Schwalbe has released the G-One RS, said to be the brand’s fastest ever gravel tyre.
The tyre has 20 per cent less rolling resistance than the G-One R gravel tyre, according to Schwalbe.
Schwalbe says it has achieved this by pairing a semi-slick pattern in the middle of the tread, taking inspiration from the brand’s X-One Speed cyclocross tyre.
The G-One RS has been launched ahead of the 2022 Unbound gravel race this weekend. However, Schwalbe says the tyre has already seen success at races in 2022. Ivar Slik won the Traka Girona with the tyre, while Jasper Ockeloen triumphed at Gravel Locos, with Slik in second.
Schwalbe says the G-One RS will be available from August and will cost €72.90.
‘Race speed with cyclocross grip’
Schwalbe says the G-One RS will offer “race speed with cyclocross grip”, due to its combination of tread patterns.
The tubeless tyre uses Schwalbe’s Addix Race compound, with the central section and outer edge of the tyre tailored to meet different needs.
The semi-slick, central section of the tyre is said to enable fast riding. Schwalbe says this section has a “scale structure” described as a “zig-zagging herring-bone” to provide more braking power and steering grip, which in turn helps the tyre go faster, according to Schwalbe.
The outside edge of the tyre is said to provide greater grip. The tread pattern consists of different blocks, with longer lugs on the exterior edge of the tyre for uphill traction and then shorter lugs to provide better cornering grip, according to Schwalbe.
The tyre has Schwalbe’s Super Race carcass, which was first introduced on the Schwalbe Pro One, said to provide suppleness, grip and puncture protection.
Schwalbe has used its V-Guard puncture protection in the G-One RS and the tyre has three layers for sidewall protection.
Not just a gravel tyre?
While Schwalbe has timed the launch of the G-One RS to coincide with Unbound, one of the biggest gravel races in the world, the brand says the tyre isn’t aimed solely at the gravel market.
The tyre will be available in three sizes: 35mm, 40mm and 45mm.
Schwalbe says the 35mm version of the tyre is designed to fit cyclocross bikes (although this is 2mm wider than the maximum 33mm tyre size for UCI cyclocross races) and to fit the latest endurance road bikes.
The 40mm and 45mm sizes are aimed at the gravel market, however, with the 40mm option focused more on racing and the 45mm for riders seeking “extra grip… and comfort”.