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Schwalbe has massively modernised its range for 2025/2026. While the Nobby Nic is known as the eternal "all-rounder", the new Albert (revival of a classic) marks a technological revolution with the introduction of the radial casing.
Schwalbe Albert (Radial)
The New Albert is the technological flagship. The special feature is the Radial carcassin which the threads run at a more obtuse angle than in conventional tyres. This allows the tyre to adapt more precisely to the ground, which massively increases grip ("Caterpillar effect") without the tyre becoming unstable at low pressure.
- Field of application: Trail, All-Mountain and Enduro.
- Alignment: Maximum control and confidence. It is designed for riders who are looking for an extremely plush ride (similar to a steel spring shock). In terms of profile, it lies between the Magic Mary and the Tacky Chan, but is more universal.
- Carcasses:
- Trail Pro (Radial): Optimised for touring and technical trails, slightly lighter.
- Gravity Pro (Radial): With additional puncture protection for tough enduro use.
- Mixtures:
- Addix Soft: The standard compound for good grip and durability.
- Addix Ultra Soft: For maximum adhesive strength (often on the front wheel in the Gravity version).
Schwalbe Nobby Nic
The Nobby Nic remains the "Swiss army knife" tyre. It has been refined again and again over the years (current HS602 tread) and offers a balance that hardly any other tyre can match. It is light enough for long climbs, but offers enough reserves for almost any trail.
- Field of application: Tour, All-Mountain up to light Enduro.
- Alignment: Maximum versatility. It is the tyre for those who don't want to commit themselves or only have one wheelset for everything. It rolls more efficiently than the Albert, but offers less mechanical grip in extreme sections.
- Carcasses: Super Ground: The lightweight XC/Tour version.
- Super trail: The more stable version for tough trail use.
- Mixtures:
- Addix Speedgrip: Very fast, extremely durable (ideal rear tyre).
- Addix Soft: For more grip on the front wheel.
- Performance (Addix): The low-cost entry-level version (less cushioning).
Schwalbe Albert/Nobby Nic - Facts & Prices
| Swallow Albert | Schwalbe Nobby Nic | |
| Price | 73,90 Euro >> available here | 68,90 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | Soft / 67 | Soft / 67 |
| Carcass / size | Radial / 29 x 2.5 | Super Trail / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1190 g / 32.9 watts | 966 g / 21.2 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 60.6 / 62.4 mm | 56.4 / 55.5 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 330 mm / 118; 505; 362 N | 320 mm / 139; 616; 455 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,34 | 2,34 |
Conclusion: Schwalbe Albert/Nobby Nic
Schwalbes tyre combination from Albert front and Nobby Nic weighs 2156 grams, over 320 grams more than the Maxxis pairing. This is mainly due to the heavy Albert tyre with a new radial carcass. Compared to the competition, Schwalbe's classic Nobby Nic is a fully-fledged studded tyre with greater tread depth and wider lug spacing. This ensures better interlocking in all situations, especially in loose or wet conditions, as well as an even grip level and better self-cleaning. Schwalbe also delivers top marks for puncture protection. Nevertheless, the Nobby Nic rolls the fastest with 21.2 watts. Only when it comes to wet grip on rocks and roots does the Conti offer more grip. On the front tyre, the radial carcass provides excellent damping, plenty of comfort and good ground contact. Only the puncture resistance of this carcass construction is slightly lower than that of the competition from Conti and Maxxis. Test victory!
Stefan Frey
Editor
