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Schwalbe has developed two MTB radial tyres for the first time, Albert and Shredda.
According to the German brand, the two models are set to turn the MTB world “on its head”.
The basis is the completely new design of the carcass. The carcass threads, which traditionally run diagonally across the tyre at a 45° angle in normal bicycle tyres, are arranged at a much more obtuse angle in both models.
This technology, which was developed in the Downhill World Cup, opens up a new dimension in the function of the tyre.
First and foremost, the arrangement ensures that the carcass material overlaps shorter and with less tension.
As a result, the tyre deforms more selectively and can react more flexibly and adapt to unevenness without sacrificing safety.
On the other hand, the radial tyres offer a claimed increase of 30% more contact area than conventional tyres at the same air pressure. If the air pressure is increased by 50%, the contact area is still 15% larger and the tyre retains its flexible properties.
The increased contact area and more flexible response is designed provide more grip, more damping, more safety and more comfort.
Each tyre absorbs impacts better and uses the suspension travel more effectively. This applies to both mountain bikes and e-MTBs.
With the exception of the Addix Ultra Soft rubber compound, the radial tyres are manufactured with recycled carbon black (rCB).
The rCB is a direct product from the Schwalbe recycling system and replaces 100% fossil-based carbon black.
In his way, 80% CO₂ equivalents are saved – without compromising the quality and performance of the tyres.
Albert
When developing the Albert, Schwalbe‘s developers used the findings from the development of the Tacky Chan.
The shoulder lugs from the Tacky Chan were adopted to ensure extended braking edges, durability and good transferability of lateral forces. Overall, the tyre is more closed and rounder.
Carl Kämper, product management and development of MTB at Schwalbe, explained: “We have much more rubber on the ground and several lugs that are constantly in contact with the ground.
“In combination with the larger contact area of the radial tyres, this gives you exceptional control when riding, whether braking or accelerating. The tyre adapts extremely well.“
Shredda
Schwalbe’s Shredda tyre comes in a front and rear version and was specially developed for technically demanding trails with the e-MTB.
The front tyre scores with the greatest tread depth that Schwalbe has ever produced: 10mm on the shoulder and 8mm in the middle.
Visually, the tyre is reminiscent of a motocross tyre.
While the centre lugs stand like pyramids on the tyre, the angled shoulder lugs deform and close when riding.
Robert Mennen, MTB product manager at Schwalbe, added: “When developing Shredda, the goal was to master technical trails. The long lugs transfer the steering forces even on steep uphill sections.
“This is why the profile of the tyre looks so powerful, the focus here is clearly on function. The tread depth of the Shredda Rear is slightly lower – the extreme protrusion of the many lugs is noticeable here.
“Individual lugs are reinforced with bridges to guarantee even more stability and durability. With the shovelling effect of the many lugs, we get the power on the ground – both when braking and accelerating.“
UK RRPs for both Albert and Shredda are still TBC at the time of writing.
