Looking for Hans Dampf, Nobby Nic, Racing Ralph, Rocket Ron, Smart Sam, or Rapid Rob?
VANCOUVER, BC – 650B and 29-inch bike tires by Schwalbe have arrived. New for 2013, Schwalbe’s Hans Dampf, Nobby Nic, Racing Ralph, Rocket Ron, Smart Sam, and Rapid Rob tires now fit new 650B (or 27.5) bikes such as Norco’s Sight Killer B and Range Killer B.
The Norco Sight Killer B with Schwalbe Hans Dampf tires. Photo: Francis Cebedo, mtbr.com.
The tires range from slim 1.85-inch (Rocket Ron) to fat 2.40-inch (Nobby Nic) widths. And each tire has different rubber compound choices for cross-country, all-mountain, or enduro riding. View Schwalbe’s MTB tires
What are 650B wheels and tires?
(L-R) Nobby Nic and Rocket Ron tires, by Schwalbe.
Also known as 27.5s (for their diameter), 650B wheels are larger than 26 inch but smaller than 29-inch wheels.
“650B bikes combine the advantages of the 29er and 26-inch models,” says Markus Hachmeyer of Schwalbe. “It’s virtually the best of both worlds. They are quiet and more stable, roll as easily as a classic 26-inch and have better traction.
“At the same time they are also more agile and responsive than 29ers. Longer suspension travel is easier to realize; where 29ers are rarely available with more than 130mm of travel by design without major disadvantages, 650B bikes can be built with greater suspension travel. Naturally smaller riders will be interested in the compact 650B bikes as an alternative to 29ers. 650B forms the happy medium between two bike worlds.”
26-inch and 29-inch sizes also available for trail or pavement
Most of the tires also come in 26 and 29-inch sizes. Plus, if you’re looking for a smoother tire to take your 29er onto pavement, Schwalbe offers 29-inch sizing in their Marathon city and touring tire line.
Learn more:
- About Schwalbe
- Find a Schwalbe retailer in Canada
- Browse MTB tires from Schwalbe
- Browse Marathon tires from Schwalbe
- Frequently asked questions about tires, from the experts at Schwalbe