Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29x2.6 Addix SpeedGrip [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

Just like car, "where the rubber meets the road" is very important as well in mountain biking. With all the great tire choices out there it can get a bit overwhelming when picking out new shoes for your bike. Our friend Kevin shares his thoughts on the Schwalbe Nobby Nic 29x2.6 Addix SpeedGrip tires. Check it out! 

Looks

The Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires come packaged exceptionally well. Each tire in a box with the tread showing, very classy, but probably unnecessary. Once you pull the tires out, they feel very slick. I can only assume this is some sort of mold release agent, and I must admit I was worried about the first roots I would encounter. The tires have a nice round profile to them when mounted onto my rims. The tires have a fairly aggressive look to them, even with the somewhat shorter center lugs.

Mounting

If you’re accustomed to mounting Maxxis tires, I suggest you have your tire levers handy. I needed the levers to get the last few inches of bead onto the rim. The process was about the same as the last Conti Trail King I mounted up, not bad but not super easy either. Once on the rim, the tires inflated and sealed with only the use of my floor pump.

When the tires do slide, it is controlled and predictable before regaining traction.

Rolling resistance and trail grip

I chose these Schwalbe tires to try and improve my rolling speed, as most of the trails I ride do not require the aggressive tires I currently have. Previously I ran a Maxxis Assegai 2.5 and Conti Trail King 2.4. Both tires provided the grip I was after but neither are what I would consider fast-rolling tires. I am pleased with the Schwalbe tires as the perceived rolling speed is much better, and I have set a few PR’s on climbs since having them mounted. I have ridden the tires on typical winter trails in my area with slick muddy spots under wet leaves, wet roots, wet rocks, tacky hero dirt, and loose machine built trails. The tires seem to pack up in the gooey mud but maintained traction on wet roots and rocks even with mud packed between the lugs. I knew that there would be some front grip concessions made, but I am impressed by how little it has turned out to be. I have not had any moments where I felt out of control caused by a lack of grip. Overall I am impressed with the speed and grip of these tires. I like the extra volume of the 2.6 tires, as they seem to add a bit of extra stability and cushioning to my 120mm travel bike.

Durability

This one I can’t speak to as of yet, but the tires still look new after several rides on rocky and gravely terrain.

Final Thoughts

First let me say that I am by no means an experienced mountain biker, but I have been riding the same area for the last 3 years with various tires. I am also larger than your average mountain biker at 270 lbs. I mounted the tires to a set of brand new Nox Composites Kitsuma rims (29 ID) laced to I9 Hydra hubs. I ran the tires at 25-27 psi front, and 27-29 psi in the rear. These are the same pressures I have used for the previous tires, and all have been set up tubeless.