Schwalbe Racing Ralph

Cornering:
The Racing Ralph’s updated tread pattern, with closely packed alternating center blocks and dedicated side knobs, provides reasonable cornering performance. The tire cuts a round profile, ensuring smooth transitions, but the minimal side knobs limit its bite in aggressive turns.

Pedal Traction:
The Racing Ralph excels in pedal traction, especially on fast and smooth trails. The angled, siped knobs deform easily, offering good grip during acceleration. However, on uneven or steep climbs, the relatively short knobs and less sticky rubber compound result in occasional rear-wheel slip-outs.

Braking Traction:
With a low-profile tread pattern and well-placed shoulder lugs, the Racing Ralph delivers solid braking traction. The tire performs well in various conditions, providing confidence-inspiring deceleration on descents and technical sections.

Rolling Resistance:
Known for its low rolling resistance, the Racing Ralph lives up to its reputation. The Super Race construction and Addix Speed compound contribute to its fast and quiet rolling performance, enhancing momentum on descents.

Ease of Installation:
The Racing Ralph, available in various configurations, is user-friendly during installation. The tubeless setup, particularly on DT Swiss XR1501 control wheels, is notably straightforward, making it a hassle-free choice for riders.

Price:
Positioned as an XC/Marathon tire, the Racing Ralph offers a good balance of lightweight design, durability, and performance. While it may not be the cheapest option, its competitive pricing justifies the quality and features it brings to the table.