I just bought this 07 Specialized Resolution 2.1 to replace my old 06 Resolution that was pretty worn out. I was really happy with my 06, since it was a high volume lightweight tire. It made my hard tail feel like a soft tail with the extra air volume. This year they make the Resolution in a 2.1 and a 2.3 with a slightly different knob configuration. I was concerned that the 2.1 would be too heavy, but luckily the guy at the shop let me use the postage scale to weigh the tire. Even with the packaging, the tire was under 600 grams, so I was sold.
After removing the packaging, the tire weighed in at 565 grams. I think that's awesome for a high volume aggressive tire. After mounting the tire, I noticed that the 2.1 is actually smaller than last year's 2.0. I got the ruler out and found that it was still pretty tall compared to the other 2.1's I had in the garage. The knobs are taller this year, and the center knobs are ramped for less rolling resistance. It has a 120 tpi casing, an aramid bead, and dual rubber compound. The center of the tire has a harder rubber compound, while the shoulders have a softer compound for increased grip in turns. I picked the tire up for around $30 at a local shop.
I'm using the Resolution as a rear tire. The tire performs well in a variety of conditions, and rolls quickly thanks to the tread design and lightweight construction. As expected, the higher volume smooths out the bumps on my hard tail. I'm running about 32 PSI of pressure, and there is no danger of pinch flats for XC riding conditions.
I haven't tried it as a front tire, but I know a couple people that didn't like last year's tire in the front. Maybe with the increased knob height of the 07, it'd work ok in the front. I think Brent is using this tire front and rear...maybe he'll comment!
Update: After riding this tire for a couple months I've come to the conclusion that it excels as a rear tire. The center knob configuration felt a bit sketchy for front tire use. I've found that a staggered knobby configuration works best in the front. The WTB Weirwolf and IRC Trail Bear work very well as front tires in my conditions. For rear tire use, however, the Resolution is awesome! Very light, high volume, great climbing and braking traction. Another rear tire that I like is the WTB Mutano Raptor 2.4. This larger tire has clearance issues on some frames though. The Resolution is a good solution for running a taller tire on frames with tight clearances.
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12 comments:
Soooo... You have a gram scale at home? Is that left over from when you were dealing Heroin back in your day? Nice review. Have you ever tested a Panaracer Smoke?
Tires sure have come a long way since I quit mountain biking.
My work stand had a scales on it. I can weigh something as light as a pedal or as heavy as a complete bike...grams or lbs. It rules!
They probably had the Panaracer Smoke back when you mountain biked Chris...it's a classic. It's probably made from updated materials though...just the mold is the same. Am I right Marcus? Never tried one. I remember the compliment for the smoke was the dart. I used to use Ritchey and Specialized tires back in the early 90s...
Cool- Hey, can I borrow that stand? I have some transactions.. er I mean some parts I want to weigh:)
I am not sure if the smoke has updated materials. It is kevlar. I like it better than the tire that came stock with my bike. The Weirwolf tire I have on the front is 10 times better than the Kenda Nevgal I had on there before. I think the Nevgal is not for this type of terrain.
I have a Nevegal on the front too. I loved it during the winter, but I think anything would've hooked up when the ground was wet. Now that it's drying out, I'm not so sure I like it. I feel like I have to be too careful now on the loose over hard pack. Although it does track well in the deep sand... I think multiple smaller knobbies seem to work better than the big blocks.
Actually I was running the Specialized Adrenaline on the front and rear of Eleanor. I loved them but tore the sidewall out of the rear a month ago while working on new trails. They have the same tread pattern but taller knobs. I cannot find them for sale anywhere. I stuck my Conti Vert Pro on the front and put a Resolution 2.3 on rear. I will put the one and only Adrenaline I own back on the rear soon as I don't hook up as well when climbing now.
Now I remember reading that the Adrenaline became the Resolution. So it's probably the same tire we're talking about.
You've written a very nice tire review. Most magazine write ups don't come close to yours. They are too skimpy with the words. I guess they need room for the advertisements.
Thanks, Rigtenzin. I wonder how much "Tire Review Guy" pays? I think I could do that for a living. People send me tires, I ride them, I write about them. Sounds good!
Jeff- Yout review not only has great techinical data, but also a lot of heart and soul. If you were a paid tire guy, alot of that would be gone, because you WOULD have to leave room for the advertisers. So just keep doing it on your blog, where our little group can enjoy....
I have inherited a set of Resolution 2.1s but with wire bead. They seem really heavy. Would you happen to know how much they weight? if I don't use them the seller wants them back.
Even if the wire bead added another 100 grams for the set, I think the tires would still be on target for trail use. Racers may look for a lighter tire.
I wouldn't give them up though. It's always nice to have a spare set of tires for backup!
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