MTB Tire Guide

Hutchinson Python Race vs Schwalbe Rick XC Pro

Short answer: Rolling resistance: Schwalbe Rick XC Pro leads with 19.3 W, Hutchinson Python Race trails by 5.2 W.

Configure your build

Width, casing, compound and pressure – every value on this page follows your pick.

Hutchinson Python Race

Pressure (context)
Measured point

Schwalbe Rick XC Pro

Tire width
29" wheel
Compound
Pressure (context)
Measured point
Measured value available
How we calculate

Width, casing and compound decide how a tire really rides. We only show what was actually measured – and label estimates honestly.

Hutchinson Python Race: Reference: recommended pressure 24 psi (1.65 bar) – an assumption, not a test pressure.

Schwalbe Rick XC Pro: Reference: recommended pressure 24 psi (1.65 bar) – an assumption, not a test pressure.

More pressure: less rolling resistance, less grip, less comfort. Tougher casing: more protection, more weight. Softer compound: more grip, more rolling resistance.

Modelled values are assumptions based on the stated measurement points – not a lab test.

Size, weight and casing

Hutchinson Python RaceSchwalbe Rick XC Pro
Width2.4" (61 mm)2.4" (61 mm)
Wheel sizes29" · 27.5"29" · 27.5"
Weight592 g761 g
CasingRacing LabXC Pro
CasingLightLight
TPI––
Tread typeIntermediateIntermediate
Tubeless readyyesyes
E-MTB approvalnono
Price from€54€74
Model year20252025

Rubber compounds

Hardness scale 1 = hard and fast to 5 = very soft and grippy (our own classification).

Hutchinson Python Race

Grip class: Speed-Grip

Schwalbe Rick XC Pro

Grip class: Speed · Speed-Grip

Both tires sit in the same grip class – the watt comparison is fair.

Both tires sit on the same step of our editorial hardness scale.

Lab data per version

Hutchinson Python RaceSchwalbe Rick XC Pro
Rolling resistance (W)24.5 W
19.3 W
Wet grip measurement (points)59.0 points
64.0 points
Weighed weight (g)592.0 g
761.0 g

Hutchinson Python Race

Schwalbe Rick XC Pro

All tested versions

Test series: Bicycle Rolling Resistance – MTB-Messreihe

Measured values per compound and casing from the same laboratory test. Empty cells mean no reliable value was published.

Rick XC Pro Speed 2.429 x 2.4019 W
61
28 –56 mm768 g
–
Rick XC Pro SpeedGrip 2.429 x 2.4019.3 W
64
28 –55 mm761 g
–

Wet grip is measured in the lab on a hard wet surface – it is not off-road grip.

Rolling resistance

lower is better

  • Rick XC Pro Speed 2.419 W
  • Rick XC Pro SpeedGrip 2.419.3 W

Compounds & versions as curves

Up to three versions at once: the curve is modelled rolling resistance across pressure, the dot is the real lab measurement. Click the legend to show or hide a version.

12.325.638.852.165.3121927344249Pressure (psi)WBicycle Rolling Resistance: 19 W at 28 psi (1.93 bar) (measured)Bicycle Rolling Resistance: 19.3 W at 28 psi (1.93 bar) (measured)Bicycle Rolling Resistance: 24.5 W at 28 psi (1.93 bar) (measured)
  • 21.5 W at 24 psi (1.65 bar) · Reference
    Wet grip (lab)
    64
    Puncture
    –
    Weight
    768 g
  • 21.8 W at 24 psi (1.65 bar) · +0.3 W
    Wet grip (lab)
    64
    Puncture
    –
    Weight
    761 g
  • 27.7 W at 24 psi (1.65 bar) · +6.2 W
    Wet grip (lab)
    59
    Puncture
    –
    Weight
    592 g

The curve shape is a physics model, not a measurement. Labs do not measure grip across pressure – we do not invent that curve. Wet grip is a lab value per tire model, not per version.

Three curves at most – hide one first.

Variants head to head

Every measured variant of the selected tires – the same model in another compound, width or casing sits right next to it. Empty fields mean no reliable measurement.

Hutchinson Python RacePython Race Racing Lab 2.424.5 W
–592 g
Schwalbe Rick XC ProRick XC Pro Speed 2.419 W
–768 g
Schwalbe Rick XC ProRick XC Pro SpeedGrip 2.419.3 W
–761 g

Charts

Rolling resistance (fewer watts is better)

Impact protection (higher is better)

No values are available for this selection.

Editorial rating (higher is better)

TestedYour build – derived

Recommendation by use

  • Fast laps and long climbs: Schwalbe Rick XC Pro rolls easier at 19.3 W.
  • Wet roots and slippery ground: Schwalbe Rick XC Pro has the better wet grip.

Tested

  • Rolling resistance: Schwalbe Rick XC Pro leads with 19.3 W, Hutchinson Python Race trails by 5.2 W.
  • Wet grip measurement: Schwalbe Rick XC Pro leads with 64 points, Hutchinson Python Race trails by 5 points.
  • Weighed weight: Hutchinson Python Race leads with 592 g, Schwalbe Rick XC Pro trails by 169 g.

Tests and sources

No test references are on file for these two tires yet.

More head-to-heads