Specialized Butcher Grid Gravity Radial T9 TLR Tyre
Maximum Grip. Controlled Compliance. Built for Aggressive Riding.
The Specialized Butcher Grid Gravity Radial T9 TLR is designed for trail, enduro and e-MTB riders who prioritise traction and control on steep, loose and technical terrain. Its aggressive tread pattern is paired with Specialized’s maximum-grip T9 compound and a tough Grid Gravity casing for dependable performance when the trail gets rough.
The radial casing allows the tyre to conform more readily to the ground, helping the tread maintain contact across roots, rocks and broken surfaces. Lateral support is retained for hard cornering, creating a tyre that feels composed and predictable when speeds increase.
Radial Construction for Better Ground Contact
Unlike a conventional mountain bike tyre, the Butcher Radial uses a casing layout designed to reduce radial stiffness. This allows the tyre to deform more easily around trail obstacles rather than deflecting away from them.
For the rider, that means improved ground contact, a smoother feel across rough terrain and more consistent traction when braking or riding through uneven sections.
Sweet Spot Ply Support
Specialized’s Sweet Spot Ply is integrated into the radial casing to balance compliance with the support needed for aggressive riding.
The tyre remains flexible through the contact patch while retaining lateral stability through corners. This helps prevent the vague or folding sensation that can occur when a compliant tyre is pushed hard.
Maximum-Grip T9 Compound
The GRIPTON® T9 compound is Specialized’s softest and most grip-focused mountain bike rubber.
It provides dependable traction on wet roots, loose soil and rocky surfaces while adding damping across rough terrain. The trade-off is faster wear and slightly higher rolling resistance than a firmer compound, making T9 best suited to riders who place grip and control ahead of outright efficiency.
Aggressive Butcher Tread
The Butcher tread uses substantial shoulder blocks for predictable cornering support and well-spaced centre knobs for braking and control.
Its open layout helps clear loose soil and mud, making it particularly effective on natural terrain where conditions can change quickly.
Grid Gravity Protection
The Grid Gravity 60 TPI casing provides bead-to-bead protection for demanding trail, enduro and e-MTB use.
It adds the durability and sidewall support needed for lower pressures, rough tracks and repeated impacts while helping protect against cuts and punctures.
Tubeless-Ready Performance
The Tubeless Ready construction allows the tyre to be used without an inner tube when fitted to a compatible rim with sealant and a tubeless valve.
Running tubeless can reduce pinch-flat risk and allows lower tyre pressures for additional grip and comfort. Correct pressure will depend on rider weight, rim width, terrain and whether the tyre is fitted to the front or rear.
Key Features
• Designed for aggressive trail, enduro and e-MTB riding
• Optimised for natural, loose and technical terrain
• Radial casing improves ground conformity and traction
• Integrated Sweet Spot Ply balances compliance and support
• Reduced radial stiffness provides a smoother ride over rough ground
• Maintains lateral support for confident cornering
• GRIPTON® T9 compound prioritises grip and damping
• Aggressive Butcher tread provides strong braking and cornering control
• Grid Gravity 60 TPI casing
• Bead-to-bead protection improves durability
• Tubeless Ready construction
• Available in 27.5-inch and 29-inch sizes
Why Riders Love the Specialized Butcher Grid Gravity Radial T9
• Exceptional grip across loose and technical terrain
• Improved conformity over roots, rocks and broken surfaces
• Predictable support when cornering hard
• Strong braking traction on steep descents
• T9 compound adds control and trail damping
• Tough casing suits aggressive riding and heavier e-MTBs
• Tubeless compatibility allows lower operating pressures
• Particularly effective as a confidence-inspiring front tyre
Who Is This Tyre For?
The Butcher Grid Gravity Radial T9 is for riders who want maximum traction and control rather than the lowest rolling resistance. It’s particularly well suited to steep natural trails, enduro stages, bike-park riding and powerful e-MTBs.
Riders covering long distances on smoother trails may prefer a lighter casing or firmer compound. For technical descending and unpredictable terrain, however, the extra grip and support of the Grid Gravity T9 construction are worthwhile.
Perfect For
✔ Aggressive trail riding
✔ Enduro racing
✔ Technical natural terrain
✔ Steep and loose descents
✔ Bike-park riding
✔ e-MTB use
✔ Wet roots and rocky trails
✔ Riders prioritising grip and control
Our Thoughts on the Specialized Butcher Grid Gravity Radial T9
The Butcher has been a reliable front-tyre choice for years, and the radial construction gives it a noticeably more settled feel across rough ground. It conforms well over roots and rocks, helping the front wheel track the terrain instead of being knocked off line.
The T9 compound provides plenty of braking and cornering grip, while the Grid Gravity casing gives the support needed to push hard or run lower pressures. It is a substantial tyre, so it wouldn’t be our first choice for lightweight trail bikes or riders focused on climbing speed.
For enduro, aggressive trail riding and e-MTB use, it makes a lot of sense. We’d commonly run it on the front, paired with a faster-rolling rear tyre such as an Eliminator, or use Butchers at both ends when maximum grip is the priority.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction
✔ Official Specialized Dealer
✔ Expert tyre and wheel compatibility advice
✔ Help selecting the correct casing, compound and size
✔ Tubeless setup advice and workshop installation available
✔ Finance options available
✔ Nationwide New Zealand delivery
✔ Ongoing support from our Christchurch team
Specifications
• Tyre type: Folding mountain bike tyre
• Intended use: Trail, enduro and e-MTB
• Recommended terrain: Natural, loose and technical
• Construction: Radial casing with Sweet Spot Ply
• Casing: Grid Gravity, 60 TPI
• Protection: Bead-to-bead
• Compound: GRIPTON® T9
• Tubeless compatibility: Tubeless Ready
• Available size: 27.5 × 2.4 inches
• Approximate weight, 27.5 × 2.4: 1,260g
• Available size: 29 × 2.4 inches
• Approximate weight, 29 × 2.4: 1,350g
Tyre weights are approximate and may vary slightly between individual tyres. Always confirm tyre clearance, rim compatibility and suitable pressure before use.
