are closed and chamfered to offer excellent rolling resistance and improved braking. Center knobs have also been reduced in height for faster performance on dry terrain. All of the new knob designs should add up to improved grip, traction, braking, and efficiency.

Following suit from the Taipan, the Python 2 receives a triple compound rubber with a 94 Shore A base across the whole tire, and softer 50 ShA in the lateral grip area that sandwiches the 70 ShA center tread compound. Tires will be offered in the Tubeless Ready HardSkin 127 TPI reinforced casing, Tubeless Ready 127 TPI casing, HardSkin 66 TPI casing, and the standard 33 TPI casing. Hutchinson also will sell the Python two in all wheel sizes, and in 2.10 and 2.25 tire sizes for each wheel.

Hutchinson python 2 sizes

hutchinsontires.com

 

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Andy
Andy
10 years ago

That’s a shame they didn’t do a 2.4 version – would’ve been nice to have for a bumpy hardpack race.

Mirwin
Mirwin
10 years ago

If the II is anything like than the I, do not use this tire on any surface even remotely damp. Hard pack and dry? Go to town.

Bobby Peru
Bobby Peru
10 years ago

Too bad they can’t do anything about the boat anchor weight of the 29er’s. The pythons were my go to tire way back when I was rolling on 26″ wheels nine years ago.

scentofreason
scentofreason
10 years ago

someone educate me. there are (4) 29×2.25 versions. what is the difference between ‘standard’ and ‘tubetype’, other than 80 grams. Also, how does the tubetype WITH the hardskin weigh less than the standard tire? what does the TT and TL mean? I get the xc = cross country, and end = enduro but what does the RR mean?

Note to industry, I know abbreviations are cool and all, but perhaps you could just spell everything out so us industry outsiders know what the heck you are talking about. Or provide a legend…

scentofreason
scentofreason
10 years ago

Also, this tread pattern would work much better if the large center treads were pushed out 1/4″-ish from the center. Would provide better transition for cornering and would provide more bite over roots and climbing traction. (continuous center ridges are notorious for being slick on roots and rocks, while in my experience, providing no better rolling resistance).

Mr. P
10 years ago

The important part of this story is the rubber compound and casing updates, which look to be significant.

P

Mike
Mike
10 years ago

First impressions? I race XC and the 29er tires are too heavy for me to ever consider.

Also, the abbreviations. Combing the website and still cant figure out what some mean. TL appears to be “Tubeless Light” which uses a butyl liner, TT might stand for “tubetype”? I dont know..

Bean
Bean
10 years ago

Has it already been 20 years? Who else is feeling old?

YoMamma
YoMamma
10 years ago

Don’t tell Miguel Martinez that this pattern was no good in the wet. It used to be the only tyre he ran and he kicked everyone’s a** with it.

John
John
10 years ago

TT= compatible with tubes
TL= compatible with tubeless

standard is 33TPI
tube type is 66TPI

Caveman
Caveman
10 years ago

700 grams for a 2.25 XC tire is too heavy????? you must be roadies who ride nothing but hard pack that has no rocks. 700 grams for our technical trails is a fantastic weight. Get ya’lls noses out of the air, none of you are pros. Go ride and have fun, quit complaining.

Mike
Mike
10 years ago

Yes, 700 grams for a 29×2.25 XC RACE tire is too heavy, when you compared to the competition, like a Schwalbe RaRa in the same size at 525 grams.

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