First ride report on the new-for-this-year Schwalbe Racing Ralph 29 x 2.25 Snakeskin. Announced at Sea Otter, this tougher casing version joins the standard lightweight casing 2.25 and 2.40 RRs with only a slight weight increase. As with the other versions it also uses the Triple Nano Compound tread (hard core, softer down the center and softest on the edges).

The Snakeskin ply does make the tire noticeably stiffer in the hand but seems to make little change in the ride quality. 

Casing volume is similar to the Panaracer Rampage 29 x 2.35. Splits the difference between a Kenda Nevegal 2.20 and WTB Weirwolf 2.55. My pair of Racing Ralphs weighed 605 & 622g (630g claimed). Full specs coming.

Mounted the RR on Salsa Gordo rims and the Salsa Big Mama for ~75 miles of trals in the Wenatchee, Washington area. Mostly hardpack with sandy or gravely loose and a few rocks. Stared with ~28psi F&R, dropping to ~22psi later. Both pressures felt good and worked. The latter seemed to have a bit more bit for the climbs and I could hear the tread working more at the lower pressure.

 On the trail the Racing Ralph is very surefooted. No funny slides or jumps. Straight line tracking is good with little wandering on all but the sandiest sections. Drive traction is never an issue nor is braking grip (the usual downfall of "fast" tread tires). Cornering is solid and predictable with good feel as it is leaned into the turns. I never had it totally washout. It would slide a bit and regain traction. This was most noticeable on off cambers and ruts when I could hear the edge blocks scramble for grip, hang on and let the bike continue forward. Nice. Yes, it rolls well, especially compared the the Stouts I had on just before them.

In the short time I have used these so far the casing shows no marks or damage (normal for me). The tread does look used though not really worn. The soft compound outer layer is scuffed and some of the edge blocks has slight tears. Still intact and functional. The hard inner compound is likely keeping the blocks from chunking.

Generally, I thought the Racing Ralph was the right tire for the conditions and one I would run for most of my summer riding.