2.35 or 2.6" tyres?

Have not tried any of those, but right now I’m running 2.6 both Butcher Grid/Purgatory Grid. Was running stock before, these make a pretty huge difference to me.

Why not one of each? 2.35 rear for efficiency and frame clearance and 2.6 front for extra grip. I’m on 2.4s and frame clearance is an issue, especially when my wheel was out of true.

Seems to be the trend now, wider up front, I’m thinking going 2.5 front/2.4 rear Maxxis DHF/DHR II Minion 3c/exo.

I’m currently using 29×2.6 Maxxis Minion DHR2 3c EXO+ TR both front and rear.  The EXO+ adds a bit of weight but hopefully will make the casing less likely to tear or flat.  However,  DHR’s are lighter than DHF’s.  So I saved a little weight putting the DHR on the front.   Using DHR’s on the front is a pretty common.  The new Santa Cruz Hightower comes with DHR’s both front and rear.  I like having both tires be identical.  That way I can switch the front tire to the rear when the rear wears out first, which it always does.  That way I keep the newest and therefore most grippy tire on the front.  I also prefer the increased traction, flotation, and rollover of the wider and taller 2.6-2.8 tires.  I also got these tires for 42% off the list price by buying online.  With tax, these tires would have cost $99 each at my local bike shop.

Very few tires are actually the width printed on the sidewall.  In my experience, most tires are 0.1 inches narrower then they are labeled.  So a 2.6 tire is really only a 2.5.  In addition, the tire will only reach it’s full width if put on the right rim width.  Most 2.6 tires are designed for inner width i35mm rims.  If you put 2.6 tires on i30 rims (which I’m guessing is the rim width your bike has) they get a bit narrower.  Considering both these factors, that’s why a 2.6 tire ends up being a 2.4 when you actually measure it.  If you want to keep the same feel, stay with 2.6.  Nearly every brands tires run narrow.  Even when mounted to the right rim, almost never does a tire end up being wider or even true to size according to the labeling.

Too many variables to know for sure (i.e. tread design, weight, compound, pressure you’re running, etc).  Plus, you have to consider those specs within the context of the trails you ride and how you ride them.  But don’t overthink it.  Sounds like you’ve already determined that you prefer something in that 60-62mm measured width (ignore what the stated width is).  Narrow your options from there with a tire that is designed for the trails you ride.  Purchase.  Mount.  Inflate. Shred.

Glad you like the new Schwalbe tires – will you keep us updated on how they wear?  Also, where do you ride?

Specialized tires have been very good to me over the past 10 years, but a 2.1 is all that will fit in the rear of my current bike – Ibis Mojo SL-R converted to 27.5″ wheels.  I’ve been pretty happy with the Ground Control Grid in that size, but I wore out the tread in about 500 miles on the Front Range of Colorado.  I really wanted to try a Schwalbe Rocket Ron, but stuck with the Ground Control.  In the end, I couldn’t justify spending 50% more for a tire that probably wouldn’t last as long.

If you like the Hans Dampf/Magic Mary that much more than the Slaughter/Eliminator then I may have to give Schwalbe a try.  I am very interested to hear how they hold up.

Also, what kind of mullet are you on?  Did you ride it long as a full 27.5?

Thanks for the update.  Glad to hear the Schwalbe tires are working out.

It looks like Specialized is discontinuing the 27.5 x 2.1 Ground Control.  I guess a Rocket Ron or a upgrading to a new bike is in my future.