Specialized Introduces Slaughter Tire in 27.5 and 29″ Sizes
Specialized hosted several of us journalists in Hood River recently but at this point I can only talk about the Slaughter tires. We spent some time riding the fast and windy trails near Dog River as well as the Enduro course at Post Canyon.
Ride Impressions
The Slaughter was a solid tire for the conditions because the ground was mostly firm. At first it took some adjusting to realize that to corner you have to get the bike down with this tire. With not much transition between the low and closely-spaced centre knobs and the tall side knobs, cornering with aggression is essential. Once I got the hang of it the tire was fine – and I had no braking or climbing traction issues in the conditions around Hood. The closely spaced centre knobs make for a fast rolling tire with bite.
Here’s release info from Specialized:
WHY:
Riders from the gravity and all-mountain disciplines need a tire that can enhance speed and pedaling on certain terrain, while still providing confidence while cornering. Proper for rear usage, but can be ridden as a front.
WHAT:
World-class competitive gravity and all-mountain tire for hardpack to intermediate conditions.
HOW:
Lowering the center tread for high speed, yet keeping plenty of knob edges for secure braking, gets riders to the bottom first. Much taller side knobs give confident cornering traction. For theDH ver sion, our unique 70a base compound and 42a top compound make for a fast, yet grippy tire. Dual-ply 60tpi casing and butyl sidewall reinforcement pads offer extreme pinch flat protection. The GRID 2BR version provides all-mountain riders this sought after tread in a 2Bliss Format with additional construction features to prevent cuts and to stiffen the sidewalls. Control level keeps a robust construction and keeps weight to a minimum.
It’ll be interesting to see if the side knobs take more of a beating than usual without a line of transitional knobs. Will they be vulnerable like a line of trees with no wind barrier? Time will tell but if so they may be a race day-only tire.
Is this the tire you’ve been looking for?
Comments
Joe
9 years, 9 months ago
No 26″….:(_
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Bavaria 2.0
9 years, 9 months ago
Reply
Bavaria 2.0
9 years, 9 months ago
Nice. Wonder how it compares to the Rock Razor from Schwalbe.
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Morgan Taylor
9 years, 9 months ago
Really liking the looks of this tire. Should climb decently as well.
Reply
Cam McRae
9 years, 9 months ago
I've made a request for that info. In the meantime here is US pricing: $80 for DH (650b only), $60 for GRID 2BR (29” & 650b), and $55 for Control (29” & 650b).
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mdouven
9 years, 9 months ago
When are they due to be out? Anyone know?
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Cam McRae
9 years, 9 months ago
Here's your answer directly from Morgan Hill: For the availability of the Slaughter, it will be in stores in limited quantity starting in July and then in better numbers in August. It will also be spec’d on the rear on 2015 bikes.
Reply
mdouven
9 years, 9 months ago
Thanks Cam. Looks like a great tire for the summer here in the valley. Should help with those fire road climbs as well.
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