Fast Trak 29er tires available THIS WEEK

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Received this email response from the Specialized product manager 30 minutes ago (Dec 12, 2005, 11:17am):

Quote:

They (the Fast Trak 29er) are scheduled for release, they are being inspected at our warehouse, today or tomorrow. Dealers should be able to get them within 24 hours of that...

### ###
Product Manager
Tires, Tubes, Pumps, Cages, Computers

So at the end of the week go bug your local Specialized dealer to order them.

Fast Trak 29x2.00 part #0016-0285

Padre · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiggy

Received this email response from the Specialized product manager 30 minutes ago (Dec 12, 2005, 11:17am):

So at the end of the week go bug your local Specialized dealer to order them.

Woohoo!

MTBNate · 12-12-2005

My local Specialized dealer just looked at me with Little Orphan Annie blanked out eyeballs when I asked them to order me a set.

wtf*?

*Wait till Friday?

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTBNate

My local Specialized dealer just looked at me with Little Orphan Annie blanked out eyeballs when I asked them to order me a set.

wtf*?

*Wait till Friday?

Yeah, wait a few days and ask them to call Spec. They should be in the order system by Friday. Maybe Banks can post the part # for us.

Cloxxki · 12-12-2005

MTBR search does work :-) I was too sceptical to try "part number" first. Too me multiple searches even, "specialized price" somehow did bring it.

Banks 08-02-2005 : We got the 2006 Specialized binder today and PART NUMBER for the 29" Fast Track Pro D2-[dual compound] is 0016-0285 retailing under $40!

Maybe we'll even make this a sticky with the part number in the title when it's actually ready. Just to get these suckers sold out asap :-)
Preferably through as many dealers as possible, don't all bug the same popular S dealer.

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by 29inch

can a non-specialized dealer LBS order these?

I do not know what the current policy is. I have seen Specialized tires at non-Specialized bike dealers in the past.

mcd · 12-12-2005

just got off the phone with my lbs doing some of santa's work and told them to check for me starting next monday...i had already made them aware that these would be coming one day, and they are a big specialized dealer and they are pretty good to me as i'm the only freak 29er rider they have ever had in the shop, and also the only sser...

29inch · 12-12-2005

can a non-specialized dealer LBS order these?

ozlongboarder · 12-12-2005

Are these tires a 2.0 or 2.2?

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by ozlongboarder

Are these tires a 2.0 or 2.2?

They are labeled 2.00. The casing is bigger than the Exi 2.3. The specs are on my site.

ozlongboarder · 12-12-2005

Thanks Shiggy.

MTBNate · 12-12-2005

I know I am not the only one who finds it odd that the Big Red S makes 29er tires but doesn't make a 29er....

:hummm:

Cloxxki · 12-12-2005

They're against it, LOL! But well, they were stuck with a tire mold in Taiwan, and it keeps popping up on the year balance as an asset, but representing only $0 production turnover. You can only say "no" for so long... :-)
Really, this is a just a good chance for them to have their dealers slowly warm up for the all-29" 2007 line-up they're preparing right now.
Now imagine how THAT would shock the world! Specialized booth, Eurobike 2006. Only 26"ers left in their line-up are dirtjumpers and junior bikes. I'd love to see how the S-fans would react to that, and whether other big brand hotshots would be all over their booth, with worried faces. Have they gone mad, or have we been sitting back too much over the summer?

bhsavery · 12-12-2005

wow. Might this be a sign of things to come? They might be testing the 29er waters without actually making a bike. Smart plan actually.

Specialized also makes tubular tires with no bikes with tubular wheels

ozlongboarder · 12-12-2005

I think the S-fans would be very happy especially the racer types. I would buy a 29er Enduro in a heart beat.

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloxxki

PART NUMBER for the 29" Fast Track Pro D2-[dual compound] is 0016-0285

Thanks Jan Gerrit

Rainman · 12-12-2005

If these tires are better than Exi's, i'm in..

R.

Enoch · 12-12-2005

What's the chance of getting a picture of these tires? and a estimat $$$?

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rainman

If these tires are better than Exi's, i'm in..

R.

"Better" is a personal opinion. Compared to the Exi the FT has/is:

a higher volume casing
a much thinner more supple casing
lighter weight
more race type tread

Mostly better for what I ride. Not a FR/DH type tire.

OneGearGuy · 12-12-2005

Thanks shiggy!!!
This is great news and a huge step forward for the big wheels.

OGG

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enoch

What's the chance of getting a picture of these tires? and a estimat $$$?

They look exactly like the 26" version

$40 range

DeeZee · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Padre

Woohoo!

Do you want to call The Path or do you want me to?

donkey · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiggy

They look exactly like the 26" version

$40 range

Soo what are you spending the most time on these days...the Chester or the Slingshot?

The Sling looks like such a fun bike.

B

donkey · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiggy

Mostly the 'Shot lately. I need to shoot pics of the latest bar setup.

Do tell....

B

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by donkey

Soo what are you spending the most time on these days...the Chester or the Slingshot?

The Sling looks like such a fun bike.

B

Mostly the 'Shot lately. I need to shoot pics of the latest bar setup.

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by donkey

Do tell....

B

Just bettered the setup of these bars

I will post new pics in a new thread after I mount the other part I obtained from Padre.

lanpope · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiggy

Mostly the 'Shot lately. I need to shoot pics of the latest bar setup.

What ever came about with the Vul-Chester? I was really anxious to see how that bike came out. I've got semi-serious plans for a geared, Midge bar specific 29"er.

Those Midge bars are really nice off-road. I like them much better than my WTBs. The shallow drop is perfect!

LP

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanpope

What ever came about with the Vul-Chester? I was really anxious to see how that bike came out. I've got semi-serious plans for a geared, Midge bar specific 29"er.

Those Midge bars are really nice off-road. I like them much better than my WTBs. The shallow drop is perfect!

LP

D-rock is still working in the paint job. We are using a new masking film and it has been troublesome. All the graphics and logos are being painted on. No stickers. He wants the finish to be perfect.

Glad you like the Midge.

donkey · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiggy

D-rock is still working in the paint job. We are using a new masking film and it has been troublesome. All the graphics and logos are being painted on. No stickers. He wants the finish to be perfect.

Glad you like the Midge.

Oh man....that should be awesome. Can't wait to see the finished product.

B

juansevo · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiggy

Mostly the 'Shot lately. I need to shoot pics of the latest bar setup.

What can you tell us about the ride of the Slingshot? I myself have been very interested in trying one now that they offer a 29'er. It just seems like it would compliment a 29er concept really well.

Also, rumor has it that a Slingshot rides better with a rigid front fork....any comments about that?

thanks in advance.

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by juansevo

What can you tell us about the ride of the Slingshot? I myself have been very interested in trying one now that they offer a 29'er. It just seems like it would compliment a 29er concept really well.

Also, rumor has it that a Slingshot rides better with a rigid front fork....any comments about that?

thanks in advance.

Has been discussed in another, older thread. Please do a search or wait until I post the new 'shot pics. Do not want to hijack this thread too much.

goneskiian · 12-12-2005

Sweet!

So, how are these tires in the NW winter wet and mud? Not that we've had a lot of that lately, but we might by the time I've got a bike rolling. I'm talking western Washington stuff here.

Thanks!
-Ian

**shiggy** · 12-12-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by goneskiian

Sweet!

So, how are these tires in the NW winter wet and mud? Not that we've had a lot of that lately, but we might by the time I've got a bike rolling. I'm talking western Washington stuff here.

Thanks!
-Ian

I can not tell you yet. Not a tread I would hold much hope for in the muck. They have been great everywhere else.

goneskiian · 12-12-2005

Thanks Shiggy.

What do you recommend for this time of year?

-Ian

29erchico · 12-13-2005

I put a lot of miles on these tires this summer. I like them really well for the rear in the dry Norcal High Sierra riding for the rear. Had the front wash out on me twice, really was surprised as it had never happened with another tire on the 293.

The Fast Trak may be a much better front with the new 29mm Salsa rim as the outside knobs don't touch down much with my TK 7.1's. Wider rims would help this issue, I think.

29erchico

**shiggy** · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by goneskiian

Thanks Shiggy.

What do you recommend for this time of year?

-Ian

Kenda Klaw (front and rear specific)

I want to try the Panaracer Fire Cross 700x45

goneskiian · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiggy

Kenda Klaw (front and rear specific)

I want to try the Panaracer Fire Cross 700x45

Cool. Thanks.

-Ian

Daner · 12-13-2005

Do we have an independently verified weight on the folding ExiWolf? The wire versions that I have match Shiggy's sample very closely, but the weights on their website seem to be a bit less than reliable.

Cloxxki · 12-13-2005

Everyone reports the folding Exi's to be some 80g lighter a piece than the wire ones, while being identical otherwise.
It strange how often-remarked totally off claimed weights persist for years and years. Even that no-one just makes sure they make sense. When I was in the bizz, I was always into making sure my documentation was absolutely flawless, hating myself when something had slipped.

Daner · 12-13-2005

Thanks Clox. I could have checked the weight myself if the ones that I had ordered had been sent. (Hello Piet!)

I agree that publishing incorrect weights is a widespread problem. If you are going to put the information out make sure that it is correct.

Of course, it would also be nice to see disclaimers included. Perhaps something like: "We shaved away as much material as we could from the clamp to make our seatpost 27 grams lighter than brand X, but production pieces from our supplier haven't matched the quality of the prototypes that we approved, so the clamp is likely to fail even when used on road bikes by people who weigh 60 kilos. As a result we have discontinued this product and have no replacements available."

RobW · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiggy

Just bettered the setup of these bars

I will post new pics in a new thread after I mount the other part I obtained from Padre.

Wow, Shiggy. Beauty in the eye of the beholder and all, but I gotta tell ya, although I've admired the way you've built your bikes for years now, I never thought I'd be telling you "Great looking bike there!"

BTW, which bars are those?

Drevil · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daner

...so the clamp is likely to fail even when used on road bikes by people who weigh 60 kilos...

Your personal info says you're not from the US, but thinking an American company would actually admit something like this proves it

OneGearGuy · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by goneskiian

Sweet!

So, how are these tires in the NW winter wet and mud? Not that we've had a lot of that lately, but we might by the time I've got a bike rolling. I'm talking western Washington stuff here.

Thanks!
-Ian

Having ridden one of the proto sets all summer and fall for racing marathon events, I would say the wet and mud are the tire's weakness. I raced a very dry 12 hour solo on them and couldn't be happier. Incredible grip, ride quality due to the big volume and supple casing and not even a hint of pinch flatting while running them around 30 -32psi on my Mustang rims with 26" Specy Turbo "light" tubes. I am around 160-165lbs in the heft dept, and they feel really great in the dry on my rigid SS. They were weak in the wash-out and rear climbing traction dept. in the wet and sloppier conditions I experienced in some other races. But they do communicate pretty well before they disappear out from under you.

OGG

**shiggy** · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobW

Wow, Shiggy. Beauty in the eye of the beholder and all, but I gotta tell ya, although I've admired the way you've built your bikes for years now, I never thought I'd be telling you "Great looking bike there!"

BTW, which bars are those?

Thank you. The bars are Nitto North Road (thinwall CroMoly) with about 6" cut off the ends. MTB diameter.

RobW · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiggy

Thank you. The bars are Nitto North Road (thinwall CroMoly) with about 6" cut off the ends. MTB diameter.

Yeah, the Avid? levers really caught my eye, I do believe I'm going to give that setup a try...

Carl Mega · 12-13-2005

Will these tires be the same as the proto?

Weight and size?

**shiggy** · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carl Mega

Will these tires be the same as the proto?

Weight and size?

Should be exactly the same. Same factory, same molds, same spec.

Cloxxki · 12-13-2005

Yes, reports are it will the same thing. Wide and same ca 600g weight. Changing a winning team would only have caused more expenses anyway, I'd guess. Our test reports have been pretty positive.

I had one wash-out crash with the FT, but admittedly in the exact same spot of trail as my previous wash-out, a year earlier with a Bontrager AcX front. I also found the FT excellent in dry conditions, very capable and predictable even deep sand, and would have loved to have tried it in thicker dust over hardpack, like the Athens Olympics where these 29" FT's had almost been used. Weakest point probably climbing traction, but for a race tire it was more than exceptional in that respect.

ww sunn · 12-13-2005

Before I altogether abandoned riding my 26" hard tail, I had switched to Specialized tires. I had just bought a Fast Track Pro and it is pretty good but,...

Not as good as their Roll-X. Now that tire is almost perfect for my style of riding here in the midwest. I had some Roll-X front and rear on my rigid Bianchi Boss and it was great. Rolled really fast, great traction and cornering and lots of cush factor. My few rides on the Fast Track (26' version) didn't have quite the cornering of the Roll-X.

But I'll buy some of the 29" version anyway! I bet they'll be sweet on a rigid 29er singlespeed.

**shiggy** · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloxxki

Yes, reports are it will the same thing. Wide and same ca 600g weight. Changing a winning team would only have caused more expenses anyway, I'd guess. Our test reports have been pretty positive.

I had one wash-out crash with the FT, but admittedly in the exact same spot of trail as my previous wash-out, a year earlier with a Bontrager AcX front. I also found the FT excellent in dry conditions, very capable and predictable even deep sand, and would have loved to have tried it in thicker dust over hardpack, like the Athens Olympics where these 29" FT's had almost been used. Weakest point probably climbing traction, but for a race tire it was more than exceptional in that respect.

I have used the Fast Trak 29 on deep dust over hardpack. Worked great. Tires with bigger/wider knobs were sliding on the same trails.

bigwheelboy_490 · 12-13-2005

A bit of a hijack, but could Specialized be releasing this tire in part because philip Mierhagger (Or how ever you spell his name), will be returning to racing this year and riding for specialized?

Maybe he wants a 29'er?

Cloxxki · 12-13-2005

Filip Meirhaeghe I think. He wanted a 29"er for Athens, that's why the tire exist. Didn't they sack him on the spot after being tested positive on EPO?

**shiggy** · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by goneskiian

Sweet!

So, how are these tires in the NW winter wet and mud? Not that we've had a lot of that lately, but we might by the time I've got a bike rolling. I'm talking western Washington stuff here.

Thanks!
-Ian

Slight revision: I did ride the FTs in fresh, wet snow that turned to soupy sand "mud" to wet harpack at the Bend Big Fat Tour in October. Not slick or sticky mud at all. The tires were great.

goneskiian · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cloxxki

Didn't they sack him on the spot after being tested positive on EPO?

Yes indeed.

Is his racing ban lifting now? I guess I wouldn't be too surprised to see him come back but I highly doubt Specialized would take him back. He cost them a lot of dinero when he got busted. Of course he made them a lot too by winning on an Epic.

Back on topic, I can't wait to try these tires! Oh yeah, I can't wait to ride a 29er!

Quote:

Slight revision: I did ride the FTs in fresh, wet snow that turned to soupy sand "mud" to wet harpack at the Bend Big Fat Tour in October. Not slick or sticky mud at all. The tires were great.

Thanks for the revision Shiggy, but I'm going to have to say the mud in Bend is nothing like the mud on the other side of the cascades.

Hmmm, I miss Bend. Lived there for a couple years in the early 90's as a student/athlete at COCC. Boy was the riding great there. There I go off topic again.

Cheers!
-Ian

**shiggy** · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by goneskiian

...Thanks for the revision Shiggy, but I'm going to have to say the mud in Bend is nothing like the mud on the other side of the cascades...

Exactly my point (not slick or sticky). Plus the lack of many roots. It was wet and sloppy though and for some people it is "mud".

DMFT · 12-13-2005

Like Shig said - In STICKY Mud these won't be too friendly, on Tacky trails these things rock! They also haven't given me fits on wet roots either, as long as you hit them relatively square. Climbing traction I think is just fine - On hardpack with loose over the top & loose/imbedded rocks to steep fireroads with loose loam/sand they work well, it's more about technique IMO. Tire wear has been fantastic too, as some others have said - This tire is one of the many great things to happen to 29" wheeled bikes recently.

kinkcrazy · 12-13-2005

has anybody tried stans with these? I've used it on specialized 26" tires with great success, i'm just wondering about the bead?

bhsavery · 12-13-2005

I've used it on the 26" version and haven't needed to reseat or add any sealant in 9 months. I've needed to add air about once a month. Now granted that's one person opinion but wow.

**shiggy** · 12-13-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhsavery

I've used it on the 26" version and haven't needed to reseat or add any sealant in 9 months. I've needed to add air about once a month. Now granted that's one person opinion but wow.

History has shown that the 26" and 29" versions of the same tire may not work the same with DIY tubeless.