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Review is for the 29x2.25 size mounted as a rear tire on an alloy hard tail. Actual weight matches mfg weight at 719g (surprising for a Maxxis tire). Measured 2.3in when installed on a 27mm ID rim inflated to 30psi (also surprising). I've run this tire on wet and semi-dry hard pack. It will predictably loose traction in both wet and dry so be ready to stick a foot out. The 2.25 version has smaller knobs than 2.4WT version and as a result, does not grip as well but its lighter and at 120TPI, more supple. Would recommend if looking for a less aggressive faster rolling rear tire for XC racing. Go with the 2.4WT if you want a great trail tire.
Fast pace group rides.
Have been using these and the previous model for years now. For me the overall feel is what I like best. Connected to the road but very supple. I seem to get about one flat a year with these and most of the time the sealant keeps the tire from going flat. They do not last as long as some harder tires but the handling and feel are well worth it. I now run about 90psi in the back and 85 up front in the 25s. I get almost two to one on changes front to back.
I recently purchased a 2.6 x 29� magic Mary super gravity front tire for my Turbo Levo expert from Western Bike Works. After a long, waiting period of low inventory on this tire, it was delivered quickly to me as soon as I was automatically emailed by Western Bikeworks. These guys were great. Smooth delivery, no hassles and the product arrived in tact. As the winter progresses here in San Diego with sporadic rain, this tire is great for hero dirt. Love it and I�ll be buying another one next year.
My new bike came with Aerothan tubes installed in Schwalbe tires, and they work great. They are, as advertised, extremely light with excellent rolling resistance. They're also very compact (roughly half the size of a regular butyl tube when folded), so they fit neatly and easily in either a smaller saddle bag or a jersey pocket. They're not puncture proof, but they do at least as well as butyl tubes in resisting punctures.
When I got my first flat (rear tire), I put in a butyl tube, and noticed an immediate difference. It was harder to pedal, harder to accelerate quickly, and harder to hold speed on the road. After I got home, I ordered up some Aerothan tubes, and replaced the butyl tube in the rear tire. I was amazed at the difference the Aerothan tube made.
Are they worth the substantial price difference? Maybe not for a commuter or casual recreational rider, but for performance riding, they can't be beat. And contrary to reports from some reviewers, they CAN be patched, although you must use Schwalbe's glueless patch kit, which is readily available through WBW/BTD. Yes, they're expensive, but they make a noticeable difference on the road. I'm sticking with the Aerothans. The better ride quality is worth it to me.