Schwalbe Wicked Will SuperGround Addix SpeedGrip 2.4
Ride it
Easy to mount
Recovers from steering errors fast
Puncture-resistant and durable
Excellent grip, even on wet trails
Skip it
Tubeless setup requires patience
Not the fastest tire
Fairly loud on paved roads
More info: Schwalbe.com
Why the Wicked Will?
When I bought my Scott Spark RC a few years ago, it came equipped with a set of Maxxis Rekon Race tires. These didn’t offer enough grip for my liking, so I started looking for a tire that would give me more confidence.
That’s how I ended up with the Wicked Will. Initially, I mounted it as a front tire paired with a Racing Ralph in the rear. On my trail bike, I now run it as a rear tire combined with a Nobby Nic up front.
Tested setups: Wicked Will / Racing Ralph (XC) and Nobby Nic / Wicked Will (Trail)
Tested in/on: Local trails, Ardennes marathons, Stoneman Arduenna & Miriquidi, MTB trails Spa and Amblève trail center
Period: Over 10,000 km with the Wicked Will as a front tire in all conditions, from dry to extreme mud.
What I love about the Wicked Will
Mounting: Getting the tire onto the rim has always been straightforward. I’ve had more trouble with other tires.
Grip & confidence: As a front tire, the Wicked Will is a confidence booster. The tire corrects steering errors and catches slips incredibly fast. Although the Wicked Will isn’t marketed as a wet-weather tire, I found it surprisingly effective in wet or even muddy conditions.
Puncture-resistant & durable: After over 10,000 km on widely varied terrain, I still haven’t destroyed a single Wicked Will or needed to plug one. That says something about the tire’s quality and the SuperGround and Addix SpeedGrip properties.
What could be better
Tubeless installation: It might just be me, but I find it difficult to get the Wicked Will to seat properly in the rim on the first try. I haven’t experienced this issue with other tires.
Not the fastest tire: The Wicked Will is less race-oriented than other Schwalbe tires like the Racing Ralph, Racing Ray, or Rick XC. In practice, I found the difference quite small.
Road noise: On paved roads, the Wicked Will is fairly loud. You could actually see this as a positive—I regularly find that pedestrians or other cyclists look back (because they hear me coming) before I’ve even had a chance to ring my bell…
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Verdict
The Schwalbe Wicked Will is an excellent all-rounder. The tire is reliable, durable, versatile, and offers plenty of grip and confidence on rougher terrain. As a rear tire, I’m currently having equally positive experiences, though with significantly fewer test kilometers… To be continued.
The Wicked Will is an outstanding choice for riders who value adventure, grip, and versatility over pure speed.
Where to buy?
The Schwalbe Wicked Will is available at various specialized webshops and bike shops. Below you’ll find one or more of our trusted partners where you can purchase it:
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Schwalbe Wicked Will Specifications
| Tire size | Compound | Version | Weight | Sealing | Max load |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 27.5/29 x 2.25 | Addix, Addix Speedgrip | Super Race, Super Ground, Performance | 780-900 grams | Tube, TLR, TLE | 120 kg |
| 27.5/29 x 2.4 | Addix, Addix Speedgrip, Addix Soft | Super Race, Super Ground, Super Trail, Performance | 820-950 grams | Tube, TLR, TLE | 125 kg |
| 27.5/29 x 2.6 | Addix, Addix Speedgrip | Super Trail, Super Ground | 900-980 grams | Tube, TLR, TLE | 115 kg |
FAQ
Is the Wicked Will suitable for marathon and long-distance routes?
The Wicked Will is very well-suited for marathons and long distances. I’ve ridden both the Stoneman Arduenna and Stoneman Miriquidi in a single day with this tire. Additionally, I’ve used it in various Ardennes marathons like the Ardennes Trophy, La Hallonienne, and Raid Bocq.
How does the tire perform on wet or muddy surfaces?
Although Schwalbe primarily markets the Wicked Will for dry conditions and harder surfaces, I found it surprisingly effective in wet and muddy conditions. The Nobby Nic might perform even better, but personally I find it less grippy on the surfaces where the Wicked Will excels…
Which width and compound are best for different terrains?
For width and compound, I always choose 2.4″ and the Addix Speedgrip compound. The Soft compound offers more grip but wears slightly faster. Unless you’re really going in an enduro direction, you could opt for 2.6″, but in all other cases, 2.4″ is the standard choice nowadays.
Is the Wicked Will better suited for front or rear wheel use?
The Wicked Will works as both a front and rear tire—this actually seems like a perfect all-round combo if you’re not focused on pure (XC) speed. If you ride more frequently in extreme conditions, a different front tire (like the Nobby Nic) might be better. As a rear tire, which I’m currently testing, you can’t go wrong with the Wicked Will.
How does the Wicked Will compare to other popular tires like Nobby Nic, Maxxis Rekon, or Forekaster?
The Nobby Nic performs better in muddy and/or extreme weather conditions. The Wicked Will is the winner when it’s dry and the terrain is harder. The Maxxis Forekaster is lighter and perhaps slightly more all-round in terms of performance across all conditions. Want even more grip and confidence on natural and technical trails? Then the new Schwalbe Albert with radial casing is an excellent replacement.
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