Schwalbe Racing Ray + Racing Ralph Super Ground TLE MTB Tire

RACING RAY AND RACING RALPH: THE NEW CROSS-COUNTRY SIBLINGS

Two new tires join forces to tackle the challenges of modern cross-country tracks. With Racing Ray on the front wheel and the new Racing Ralph on the rear, Schwalbe introduces this combination as the new benchmark for cross-country performance.

Cross-country racing has evolved rapidly in recent years. Modern tracks now feature jumps, quick directional changes, and rough surface roots in quick succession, becoming increasingly technical and faster.

"Tires for these modern tracks must deliver exceptional rolling efficiency while also being reliable and durable. Their tread patterns must perform flawlessly on diverse terrains and in all weather conditions. Cornering, acceleration, grip, rolling resistance, and braking performance must all be perfectly balanced," explains Markus Hachmeyer, Senior Product Manager for MTB tires. "The ultimate solution was only achievable by developing dedicated front and rear tires."

The benefits of these new tires become apparent when used together: Racing Ray is a front tire offering excellent steering precision, while Racing Ralph delivers speed and traction at the rear. Although these new cross-country siblings have distinctly different tread designs, both feature Schwalbe’s newly rounded knobs, a design concept that also made the Fat Albert duo successful. This innovation allows them to convert forces from all directions into smooth forward motion, ensuring consistent and predictable handling. "The tires compensate well for rider errors and, if they do slip, they are easy to control and correct," adds Hachmeyer.

Racing Ray (Front): Aggressive Tread and Superior Steering

As a dedicated front tire, Racing Ray provides precise steering, reliable cornering, and confidence-inspiring grip, even at the limit. It also excels in controlled braking under all conditions. The robust, nearly inflexible shoulder blocks support a direct and responsive riding style, even during extreme cornering.

Despite its aggressive tread, the tire rolls smoothly, quickly, and quietly thanks to a semi-closed center section with alternating center blocks. Balancing rolling efficiency with traction, the transitional knobs between the center and shoulders ensure continuous grip edges. The open tread design also aids in effective self-cleaning. Racing Ray is exclusively available with the Addix Speedgrip Compound, achieving the optimal combination of grip, speed, and durability for a front tire.

Racing Ralph (Rear): Fast and Versatile

The new Racing Ralph is more powerful than its predecessor while rolling more efficiently. Its solid center blocks and strong knobs on the shoulders and transitional areas provide numerous grip edges for traction and acceleration. Combined with its open tread design, this ensures better grip on roots and angled surfaces, as well as excellent self-cleaning.

"The rider will notice how efficiently the tires convert power into propulsion, even at low speeds on steep climbs under wet conditions," says Hachmeyer. At the same time, the tire rolls quietly and smoothly on flat surfaces. Because speed is the key focus for the rear wheel, the Addix Speed compound is ideal. Although Racing Ralph is specifically designed as a rear tire, it can also be used as a front tire on very dry tracks.