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The basis for all Active Line tires is the high-quality 50 EPI casing material. SCHWALBE no longer produces tires with a coarse 20 or 24 EPI casing material. In addition, K-Guard provides effective puncture protection for Active Line tires.

It was in this context that Schwalbe – established in 1973 – emerged as a standard-setter in the bicycle tire market. The launch of the legendary Schwalbe Marathon tire in 1983, with its unprecedented mileage, was met with great enthusiasm by keen cyclists, bicycle dealers and trade journalists. Tires for every type of bike. The Marathons and this Black Jack have made me a Schwalbe fan. 2 people found this helpful. Comment Report abuse. 4.0 out of 5 stars Good sand tire for hybrid use. Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2016. Verified Purchase. Sand is a problem here in Florida and I don't mean the beach. When it rains swaths of sand.

1. NOTE: We have a test available of a newer version of this tire: Schwalbe Lugano II 2020 The Schwalbe Lugano is the entry-level road bike tire from Schwalbe. This is a review of the 700 x 25C folding version of the Lugano. An even cheaper wire bead version is available as well.
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German tire manufacturer Schwalbe is renowned for its large variety of bike tires. It recently reworked its range of wares, including adding new features such as the Evolution? carcass design and Qualifier Compound? to boost competition performance on its mountain bike tires. The range of Black Jack tires are touted as extreme conditions tires, meant for the likes of enduro competition and marathon cross-country rides. I tested the 2.1-inch UST version of the Black Jack.

First Impressions

Upon inspection of the direction-variable tire carcass, one finds center knobs that measure an astounding 5 mm high! What is more, each individual knob is bulky, with no secondary step-up knobs, nor ramped in any way. Initial opinion tends towards dismissing these extreme condition tires as having extremely high on-road rolling resistance, but that is not the case. The center knobs, which are shaped in an irregular angled claw-like shape, are spaced very closely to each other. They are almost interlocking, in a continuous pattern, for the sake of reducing rolling resistance. This is typical of ?all terrain? type tires, commonly found on commuter or touring bikes.

The side knobs are not particularly big, but they are angled according to the rotational direction for optimal performance as the front or back tires. Schwalbe calls these Off-Camber Grip shoulder blocks, and are meant for high-speed off-road cornering. They are widely spaced, presumably to facilitate mud clearance. Small lateral ridges on the side knobs are an additional feature that might improve the grip of these tires when the bike is leaned over on turns.

The carcass, which can be folded, consists of a 1mm-high step-up layer around the centre knob portion that branches out at intervals to the side knobs. This in itself offers extra durability and some protection against small thorn or splinter pricks that are typical in a tropical or desert off-road environment.

The sidewalls of the tires give all the relevant information. Recommended pressure range is 35-55 psi, or 2.5-4.0 bar. Direction arrows are found on both sides, and lettering that proclaims ?Made in Indonesia? is visible as well. Not seen was the amount of threads per inch (tpi) ? 67.

The bead itself is fairly thick, even by UST standards. Immediately apparent were frills of excess rubber on portions of the inner edges, as well as little rubber ?hairs? that stuck out on the outside face of the bead. This constituted a palpable lapse in quality control, as it did affect the mounting process. Plucking these extra bits of rubber out by hand would be the only viable solution to ensure proper mounting and sealing of the tire.

Weight-wise, it is listed as weighing 720 grams per piece. Not the lightest amongst today?s crop of UST XC racing tires, but recommended if long distances and more extreme terrain is the name of the game.

Black Jacks in Action

The tires were mated to Mavic X317 rims for standard tubed wheel trials. As expected, the UST-specific bead proved highly challenging to mount and dismount, even with metal tire levers. On a whim, the tires were mounted to a Mavic Crossmax SL rim. This proved easier, and the bead of the tire sat comfortably as it was designed to.

For tubeless trials, the tires were fitted to Stan?s NoTubes Olympic Disc Rims with Stan?s sealant. Owing to the large size of the tire beads, mounting was once more a chore. Casualties of the process included one damaged rubber rim strip, a broken tire lever, and plenty of finger skin rubbed raw. Occasionally, the bead did not sit properly due to the excess rubber frills on the bead edge, and had to be re-adjusted by prying the affected section off and remounting once more. Once the knack for tweaking the bead was discovered, however, the process was easily accomplished, even with plastic levers. Such luck was not forthcoming when converting a set of Mavic 217 rims, as the tires could simply not hold air even after a tortuous mounting process. This could be attributed to varying rim designs that do not accommodate the bead when modified with the Stan?s rim strip.

The verdict is that Black Jacks are pretty much suitable for Mavic UST rims, but are a risky proposition for any other tubeless-converted rims that may turn out to be incompatible. Sticking to the standard version of these tires for conversions is the safest bet.

On asphalt and pavement, the Black Jacks shone. They are supremely quiet, particularly when the air pressure is ramped up past 45 psi. Below 40 psi, and the medium-sized side knobs start their racket. The expected lack of rolling resistance is appreciable, although not fantastic. It is comparable to the Schwalbe Racing Ralphs, but with much better side knob grip especially on fast road corners and tiled surfaces.

On grass, the traction is remarkable. I took it directly up damp grassy hills with up to 80% inclines (about 36˚ from the horizontal) with very little slippage. The claw-like centre knobs bit into the grass for superior traction even as the side knobs were not at full potential contact at the higher pressures. On off camber climbs at high pressures however, it tended to slip.

Loamy soil presented a different problem ? the centre knobs were apt to slip. Reduction in tire pressure to below 40psi seemed to improve traction and braking via the side knobs. Similarly, roots ? both dry and wet ? were overcome by judiciously lowering pressures. Higher pressures resulted in tires skidding off angled roots or spinning on larger, damp logs. The ability to allow the bike to lean into corners at high speeds on loamy soil was a plus.

Mud proved to be the bugbear of the Black Jacks. The high, closely-spaced center knobs offered little straight line traction, with only average braking properties, and spinning on the uphills was a constant problem, particularly on clayey mud. On the upside, the Black Jacks were beautiful mud-shedders, and dropped off the gunk with alacrity on fast sections and downhills. When mud turned to hardpack however, these tires had few equals. Cornering was extremely precise, and straight line rolling resistance was minimal.

Gravel, sand and loose surface performance was appreciable. In several instances, I managed ? with a tire pressure of 45 psi on the rear and 40 psi up front – to clock speeds in excess of 55 km/h, with 40 km/h turns, holding it together thanks in no small part to the excellent side knob bite. Braking was safe and effective, and climbing was a joy, particularly when smoother fine-grained sections presented themselves.

Durability

In training and competition, I clocked some 250 kilometres on the Black Jacks, about 60% of which was off-road. It was noted that wear was minimal on the side knobs, and although the center knobs appeared lower in height, the right angle of their edges were maintained. Rolling resistance did not lessen (as tires which wear out are apt to do), but traction remained predictable and consistent.

This was after taking the tires through 100 kilometres of gravel logging trails, singletrack, and potholed fire roads in this year?s Sabah Adventure Challenge. Lesser tires would have ripped open on one of the myriad sharp, potentially rim-dinging rocks that were par for the course, particularly on the fastest downhill sections. Or they would have simply worn down to bald, slippery carcasses. Not so the robust Black Jacks ? their outward appearance seemed intact and their wear rates very agreeable.

The additional security by going tubeless accentuated the high-speed handling of the Black Jacks by being able to run relatively a low pressure of just 40 psi, whereas other standard tube-equipped competitors were safely in the 50-60 psi range to avoid pinch flats ? at the expense of traction. Still, penetration punctures were inevitable: The Black Jacks I used suffered at least two rock-induced cuts over the three days of competition, which were thankfully taken care of by the Stan?s sealant.

Upon closer inspection of the tires post-race, it was found that between the two tires, at least three center-knobs had their leading edge (the ?sharp? point end of the knob pattern) torn partially from the main carcass, exposing the ridged mid-layers beneath. Heavy braking was the most likely cause of this damage, but it highlighted possible long-term durability issues under demanding conditions. As was the case in Sabah, there were long downhills that descended more than 200 vertical metres in elevation in a matter of 4 minutes, with generous applications of brakes at the bottom of slopes to negotiate sharp corners ? all plausible causes for ripped knobs, a common malady of tires with high-profile knobs.

Conclusion

I really believe that Schwalbe have a potentially winning hand in the Black Jack range of tires. It boasts a full house of tried-and-true features derived from contemporary trends in tire design that make it a standout long-distance mountain bike thread. It comes up short of a royal flush though, due to minor quality control issues that affect the ease of inflation. I reckon that slight adjustments to the design profile of the center knobs might render improved knob integrity despite heavy braking or even skidding. So far, the pair I have is holding up very well.

Other versions of the Black Jack Available include tires in 1.90 and 2.25-inch widths, as well as Race Guard, Puncture Protection, Light, and Sport variations.

Schwalbe are sure to have the right tire for your bike. Offering a huge selection with everything from commuter to cross country all the way to downhill tires, the traditional German brand has got the right tool for the job. Across all the mountain bike tyres we tested, the Schwalbe options consistently measured wider than their stated size. We found that a 2.35″ Schwalbe tire was usually just as wide as a 2.4″ from other brands

Here you’ll find everything you need about mtb tires: The Best Mountain Bike Tire – We had them all!

Casing

Schwalbe have obviously taken note of our criticism towards their casings and added one more option to the line-up. Moreover, they’ve revised and renamed all other options. Instead of SnakeSkin TLE, Apex and co., their 5 high-end MTB casings are now called Super Race, Super Ground, Super Trail, Super Gravity and Super Downhill. In most cases, the name suggests the recommended field of application, making it easier to choose the right casing. Super Ground is the revised version of the SnakeSkin TLE. Despite the changes, however, we find that it’s still too thin and weak for hard enduro riding and in some cases even for demanding trail applications. Super Race is even lighter and, above all, visually very appealing, as it’s also available with tan-walls. But since this type of casing only makes sense for CC race bikes, it’s not included into our group test. On wider 2.6” and 2.8” models, the Apex casing was replaced with the new Super Trail casing, which is also available on a number of slimmer tires. The two casing options for tough terrain have undergone only minor changes: Schwalbe’s downhill tires are now foldable and called Super Downhill. All new casings rely on a chafer that lies directly against the tire bead and helps with the tubeless compatibility. Above all, this is meant to prevent friction on the tire section that’s in direct contact with the rim, for example when the bead slips slightly under hard braking or with harsh cornering manoeuvres.

Super Ground

While there are even lighter casings in Schwalbe’s portfolio, the Super Ground is the thinnest we would go for enduro and trail riding. The entire structure of the three-ply casing is covered by a Snake Skin insert. This protects the sidewalls against cuts and prevents the tire from losing air, even without tire sealant. Still, the casing is simply too thin for demanding trail use. Riders that weigh more than 80 kg are bound to suffer pinch flats on the rear wheel On the other hand, lightweight riders will likely benefit from the reduced rolling resistance and weight and should get along well with the Super Ground casing up front.

Super Trail

With the new Super Trail casing, Schwalbe finally bridged the gap between the puncture-proof Super Gravity and lightweight Super Ground casings. It shares the same construction as the Super Trail with the addition of a sturdy Apex insert in the side wall, which is meant to improve puncture resistance. The Super Trail casing is an interesting option for trail riders, because it strikes a good compromise between the lighter weight of the Super Ground casing and the improved puncture protection of the Super Gravity. This also becomes evident in a direct comparison with the EXO+ casing from MAXXIS, which is in the same weight range as Super Trail but struggles to match its superb puncture resistance.

Super Gravity

If you want to play it safe, you can’t go wrong with the Super Gravity casing on your enduro rig. In terms of puncture protection, the Super Gravity is hard to beat, but also correspondingly heavier. Compared to the Super Trail, the extra weight of the Super Gravity is mainly due to the additional fourth layer of the casing. Lighter riders can also use it for downhill on the front wheel. In direct comparison with MAXXIS Double Down or Kendas AGC, the Super Gravity casing is slightly stiffer and provides less internal damping.

Super downhill

Schwalbe’s new downhill casing doesn’t seem to get impressed easily, still standing strong after enduring countless messed-up lines through rough rock gardens with low tire pressures. With this much additional material, however, it’s also a lot heavier than most of its competitors. For enduro bikes, this makes only sense for rider who weigh more than 90 kg and have an aggressive riding style. In other words, unless you’re heavy or own a downhill bike, you’re better off trying the Super Gravity casing. The Super Downhill is Schwalbe’s first downhill casing with folding bead and is therefore easier to set up as tubeless compared with the wired version. In contrast to the Super Gravity, the new Super Downhill version features a sturdier Apex insert, which in this case is made of two different materials. In addition, the Super Downhill casing has a six-ply casing.

Rubber compounds

For the high-end Evolution range, tires are offered with one of Schwalbe’s range of four Addix rubber compounds. The hardest and fastest-rolling Addix compound, Addix Speed, is only used for cross country tires. For Trail and Enduro bikes, you can choose between Speedgrip, Soft and Ultra Soft. The rubber compound is easy to distinguish by the coloured stripe in the tread.

ADDIX Speedgrip

Addix Speedgrip has one huge advantage over the softer compounds. The blue-striped tires are a lot harder wearing and roll faster. If you typically only ride in good weather anyway, the Addix Speedgrip compound is a good option for longer lasting tires that’ll go easy on your wallet. Up front, Addix Speedgrip is for skilled riders and those with a hankering for endless gravel climbs only. Personally, we never use a Speedgrip tire on the front, preferring something with more grip.

ADDIX Soft

The Addix Soft triple compound is Schwalbe’s universal blend and performs well on almost any bike. It offers a good compromise between grip and rolling resistance on an Enduro bike for both the front and rear wheels, and it makes for a grippy front tire on a Trail bike. Incidentally, the rolling resistance is comparable to MAXXIS’ 3C MaxxTerra compound. If you want a compound with which you’ll be able to enjoy the trails all year round in all conditions, Schwalbe’s orange-striped tire is a good choice. Whether on the front or the rear: Addix Soft always works well.

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ADDIX Ultra Soft

The downhillers darling: the purple-striped Addix Ultra Soft is the softest rubber compound and is primarily used for Schwalbe’s downhill tires. It is also available on some Super Gravity tires, where it is ideally suited as a front tire on an Enduro bike. In terms of grip, it’s hard to beat in the wet, but the rolling resistance is correspondingly high. An Addix Ultra Soft tire on the rear of your bike will quickly drain your legs and the tread won’t last long either.

Tread pattern

While Schwalbe boasts an impressive selection of tires, bicycle manufacturers always seem to be using the same three models: the Magic Mary, Hans Dampf and Nobby Nic. Now with the new version of the Big Betty, this trend will change soon. Designed as a fast-rolling gravity tire, it offers plenty of lateral support and superb braking traction – in other words, the optimal rear tire for enduro and downhill bikes. Alongside manyproven all-rounders, Schwalbe also offer a number of condition-specific tires, like the Dirty Dan for muddy terrain and Rock Razor for extremely dry conditions.

Magic Mary

Magic Mary is a favourite amongst gravity riders. With its massive shoulder knobs, the aggressive tread pattern generates outstanding cornering grip on soft ground while offering good braking traction and self-cleaning properties – and compared to the Dirty Dan, it doesn’t squirm on rocky terrain or hard-packed trails. To fill the gap in their portfolio, Schwalbe released the Mary in 2.35″, 2.4″ and 2.6″, with casing options from Super Trail all the way to Super Downhill. There’s also a new version with Super Gravity casing and ADDIX Ultra Soft compound, which works incredibly well as a front tire for enduro bikes.

Big Betty

The latest addition to Schwalbe’s portfolio is the updated version of a true gravity classic. However, apart from the supported centre knobs and the name, the new Big Betty doesn’t have much in common with its predecessor. To strike an optimal balance between low rolling resistance and top braking traction, Schwalbe relied on elongated lug-edges which are positioned transversely to the direction of rotation. As you’d expect from an aggressive gravity tire, the shoulder knobs are massive and – also thanks to the big gaps between the lugs – dig deep into the trail even in dry conditions. Compared to the Magic Mary, however, the knobs of the big Betty are not as well supported and tend to buckle sooner, which means you can easily drift through a tight corner without even pulling the rear brake. In other words, the Big Betty is not the ideal option for the front wheel. Instead, we recommend it as a rear tire combined with a Magic Mary up front – for downhill, enduro and even rowdy trail sessions.

Hans Dampf

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The Hans Dampf is Schwalbe’s all-round tire. The closely spaced tread pattern provides a good compromise between rolling resistance and traction on technical climbs. It works well as both a front and back tire on a Trail bike. The pronounced transition knobs create a round profile that makes cornering predictable at every angle. This tire doesn’t track quite as well as the Magic Mary, but that makes it easier to drift in a controlled manner. In berms, the shoulder knobs withstand the forces of the tightest corners, which makes Hans Dampf an interesting rear wheel option for bike park rats. By the way, the tread pattern is bidirectional, so if you want to save some money you can turn it around after a few weeks, giving you fresh, unworn edges that bite into the ground for that new tyre feeling.

Nobby Nic

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The latest rendition of the Nobby Nic extends the area of application of Schwalbe’s legendary trail tire enormously. The new profile is more aggressive, which becomes evident under braking – in this respect the Nobby Nic is slowly closing up with the Hans Dampf. However, the biggest changes are in the shoulder knobs, which are now more supported and not as widely staggered. As a result, the Nobby Nic ensures good, well-defined cornering traction while the three rows of centre lugs that reach far into the shoulder knobs allow you to lean into corners intuitively and without losing grip. From now on, Schwalbe’s classic trail tire will be available in Super Trail casing and both Addix Speedgrip and Addix Soft compounds. It can be used both as a front (Addix Soft) and rear tire (ADDIX Speedgrip) for touring bikes or as a fast rolling rear tire for trail bikes with the Super Trail casing and ADDIX soft compound.

Dirty Dan

As the name implies, you’re meant to get dirty with the Dirty Dan. The aggressive and widely-spaced knobs on this mud tire dig into soft ground but effectively shed mud that could bring your ride to a grinding halt. The tire offers a lot of traction and precision on wet roots too. However, as soon as you run into rock slabs or hard ground, you have to be cautious. The tall shoulder and centre knobs deform quite a lot the handling becomes vague. Rolling resistance is very high too, so we would only recommend this tire for the front.

Rock Razor

Rear wheel only! With this semi-slick tire, you’ll fly up the climbs. Don’t be fooled by the minimalistic centre tread – on hard ground, the large contact area generates a lot of traction. The shoulder knobs are slightly smaller and flatter than the Magic Mary but still grip well in the corners. Their smaller size means they’re also less prone to squirming in berms. Leaning the tire onto the shoulder knobs is consistent and controllable thanks to the tiny transition knobs. However, even the best riders will end up fighting the Rock Razor in muddy conditions. It only makes sense you if you live in a dry climate or regularly swap your tires to suit the conditions. Another point of criticism is that the 29″ model is only available in the fragile Snakeskin version.

Our recommendations

Enduro – all-round (f/r): Magic Mary, ADDIX Ultra Soft, Super Gravity / Big Betty, ADDIX Soft, Super Gravity
Trail – grip (f/r): Magic Mary, ADDIX Soft, Super Trail / Hans Dampf, ADDIX Soft, Super Gravity
Trail – fast rolling (f/r): Magic Mary, ADDIX Soft, Super Trail / Nobby Nic, ADDIX Soft, Super Trail

For more information head to schwalbe.com

Our big ENDURO group test at a glance

Here you’ll find everything you need about mtb tires: The Best Mountain Bike Tire – We had them all!

All the models in test

Words: Felix Stix Photos: Valentin Rühl