Schwalbe SCHWALBE HANS DAMPF SUPER GRAVITY 27.5X2.35 TL READY TRAILSTAR

Schwalbe has long been a leader in the 29er movement, providing options for all trail conditions. So, it comes as no surprise to see Schwalbe aggressively entering the 27. 5in (650b) arena. The Hans Dampf Snakeskin TL Ready - 27. 5in Tire is designed as a jack-of-all-trades tire that positions itself firmly between the fast-rolling Rocket Ron and tenacious Knobby Nic. Large tread blocks and a Snakeskin sidewall reinforcement places the Hans Dampf squarely in the 27. 5 all-mountain market. And with five-inch-plus travel full suspension bikes showing up in progressive manufacturers' stables, we expect to see this tire become very popular. This tire features Schwalbe's tubeless ready TL technology, meaning that it'll require sealant in order to complete the picture. Which, in our eyes, is no big deal, as sealant has proven to not only provide an air tight seal, but it also helps prevent flats down the road. Adding to that flat-resistant picture is the aforementioned Snakeskin sidewall. This is a nylon-fabric protection layer that's laminated to the sidewall in order to prevent cuts and abrasion from rocks. And while the added material does add heft to the Hans' waistline, it's only marginal when considering the added piece of mind. The Hans Dampf uses Schwalbe's 67tpi casing with a three-ply layer under the tread. That aggressive tread pattern is composed of Schwalbe's TrailStar compound -- a rubber mixture that contains carbon filler. This gives the Dampf a tough compound without hindering pliability. The result is a fast-rolling, aggressive tire. And for added cornering traction, Schwalbe also used a grippy, softer rubber for the side knobs. The Schwalbe Hans Dampf Snakeskin TL Ready - 27. 5in Tire is available in either a 2. 25 or 2. 35in tire width.