The Schwalbe Rick XC is the latest cross-country tyre from the German brand. It prioritises speed and follows the trend for wider cross-country tyres, delivering an impressive blend of speed, responsiveness and comfort.
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Schwalbe Rick XC tyre – Technical details
Schwalbe has positioned the Rick XC within its premium carcass range, offering limited choices in width and compound. The tyre is available in two widths: 2.25in (57-622) and 2.4in (62-622), which should be the more popular option. Two compound options are available: Addix Speed with a transparent (skinwall) sidewall and Addix Speedgrip with a black carcass.
The version tested is the 2.4in Addix Speed, which is claimed to weigh 760g. Our pair weighed 766g and 773g, which are close. The 2.25in version is claimed to weigh 680g.
All versions of the Rick XC feature a 67tpi (Schwalbe calls this EPI) casing, which is standard for Schwalbe’s MTB tyres but lower than some premium competitors, particularly as other brands move towards higher tpi constructions.
Schwalbe Rick XC tyre– Performance
Fitting and inflating the tyres was straightforward. They were tested with and without Tubolight Diamana SL tyre inserts. While inserts often complicate installation, the process remained hassle-free. Without inserts, the tyres were fitted by hand and inflated with a track pump.
Mounted on Hunt Proven Race XC UD Carbon wheels with a 30mm internal diameter, the Rick XC measured slightly under its quoted size at 2.36in (60mm), which was unexpected given the relatively wide rims.
Testing included a range of conditions, from a bikepacking trip in Morocco to varied terrain in Wales, including plenty of mud, as expected. After covering over 1,300km, the tyres have proven reliable, with no punctures or visible signs of sealed punctures. Knob wear is noticeable but reasonable given the mileage, including some road use. The rear tyre remains usable, while the front is still in excellent condition.
Unsurprisingly for Schwalbe’s latest XC race tyre, the Rick XC feels fast, offering a smooth, quiet ride on all surfaces. While rolling resistance cannot be measured outside a lab, it feels among the quickest I've tested.
Positioned between the Thunder Burt and Racing Ralph in Schwalbe’s line-up, the tread pattern follows suit: low-profile centre knobs for speed, with taller edge knobs for cornering grip. The uniform centre pattern creates a dimpled effect, while the close spacing of the edge knobs impacts its ability to shed mud effectively.
On dry trails, the Rick XC inspires confidence, delivering excellent feedback and grip. It performs well on loose gravel, though some sliding occurs, albeit in a controlled and predictable manner. In wet conditions, particularly mud, the same characteristics apply —progressive loss of traction rather than sudden slides. On wet rocks, grip is commendable, and traction has exceeded expectations, maintaining stability on steep climbs.
For typical UK conditions, the Rick XC can serve as a rear tyre year-round, particularly in races where speed is paramount. As a front tyre, performance depends on terrain: it excels in dry conditions and proves capable on wet, rocky trails, provided they are not excessively muddy.
Schwalbe Rick XC tyre – Verdict
At £68.99 per tyre, the Schwalbe Rick XC sits firmly in the premium bracket. However, this is in line with other race-focused XC tyres, such as the WTB Macro at £75, which features a more open tread pattern but retains a low knob height, and the Vittoria Peyote at £65, which is slightly less versatile. All three tyres perform impressively, each with unique strengths and trade-offs.
The Rick XC is a reliable tyre. While not a dedicated trail tyre, it has endured over 1,000km of varied terrain without a single issue. It offers more grip than expected for such a low-profile tread, providing excellent feedback and control. The combination of a wider volume and a thin carcass enhances comfort and traction, making this an impressively fast tyre in more than just bone-dry conditions.