The Pace cross country tire we’ve been seeing on pro bikes doesn’t have distribution in the U.S. or Germany. While we don’t have an explanation for North America, the Germans say it’s too heavy for XC racing, so they don’t bother importing it. Word is, the lowest weight version is around 700g, which is a bit portly for XC.
The solution? The new Tread Lite, a semi slick that’s tipping the scales at just 530g for a 26×2.10. The 27.5×2.10 is 560g or 595g with the EXO protective casing. 29ers are 590g and 630g. All are tubeless ready, which they designate simply as TR, and have 120tpi casings.
Now, on to more aggressive knobbies, which includes the road bike rubber…
The Griffin is a new DH tire for dry, hardback courses like South Africa and Leogang. Available in Super Tacky or 3C. It’s been tested by several of their regional pros, some of whom say they prefer it as a rear tire since the knobs aren’t very tall. The ramped shape, though, makes it roll quick and easy. It’ll come in 26×2.4 and 27.5×2.4 with weights running from 1,130g to 1,190g depending on wheel size and rubber compound.
Shorty gets a new folding bead, lighter version for enduro racing. It’s only in 2.3 widths, but for all three tire sizes. They get 3C Maxx Terra, which is their enduro type triple compound mix, with TR and EXO casings. Weights are 825g, 865g and 910g.
Wetscream gets a 650B size, but it won’t start shipping until March 2015. It has the Super Tacky tread compound. That might be a bit soft for really biting into the mud, but it’s far cheaper than their 3C. Weight is 1,270g.
Not shown, the Ardent becomes available in TR/EXO in all versions and all sizes. And, as we suspected, the tread pattern for the 29er version changes just a bit, giving every other middle transition knob a small extra hook off the outside edge. The Crossmark 29×2.1 also gets the TR/EXO upgrade.
For the kids, the new Snyper 24×2.0 comes in two versions (wire and folding, 650g and 600g respectively), both with dual compound rubber.
