Are you a short track or dedicated XC racer? Do want the best combination of speed and grip? Are you ready to forgo protection for ultra light weight? Don't hesitate because Schwalbe's Rocket Ron LiteSkin is here, and if you blink, you'll miss it. Rocket Ron desires to be ridden fast, and excels when it is asked to do just that. Was it designed for everyday riding? At 485 grams in a 29x2.10? Come on. No. Was it designed with any protection? No. It was designed for racing, ideally on hardpack or firm dirt surface. Given it's design, you'd expect diminished handling and grip, but for a tire in this class, the Rocket Ron is exceptional.

How do you get this grip from such a rounded, low profile tire? Start with Schwalbe's PaceStar triple compound. This three durometer rubber composition employs it's softest rubber on the outer tread knobs. These angled. alternating knobs are much more prominent in profile, and when you run the tire at lower pressures, the tire deforms to the surface, giving you almost octopus-like adherence. Especially in hardpack conditons, the Rocket Ron delivers sure grip in fast corners, and if it does slip, it is likely because you want it to. The harder center compound durometer is for speed and some durability. The spacing of the knobs and the siping slots means you can roll fast, and still have some traction.

As a rounded shell tire, the Ron can feel squirrely at higher pressures, unless you are in soft dirt. Though the LiteSkin version is not rated as Tubeless Ready, a patient, careful installation with the right sealant is possible, albeit not recommended. Lightweight, speed, grip, speed. That is the Rocket Ron. We really feel this version is for speed racing only. Ideally you are on the circuit, facing a hard, but non-technical course, or your short track event is on a firm, but mildly loose dirt surface. If you are considering such a lightweight tire, you know the deal.