Specialized just released the S-Works Pathfinder. This is an upgraded version of the Pathfinder Pro. Changes as I understand it are: 105g lighter, and a two compound rubber, with a faster rolling compound in the center and a grippier compound on the knobs. They've also added some protection to the sidewalls. Since it's new it hasn't been tested and reviewed by bicyclerollingresistance dot com yet, but i's getting a decent amount of votes.
Just giving a heads up for anyone Pathfinder curious.
I'll be sure to grab a set and try them before our gravel racing season kicks off.
The marketing statement is promising, but I think it's a 'wait and see' at this point. Specialized is using a different factory now. The Bicycle Rolling Resistance test for an S Works dual compound MTB tire showed a big step backwards in rolling resistance. There's too many good options right now to use slow tires.
So I just picked up a set and the first thing I noticed was how light they were. Second thing was the tread. Although the pattern is the same, the depth and feel of the rubber was noticeably different in that it didn’t seem as robust. I haven’t ridden on them yet so can’t comment on how that will impact things.
Looks wise (yes I love how tires look), they are impressive. The new cross pattern on the tan wall looks great.
SWGraveler wrote:Really looking forward to hearing some feedback once you get them mounted up..
Here are a few photos I took when the tires initially arrived. I almost sent them back due to the tread but decided to give them a try. I should have them mounted later in the week.
dangle wrote:The marketing statement is promising, but I think it's a 'wait and see' at this point. Specialized is using a different factory now.
The sidewall looks exactly the same as the Pirelli gravel tires now.
I am a huge fan of the Pathinder tires, and was tempted to order some straight away, but I am also curious to see the actual number since so many new tires have actually been a step back.
Time will tell but I'll be surprised it S hasn't already tested these as they are pretty aware of the presence of BRR at this point.. Not to sound like an S superfan, generally I'm not, but they seem to be doing a lot things pretty well lately..
BRR just tested this. TLDR: compared to the previous model much lighter; lower knobs; about the same rolling resistance, puncture resistance, and wet grip. Probably runs large on rims over 20 mm inside.
dangle wrote:The marketing statement is promising, but I think it's a 'wait and see' at this point. Specialized is using a different factory now. The Bicycle Rolling Resistance test for an S Works dual compound MTB tire showed a big step backwards in rolling resistance. There's too many good options right now to use slow tires.
So the rolling resistance didn't change at all. All they did was use less rubber. The knobs are half the depth making them as long as Terra Speed bumps, uh, knobs. Maybe they feel nicer or grip better, but it seems like weight loss due to less rubber is the story here. I'm really curious how the Tracer compares. I like that tread pattern better and the 47 is a good size for bikes with more capacity.
So the rolling resistance didn't change at all. All they did was use less rubber. The knobs are half the depth making them as long as Terra Speed bumps, uh, knobs. Maybe they feel nicer or grip better, but it seems like weight loss due to less rubber is the story here. I'm really curious how the Tracer compares. I like that tread pattern better and the 47 is a good size for bikes with more capacity. [/QUOTE]
Not trying to defend S as I don't really know any facts, but maybe these tires have less of a more durable rubber. In about 99% of things, more = heavier so.. Typically, an S-Works bike has less of a more expensive carbon which is why it is lighter. My point is that they may have just used less rubber but frankly, I really doubt it is just that simple. Again, maybe so, but until we have some detailed info and ride history I think this seems rather simplistic/bashing.. If you want a really durable tire, looking at the weight first is probably not going to lead to happiness. I think in general, the days of smoke/mirrors are dwindling as crap products get ferreted out pretty quickly. S has a pretty strong history of not throwing something out there just because..
I have 3 bikes; 2 road, one gravel; none of them have an S on them. Not that I wouldn't have one.. I snoozed and missed the first batch of these tires but I have a pair on order.
Little disappointing that the RR isn't better with less rubber (less is usually faster), but it may still roll faster over gravel if it's softer. I will just stick with the Pro version for general use, it's ridiculous how well they hold up, and work for everything besides mud or extremely loose conditions.
Anyone out there have some rides on these and feedback? Also, I'd be curious to know how wide they are inflated on a 25mm ID rim if someone happens to know that particular fact haha. BRR seems to like these tires a lot..
I too was disappointed with the BRR results for this tire. I had hoped that it was using a different casing, and perhaps faster rubber, to drop weight and rolling resistance compared to the Pro version. Afterall, Specialized has some very fast rolling, supple casing, tires in the road/cobbles section, so I thought it would make sense to add the open tubular, or at least 127tpi vulcanized, casing, to the Pathfinder tread. After all, the Pro version was decent at rolling and tough, so it would seem that a lighter, super fast rolling tire, even if it gave up durability and cost more, would offer a clear distinction: you’d choose Pro for durability and economy, or S-Works for maximum speed.
Right now, it seems they are so similar, it hardly makes sense to have both in the line up.
