XC racing tires live and die by their rolling efficiency, and the Fast Trak has built its reputation on being the tire you reach for when the course is dry, hardpacked, and rewards pedaling speed over braking traction. The Specialized Fast Trak Grid Lite takes that low-profile knob pattern and wraps it in the brand's lightest casing construction, targeting riders who prioritize watts saved over puncture insurance. This is the tire for courses where you're more likely to lose time spinning a heavy tire than flatting on a rock garden.

The tread pattern uses ramped center knobs that roll fast on hardpack while still providing enough bite for acceleration out of corners. Transition knobs step up in height as you move toward the shoulder, offering progressive grip as lean angle increases without the draggy feeling of more aggressive patterns. The knob spacing promotes self-cleaning in loose-over-hard conditions, though this isn't the tire you'd choose for genuinely muddy race days.

Grid Lite casing construction prioritizes weight savings over maximum durability. The 120 TPI casing delivers supple tire feel and conforms to terrain features, improving both traction and comfort compared to stiffer constructions. Specialized positions this casing for XC racing where course conditions are predictable and the weight penalty of heavier casings costs more time than the occasional flat costs frustration.... Read More