With a distinctive lowered centre tread and chunky cornering blocks, the Slaughter is Specialized’s fast-rolling rear tyre.

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The lighter Control version here shares the same low-profile central knob pattern and rubber blend as the tougher Grid model we’ve tested previously, but not having an extra cap-ply layer saves almost 200g, and makes it more suitable for everyday trail duties and lighter, shorter travel bikes.

The Slaughter looks like a Specialized Butcher tyre with the crown knobs given a buzz cut, and accelerates and rolls very speedily.

The firmer 60a centre compound increases wear life, and softer, 50a durometer, angled edge blocks jut out to form a pronounced rail that’s close in spirit to Schwalbe’s Rock Razor. The difference is, the Slaughter is fully tubeless-ready, with a folding bead, for a bargain £35.

In dry conditions it’s a total winner, but in terms of out-and-out confidence, grip levels aren’t quite as assured as the Schwalbe when it’s very slimy.

Hold and bite across damp roots and rocks is a fraction less predictable, and braking confidence is marginally diminished too.