What's New? A Closer Look at the Butcher Tire

At the core, the Butcher retains its identity, but it's been given a formidable facelift inspired by Specialized's more aggressive Cannibal downhill tire. The new design features taller, larger, and more staggered knobs, especially on the tire's shoulders. Specialized claims a staggering 12% increase in block surface area, which is primarily concentrated around the cornering lugs.

Here are some variants of the Butcher with actual weights confirmed: - 27.5x2.2 Grid Trail T9: 1000g - 29x2.4 Grid Trail T9: 1048g - 1065g - 29x2.4 Grid Trail T9 Tan: 1048g - 29x2.6 Grid Trail T9: 1110g - 27.5x2.4 Grid Gravity T9: 1260g - 1240g - 29x2.4 Grid Gravity T9: 1307g - 1320g - 29x2.6 Grid Gravity T9: 1330g

The Eliminator Gets a Major Overhaul

Moving on to the Eliminator, the enhancements are more pronounced. The latest version showcases a beefed-up lug profile, eliminating the previously ramped centerline lugs and introducing more supportive shoulder knobs for enhanced cornering. The knob height has been increased while siping has been reduced, resulting in a tread pattern more focused on delivering traction rather than just speed.

Confirmed weights for the Eliminator are as follows: - 27.5x2.4 Grid Trail T9 Tan: 975g - 27.5x2.4 Grid Trail T9: 975g - 29x2.4 Grid Trail T9 Tan: 1004g - 29x2.4 Grid Trail T9: 1004g - 1029g - 27.5x2.4 Grid Gravity T7/T9: 1240g - 1251g - 29x2.4 Grid Gravity T7/T9: 1330g

Test Ride Report: How Do They Feel?

I’ve had the chance to put various configurations of the Butcher and Eliminator to the test on my usual trails around the Pacific Northwest as well as in the dry, loose terrain of Phoenix, AZ. While I have a good initial impression, only time will reveal their long-term durability.

The new Butcher feels like a hybrid of the previous model and the Cannibal — improved mechanical grip is evident from the moment you hit the trail. Its braking traction has noticeably increased, allowing for better performance on loose surfaces without compromising stability, thanks to the wider footprint and enhanced design elements.

The renewed Eliminator showcases significant improvements over its predecessor, offering remarkable braking traction and a reliable cornering feel that adapts well across diverse conditions. Though I haven’t conducted a side-by-side comparison of rolling resistance between the old and new models, the latest version feels nimble and responsive. That said, riders who prioritize speed might lean towards the original tread pattern while reaping the benefits of current improvements.

Overall, the Butcher and Eliminator tires seem capable of handling a wider range of terrains, from hardpack to loamy conditions — and it feels like Specialized has nailed down the rubber composition with their innovative block-in-block design for increased grip.

Stay tuned for my in-depth review after logging more miles on these sensational tires. Are the Butcher and Eliminator what your bike has been starving for? Only time will tell!