fast. That is because the cyclocross version was taken directly from the 29er mountain tire. Developed with multiple XC World Champion Julien Absalon for maximum grip on dry, hard surfaces, the Black Mamba flies.

The rubber is Hutchinson's Racing Riposte (RR), which has very low rolling resistance, excellent wear, and surprisingly good grip. The tread itself is much more complex than a quick glance would reveal. The alternating, tightly clustered knob patterns down the center are very low profile, and shaped for grip at all angles. The outer edge knobs were inspired by the Cobra series tires and are just tall enough to grab, but not slow you down. Between every set of the outer tread knobs you will see a web-like pattern that improves grip in low pressure usage.

Hutchinson knows tubular tires from decades of road experience, as well as recent mountain bike development. In developing this high volume, low tread profile tire, the company knew how the low pressure possible with the tubular design would impact speed and grip. On fast, dry hardpack courses across the US, you didn't have to look at too many bikes to find the Black Mamba. What riders also found was that the RR tread also hooked up great on dry packed grass, and even hard icy surfaces, making the tire much more versatile than expected. It became common to see the Black Mamba in the rear and more aggressive tire up front. Whatever your preference, if you live in the dry western states, you owe it to yourself to have a Black Mamba ready to strike.