It’s one of the simplest ways to increase the performance and efficiency of a bike, yet it’s also one of the most often overlooked.
Tyre technology has come ahead in leaps and bounds over the past few years. Long gone are the days of ultra-narrow, puncture-prone, light side-walled tyres that looked a year old after just a couple of rides.
As tyre research and development continues to surge ahead, we now know that wider is faster and more comfortable – particularly over the mid to long distances involved in the booming Gran Fondo scene.
Wider = Faster
From a full tubeless setup, perfect for Bowral Classic Maxi-Classic riders, right through to tyre solutions for those enjoying the Social-Classic, Schwalbe have every tyre option.
Technology has also played a critical role in tubeless tyre development – not only can you have a wider, faster and more efficient tyre, but one that is less prone to punctures as well!
Introducing the Schwalbe Pro One Tubeless – the world’s fastest tubeless tyre, and that’s just not Schwalbe’s claim, it’s the result of intense lab and road tests pitting the tyres against the best of the best.
Ten high-end racing tyres of the world’s leading manufacturers were recently put through a rolling resistance test by bikeradar.com and the team at Wheel Energy in Finland.
Lab & Road Tests Prove The Point
The tyres were up against each other in lab tests (rolling over a smooth then rough drum), then in real world road tests. In the test lab, the Pro One achieved the best results on both the smooth and the rough-surface drum.
Out on the road it was a similar result, the Schwalbe Pro One blitzed the competition.
“Whether it is the lack of a tube, the rubber compound or the excellent construction, the Pro One feels supple and fast on the road,” said Bikeradar’s Ben Delaney following the rigorous testing.
According to the website, the extensive tests proved what many have been saying over the past few years, that wider has definite advantages over skinnier tyres. In addition to this, the extra volume of air provides extra comfort.
“Since wider tyres roll faster and more comfortably, I won’t ever buy a 23mm tyre again,” said Ben Delaney when summarising the test results.
A close look at the directional tread pattern of the Schwalbe Pro One Tubeless.
Tyres Make The Memories
For those riding the 45km Social-Classic,120km Challenge-Classic or 160km Maxi-Classic on October 22, tyres will obviously play a critically important role in not just your Bowral Classic ride but also your memories of the event.
We’d strongly recommend you closely inspect your bike tyres well before the event – look for wear, cuts and flat areas. Check the sidewalls for cracks, abrasions or any signs of something not right.
A new pair of tyres – from Schwalbe’s Pro One Tubeless right through the company’s huge range of course-specific solutions – will be one of the best things you can do for your bike in the weeks prior to October 22’s Bowral Classic.
To learn more about the world’s best bike tyres visit www.schwalbe.com
