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Hutchinson has announced the expansion of its gravel range with the introduction of the Caracal series.
The Caracal series features two tyres, the Caracal Race and the Caracal. Both feature the same tread design but with different constructions depending on whether a rider wants to prioritise speed or a greater level of puncture protection.
Caracal Race enters Hutchinson’s premium ‘Racing Lab’ range, handmade in France and designed in conjunction with athletes and teams.
When developing the Caracal Race, Hutchinson set out with a singular objective, to serve its elite teams and athletes by creating “the fastest gravel tyre on the market”.
Following a period of research and development, the brand claims this has been achieved, with the Caracal Race outperforming similar race tyres from competitors by up to 35% in independent tests commissioned by Hutchinson.
This has been achieved by utilising two new technologies initially developed for Hutchinson’s latest performance road racing tyre, the Blackbird.
Firstly, the tyre uses ‘SwiftEasy’ casing technology. Unlike typical tyre casings that overlap at the centre of the tread, the new casing is instead bonded to the outer layer of the tyre.
This method means one less layer of casing is required at the centre giving a 2×127 TPI centre and 3×127 TPI construction on the sides. This allows for increased flexibility and performance.
Rolling resistance is reduced by 40% over similar semi-slick gravel tyres in the Hutchinson range.
The Caracal Race also utilises Hutchinson’s Mach Tread 3.0 compound. Mach Tread 3.0 is the fastest compound Hutchinson has developed, a new formulation that offers 25% rebound, meaning more energy is returned into forward motion.
Not only is the compound faster than its predecessor, it’s also 10% harder and more resistant to tearing.
Hutchinson’s tests resulted in 75% better performance in tear tests, all without compromising on grip.
Reduced puncture protection improves rolling resistance and tyre flexibility, but means the Caracal Race is best reserved exclusively for races on hard packed gravel or for all-road performance riding.
The central tread pattern is smooth for dry, race days while pronounced side knobs improve cornering grip.
The standard Caracal takes the same tread pattern but matches it with a traditional casing design, as well as a Hardskin bead-to-bead puncture protection layer and the bi-compound found on the other tyres in Hutchinson’s gravel range.
Hutchinson’s gravel range now offers five tyres to match the full spectrum of conditions that riders encounter.
Including classics like the Touareg for all round riding through to the Tundra for hardcore technical days out. The addition of the Caracal gives another option for those who like to mix and match their tyres to a specific type of riding.
The Caracal is available exclusively in a 700x40mm size but in both Tan Wall and Black colour options, and costs £49.99/€54.99.
The Caracal Race is hookless compatible, available exclusively in a 700x40mm size, only in Tan Wall colour, and costs £54.99/€59.99.
Both tyres are available to order via the brand’s exclusive UK and Ireland distributor, Windwave.
