Review: Specialized's New Ground Control Grid T7 Tire
Specialized's tire lineup has been undergoing an overhaul over the last couple of seasons, with new tread patterns, rubber compounds, and a naming scheme that's actually not overly complicated, something of a rarity in the mountain bike tire world.
This year, it was the XC-oriented tires that received updates, including the Ground Control model reviewed here. The Ground Control is the most aggressive XC-oriented option in Specialized's lineup – it's designed to be fast rolling while still delivering a decent amount of traction in loose conditions. It wouldn't be a stretch to call it a downcountry tire, assuming that term doesn't make you cringe, of course.
This year, it was the XC-oriented tires that received updates, including the Ground Control model reviewed here. The Ground Control is the most aggressive XC-oriented option in Specialized's lineup – it's designed to be fast rolling while still delivering a decent amount of traction in loose conditions. It wouldn't be a stretch to call it a downcountry tire, assuming that term doesn't make you cringe, of course.
Ground Control Details
• Sizes: 27.5 x 2.35 or 2.6" and 29 x 2.2 or 2.35" widths
• T5, T5 / T7, or T7 rubber compound
S-Works, Control, and Grid casings
• Weight: 880 grams (actual, 29 x 2.35", Grid T7)
• Tan wall Soil Searching model available
• specialized.com
• Sizes: 27.5 x 2.35 or 2.6" and 29 x 2.2 or 2.35" widths
• T5, T5 / T7, or T7 rubber compound
S-Works, Control, and Grid casings
• Weight: 880 grams (actual, 29 x 2.35", Grid T7)
• Tan wall Soil Searching model available
• specialized.com
The Ground Control's new tread pattern uses what Specialized calls a 'block-in-block' design, where a slightly taller inner block is supported on two or three sides by a larger block. The idea is that those larger blocks help keep the tire from feeling too squirmy, while the smaller inner blocks can conform to the ground for extra traction, especially during braking. For a cross-country tire the tread pattern is fairly aggressive, despite the shorter tread height.
CASING & COMPOUND OPTIONS
There are three different casing / compound options for the Ground Control. The lightest option is the S-Works version, which uses a T5 / T7 rubber compound (the higher the number the grippier the rubber), a 120 TPI casing, and a narrow, 2.1” width to keep the weight down to a claimed 595 grams.
Next up is the Ground Control Control T5. Remember when I said Specialized's naming scheming wasn't overly complicated? I might need to take part of that back – having a tire casing that shares a name with the tread pattern seems a little silly. In any case, the Control T5 has a 60 TPI casing and a little more sidewall protection than the S-Works version.
The third option is the Ground Control Grid T7 that I've been testing for the last couple months. The Grid casing provides even more sidewall protection, and the T7 compound is the grippiest available for Specialized's XC tires – their scale goes up to T9, which is used on the more aggressive enduro and DH tire models. The typical sidewall color is black, but there's also the tan-walled Soil Searching version shown here, with the proceeds from the sales of this tire going to benefit Specialized's program that supports trail builders around the world.
The Ground Control Grid T7 retails for $60, and is available in 27.5 x 2.35, 2.6" and 29 x 2.2, 2.35” versions. The 29 x 2.35” Soil Searching version weighed in at 880 grams.
SETUP
A Transition Spur served as the test bike, and the Ground Control tires were installed on a pair of Roval Control wheels, which have a 29mm inner rim width. Getting them set up tubeless didn't pose any issues, and once inflated they measured true to their stated 2.35” width. I've been running 21-22 psi in the front and 22-24 psi in the rear, pressures that have worked well, even in the harder packed and dusty conditions that have prevailed over the last couple of months.
PERFORMANCE
The first ride on a set of tires with an unfamiliar tread pattern is always an interesting experience. It's a true trial by fire, since the only way to determine how a tire will handle steep, loose terrain, or dusty, blown out corners is to dive right in and see how it goes. Thankfully, the Ground Control tires met and exceeded my expectations in nearly every aspect of their performance.
The overall level of grip was impressive, especially considering the lower tread height. Sure, they're not going to dig in like a meaty enduro tire, but they still managed to find traction in moon-dust filled chutes, and when pushing into flat turns where the ground was covered with a layer of dried evergreen needles. Those intermediate knobs help create a very predictable tire, one that's free of any vagueness or dead spots.
I only got in a couple of wet rides before summer arrived with a vengeance, so I can't definitively comment on the tires' performance in the slop, although they held their own during those few soggy sessions. The fact that the knobs aren't super tall helps keep them from getting hung up on roots, which means there are fewer surprises on wet roots or rocks.
The Ground Control's rolling speed is very reasonable, and it'll feel extra-fast to anyone coming from something with more tread. There's also a good level of climbing traction, which helps make it possible to make it up techy climbs without the rear wheel spinning out. XC racers will likely want something even quicker rolling, though; running Specialized's Fast Trak in the rear would likely do the trick. On the flip side, for riders that want more traction, running a Specialized Butcher up front is a very fun combo.
DURABILITY
Regarding durability, I haven't had any flats despite running fairly low pressures, and there have certainly been plenty of opportunities. The knob wear is even, and there's no cracking or tearing to be seen. I wouldn't mind seeing a Grid Trail casing option added to the mix, although Specialized's Eliminator tire is a worthy substitute for riders looking for a tough, faster rolling rear tire.
Specialized Ground Control
Schwalbe Wicked Will
HOW DO THEY COMPARE? SPECIALIZED GROUND CONTROL VS WICKED WILL
Weight: The weight of the Ground Control Grid tire is quite close to that of Schwalbe's new Wicked Will tire in the Super Ground casing, at 880 grams vs. 892 grams respectively – 12 grams isn't enough to choose one over the other.
Price & Availability: The Ground Control tires are priced at $60 and are available now. The Wicked Will is $94.99, and won’t be available aftermarket until next year, although they are currently being spec’d on some new bikes, like the Scott Spark. Point: Specialized.
Performance: The Wicked Will feels like it rolls a little faster than the Ground Control, but it's not quite as surefooted, especially in loose over hardpack conditions. After a few sketchy moments, including one un-planned dismount, I've decided I'm not the biggest fan of running the Wicked Will as a front tire. It works fine in the rear, but those sudden front tire washouts rattled my nerves. Granted, it's been extra loose and dusty lately - when conditions were a little softer and tackier the Wicked Will's performance level increased.
With the Ground Control, unexpected slideouts were few and far between – I was constantly impressed by how well the tires could maintain traction. There was also more sidewall support on the Specialized tires, despite the fact that they weigh almost the same as the Schwalbes. I had to run a couple more pounds of pressure in the Wicked Will to avoid rim strikes, something I didn't need to do with the Ground Control tires.
Pros
+ Great traction for this style of tire
+ Less expensive than comparable options
+ Very predictable handling
Cons
- Rolling speed is quick, but not XC-racer quick- No extra-tough casing options
Pinkbike's Take
 | It can be tricky choosing the ideal tire for a downcountry or lighter duty trail bike. After all, part of the appeal of a short-travel machine is that they typically don't weigh as much as their beefier enduro siblings, a trait that makes them more enjoyable to take out on long pedal fests. Sure, you could slap on some heavy duty rubber and get loads of grip and flat protection, but then you'll have a not-that-light bike that also doesn't have much travel; not exactly a best-of-both-worlds scenario. With Specialized's new Ground Control tires that decision making process is a whole lot easier, thanks to a price vs. performance ratio that's hard to beat. They offer a great balance of traction vs. rolling speed, with a level of handling predictability that's not always present in this type of tire. Overall, a very highly recommended option. |
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Seems like the obvious choice for the second line.....
Mixing Vittorias and their grey sidewalls with the new Michelins is for the truly depraved.
Lots better than the Maxxis/NASCAR style I’ve been blacking out with a paint marker.
This said, I would NOT run the S-Works casing on anything but the smoothest track. One ride on the S-Works casing and I got a phantom sidewall cut along a gravel road - no idea how but it was a long, deep slice and I didn't feel anything that might have caused it, leading me to believe the casing is paper thin. Thank goodness I learned this before a race!
Another reason to recommend Specialized tires is that if you buy them at a shop, decide you hate them, you can exchange them. I have always had a great experience anytime I wanted to return something to Specialized for any reason - gloves, shoes, even tires.
www.pinkbike.com/u/dan-roberts/blog/review-dt-swiss-ex-1700-spline-wheelset.html
Marty DiBergi: Oh, I see. And most tyres just use Durometer?
Nigel Tufnel: Exactly.
Marty DiBergi: Does that mean it's better? Is it any better?
Nigel Tufnel: Well, it's a pointlesss scale, isn't it? It's not 50 Durmoeter rubber. You see, most blokes, you know, will be riding at 50. You're on 50 here, all the way soft, all the way soft, all the way soft, you're on 50 on your tyres. Where can you go from there? Where?
Marty DiBergi: I don't know.
Nigel Tufnel: Nowhere. Exactly. What we do is, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do?
Marty DiBergi: Use a stupid f*cking T5-T9 scale?
Nigel Tufnel: Eleven. Exactly. One more stupid.
Marty DiBergi: Why don't you just use a worldwide standard - make 70top number and make that a little softer?
Nigel Tufnel: [pause] These go to T-eleven.
It totally makes sense that a trail boss style would be the best tire in sandy soils.
I grew up riding on clay based soils and the best tire for all out grip was a nokian gazzaloddi 2.5. That tire was the worst conceivable tire when put into use on the sandy volcanic soil in central Oregon.
Despite the plethora of tire options out there today, most 29er XC tires seem to be in the 650 - 800 gram range, and most full-on trail tires are 900+ grams. There simply aren't many tires with solid casing in the range of 800 - 900 grams, which is a sweet spot for me and for many other riders too, I suspect. I find that I tend to destroy typical XC race tires, but don't want or need heavy full-on trail tires for my Intense Sniper (perhaps the first bike that started the downcountry craze?).
So in summary... this 850 gram Specialized Ground Control offers a good compromise between weight, durability, and traction for riders doing long alpine-style riding (long climbs, long descents) who aren't racing and hence counting grams. I've been running them for a couple of days and been very happy so far.
I have ground control grid 29x2.35 that I'm running on my epic hardtail. Between these and a set of S-Works Renegades, a lightweight hardtail can be transformed between an all-day gravel bike and Backcountry XC shredder
My wife has been looking at the Roval Control wheels as an upgrade for her Epic Evo. When looking at the Specialized website, they state that the wheels are not tire insert compatible. She's really light so that's not really a concern for her, but I was wondering if you had any insight on why they wouldn't work with inserts? Have you tried an insert on your current setup on the Spur?
I think i weigh about the same as mike tho and wow thats low PSI 21! i weigh about 155 and have big front tire roll on purgatory tires at that PSI although maybe you are running cushcore.
But, I was running 21mm ID rims and found that anything but a XC style tire would wash out in any serious corner.
Now I run 30mm ID rims and all kinds of tires work!
This is a fantastic review by Kazimer. I’m ready to pull the trigger on a set of boots for my new Tallboy build, and the definitive nature of this review is exactly what I need!
And still for $60.. Same price, better tires!
Are you gonna review the new Butcher and/or Hillbilly in the T9 compounds and tough carcass?
Spesh have made some promising tyres before but the compounds have been a bit hard IME.
I find RR fast for the type of tires I usually run, especially on hardpack or loose over hard (hello Socal). In terms of grip, I much prefer the agarro to the aggressor in the rear. Maybe just giving out a bit on the braking traction. I haven't run true XC tires in a long time, but these are definitely no slouches for gnarlier terrain.
The agarro is amazing all around with the exception of braking on hard pack bike park type trails
I am on my second agarro after an agressor on my trail bike
By comparison, you can get a 29x2.4WT Dissector in EXO/TR at 912g.
An XR4 at 780g.
I'd like to see companies release tires with grippy compounds and substantial cornering knobs, but perhaps not as much puncture protection. Now that we can leverage inserts for additional tire support, I'm not sure we need all of our tires to have those additional layers.
The 29x2.3 GRID is only 890g claimed weight which isn't terrible IMO, but i'm a heavy 240lb endur-bro
They are supposedly releasing a grippier compound one soon as well.
I've wound up on my face using tread patterns that short more than once.
Won’t ever buy their gloves again.
Won’t buy their tires ( enduro/dh) until their team starts winning on them. ( the photos of their bikes in the pits are not with the wheels/tyr s they actually use in the race runs)