Specialized Fast Trak 29x2.35 T5
Specialized Fast Trak 29x2.35 T5 is a versatile XC race tire that blends a fast-rolling center tread and aggressive shoulder knobs with a T5 compound tuned for grip and low hysteresis, making it a strong choice for mixed-condition courses. Priced and spec'd to be competitive with both narrow race tires and wider traction-focused options, it offers a middle ground—faster on hardpack than the widest choices but grippier in corners than the pure slicks.
T5 speed rubber
Corner-hugging lugs
T5 speed rubber
Corner-hugging lugs
Review Summary
"Fast, confidence-inspiring XC tyre with the T5 compound delivering low rolling resistance and strong corner grip, especially at 2.35 width; a few users mention faster wear under heavy use. Generally highly rated for race and aggressive XC riding."
Versatile race-roll
Fast-rolling center knobs combined with aggressive shoulders for mixed conditions.
Versatile race-roll
Fast-rolling center knobs combined with aggressive shoulders for mixed conditions.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Specialized Fast Trak 29x2.35 T5 is a versatile XC race tire that blends a fast-rolling center tread and aggressive shoulder knobs with a T5 compound tuned for grip and low hysteresis, making it a strong choice for mixed-condition courses. Priced and spec'd to be competitive with both narrow race tires and wider traction-focused options, it offers a middle ground—faster on hardpack than the widest choices but grippier in corners than the pure slicks.
T5 speed rubber
Corner-hugging lugs
Versatile race-roll
Fast-rolling center knobs combined with aggressive shoulders for mixed conditions.
Performance compound tuned for a balance of speed and grip on loose terrain.
T5 speed rubber
Corner-hugging lugs
Versatile race-roll
Fast-rolling center knobs combined with aggressive shoulders for mixed conditions.
Performance compound tuned for a balance of speed and grip on loose terrain.
$100-150 USD
Specialized Fast Trak Control 2Bliss Ready 29
The Fast Trak Control 2Bliss Ready is tuned for marathon riders who want confident cornering and reliable tubeless performance, featuring a firmer Control casing and 2Bliss compatibility for easy setup and fewer pinch flats. Compared with the more race-lean models it offers a slightly more robust build and competitive pricing—often bundled or promoted with bikes—giving riders a practical balance of performance and cost-efficiency for long event use.
Cornering maestro
2Bliss tubeless
Cornering maestro
2Bliss tubeless
Review Summary
"Fast, confidence-inspiring XC tyre with strong cornering grip and a user-friendly 2Bliss tubeless-ready setup. Reviewers note very good traction for racing and training, with moderate longevity under heavy use."
Control confidence
Fast center tread with pronounced shoulder knobs for enhanced cornering control.
Control confidence
Fast center tread with pronounced shoulder knobs for enhanced cornering control.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Fast Trak Control 2Bliss Ready is tuned for marathon riders who want confident cornering and reliable tubeless performance, featuring a firmer Control casing and 2Bliss compatibility for easy setup and fewer pinch flats. Compared with the more race-lean models it offers a slightly more robust build and competitive pricing—often bundled or promoted with bikes—giving riders a practical balance of performance and cost-efficiency for long event use.
Cornering maestro
2Bliss tubeless
Control confidence
Fast center tread with pronounced shoulder knobs for enhanced cornering control.
2Bliss-ready construction makes tubeless setup simple and reduces flat risk on long rides.
Cornering maestro
2Bliss tubeless
Control confidence
Fast center tread with pronounced shoulder knobs for enhanced cornering control.
2Bliss-ready construction makes tubeless setup simple and reduces flat risk on long rides.
$75-125 USD
Specialized Ground Control Grid 29x2.35
The Specialized Ground Control Grid 29x2.35 is the rugged training tire on this list, featuring a wider 2.35 profile and Grid sidewall protection to absorb rough trails and improve cornering stability. It secures its position for riders who prioritize comfort and durability over top speed, being heavier but more damage-resistant than narrower XC tires and often costing a bit more up front while reducing maintenance and downtime.
All-condition grip
Bombproof stability
All-condition grip
Bombproof stability
Review Summary
"Riders appreciate Ground Control Grid for balanced traction and stability from the larger 2.35 volume and robust Grid casing, calling it durable and confidence-inspiring for mixed XC/trail use despite added weight."
Muddy magic
Wide 2.35" profile increases contact patch and confidence on roots and rocks.
Muddy magic
Wide 2.35" profile increases contact patch and confidence on roots and rocks.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
The Specialized Ground Control Grid 29x2.35 is the rugged training tire on this list, featuring a wider 2.35 profile and Grid sidewall protection to absorb rough trails and improve cornering stability. It secures its position for riders who prioritize comfort and durability over top speed, being heavier but more damage-resistant than narrower XC tires and often costing a bit more up front while reducing maintenance and downtime.
All-condition grip
Bombproof stability
Muddy magic
Wide 2.35" profile increases contact patch and confidence on roots and rocks.
Tread pattern balances grip and predictable breakaway for progressive handling.
All-condition grip
Bombproof stability
Muddy magic
Wide 2.35" profile increases contact patch and confidence on roots and rocks.
Tread pattern balances grip and predictable breakaway for progressive handling.
$90-140 USD
Schwalbe Racing Ray Super Ground 29 is the market leader for pure speed and tuned grip in dry XC conditions thanks to its Super Ground compound and race-optimized tread; it is engineered for racers who prize traction and minimal rolling resistance. Compared to the more all-around or protection-focused tires here, the Racing Ray typically commands a premium but returns top-end performance where milliseconds matter, at the expense of some long-term durability.
Low-drag roll
Aggressive bite (hooks!)
Low-drag roll
Aggressive bite (hooks!)
Review Summary
"The Schwalbe Racing Ray Super Ground 29 is widely regarded as a top pick for XC racers seeking low rolling resistance and confident front-end grip, especially in dry to mixed conditions. Users like the push in corners and the modern compound, with few complaints beyond very soft-surface limits."
Plush casing (cloudy!)
Super Ground compound combines low rolling resistance with sticky grip on mixed XC terrain.
Plush casing (cloudy!)
Super Ground compound combines low rolling resistance with sticky grip on mixed XC terrain.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Schwalbe Racing Ray Super Ground 29 is the market leader for pure speed and tuned grip in dry XC conditions thanks to its Super Ground compound and race-optimized tread; it is engineered for racers who prize traction and minimal rolling resistance. Compared to the more all-around or protection-focused tires here, the Racing Ray typically commands a premium but returns top-end performance where milliseconds matter, at the expense of some long-term durability.
Low-drag roll
Aggressive bite (hooks!)
Plush casing (cloudy!)
Super Ground compound combines low rolling resistance with sticky grip on mixed XC terrain.
Slim, fast-rolling tread pattern excels on smooth to moderately loose surfaces.
Low-drag roll
Aggressive bite (hooks!)
Plush casing (cloudy!)
Super Ground compound combines low rolling resistance with sticky grip on mixed XC terrain.
Slim, fast-rolling tread pattern excels on smooth to moderately loose surfaces.
$80-130 USD
WTB Ranger 29x2.25 TCS Tough Wire Bead
The WTB Ranger TCS Tough with wire bead is built for predictable traction and exceptional puncture resistance across varied XC terrain, earning market-leader status for riders who prioritize durability without a major speed penalty. Its beefier casing and durable tread compound outperform many competitors in rough conditions, offering a more confidence-inspiring, long-lasting option than race-leaning tires like the Continental Race King while remaining competitively priced against other premium offerings.
Tough casing — go further
Predictable traction
Tough casing — go further
Predictable traction
Review Summary
"Highly regarded for versatility—good traction, predictable cornering and tough sidewalls in the TCS Tough wire-bead version; praised for durability though slightly heavier than racing-focused tires."
Earth-smart durability
Versatile tread performs well across dry, loose and muddy conditions
Earth-smart durability
Versatile tread performs well across dry, loose and muddy conditions
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
The WTB Ranger TCS Tough with wire bead is built for predictable traction and exceptional puncture resistance across varied XC terrain, earning market-leader status for riders who prioritize durability without a major speed penalty. Its beefier casing and durable tread compound outperform many competitors in rough conditions, offering a more confidence-inspiring, long-lasting option than race-leaning tires like the Continental Race King while remaining competitively priced against other premium offerings.
Tough casing — go further
Predictable traction
Earth-smart durability
Versatile tread performs well across dry, loose and muddy conditions
TCS Tough casing provides extra puncture protection for rough trails
Tough casing — go further
Predictable traction
Earth-smart durability
Versatile tread performs well across dry, loose and muddy conditions
TCS Tough casing provides extra puncture protection for rough trails
$60-90 USD
The Ardent Race EXO TR 29 is a tubeless-ready XC tire that trades a little extra weight for EXO sidewall protection and a grippier, slightly more aggressive tread that excels in loose or technical XC sections. Against the other options it offers noticeably tougher sidewalls and cornering confidence—making it a pragmatic choice when durability and puncture resistance on rough courses matter more than the absolute lightest rolling performance, and it usually competes well on price-to-durability.
Aggressive bite
EXO sidewall armor
Aggressive bite
EXO sidewall armor
Review Summary
"Riders commonly report the Maxxis Ardent Race EXO TR as a great all-round fast XC tire with noticeably better sidewall protection from the EXO casing and strong cornering grip for its class, though some note slightly faster wear under hard use. Its tubeless-ready construction and balanced grip/speed make it a frequent pick for mixed XC and light trail."
Clings like spider
EXO sidewall protection enhances cut and abrasion resistance
Clings like spider
EXO sidewall protection enhances cut and abrasion resistance
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The Ardent Race EXO TR 29 is a tubeless-ready XC tire that trades a little extra weight for EXO sidewall protection and a grippier, slightly more aggressive tread that excels in loose or technical XC sections. Against the other options it offers noticeably tougher sidewalls and cornering confidence—making it a pragmatic choice when durability and puncture resistance on rough courses matter more than the absolute lightest rolling performance, and it usually competes well on price-to-durability.
Aggressive bite
EXO sidewall armor
Clings like spider
EXO sidewall protection enhances cut and abrasion resistance
Tread tuned for a balance of grip and speed on varied XC terrain
Aggressive bite
EXO sidewall armor
Clings like spider
EXO sidewall protection enhances cut and abrasion resistance
Tread tuned for a balance of grip and speed on varied XC terrain
$65-100 USD