The Classic All-Rounder for 26" Wheels – Schwalbe Smart Sam HS 624 (E-25)

Not every rider has moved to 29". For those who love the nimble, responsive feel of a 26" wheel — on a classic hardtail, a dirt jumper, or a 26" e-MTB — the Schwalbe Smart Sam HS 624 delivers the same legendary road and trail versatility that has made it one of the best-selling MTB tyres in Europe, now in the 26x2.25" format with full E-25 e-bike certification.

Fast-rolling centre knobs for efficient rolling on tarmac and gravel. Aggressive side knobs for confident cornering on dirt and loose terrain. Addix Performance compound for durability and grip across all conditions. Wire bead for robust, reliable everyday use. At 695 grams, the Smart Sam 26" is a serious tyre for serious riding — whatever the terrain, whatever the bike.

Key Features

E-Bike Ready (E-25): Specifically designed and tested for e-bikes with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h. The E-25 rating ensures the tyre handles the additional torque, weight, and sustained speed of electric-assisted riding safely and durably — the most important criterion when choosing a tyre for your pedelec.
Addix Performance Compound: Schwalbe’s universal compound for the Performance Line. A highly durable rubber with a wide performance range — excellent grip, low rolling resistance, and long service life across road and off-road conditions. Specifically formulated to handle the extra demands of e-bike use.
Perfect road and trail compromise: Fast-rolling centre knobs for efficient rolling on tarmac and gravel, combined with aggressive side knobs for confident cornering on dirt and loose terrain. The Smart Sam does it all.
26x2.25" (57-559 ETRTO): The 2.25" volume provides excellent traction and comfort on 26" wheels — ideal for classic hardtails, dirt jumpers, and 26" e-MTBs where the Smart Sam’s all-round capability shines.
Wire bead (Drahtreifen): Robust and reliable — the steel wire bead provides a secure, consistent fit on the rim. Extremely durable for everyday e-bike use.
Modern off-road look: The Smart Sam’s distinctive tread pattern combines a modern, aggressive aesthetic with proven performance — looking as good as it rides.

Specifications

Brand: Schwalbe
Model: Smart Sam HS 624
Size: 26 x 2.25" (57-559 ETRTO)
ETRTO inner diameter: 559 mm
ETRTO width: 57 mm
Weight: 695 g
Max pressure: 3.7 bar
Type: Wire bead (Drahtreifen)
Compound: Addix Performance
E-Bike rating: E-25 (up to 25 km/h)
Sidewall color: Black
Includes: 1 tyre
Manufacturer article number: 11159558
EAN: 4026495927529

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does the E-25 rating mean?

The E-25 rating means this tyre is specifically designed, tested, and approved for use on e-bikes with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h — the standard speed limit for pedelecs in Europe. E-bike tyres must meet stricter requirements than standard tyres because e-bikes are heavier, generate more torque, and are ridden at sustained higher speeds. Using a non-E-rated tyre on an e-bike can lead to premature wear, reduced safety, and potential warranty issues. The Smart Sam E-25 is the safe, correct choice for your pedelec.

Is the Smart Sam still available in 26"? Isn’t 26" obsolete?

26" wheels are far from obsolete. While 29" and 27.5" have become dominant in modern trail and enduro MTB, there is still a large and active community of 26" riders — particularly on classic hardtails, dirt jump bikes, slopestyle bikes, and older e-MTBs. Many e-bikes from the early years of the e-MTB market were built around 26" wheels and are still in active use. The Smart Sam 26" is the ideal tyre for these bikes, combining modern E-25 certification with the proven Smart Sam performance that riders have trusted for years.

What is Addix Performance Compound?

Addix Performance is Schwalbe’s universal rubber compound for the Performance Line. It is a highly durable compound with a wide performance range — similar to Speedgrip, it delivers an excellent balance of grip, rolling resistance, and longevity. For e-bike use, durability is especially important because the additional motor torque and weight accelerate tyre wear. Addix Performance is specifically formulated to handle these demands without sacrificing grip or rolling efficiency.

Is the Smart Sam suitable for both road and off-road use?

Yes — the Smart Sam is designed as a road and trail all-rounder. Its tread pattern features fast-rolling centre knobs for efficient rolling on tarmac and gravel, combined with aggressive side knobs for grip in corners on dirt and loose terrain. It is the ideal tyre for riders who mix commuting, gravel paths, and light trail riding — particularly on e-MTBs used in urban and peri-urban environments.

What is the recommended tyre pressure for the Smart Sam 26x2.25"?

The maximum pressure is 3.7 bar (54 psi). For most e-MTB riders on 26" wheels, a pressure of 2.0–2.8 bar provides the best balance of comfort, traction, and rolling efficiency. Heavier riders or harder surfaces may benefit from pressures closer to 3.7 bar. Always adjust based on your body weight, terrain, and riding conditions.

What is the difference between the 26x2.25" and the 29x2.60" Smart Sam?

Both are the same Smart Sam HS 624 model with the same Addix Performance compound and E-25 rating, but in different wheel sizes. The 26x2.25" (this product, ETRTO 57-559) is designed for 26" wheels — classic hardtails, dirt jumpers, and older e-MTBs. The 29x2.60" (ETRTO 65-622) is designed for modern 29" e-MTBs and trail bikes. Choose based on your wheel size. The 29" version is heavier (895g vs 695g) due to the larger diameter and wider profile.

What is the difference between a wire bead and a folding bead tyre?

A wire bead (Drahtreifen) uses a steel wire to hold the tyre on the rim. It is heavier than a folding bead but extremely robust and reliable — ideal for everyday e-bike use where durability matters more than weight savings. A folding bead uses a Kevlar or nylon cord, making the tyre lighter and packable. For e-bike commuting and trail use, the wire bead Smart Sam is an excellent choice for its durability and value.

Can I use this tyre on a non-electric bike?

Yes. The Smart Sam E-25 is fully compatible with standard (non-electric) bikes. The E-25 rating means it meets the higher standards required for e-bikes, but there is no downside to using it on a regular bike — you simply benefit from a more durable, well-engineered tyre. It is an excellent choice for any 26" MTB, hardtail, or trail bike where road and off-road versatility is needed.

Schwalbe Smart Sam HS 624 (E-25) MTB Tyre – 26x2.25", Wire Bead, Addix Performance, Black