Skip to main content

Specialized Slaughter Control 2Bliss Ready 2.3in tyre


The Slaughter uses a classic small knob centre/big block shoulder semi-slick design in an affordable, gear gifting package but it’s not as tough as its width and weight would suggest.

The centre tread is slightly bigger and wider spaced than on the fastest tyres in its category but it’s still significantly faster than a full-knob tyre. It gives a bit more bite in looser/wetter conditions than most semi-slicks, and a supple, trail tracking feel for tactile communication. The big 50 duro shoulder knobs give a reassuring ring of grip to lean on through turns and off-camber sections or claw out of ruts. The Control carcass blows up and seats easily too, but low-pressure crumpling and vulnerable sidewalls mean the reinforced Grid version is more suitable for typical UK use.

Best for: Rear
Weight: 790g
Width: 56mm

Price 52$

Popular posts from this blog

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.