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Grip monster for rough terrain: Specialised Butcher Grid Trail T9
For a long time, Specialized was overshadowed by the big players from Korbach or Taiwan when it came to tyres. But since the introduction of the new Gripton compounds, the Californians have been at the forefront. The Butcher is the aggressive flagship for everything that is fun downhill. The combination of the moderately reinforced Grid Trail carcass and the ultra-soft T9 compound is aimed directly at trail riders and enduro riders who are looking for maximum control without having to carry the weight of a pure downhill tyre.
We tested these enduro tyres:
Character and area of application
The Butcher is a specialist for rough terrain. Its striking profile with massive shoulder lugs is reminiscent of classics such as the Minion DHF, but thanks to the "Block-in-Block" technology, it offers even more stability when cornering at high forces. The T9 compound ("Gravity Compound") acts like a shock absorber for the ground: it is highly self-damping and literally sticks to wet roots and stones. This makes the tyre predestined as a Front wheel option For technical trails, bike park use or for e-MTB riders who want maximum support in every bend. Price: 59.99 euros >> available here.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
- Extreme grip: The T9 compound offers safety reserves even on wet, slippery surfaces.
- Full cushioning: The tyre hardly tends to bounce and is extremely stable on the trail.
- Price-performance ratio: Compared to the competition, Specialized often offers more performance for the money.
- Weight: Quite light for an enduro tyre. It is only just over the 1000 gram mark.
Weaknesses:
- Rolling resistance: If you mount the T9 on the rear wheel, you should have strong calves (or a powerful motor) - it sucks on the tarmac.
- Puncture protectionThe Butcher has little to offer in terms of penetration. The much heavier Gravity version would be the better choice here.
- Wear and tear: The soft T9 rubber melts quite quickly when used aggressively (especially at the rear).
The nimble all-rounder: Specialised Eliminator Grid Trail T7
While the Butcher is responsible for the rough stuff, the Eliminator takes on the role of the versatile all-rounder in the Specialized portfolio. It combines an aggressive enduro profile with the efficiency of a trail tyre. In the T7 compound ("Fast Rolling & Grip"), it is designed to cover a lot of ground without losing grip on the first steep bend. A tyre that wants one thing above all: to harmonise speed and control.
Character and area of application
The Eliminator is the classic hybrid. Its tread pattern with closely spaced centre lugs ensures surprisingly low rolling resistance, while the distinctive shoulder lugs - inspired by the Butcher - grip bends firmly. It is the ideal rear tyre in combination with a Butcher at the front, but also works as an all-round pairing for touring riders who love technical trails. Its field of application ranges from dusty hardpacks to loose forest soil. Thanks to the T7 compound, it remains lively and offers defined feedback without feeling as "sticky and sluggish" as its T9 brother.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
- Roll efficiency: For such a coarse profile, the Eliminator rolls surprisingly lightly in the T7 compound.
- Precise handling: The tyre feels very direct and provides clear feedback at the limit.
- Versatility: A real all-rounder that works on almost any dry to slightly damp surface.
- Durability: The T7 compound is significantly more abrasion-resistant than the T9 version, making it the perfect endurance tyre for the rear wheel.
- Weight: One of the lightest tyres in this class at just over 1000 grams.
Weaknesses:
- Wet performance: On wet, slippery roots, the T7 compound reaches its limits faster than the softer T9 rubber.
- Grounded: It offers less self-damping than the extreme gravity tyres; a steady hand is required for high-speed battles in stone fields.
- Self-cleaningThe Eliminator's tread clogs up noticeably quickly in muddy conditions and traction suffers.
Specialised Butcher / Eliminator Trail - Facts & Price
| Specialised Butcher Grid Trail T9 | Specialised Eliminator Grid Trail T7 | |
| Price | 59 Euro >> available here | 59 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | T9 / 60 | T7 / 60 |
| Carcass / size | Grid Trail / 29 x 2.4 | Grid Trail / 29 x 2.4 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1071 g / 46.2 watts | 1009 g / 29 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 58 / 55.9 mm | 58.4 / 54.9 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 310 mm / 151; 614; 537 N | 320 mm / 139; 592; 505 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ □ □ □ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,20 | 2,20 |
Conclusion: Specialised Butcher / Eliminator Trail
The Butcher/Eliminator combination with Grid Trail carcass weighs by far the least and also rolls quite well. However, the lightweight tyres have little to offer against punctures. Here, the heavy Gravity version (around 1350 grams) would have more reserves and riding stability to offer. The T9 rubber compound impresses with remarkably good wet grip. However, you have to accept compromises when it comes to self-cleaning: Due to the small lug spacing, the rear wheel clogs up quickly and is slow to clear. At just 59 euros, these are the cheapest tyres in the comparison.
How Bike tests
With a total of ten different tyres, we went to the laboratory of tyre manufacturer Ralf Bohle, where we measured values for the Puncture protection, rolling resistance and weight determined. The practical test took place in the Oberammergau Bike Park on various routes.
The test in the laboratory
How well do the tyres roll and how good is the puncture protection? We used Schwalbe's test laboratory to clarify these questions. The fast Specialized Eliminator rear tyre and the Maxxis Highroller are separated by over 21 watts at a speed of 20 km/h, 50 kg load and 1.7 bar tyre pressure. There are also clear differences in terms of snakebite protection. While the lightweight Specialized Butcher deflates at a drop height of 310 millimetres, the thick Pirelli Scorpion can withstand a 70 percent higher impact before failing. We test how sensitive the tyres are to foreign objects such as thorns or sharp stones with a triple puncture test. A round spike with a diameter of 1.5 millimetres and a five-millimetre blade are pierced through the tread. The test is also carried out on the side wall with the blade. There are differences of up to 70 per cent in the puncture rate.
The practical test in Oberammergau
We organised three identical Canyon Neuon:On AL 8 tyres so that we could ride them directly against each other. The test took place in the Oberammergau bike park in rainy weather and with an outside temperature of twelve degrees. On small laps and sections, we were able to compare the tyres perfectly with three test riders. Traction for uphill riding and braking, cornering grip and self-cleaning were evaluated for each individual tyre. Riding stability and damping behaviour also played a part in the overall score. The practical impressions make up 50 per cent of the final score. A further 30 per cent is accounted for by puncture protection, while weight and rolling resistance together contribute 20 per cent to the final score.
Stefan Frey
Editor
