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Specialized Purgatory 2.4

Trail tire with aggressive knobs and solid volume for traction.

Tested by Ben Steger, XC & endurance racer Published
Specialized Purgatory 2.4

RDS scorecard

The ratings behind the Tire Selector · out of 5

Rolling speed
2.0
Cornering
4.5
Braking
4.5
Puncture resistance
4.5
Weight
965 g
Casing
GRID
Compound
T9

Why I Like It

The Purgatory 2.4 was my front tire choice for Breck Epic, and it felt incredible on the descents. Tons of confidence, tons of grip — gnarly descents are super fun on this tire.

It clears mud extremely well and offers insane traction in technical terrain. However, it does feel slow on smoother fire roads and paved climbs — it’s a traction-focused tire, not a low-rolling-resistance XC weapon.

Quick Specs

  • 2.4” width
  • 965 grams
  • T9 compound
  • GRID casing
  • Aggressive open tread

In My Setup

  • I ran it up front, paired with a Specialized Ground Control in the rear for a downcountry-inspired setup (configuration comes with an Epic 8 Evo Pro).
  • Compound: T9 rubber for max grip and stickiness.
  • Casing: GRID casing held up perfectly — no punctures despite racing brutal terrain.
  • I ran this without an insert, back before I really started embracing tire inserts.

Who It’s For

  • Trail riders, aggressive XC racers, or anyone racing a course with huge descents, techy climbing, and very little smooth pedaling.
  • Not ideal if you need something super-fast rolling — this tire prioritizes grip and control over speed.

Free tool

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Use the RaceDaySetup Tire Selector to get personalized recommendations based on terrain, riding style, and your goals.

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Notes

  • Expect sluggish rolling on fast, smooth sections — but if the course is rough, steep, and technical, this tire absolutely shines.
  • If you’re unsure about tire pressures, I recommend using the SILCA Pro Tire Pressure Calculator to dial it in perfectly.

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Ben Steger
XC & endurance racer

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