Specialized tires have developed a reputation around the shop for their ability to deliver top-end performance at a price point that is significantly cheaper than other big names in the industry. When the sky opens up on a race weekend, the Specialized Hillbilly is trusted by some of the world's fastest downhill and enduro racers to get them to the finish line. Utilizing Specialized's softest T9 rubber compound and a well-spaced aggressive tread pattern, the Hillbilly is designed to excel in wet conditions.

Finn Iles and Loic Bruni have piloted this tire down some of the gnarliest downhill tracks in the world. While a bike is only as fast as its rider, a professional racer's reliance on a component in treacherous conditions against the clock should give an average rider some peace of mind. The GoPro footage of Bruni's race run from a rain-soaked Val Di Sole is a representation of just how much performance can be extracted out of the Hillbilly in the right hands. Notorious for being one of the steepest and most technical tracks on the World Cup circuit, Iles and Bruni both secured podiums aboard Hillbilly tires, placing 3rd and 5th, respectively. 

Specialized Hillbilly Details

Compounds: T9

Casings: Grid Trail, Grid Gravity 

Recommended Use: Enduro/Downhill 

Configuration Tested: 29x2.4”, Grid Gravity casing, T9 compound / 22psi front, 26psi rear

Tread Details 

The tread pattern of the Hillbilly is teetering on the verge of mud-spike while maintaining enough pedaling performance to make it a realistic option for an enduro bike. The center tread consists of alternative double mid-spiked knobs. Well-spaced, with aggressive square profiles and minimal siping, the 2-2 center knobs are the star of the show on the Hillbilly, providing the penetration and mud-shedding capabilities that make it so effective in wet conditions. 

Sizings / Casings / Compound

The Hillbilly is available in 27.5" and 29" in a 2.4" width. Riders have the option between Grid Trail and Grid Gravity casings. Grid trail casing utilizes a 60-tpi construction and a 29x2.4" Grid Trail weighs in at approximately 1070g. The more robust Grid Gravity casing features a two-ply design for increased puncture resistance and support. A 29x2.4" Grid Gravity Hillbilly outweighs the Grid Trail variation by almost 300 grams, weighing in at approximately 1340g. The Hillbilly is only available in Specialized's softest T9 rubber compound.

Ride Impressions

The correct tread pattern plays a massive role when riding in the saturated winter conditions that accompany steep Pacific Northwest terrain. Over the past few winters, I have experimented with a range of tread patterns from Maxxis, Schwalbe, and Specialized, and I have found myself returning to the Hillbilly as my "winter tire" of choice.  

When installed front and rear, there is no denying the added rolling resistance of the Hillbilly, but that is an expected trade-off of running taller spiked knobs. In its intended conditions, the confidence and grip the Hillbilly provides outweighs the negatives of added drag and the associated rumbling sound of the tread when pedaling. The Hillbilly thrives in trail conditions ranging from tilled-over loam to full-on mud. The blocky profile of the tall-lugged center tread easily bites into loose terrain while maintaining ample spacing to shed debris. 

The Hillbilly provides a very "directional" feel, with a distinct sensation when leaning onto its side knobs. With a very square profile and no transitional knobs, there is a well-defined feeling between rolling in a straight line and leaning the tire. The tall blocky center knobs dig deep into loose terrain and deliver an obscene amount of traction in conditions that would overwhelm any dry conditions tire. The Hillbilly is extremely effective at braking in a straight line, allowing riders to keep things under control in steep or sloppy sections of the trail. 

The Hillbilly excels in wet conditions, when traction is at a premium. Perhaps not the most viable option for hardpack or drier climates, the Hillbilly is definitely a wet weather specialist. This tire comes to life on those steep ribbons of dark brown dirt hiding off the map. The spike lugs perform best in the type of terrain that clogs clipless cleats and leaves riders wanting to chase that feeling of controlled falling down a mountainside.

Durability

In the correct conditions, running the Hillbilly is similar to an F1 driver opting for the softest tires available for increased grip and speed, at the expense of decreased tire life. The opportunity cost of holding laughable high lines and charging into steep, loamy chutes outweighs the limited lifespan. As a gravity-oriented tire, the tall knob profile combined with the ultra-soft T9 rubber compound provides immense traction out of the packaging while wearing out rather quickly. After having cycled through numerous sets of Hillbilly tires over the seasons, I've encountered that the center knobs will eventually start to tear at their siping, especially on the rear tire. Riders can realistically expect a couple of months of heavy riding before knobs start to deteriorate, but using these tires on harder pack terrain regularly will speed up their degradation. 

Specialized Hillbilly Compared to the Maxxis Highroller III

I'm still not convinced Maxxis didn't borrow Specialized's homework when developing the new High Roller III. The two tires share nearly identical center tread patterns, all the way down to their alternating vertical and horizontal siping. The side knobs of the two tires do vary slightly, and the spiked knobs of the High Roller are slightly shorter with more ramping than the tall blocky knobs of the Hillbilly. 

Out on the trail, the Hillbilly feels more like a condition-specific spiked tread, while the lower knob height and slight ramping make the High Roller a bit faster rolling. The High Roller's knobs are firmer and supportive than those of the Hillbilly, making it more versatile across a range of conditions. Unlike the Hillbilly, which has a tendency to squirm and develop stress tears on hardpack, the High Roller can switch between mud and hardpack terrain with ease. I would give the High Roller an upper hand for adaptability and performance in dry climates, while the Hillbilly is best suited for loose, wet conditions. 

Verdict / Who is the Hillbilly Suited for?

The Specialized tire lineup has proven itself to provide elite-level performance at an affordable price point, and the Hillbilly is no exception in its intended conditions. The tall spiked knobs of the Hillbilly cut through loose soil and mud, allowing a rider to place their bike where they want regardless of how saturated the trails are. Considering its price and podium-proven performance, the Hillbilly is currently one of the best options on the market for tackling wet conditions.