On my "Shore-XC" wheels I have recently switched to a set of Specialized Slaughter tires (2.3 // Control sidewall) and I'm actually blown away how good they are.
In a straight line they roll almost as fast as the 2.2 Ikons I was running (almost), but cornering traction is on par with the Schwalbe Magic Mary (SG) I use up front on my heavy-duty wheels.
Most impressive is that they totally do not suck braking down wet roots//rocks. Not comparable to the Magic Mary, but definitely better than a lot of tires I have used that are more aggressive//slower rolling.
As a rear tire (with something more aggressive mounted up front) I think they are an easy recommendation for anyone pedaling up to come down (Grid sidewall if you're pounding on them?)
For XC Riding in the winter they are the best combination of fast rolling + not scary that I have tried (Front and Rear).
Specialized was also nice enough to make the logos relatively small//bland, which is a nice departure from ~ everything else they do.
Comparably cheap too!
Mean People SUCK! Nice People SHOVEL!
Trails For All; Trails For Weather
…