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Bike Perfect

Lifestyle

Graham Cottingham

Will Schwalbe's new radial technology revolutionize tires forever?

Schwalbe MTB

Schwalbe Albert Radial gravity tire rolling over a rock.

Schwalbe has launched two new tire models which it claims marks a "revolution in tire technology". It's not the new tread patterns or a magically sticky compound that is said to be "turning the MTB world on its head", instead Schwalbe has developed a new Radial carcass construction which is said to offer improved grip and traction, and a smoother-feeling ride.

The new Radial carcass design will initially be available in three tire options - the Albert, Shredda (front and rear), and a Radial version of Schwalbe's popular Magic Mary.

What makes Schwalbe's new Radial tires different from its existing best MTB tires is the orientation of the threads used to form the tire carcass structure. Instead of running across the tire at a 45-degree angle, Schwalbe has arranged them at a more obtuse angle. While it's not a true radial design as the threads don't run perpendicular, Schwalbe says its design offers most of the benefits of a radial design without adding any additional structure.

Schwalbe Radial threads are more perpendicular with the direction of the tire, but not a true radial (Image credit: Schwalbe )

Using this Radial design Schwalbe says the thread's overlap is reduced and they are under less tension allowing the tire to deform to the ground better. Set up to the same air pressure, Schwalbe claims the Radial design offers a contact patch that's approximately 30 percent larger than a conventional tire. That means more contact with the ground which should enhance grip for turning, braking, and acceleration. It's also said to be more comfortable as the flexible casing can absorb impacts and vibrations better.

Michelin introduced radial tires to the automotive industry in the 40's and in the process revolutionized car tire technology, will Schwalbe's Radial design do the same in MTB?

It's interesting that despite the concept existing for over 70 years it's only just reached MTB now. We asked Schwalbe why this was the case, "We can only guess why the topic was not investigated earlier with the objective of "suppleness", but we would say that the challenge here has always been that you cannot build a radial tire with a lot of sidewall support without using a lot of material, which makes the tire heavy again. It is the combination of APEX and SnakeSkin (for which we have also filed a patent) that makes the tire a positive overall package for MTB use at the same weight."

Schwalbe Albert Radial is aimed at enduro riding (Image credit: Schwalbe )

Comparing the claimed weights between the Magic Mary Radial Trail (29x2.5 1220g) and the standard Super Trail carcass (29x2.6 1370g), it appears that Schwalbe has figured out how to add support without additional weight.

Another potential offset of a more supple casing is the increased risk of pinch flat and rim strikes as the tire will compress more on impact.

We haven't had an opportunity to ride the new Radial tires yet to put their performance to the test, however, they are already proven on the elite downhill circuit. Schwalbe's prototype Radial tires have been secretly racking up 14 wins since 2022, ridden by the likes of Amaury Pierron, Myriam Nicole, and others. Most recently, Pierron won the last two World Cup downhill rounds at Val di Sole and Les Gets by significant margins using the Radial tires.

If Schwalbe's claims of improved grip and comfort are true, I suspect we are likely to see the Radial tech extend to other MTB tires in its range fairly quickly.

Schwalbe says that the new radial design has its disadvantages, the larger contact patch will increase rolling resistance when riding on smoother surfaces which could limit the radial design's effectiveness on smooth gravel and tarmac. Interestingly, Schwalbe also reports that if air pressure is increased by 50 percent you still benefit from a 15 percent larger contact patch whilst retaining the flexible sidewall properties. Schwalbe says it's still early days and it's investigating benefits for further applications. With its potential to improve vibration damping and roll faster over rough surfaces, I think there is a good chance we will see this tech in gravel tires in the future.

The new radial technology will be initially launched in three options. Albert is an enduro all-rounder. The aggressive shoulder lugs of the Schwalbe Tacky Chan tire are combined with a more closed and rounder center tread pattern to maximize the amount of rubber in contact with the ground. The Albert comes in 29x2.5 or 27.5x2.6 sizes, soft or ultra-soft compounds and either Trail or Gravity protection.

The new Shredda is a spiked front and rear tread pattern inspired by motocross. They feature an 8mm center tread and 10mm shoulder tread designed to dig into the soft ground whether you're charging downhill or climbing on an e-MTB. The Shredda front only comes in 29x2.5 but is available in 29 or 2.75 on the rear, all tires are Gravity casing and ultra-soft rubber.

Lastly, the venerable Magic Mary is also treated to the new Radial casing. The Magic Mary Radial comes in three versions; 29x2.5 Gravity ultra soft, 29x2.5 Gravity soft, and 29x2.5 Trail ultra soft.

For claimed weights and pricing see below.