The Schwalbe Nobby Nic in plus sizing is a great tire for loose terrain.

What is it

The Schwalbe Nobby Nic is a popular all around tread that’s gotten the Addix compound treatment and larger sizing options, including the 27.5×2.8 that is tested here. Top line features include enhanced grip, lowered rolling resistance, and easy tubeless setup.

Pros

• Faster rolling Addix compound
• Excellent traction on damp roots and rocks
• Easy tubeless set up

Cons

• Expensive
• Knob wear

Mtbr’s Take

The Schwalbe Nobby Nic tread was redesigned in 2014 and has gained loyal fans all over the cycling world. Available in a wide variety of sizes, it is one of Schwalbe’s most popular all-around models. Indeed, the Schwalbe Nobby Nic serves everyone from cross-country racers looking for extra grip, to enduro shredders seeking a quick rolling rear tire option that can stand up to miles and miles of rowdy trail abuse. The Schwalbe Nobby Nic’s great grip comes via a widely-spaced tall knob pattern that’s designed for better traction on fast and loose terrain.

Read the Mtbr review of the 29×2.35 version of the Schwalbe Nobby Nic here.

Rider’s eye view of the Schwalbe Nobby Nic 27.5×2.8 with Addix compound.

This performance has been enhanced by the introduction of Schwalbe’s proprietary Addix compound. Mtbr tested a Schwalbe Nobby Nic with Addix Speedgrip compound (indicated by a blue line on the tread). This compound is said to offer grip, lower rolling resistance, and enhanced overall tire life, giving it the broadest range of application.

The Schwalbe Nobby Nic has sharp knobs all around aiding in excellent sprinting bite.

Mounting and inflation of the Schwalbe Nobby Nic were painless. I was able to seat the bead with a floor pump. And the Schwalbe Nobby Nic’s sharp knobs give the tire great bite and dependable braking performance.

This Schwalbe Nobby Nic has the Addix Speedgrip compound, indicated by the blue stripe.

The previous version of Schwalbe Nobby Nic left me wanting when it came to rolling resistance. But the new Addix compound has improved this immensely, though inherently there still is some drag for this type of tire, especially in a plus-sized version.

I ended up running this tire in the 15 psi range depending on trail conditions. One thing I would like to see are taller cornering knobs, though running lower pressure helped here, and resulted in very little sidewall folding.

This translates to 2.8 inches on the nose.

Bottom line, the Schwalbe Nobby Nic in plus size with Addix compound is an excellent choice for many trail conditions and riding styles. The aggressive tread allows you to pusher harder in the corners while still being an efficient roller on the flats. If you’re looking for a dynamic trail tire that will help your handling and grip, Schwalbe Nobby Nic is worth considering.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Price: $86
More Info: www.schwalbe.com