There was a lot to do not only for the component manufacturers this year. The introduction of the 27.5 inch wheel size involved some new developments. The tire manufacturers quickly followed suit and within a few months brought almost their entire range of tires onto the market for 650B wheels as well.
For years, the Schwalbe Nobby Nic has been one of the most popular tires for the all-mountain and enduro sectors . In our test, we used the Schwalbe Nobby Nic Evo in a 2.35-inch width. With its SnakeSkin sidewall and PaceStar compound, the tire weighs 685 grams, placing it in the mid-range in terms of weight. A slightly lighter, comparable tire is the Continental Mountain King . However, it's debatable whether the extra 50 grams of weight has a significant impact on handling.
The Nobby Nic has a fairly voluminous profile and its bulbous shape gives a reliable impression. The folding tire is quick and easy to mount. The knobs are arranged in an open pattern, so dirt doesn't accumulate too quickly. After several descents with the Nobby Nic , you're surprised how well the tire rolls despite its relatively aggressive tread. It always offers sufficient grip, even in the wet. What we particularly liked was its excellent controllability. When pushing the tire to its limits, it doesn't lose traction unexpectedly. With enough finesse, for example, you can easily control a rear wheel slide.
As expected, the Nobby Nic shows some weaknesses uphill . It feels a bit sluggish here. However, this is acceptable for an all-mountain and enduro tire. Due to its low weight, one might initially be somewhat skeptical regarding puncture protection – however, we didn't experience a single flat tire during our entire test period.
//Conclusion
Overall, the 650B version of the Nobby Nic is a good all-rounder, just like its counterparts in the other two inch sizes, 26 and 29. We were particularly impressed by the control the tire offers. Even at its limit, it remains predictable. For just under 55 euros, the Nobby Nic 650B is a reliable tire, although you do have to accept some compromises in rolling resistance.
//Product highlights
- good grip
- easy to control
- good cushioning
//price and web
- EUR 54,90
- www.schwalbe.com