Specialized Ground Control

A fast-rolling trail/XC tire that blends stability, braking traction, and reliable cornering support across varied terrain and conditions.

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Why I like it

The Ground Control hits a sweet spot for riders who want an aggressive, capable tire without totally giving up speed. I ran one in the rear at Breck Epic, where the mixed terrain and gnarly descents really tested everything — it rolled well, gripped hard, and felt secure on wet, loose, and rocky days.

Quick Specs

29 x 2.35” size (GRID casing, T7 compound recommended)
870 grams
All-around XC/trail tread pattern
Great durability with puncture protection
Confident grip on loose and wet surfaces

In My Setup

I’ve primarily run it as a rear tire.
At Chequamegon, I ran Ground Control front and rear — it gave me the confidence to stay on the bike during loose climbs like Firetower when others were walking.
The GRID casing has been super reliable for me — I raced Breck Epic with it and didn’t suffer a single flat.
Rolls a bit slower than something ultra-slick like an Aspen ST, but the grip makes it worthwhile for tricky or mixed terrain.
If you’re racing on a course that’s mostly fast but has some rough sections, I’d consider this against something like a Rekon Race if mixed conditions are anticipated.

Not sure if the Ground Control is the right tire?

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Recommended Pressures

I use the SILCA Pro Tire Pressure Calculator to dial in my pressures — it’s a game changer.
👉 Check it out here

Notes

I’ve run it without tire inserts and had great success.
Orange Seal endurance sealant is always a good call.
It’s a great tire for riders who want a little more aggression and grip without completely sacrificing rolling speed.
On pavement or super smooth hardpack, it won’t feel as fast as pure race-focused XC tires — but for anything remotely gnarly, it’s awesome.