MTB Tire Test: Schwalbe Thunder Burt Super Race Addix Speed
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 19.0 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 27 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 61 Points
- Conclusion: 4.3 / 5 Highly Recommended
- Comments
- Schwalbe Thunder Burt Super Race Addix Speed
According to Schwalbe, the Schwalbe Thunder Burt Super Race with Addix Speed compound is the fastest version of the Thunder Burt, and we're going to check if that's true. Schwalbe introduced their "Super" casings in 2020, and we have already tested the Super Ground version of the Thunder Burt in 2021 (read our review). Our tests show that the Thunder Burt Super Ground is the fastest mountain bike tire you can buy today, and if we go by Schwalbe's claims, the Super Race version should be even quicker.
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We also tested both the Super Ground (read our review) and Super Race (read our review) versions of the Schwalbe Racing Ralph, and contrary to our expectations, our tests indicate the Super Ground version rolls faster despite its higher weight. To jump straight to the conclusion, we see the same situation with the Thunder Burt in the Super Race version on test today; it also rolls slower than the Super Ground version, which makes choosing between these tires extremely hard.
The most significant benefit of the Super Race casing seems to be its lower weight, but a lower weight doesn't automatically result in less rolling resistance. The materials used for the Super Race casing are softer and appear more flexible when compared side by side. Our experience has been that casings need specific properties to roll fast, and returning energy on the rebound is more important than saving energy on compression.
The Super Race casing can easily be recognized by the brown/transparent sidewalls, which can be a pro or con for some. We've tested the 29x2.1 size of the Thunder Burt Super Race and will compare it against the Thunder Burt Super Ground in the 29x2.25 size, the Racing Ralph Super Race in the 29x2.25 size, and a selection of mountain bike tires that come closest in performance to the Thunder Burt.
Manufacturer Specifications
| Manufacturer Specs | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Schwalbe |
| Model | Thunder Burt Super Race Addix Speed |
| Year | 2024 |
| Supplied By | Bought in store |
| New or Used | New |
| Mileage | 0 km |
| Price Range | High |
| Buy At | Ad Amazon.com |
| Manufacturer part number | 11600510.03 |
| EAN | 4026495879293 |
| TPI | 67 |
| Compound | Addix Speed |
| Bead | Folding |
| ETRTO | 54-622 |
| Size Inch | 28" |
| Width Inch | 2.10 |
| Specified Weight | 545 grams |
| Max Air Pressure (psi) | 55 |
| Made In | Members Only |
| Available Sizes |
29x2.10 29x2.25 |
Schwalbe Thunder Burt Super Race Addix Speed Test Results
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
| Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements | |
|---|---|
| Specified Weight | 545 grams |
| Measured Weight | 611 grams |
| Measured Width Carcass | 50 mm (un-round) |
| Measured Width Tread | 52 mm |
| Measured Height | 49 mm (un-round) |
| Measured Knob Height Center | 1.4 mm |
| Measured Knob Height Edge | 3.6 mm |
| Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs) | 1.7 mm |
| Measured Total Thickness Sidewall | Members Only |
| All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 35 psi / 2.4 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim. | |
Rolling Resistance Test Results
| Rolling Resistance Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Inner Tube | None (40 ml sealant) |
| Rolling Resistance 55 PSI / 3.8 Bar |
Members Only |
| Rolling Resistance 45 PSI / 3.1 Bar |
Members Only |
| Rolling Resistance 35 PSI / 2.4 Bar |
16.3 Watts CRR: 0.00489 |
| Rolling Resistance 25 PSI / 1.7 Bar |
19.0 Watts CRR: 0.00570 |
| All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load. |
|
Puncture Resistance Test Results
| Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
|---|---|
| Total Puncture Score Tread | 27 Points |
| Total Puncture Score Sidewall | Members Only |
| Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Members Only |
| Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Members Only |
| Tread Total Tire Thickness | 1.7 mm |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Members Only |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Members Only |
| Sidewall Total Tire Thickness | Members Only |
Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results
| Static Grip Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Wet Grip Average | 61 Points |
| Wet Grip Center | Members Only |
| Wet Grip Edge | Members Only |
| Measured Knob Height Center | 1.4 mm |
| Measured Knob Height Edge | 3.6 mm |
| Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 MTB grip test rim width = 30.0 mm |
|
| Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info) | |
Conclusion
- Schwalbe Thunder Burt Super Race Addix Speed
(100% is fastest - lightest - highest - strongest)
The Thunder Burt's Super Race version rolls a bit slower than the Super Ground version (read our review) but the difference is smaller than what we've seen with the Racing Ralph. The main advantage of the Thunder Burt with the Super Race casing is the lower weight. However, both our Super Race and Super Ground samples are notoriously over the specified weight.
Strangely, and similar to the Racing Ralph with the Super Race and Super Ground casings, the sidewalls of the Super Race version perform better in our puncture tests. We also see better wet grip in both the edge and center wet grip tests with the Super Race casing.
Yes, the Thunder Burt in the Super Ground and Super Race casings are both super fast-rolling mountain bike tires. Still, it's a bit disappointing that the Super Race isn't simply the superior tire over the Super Ground when it comes to the performance aspects of these tires.
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RATING:
4.3
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Highly Recommended