Test: Schwalbe is presenting a whole range of innovations in the MTB sector for the coming season. Among other things, there is also a new edition of the all-rounder Nobby Nic, which we have already been able to try out on a few test laps.
Schwalbe innovations 2021: Casing update, new Nobby Nic and return of the Big Betty
Product News / Tyres: Schwalbe is cleaning up its MTB portfolio – and expanding the range at the same time. There are five new carcasses to choose from in 2021, the Nobby Nic is also getting a new profile and the venerable Big Betty is making a comeback. The search for the right tire for a mountain bike is now very complicated: Different widths, profiles, carcasses […]
Schwalbe sent us the new Nobby Nic in size 29 x 2,25″ with the Super Ground carcass and the Addix Speed compound for testing. The tire weighed 850 grams for us, which is only 10 grams more than the manufacturer's specification and is within the tolerance range of MTB tires.
The tire was mounted tubeless on a Mavic rim with sealant. The tires went on the rim easily and a tire lever was only needed for the last bit. Just put on the compressor and the tires jumped onto the rims. The tire also sealed well immediately and hardly any sealant leaked out.
It's also always exciting to see how a tire ultimately comes off the rim. Despite an XC rim that is only 22 mm wide, the 2,25″ Nobby Nic seemed very voluminous. Compared to a previous year's 2,35″ Nobby Nic with a 24,5 mm wide rim, you could only see a marginal difference. The new Nobby Nic follows the trend of wider tires and is slightly wider. What else stands out compared to the predecessor? The lugs are designed relatively similar, just with a little more space in between. The lateral grooves in the lugs are striking, they are supposed to give the tire stability and grip.
First we roll on asphalt with the Nobby Nic. For a trail tire, it rolls very well and smoothly on asphalt and gravel thanks to the Addix Speedgrip compound in the Super Ground version. But that should not be the parade discipline of the new Nobby Nic. Two days of continuous rain not only caused the river levels to rise, but also watered the trails well. Ideal test area for the Nobby Nic. First it was uphill on technical trails. Despite mud, wet rocks and roots, the tire was always sovereign and relaxed the driver. On the downhill, the tire particularly impressed with its very good lateral support, even in tight corners. Deep mud didn't bother the Nobby Nic either, as it cleaned itself very quickly and only clogged in bad conditions. The new Super Ground carcass copes well with harder hits. With low air pressure, the tire is very stable and hardly tends to buckle.
Overall, the new Nobby Nic is a successful update to the already very good predecessor. It adapts to modern conditions and has become even more versatile. A variety of tire widths from 2,25″ to 2,6″ (29er) or 2,8″ (27,5er) will make a wide range of drivers happy. And if you like to ride a little harder, you can use the Super Trail carcass instead of the Super Ground.
