Specialized Ground Control Grid 2bliss Ready Tire 650b X 30 Review
Specialized's tire lineup has been undergoing an overhaul over the last couple of seasons, with new tread patterns, safety compounds, and a naming scheme that's actually not overly complicated, something of a rarity in the mountain bike tire world.
This year, it was the Xc-oriented tires that received updates, including the Ground Control model reviewed hither. The Ground Control is the most ambitious Ninety-oriented choice in Specialized'south lineup – it'due south designed to be fast rolling while still delivering a decent amount of traction in loose conditions. Information technology wouldn't be a stretch to call it a downcountry tire, bold that term doesn't make you cringe, of class.
Ground Command Details
• Sizes: 27.v x ii.35 or ii.6" and 29 x ii.ii or 2.35" widths
• T5, T5 / T7, or T7 rubber compound
S-Works, Control, and Grid casings
• Weight: 880 grams (actual, 29 ten 2.35", Grid T7)
• Tan wall Soil Searching model available
• specialized.com
The Ground Command'southward new tread design uses what Specialized calls a 'block-in-block' design, where a slightly taller inner block is supported on two or three sides by a larger block. The thought is that those larger blocks aid keep the tire from feeling too squirmy, while the smaller inner blocks tin can conform to the basis for actress traction, especially during braking. For a cross-country tire the tread pattern is fairly aggressive, despite the shorter tread height.
CASING & COMPOUND OPTIONS
There are iii different casing / compound options for the Footing Command. The lightest pick is the S-Works version, which uses a T5 / T7 condom chemical compound (the higher the number the grippier the rubber), a 120 TPI casing, and a narrow, ii.i" width to keep the weight downward to a claimed 595 grams.
Adjacent up is the Footing Control Control T5. Recollect when I said Specialized'due south naming scheming wasn't overly complicated? I might need to take part of that back – having a tire casing that shares a proper noun with the tread blueprint seems a petty silly. In whatever case, the Control T5 has a 60 TPI casing and a niggling more sidewall protection than the Southward-Works version.
The third option is the Footing Control Grid T7 that I've been testing for the terminal couple months. The Grid casing provides even more sidewall protection, and the T7 compound is the grippiest bachelor for Specialized'south Xc tires – their scale goes upwardly to T9, which is used on the more aggressive enduro and DH tire models. The typical sidewall color is black, but there's too the tan-walled Soil Searching version shown here, with the proceeds from the sales of this tire going to do good Specialized's program that supports trail builders around the world.
The Ground Command Grid T7 retails for $60, and is available in 27.5 10 2.35, 2.6" and 29 x 2.2, ii.35" versions. The 29 x 2.35" Soil Searching version weighed in at 880 grams.
SETUP
A Transition Spur served as the test bicycle, and the Ground Command tires were installed on a pair of Roval Control wheels, which have a 29mm inner rim width. Getting them set upward tubeless didn't pose any issues, and once inflated they measured true to their stated ii.35" width. I've been running 21-22 psi in the front and 22-24 psi in the rear, pressures that have worked well, even in the harder packed and dusty conditions that have prevailed over the last couple of months.
PERFORMANCE
The kickoff ride on a set of tires with an unfamiliar tread pattern is always an interesting experience. It's a truthful trial past fire, since the only style to determine how a tire volition handle steep, loose terrain, or dusty, diddled out corners is to dive right in and see how it goes. Thankfully, the Footing Command tires met and exceeded my expectations in virtually every aspect of their performance.
The overall level of grip was impressive, especially considering the lower tread height. Sure, they're non going to dig in like a meaty enduro tire, but they notwithstanding managed to find traction in moon-grit filled chutes, and when pushing into flat turns where the ground was covered with a layer of dried evergreen needles. Those intermediate knobs assist create a very predictable tire, one that's gratuitous of whatsoever vagueness or dead spots.
I simply got in a couple of wet rides before summer arrived with a vengeance, so I tin't definitively comment on the tires' performance in the slop, although they held their own during those few soggy sessions. The fact that the knobs aren't super tall helps keep them from getting hung upwards on roots, which means there are fewer surprises on moisture roots or rocks.
The Ground Control's rolling speed is very reasonable, and it'll feel extra-fast to anyone coming from something with more tread. At that place's also a good level of climbing traction, which helps make it possible to make it up techy climbs without the rear bicycle spinning out. 90 racers will likely want something fifty-fifty quicker rolling, though; running Specialized'due south Fast Trak in the rear would likely practice the play a trick on. On the flip side, for riders that want more traction, running a Specialized Butcher up front is a very fun combo.
Immovability
Regarding durability, I haven't had any flats despite running fairly low pressures, and in that location have certainly been plenty of opportunities. The knob wear is even, and at that place's no not bad or violent to exist seen. I wouldn't listen seeing a Grid Trail casing option added to the mix, although Specialized's Eliminator tire is a worthy substitute for riders looking for a tough, faster rolling rear tire.
HOW Practice THEY COMPARE? SPECIALIZED GROUND Control VS WICKED Will
Weight: The weight of the Ground Control Grid tire is quite shut to that of Schwalbe'due south new Wicked Will tire in the Super Basis casing, at 880 grams vs. 892 grams respectively – 12 grams isn't enough to cull one over the other.
Cost & Availability: The Basis Command tires are priced at $60 and are bachelor now. The Wicked Will is $94.99, and won't exist available aftermarket until next yr, although they are currently being spec'd on some new bikes, similar the Scott Spark. Indicate: Specialized.
Performance: The Wicked Will feels similar it rolls a little faster than the Ground Control, simply it'due south not quite as surefooted, especially in loose over hardpack conditions. Later on a few sketchy moments, including one un-planned dismount, I've decided I'g not the biggest fan of running the Wicked Will as a front end tire. It works fine in the rear, simply those sudden front end tire washouts rattled my nerves. Granted, it'southward been actress loose and dusty lately - when conditions were a little softer and tackier the Wicked Will'south functioning level increased.
With the Ground Command, unexpected slideouts were few and far between – I was constantly impressed by how well the tires could maintain traction. There was too more sidewall support on the Specialized tires, despite the fact that they weigh almost the same every bit the Schwalbes. I had to run a couple more pounds of pressure in the Wicked Volition to avert rim strikes, something I didn't need to practise with the Basis Control tires.
Pros
+ Not bad traction for this manner of tire
+ Less expensive than comparable options
+ Very predictable handling
Cons
- Rolling speed is quick, just not Ninety-racer quick
- No extra-tough casing options
Pinkbike'southward Take
 | It tin exist tricky choosing the ideal tire for a downcountry or lighter duty trail bike. After all, role of the appeal of a short-travel machine is that they typically don't weigh every bit much as their beefier enduro siblings, a trait that makes them more enjoyable to have out on long pedal fests. Sure, y'all could slap on some heavy duty condom and get loads of grip and apartment protection, but and then you'll have a not-that-calorie-free bike that also doesn't have much travel; not exactly a best-of-both-worlds scenario. With Specialized'south new Ground Control tires that conclusion making process is a whole lot easier, thanks to a price vs. performance ratio that'due south hard to trounce. They offer a great balance of traction vs. rolling speed, with a level of handling predictability that's not always present in this type of tire. Overall, a very highly recommended choice. |
Source: https://www.pinkbike.com/news/review-specialized-ground-control-grid-t7-tires.html
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