MTB Tire Test: Hutchinson Python Race Racing Lab

The Python Race Racing Lab is a mountain bike tire from Hutchinson primarily designed for speed and low weight. The addition of "Racing Lab" in the name of the Python Race indicates that this tire was developed and extensively tested by Hutchinson's racing department. In terms of appearance, the Python Race comes close to the description, as the tire looks fast with its small central knobs and larger side knobs.

The "Racing Lab" label also signifies that the tire comes with cutting-edge technology, and the main ingredient is the Race Ripost XC (RRXC) compound, optimized to provide speed and durability. The casing is a thin 3x127 TPI version that should be light and flexible.

The Python Race is only available in the 29x2.4 size, making the choice easier. We have tested it and will compare it with what the competition has to offer.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Hutchinson
Model	Python Race Racing Lab
Year	2025
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At
Manufacturer part number	PV532652
EAN	3248382095611
TPI	127
Compound	Race Ripost XC
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	57-622
Size Inch	29"
Width Inch	2.40
Specified Weight	600 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	36
Made In	Pro Data
Available Sizes	29x2.40

Hutchinson Python Race Racing Lab Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	600 grams
Measured Weight	592 grams
Measured Width Carcass	56 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	57 mm
Measured Height	55 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	1.3 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.4 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	1.8 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Pro Data
All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 35 psi / 2.4 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results

Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube	None (40 ml sealant)
Measured Width	56 mm
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 bar 51-55 = 38 psi/2.6 bar 56-60 = 34 psi/2.3 barHigh Air Pressure (34 psi / 2.3 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 bar 51-55 = 32 psi/2.2 bar 56-60 = 29 psi/2.0 barMedium Air Pressure (29 psi / 2.0 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 bar 51-55 = 25 psi/1.7 bar 56-60 = 23 psi/1.6 barLow Air Pressure (23 psi / 1.6 bar)	24.5 Watts CRR: 0.00734
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 bar 51-55 = 19 psi/1.3 bar 56-60 = 17 psi/1.2 barExtra Low Air Pressure (17 psi / 1.2 bar)	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance 55 psi / 3.8 bar	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance 45 psi / 3.1 bar	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance 35 psi / 2.4 bar	Pro Data
Rolling Resistance 25 psi / 1.7 bar	Pro Data
The MTB section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	25 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Tread Total Tire Thickness	1.8 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Pro Data
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Pro Data

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	59 Points
Wet Grip Center	Pro Data
Wet Grip Edge	Pro Data
Measured Knob Height Center	1.3 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	2.4 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 MTB grip test rim width = 30.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion

The performance of the Python Race disappoints us because we had assumed the performance of Hutchinson's Caracal Race as a benchmark. The Caracal Race is one of the fastest gravel bike tires (it rolls even faster than many road bike tires), but unfortunately, the Python Race does not come close to this. The RRXC compound is less potent than the Mach Tread 3.0 compound found on the Caracal Race.

What remains is a tire that still delivers reasonable all-around performance but fails to impress in any specific area. Its strongest point is it's lightweight, but you certainly pay the price for this in terms of the puncture resistance of both the tread and the sidewalls.

RATING: 3.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

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