Anyone use a Schwalbe Rock Razor up front? I'm thinking for gentle stuff like canals and green lanes where my normal tyres are over kill. They're cheap at Merlin but the info suggests they're rear only.
Considering selling my gravel bike as I don't like drops and could do with the money to put towards a van but I do enjoy the type of rides I've used it for. The idea is to tame my Pace RC627 for the gentler stuff while the weather is nice before reverting to proper off road tyres for winter. I could get another set of wheels or could buy an XC bike but would really like to keep the van fund topped up!
I've got a 2.6 Slaughter Grid on the front of my rigid MTB, and a 2.4 Minion SS on the rear (other brands equivalent). Up the pressure for road only journeys and it rips. Fine off road too - with a little less pressure - but needs caution for example on loose or muddy terrain.
You won't die.
Cheers mate. Currently running 2.6 Magic Mary and Hans Dampf and they are perfectly capable of road/light off road stuff but the Dampf especially can get very draggy. Tbh I probably made the wrong decision with that one when I built the bike but liked that combo in an earlier version. May well just swap the rear for now as it worked wonders on my full suss.
I've used it upfront for some XC racing in the winter when it's been wet and soft and I didn't have anything else. Worked well enough, didn't die.
Think I had an Ikon Race on the back at the time.
A semi slick will give you more grip than a knobbly with a smooth surface, so go for it.
As an aside, semi slicks seem to have fallen out of favour. Was at an event last week with dry conditions and lots of rock. A few folks said the Rock Razor on the back was a brave move. It was dry and Rocky, grip was epic.
I don't think they make the Rock Razor anymore. Shame as I really liked it.
Ta for the info. 2.6 RR is £20 at Merlin atm so that's what tempted me. Might have a nibble.
I've done it, basically because I already had the tyres but tbh a low-tread XC tyre is usually going to do the job better.
I don’t think they make the Rock Razor anymore. Shame as I really liked it.
Not on the Schwalbe website anymore. I had it in mind to this kind of tyre, and IIRC it was recommended over the Minion SS and Specialized Slaughter. Might grab one while I can.
A mate has a pair of them (2.6) on his rigid steel offroad tourer. Heavy but tough. As long as you don't rail any corners, or ride in any way 'enthusiastically'... they'll be fine.