Review
Schwalbe Tacky Chan and Big Betty Tires
Tacky Chan
As a teenage boy who grew up with the hilariously action packed movies of Jackie Chan, I am conflicted at Schwalbe's naming practices. On the one hand, my immature brain, that barely grasps the finesse of the English language, loves the word play that the German company often uses. On the other hand, I find the ol' habit can be rather, well, tacky. I sure do love creative plays that pop for trail names like the Bermy Senders, Dirt Reynolds, Loam Chomsky and Schwalbe has done an excellent job giving their tires personas and making them a little more memorable. I guess the only question remaining is have they made the tread pattern, rubber compound and tire casing trifecta just as memorable? In a good way that is.
The new tire from Schwalbe represents a departure from the trusted workhorse, the Magic Mary. First of all, all the leading edges of the center knobs have ramps to help with rolling resistance, and they do help. The Tacky Chan rolls eagerly on paved surfaces. Pedaling up to the top on pavement is noticeably quieter and faster, while the on-trail pedaling performance is more difficult to detect. Tacky Chan (TC from here on) has a knob layout slightly different from the Magic Mary. While both tires have 3 rows of 2 knobs, the TC swaps the 4th row that's 3 spaced out square knobs on the Mary to a wide, DHR II like 2. They have extended ramps on the outer corners and this combination of knobs creates tighter spacing when compared to the Marys.
The new tire comes in 2.4" wide casing in both 27.5 and 29" sizes. There are 4 casings to choose from.
Super Ground
Super Trail
Super Gravity
Super Downhill
I imagine the word Super could be deducted from the line up successfully without negatively affecting performance but again, Schwalbe again has a way with words. This is not unlike the era where all the marketing departments slapped the word Turbo on products to sell to the Group B Rally-fans of Europe. I'll get over my naming beef with Schwalbe and have a look at their compounds next. The TC is available in both Addix Soft and Ultra Soft compounds in just about every casing, which is great for those people who need grip without the added weight that comes with tougher casings.
For testing on my 2024 Orbea Rallon, I was sent the 1050 gram 29 X 2.4 Super Trail Addix Soft Compound. I was a little disappointed with the compound. Always reaching for the stickiest rubber, I was hoping for the ultra soft version. It was however deep summer and the traction was ample, I did not worry too much about this compound dilemma while the ground was dry.
The Tacky Chan is an interesting tire. The lighter casing definitely feels less supportive than the DH casing Continental Kryptotal I am used to. Inflated to 20 psi, I found the bottom of the tire often. The weight shed off the front of the bike was a nice change I must say. Close to 300 grams off the bike meant I could change direction more easily with lighter steering at speed. The wide channel between the centre and side knobs however wasn't kind to lazy riding. The TC wanted input and wanted it precise. You have to lean the bike over to engage the side knobs which have a little more meat than those on the Magic Mary. They didn't fold over as easily and the traction on hardpack, soft loam and the variety of rocky trails was excellent as the sun baked everything in sight.
To my naked eye, the 2.4 width looked narrow. Confirmed with calipers, the outer edge of the side knobs measured 62mm (2.44") on the Reserve 30HD rims. Perhaps it is the overall stature of the knobs that makes the tire look skinny. the centre knobs measure 4.48mm on the Tacky chan compared to 5mm on the Magic Marys. This difference also helps the TC to hold a steady line on hardpacked trails. Less knob squirm and more accurate steering output.
After a few rainy days on the Shore, I couldn't deal with the Addix Soft rubber. I am too used to the sticky suction cups of Kryptotals and MaxxGrip. I even find MaxxTerra to have more grab than the Addix Soft around here, at least with residual summer dust all wet and slimy on the rocks and roots.
I would have loved to try a Super Gravity Ultra Soft version of this tire. I think it would suit the bigger bike and the trails it ends up on better. The TC is still in good condition after a few hundred kilometers of riding as a front tire. It may end up on the rear on a shorter travel bike and I think it would excel in that position. Right now, the tire sits on top of the discarded rubber pile in my office, waiting for its next assignment.
Schwalbe tires cost a pretty penny, particularly in Canada. I think they can be had for decent prices in Europe but 150 CAD for a tire that has questionable wet grip and needs to be ridden super aggressively is a little steep, especially with Continentals and Maxxis options at our disposal.
Big Betty
The Big Betty is a rear specific tire from the blue company. There are 22 SKUs when it comes to choosing a Big Betty for your Yeti. In addition to the already mentioned casing and compounds, there is a Bike Park Compound that is designed for rental fleets and heavy skidders. I don't know which bike park they are designing these for as Whistler is absolutely atrocious when it comes to grip in dry or wet. It is a place that needs a decent compound. You can run a tube all day long in your 40 psi park compound rear tire and skid skid skid away your worries. I am not the target audience for this tire so I find it silly, but I am sure there are some frugal riders out there on vacation to Spain that are stoked on this. Good on ya, mate. What is cool is they make the Big Betty all the way down to 20" size in the non-tubeless casing.
The Betty has a great tread pattern. Very similar to a DHR II but with prouder knobs that mean business when the time comes to drop anchor. The square centre blocks dig in like a moto tire and scrub speed on loose dirt and granite like no other tire I've experienced. It corners well too, as you lean into a nice arc.
I got two versions of the Betty for testing. Both in 29" Soft Compounds. One in Super Trail, one in Super Gravity casing. The Trail casing coming in around 1100 grams was the first one that caught my attention. I slapped it on to the bike and headed to the alpine. Pedaling uphill was good, some pushing and some hike a bike later we were overlooking the beautiful Sea to Sky corridor. I dropped into the gorgeous single track before me to immediately be startled by a loud bang and a shower of sealant. There was a 2" cut on the side wall looking at me like the damn grinning Cheshire Cat. It was a sunny day in the Alpine, I was with good company. I didn't let this ruin my day, but I had to put a tube in with the help of a bar wrapper closing the hole. 35 or so psi later, I was back in business.
Dissapointed in the outcome for the the light casing but excited for the tread pattern, I installed the heavier 1366 gram Super Gravity Casing version instead. Before you and I write the Super Trail casing completely off for any aggressive riding, the Big Betty Super Trail on the back of the Propain Spindrift 5 I reviewed survived a ton of beating at the Whistler Bike Park and on the North Shore trails. This might have been an isolated incident or just me riding like a hack. I did have a similar experience with the Big Betty that came on the back of the Commencal Meta SX I reviewed last year. It was repaired with 5 large plugs and a piece of cotton fabric from an old shirt ( ok... boxers). I returned that bike with a rather trashed rear tire.
The Super Gravity version has been trouble-free for me since installation. The blocky pattern pedals well but hums on the road announcing its downhill intentions. I wouldn't say it pedals worse than a DHR II but it's better than an Assegai or the Magic Mary. I haven't lost any of the knobs on either of these test tires like some of the older Schwalbes would do.
Verdict
The Super Gravity casing from Schwalbe seems like it would be the ideal big bike choice if the trails are steep and chunky. Great feedback from the trail can be felt through your hands and feet without feeling dead and mute. I think the Ultra Soft compound would be the only choice if you are searching for grip. The Soft compound does well if you like to pedal a fair bit and or live in drier conditions. I don't run inserts in my tires anymore for variety of reasons. Rolling speed, inconvenience, weight all being factors. Thus I haven't tested these tires with inserts but If I had, it would be with Tannus Fusion. It may help the lighter casing versions retain integrity. But at that point, just go up a casing thickness.
If your rocks are slippery and your roots are free of bark, I would opt for some of the already available and predictable tire options from Continental and Maxxis. I really do like the tread pattern Tacky Chan and Big Betty come in and I think either tire could be run on either end of the bike without compromise.
I'm looking forward to trying the Radial technology tires from Schwalbe in the coming months and reporting back to you on their performance.
5'8"
162lbs
Playful, lively riding style
Photographer and Story Teller
Lenticular Aesthetician
Comments
Cr4w
1 month, 1 week ago
I've been running Tacky Chans in the Super Trail casing all summer with an Ultra Soft up front and a regular Soft in the rear. I'm not crazy about these tires as they seem more park-oriented and are happiest at speeds I don't reach that often on the shore; that shoulder gap means you have to commit pretty deep to really get those side knobs to rail: no cruising on this tire just hard charging. The ST casing feels like it falls in that speed spot (for me) between EXO+ and DD though with Cush Core Trail inserts it was surprising that to get good compliance I had to drop pressures to around 17 rear and 23 front for my 230lbs!
After nearly 80 hours the rear tire has barely worn at all and the front still looks fresh which speaks to how hard the rubber is. The regular soft is really not sticky at all, nor is the Ultra Soft TBH so I think I'll go back to Maxxgrip for the winter. Definitely a surgical tire. I always thought of myself as precise rider but apparently not precise enou__gh for these.
I'm looking forward to trying a set of the new radial Alberts in Ultra Soft with trail casing soon. I think that will be a great tire for Spring-Summer next year.
TL;DR Tacky Chans are pretty racy summer bike park tires and even the softest rubber compound isn't that soft.
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Deniz Merdano
1 month, 1 week ago
Well put Alex. You really have to ride the TC hard and engage those side knobs. It helped me take my riding up a notch this summer for sure. It has been fun charging hard when the roots are not at play. But just put my Kryptotals back on the front but left the BB on the rear for a 3 week EU riding trip. These tires would be perfect in Moab and Sedona. Would last forever!
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Cr4w
1 month, 1 week ago
What if I put the ultra soft TC on the back and the ultra soft Albert radial up front? Is still doesn't feel like the Schwalbe ultra soft is as sticky as Maxxgrip though...
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Deniz Merdano
1 month, 1 week ago
Try it and let us know.
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Cr4w
1 month, 1 week ago
I got downvoted for this lol. Somebody vehemently disagrees with my assessment of the Schwalbe durometer scale. Enjoy your day buddy.
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fartymarty
1 month, 1 week ago
Have given you a couple of updates to counter the downs.
I've got a Super Grav MM Ultra Soft and it's the best tyre I've tried in winter - better than a Soft WTB Verdict which is a great winter tyre.
Admittedly I haven't tried a MG Assegai or Ultra Soft Krypt. I think with the SG MM US it's a combo of the compound and casing that works for me as you can run them really Soft
This could be a great NSMB article - the best front tyre for Shore winter conditions with back to back to back testing. Whilst rear tyres matter it will follow from the front.
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Deniz Merdano
1 month, 1 week ago
Kryptotal Rear DH Super Soft is the best Shore winter tire... There test done...
But if i had a mechanic doing my tubeless installs, i wouldn't mind doing a back to back...
WheelNut
1 month, 1 week ago
I've had the same experience basically. I had Big Bettys in the rear. Same casings and compounds. The rubber just doesn't work on our roots and other slippery bits in the Vancouver area. I went back to Maxxis MaxxGrip up front and immediately noticed an increase in grip. I'll take the highest grip level possible any day to help keep my face out of the dirt.
I did like the supplness of that Tacky Chan up front though. You really could feel the tire conforming to small bumps on the trail and taking some of that vibration away.
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Cr4w
1 month, 1 week ago
Were you trying the Soft or the Ultra Soft versions?
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Timer
1 month, 1 week ago
The Soft rubber versions would probably be very nice as rear tires for bikes that see a lot of pedaling. Magazine testing has found the Soft Schwalbes to be substantially ligher rolling than the equivalent Maxxterra or Continental Soft tyres.
Its kind of hard to find sturdy, fast rolling rear tyres, so these might fit that niche well.
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JVP
1 month, 1 week ago
Yeah, this. I quite like the Nobby Nic Soft Super Trail on the back of my little, pedally bike (older Optic). Schwalbe soft is better gripping than Maxxis DC, but not as soft as MaxxTerra. The Trail casing is a great in-between vs the Maxxis EXO+ (too flimsy) and DD (a bit portly for big pedal days). Not many pointy rocks where I live, so YMMV.
But I'm not sure what Schwalbe front tire to pair with the Soft Nic on the little bike. Mary isn't great on hardpack, and the reviews of the TC leave me wondering. I have on waiting to install in Ultra Soft, so we'll see next spring how it does.
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Timer
1 month, 1 week ago
If the new Albert is available in Soft rubber and a light casing, that could be the right Schwalbe front wheel partner to the Nobby Nic for your situation.
Personally, I’d ignore brand uniformity and just run a DHF Maxxterra on the front.
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Tjaard Breeuwer
1 month, 1 week ago
I think the bike park tires are mostly aimed at rental shops. They don’t care what grip the bike has, they just want a cheap tire they don’t have to replace after every rental day.
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Deniz Merdano
1 month, 1 week ago
My thoughts exactly
> In addition to the already mentioned casing and compounds, there is a Bike Park Compound that is designed for rental fleets and heavy skidders.
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Bro-Tato
1 month, 1 week ago
You didn’t mention what your experience was with mounting the new Super Gravity tires on a rim, but in my experience, the casings are as stiff as DH tires and they are an absolute devil to install. Four or five hands are ideal. Maybe more.
Once installed they are absolutely primo, but I hated my life and regretted my choices trying to get them on. They are an entirely different product than Maxxis DD, which go on nearly as easily as EXO.
And with an insert? Fuhgeddaboutit
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Deniz Merdano
1 month, 1 week ago
I don't remember having any difficulty installing them on the reserve wheels. Kryptotals are way worse at that task. Schwalbes sealed with a floor pump too.
What rims were you working with?
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Bro-Tato
1 month, 1 week ago
The rims are We Are One Unions.
Don’t get me wrong - I love SG casings. But I am haunted by that installation.
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Deniz Merdano
1 month, 1 week ago
Working at a shop i have done hundreds of tire installs so I've developed some good techniques dealing with stubborn combinations. Not saying you haven't but i haven't found the SG casing on the reserves to be particularly bad. Unions have even deeper center void, so I've found those to be even easier.
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fartymarty
1 month, 1 week ago
Depends on rims. Me and a mate struggled for about 20 mins to get one SG trye onto Hunts and pinched the rim tape several time doing so. In the end he took it to our LBS and bought a Cush Core bead dropper which made life easier.
Mine went on with a struggle onto DTs but without the need for a lever. They went up with a track pump tho.
Double taping rims doesn't help on tighter rims.
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Tjaard Breeuwer
1 month, 1 week ago
Hmm, I don’t find it that bad. For sure it’s a tougher and stiffer casing than DD, also in ride feel, but also in protection (lab test verified). So basically, it’s closer to Maxxis DH.
I was able to get one on with some effort, but nothing crazy. I pulled it off for some reason last week, and before I remembered it was the front, I put a big Rimpact Pro insert in there. It went in fine.
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WheelNut
1 month, 1 week ago
I had this same combo of Schwalbes. No issues mounting to WTB rims. Maybe the issue was the WAO rims?
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fartymarty
1 month, 1 week ago
Ultra Soft MM and Soft HD in gravity casings are my go to tyres. Once the HD dies I will be putting a Soft Gravity BB out back.
I have a Soft Trail MM which is fine for summer but not great on slippery Surrey roots.
Super Gravs are heavier but I can get the front down to about 17psi for my 92ish kgs for smoother trails.
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Deniz Merdano
1 month, 1 week ago
Mmmmmm Surrey roots.. you've got some good loam too
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fartymarty
1 month, 1 week ago
Some areas have loam albeit with roots. Then there is the lethal combo of chalk and roots - you don't go near those trails when it's wet.
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Allen Lloyd
1 month, 1 week ago
What I like about Schwalbe tires is their sidewall in the heavier casings has a nice dampening effect. They make my suspension feel a little more supple than Maxis. I was really hopeing you would be reviewing the new casing they just came out with that is designed for higher pressures.
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Duncan Wright
1 month, 1 week ago
I’ve tried Tacky Chan ST ultrasoft front with a Nobby Nic ST soft rear and then a Hans Dampf ST soft rear this summer. The Nic wasn’t grippy enough to keep up, but the TC/HD combo is a weapon on steep, fast, manmade trails in non ideal (wet or blown out) conditions. Definitely more suited for leaning into corners with abandon and no brakes, rather than easing your way down a fall line chute or slab.
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hankthespacecowboy
1 month, 1 week ago
I've been running the Tacky Chans on my Dreadnought here in Western Colorado, where roots and rain are practically non-existent, and (from what I understand) trail speeds are higher. We don't have much of what Duncan Wright mentioned in terms of "easing your way down a fall line chute or slab," but plenty of "leaning into corners with abandon," and I have been quite happy with these tires for having a good balance between rolling resistance, and cornering grip.
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Deniz Merdano
1 month, 1 week ago
Great high-speed tire for sure. Also, i need to ride Colorado next year...
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hankthespacecowboy
1 month, 1 week ago
I'd be happy to show you my favorite dust & rocks out here!
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Aaron Croft
1 month, 1 week ago
I've been riding the TC in ultra soft front, soft rear, super trail in Western WA. I like the more precise feel and the tire corners so well I can forgive its less than stellar performance on wet roots. I echo the other comment about Schwalbe's casings providing excellent damping. I'd previously run a 2.5 DHF front and find the TC to have less vague transition zone (could be the tread pattern, could be the smaller casing). That being said I prefer a faster rolling tire and find the magic mary/assegai to be boat anchors. I also like more open tread patterns and am willing to give up transition knobs for better grip at the extremes, so this may be personal preference.
I'd be interested in trying the Highroller III once they release it in Exo+. Curious if this would be a better front for the winter at expense of some rolling resistance.
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XXX_er
1 month, 1 week ago
So the conclusion I'm drawing from this artical is
just keep buying the Maxxis Assguy/ DHRII in DD
Thankyou
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Deniz Merdano
1 month, 1 week ago
Whatever helps you sleep at night.. :)
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Bushpilot
4 weeks, 1 day ago
It is unfortunate that the review couldn't include the Ultra Soft Super Gravity version of the Tacky Chan. I suspect the author would have been really impressed. That's not a criticism of this review - you can only review what you're given to review.
I've just burned through a pair of TCs both in super gravity. Ultra Soft front 29 and Soft rear 27.5. I have plenty of experience with the other tires mentioned in the review (and the other popular choices around these parts), including Assegai Maxxgrip Double Down, DHR2 Maxxgrip Double Down, Kryptotal DH Ultra Soft, Magic Mary Ultra Soft in Super Gravity, etc. Riding mostly on the North Shore all year long, but including Sea to Sky too.
I have to say I really like the Tacky Chans in the Super Gravity Ultra Soft variety. I agree that you have to really tell these tires what to do when it comes to cornering. I've found that they really reward a very intentional and almost exaggerated banking of the bike to work but, oh man, do they work well and are they fun when you do that. I can see how this tire would not be suitable, fun or particularly confidence inspiring for a novice rider, intermediate rider or person who just generally doesn't have the style of really bossing the bike around - i.e. a "passenger" on the bike. But if you do like to boss the bike around, these are really awesome tires. They roll fast, they're light for what they are, I really like the damped feel of the super gravity casings, they're tough and the braking is impressive for such an efficient tire.
I suspect because the tread pattern leaves less rubber on the ground on firm surfaces, these tires - even in Ultra Soft, are "acceptable" but not amazing on consistent wet greasy wood (i.e. wet roots don't bother me much but more consistent surfaces like ladder bridges with few gaps or just plain old planks are not this tire's forte). Same goes for greasy rock / slabs. They just don't put as much rubber on the ground as something like an Assegai does so there's going to be less grip on those types of surfaces - no question. But the result everywhere else, in my experience at least, and having tested so many of the other combos that are popular around here, is that the Ultra Soft Tacky Chans in Super Gravity are really killer tires if you like to be active on the bike.
I'll definitely be buying them again.
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