RADIAL REVOLUTION: REDEFINING MOUNTAIN BIKE TIRES
The latest development from the Schwalbe LAB: With the innovative radial tire technology two new MTB tires are coming onto the market. The basis for this new technology is the completely rethought carcass construction.
More grip
for even more safety
More comfort
thanks to more cushioning
Larger contact surface
on the ground
Radial tires from Pinkbike awarded
Great honor for our new MTB tires with radial carcass: Pinkbike is so enthusiastic about the innovative Schwalbe technology that they have awarded them the coveted “Product of the year” 2024 award.
It says: “they [Schwalbe] didn’t just think outside the box, they reshaped it.” And with great effect, because the Pinkbike team is very enthusiastic after several practical tests and writes: “This new type of construction used on their Trail Pro and Gravity Pro tires improves performance in several ways.” The enormous additional grip and the smooth ride feel are particularly emphasized in Pinkbike’s write-up. Schwalbe's new Albert model thus ensures safety and confidence on any terrain.
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THE ADVANTAGES OF RADIAL
Carcass threads at a more obtuse angle than other tires
30% more contact area with the same air pressure
More grip, more damping, more safety
WHAT DOES RADIAL MEAN?
The basis for this is the completely rethought construction of the carcass. The carcass threads, which run diagonally across the tire at a 45° angle in conventional bicycle tires, are arranged at a much more obtuse angle in our radial tires. This technology opens up a completely new dimension in the function of bicycle tires.
APEX
Protection for even greater puncture resistance in Schwalbe tires
HOW RADIAL TIRES WORK
THE NEW PRODUCTS
The new radial tires come in three new profiles: Albert, Shredda (Front / Rear) and Magic Mary Radial.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RADIAL TIRES
In a cross-ply tire, the carcass cords run at a 45° angle to the direction of travel. This is the standard construction method for bicycle tires. In radial tires, on the other hand, as used in cars, for example, the carcass cords run at a 90° angle to the direction of travel and parallel to the wheel axle. To stabilize the tire tread, steel cord belt layers are installed under the tread, which are necessary due to the high speeds. However, for bicycle tires, an arrangement of the carcass threads at a 90° angle and additional reinforcement makes no sense because the speeds reached are significantly lower than for cars and, in addition, the use of additional material would mean more weight. That is why the carcass threads in our radial tires are as blunt as possible and much closer to a 90° angle than to a 45° angle.
Due to the blunter angle of the carcass threads, the tire can deform more selectively. As a result, it follows bumps many times better than a bias-ply tire and always maintains contact with the ground. The result: more grip, more comfort and more safety off-road. In addition, the contact area increases by approx. 30% with the same air pressure.
Due to the larger contact area with the ground, Schwalbe radial tires always have more rubber in contact with the ground. As a result, rolling resistance increases slightly. However, this can be almost compensated for by clever tread designs, as already demonstrated on the ALBERT, for example.
This is intentional and is due to the higher number of weft threads in the carcass as a result of the blunter carcass angle. Weft threads are necessary in the production of tire carcasses to facilitate processing in production through to assembly. After fitting, these gradually tear in a controlled manner during riding.
Although Schwalbe radial tires are considerably more flexible under the tread, they behave almost identically to cross-ply tires in terms of lateral stiffness. This means that they can fully exploit their advantages on uneven surfaces, but do not become more unstable due to our special carcass construction.
We recommend initially using the same air pressure as a cross-ply tire with a comparable carcass construction (e.g. Gravity or Super Gravity). However, since Schwalbe radial tires are more flexible than conventional cross-ply tires even at higher pressures and retain their positive characteristics, the air pressure can be adapted much better to the riding conditions. For example, if the track conditions require a higher pressure to prevent punctures, this is easily possible with Schwalbe radial tires without having to accept disproportionately large compromises in grip.
Since we have only adjusted the angle of the carcass threads, but not the number of carcass plies or the material thickness, Schwalbe radial tires are no more susceptible to punctures than bias ply tires. The cut and puncture protection therefore remains positive.
The TRAIL carcass performs well uphill due to its lower weight, but also works very well on downhill sections. The GRAVITY carcass is designed for tougher enduro and downhill use. Accordingly, it is slightly heavier than the TRAIL carcass, but it is more stable and offers greater puncture protection.
These Schwalbe models are available in radial:
The success story continues: Schwalbe is steadily expanding its portfolio of MTB tires with innovative radial tire technology. The design developed at Schwalbe LAB for even more grip, comfort, and safety is now available for additional models and versions: the new Romy, Magic Mary, Tacky Chan, and Eddy Current.
For this update, the development team has further optimized the existing designs. In particular, the GRAVITY PRO design has been further improved—offering even greater puncture protection while maintaining the same high level of comfort.
The versatile MTB tire Schwalbe Romy is our all-rounder for mountain bikes and e-MTBs. As a trail and all-mountain tire with gravity genes, it combines low weight with balanced riding characteristics – while remaining aggressive enough for demanding trails. With Romy, you’re ready for anything!Maximum riding fun uphill and downhill Romy makes choosing a tire easy. Whether on alpine trails or challenging tours in the low mountain range, on a trail bike or a light-assist e-MTB, on the front or rear wheel: Romy always fits. It is our mountain bike tire for fun-oriented riders who want a tire that works everywhere.Light, fast, grip and control Romy is lighter than many enduro tires, yet still incredibly robust and durable. Its balanced tread pattern delivers a playful riding feel and lets your bike roll fast without compromising control and grip. Worry-free riding and fun are guaranteed with Romy.TRAIL PRO offers you the best balance of weight and durability with the latest technologies for maximum performance. The balanced tuning of weight, cushioning, rolling behaviour, and puncture protection makes it the ideal companion for your trail adventures.Additionally, you benefit from the advantages of radial: more grip, more cushioning, more safety. How does that work? The carcass threads are woven at a blunter angle. This ensures that the tire can better conform to the ground at specific points and has a larger contact area on the trail. This provides more grip, more cushioning, and more safety. Learn more about Schwalbe radial tires here.
Tacky Chan is the fastest downhill tire in the world: Maximum corner grip and maximum braking traction – with optimal rolling resistance and absolute freedom in line choice. 17 World Cup wins in two years with the Tacky Chan, as well as Amaury Pierron's overall victory in 2022, underline this.If you prefer a slightly lighter construction with minor compromises in puncture protection and precision, while simultaneously wanting to benefit from radial tire technology, the TRAIL PRO radial is the right construction for you! Originally developed for the pros of the Downhill World Cup, you can now also enjoy the advantages of radial: more grip, more cushioning, more safety. How does that work? The carcass threads are woven at a blunter angle. This ensures that the tire can better conform to the ground at specific points and, at the same air pressure, has a 30 percent larger contact patch on the trail.
The "indestructible" rear tire – now new with radial carcass The Schwalbe Eddy Current is our E-MTB specialist for all-mountain and enduro use. Its sturdy construction makes it a reliable, almost indestructible rear tire for all e-bikes – from light-assist to full-power machines. Eddy Current is a doer. With it, you can simply set off, no matter which trails your e-mountain bike adventure takes you on. With the advantages of radial Our newly developed GRAVITY PRO construction offers you the most robust carcass with the best puncture protection for tougher use or heavier bikes – and the advantages of radial. As the PRO version, it incorporates the latest technologies for maximum performance: an additional carcass layer provides extra stability and even more puncture protection. In addition, our APEX provides maximum puncture protection thanks to extra fabric reinforcement. You also benefit from the advantages of radial: more grip, more cushioning, more safety. How does that work? The carcass threads are woven at a blunter angle. This ensures that the tire can better conform to the ground at specific points and has a larger contact area on the trail. This results in more grip, more cushioning, and more safety.With the advantages of radial Our newly developed GRAVITY PRO construction offers you the most robust carcass with the best puncture protection for tougher use or heavier bikes – along with the advantages of radial. As a PRO version, it incorporates the latest technologies for maximum performance: An additional carcass layer provides extra stability and even greater puncture protection. Furthermore, our APEX ensures maximum puncture protection thanks to additional fabric reinforcement. You also benefit from the advantages of radial: more grip, more cushioning, more safety. How does that work? The carcass threads are woven at a blunter angle. This allows the tire to better conform to the ground at specific points and provides a larger contact area on the trail. This results in more grip, more cushioning, and more safety. Learn more about Schwalbe radial tires here.