The new Schwalbe Thunder Burt takes the lead as their fastest, lightest cross country tire. Considering it’s brethren, that’s a tall order, but here’s their quote:
“Thunder Burt likes dry terrain, weighs less than Racing Ralph and rolls even more smoothly than Furious Fred, Schwalbe’s fastest MTB tire to date.”
It comes in right around 400g, splitting the difference between the Racing Ralph (~500g) and Furious Fred (~300g), and it’ll be available in all three wheel sizes in both standard and RaceGuard protection trim. Individual options and weights shown after the break. The tubeless ready Thunder Burt uses their 127tpi Evolution casing and PaceStar Triple Compound. PaceStar is the XC version of their triple compound layout. All Triple Compound tires get a very soft, pliable base layer, then center and side knob compounds are tailored for the application. In the case of PaceStar, it’s a bit firmer in the center and pretty soft on the edges.
The tightly packed, low height center knobs are what give it the lower rolling resistance, and taller, stronger side knobs help it hold up in the corners. They recommend it for dry conditions only and suggest it would make a great rear tire even if trail conditions call for more knobs up front.
Thunder Burt Standard
26 x 2.10 – 370 g
27.5 x 2.10 – 385 g
29 x 2.10 -410 g
Thunder Burt with RaceGuard
26 x 2.10 – 450 g
29 x 2.10 – 480 g
Available in shops this September. Retail is €54.90 (likely about $70-80 USD).