Not long ago we were rather skeptical of Tubeless on the road. On the trail, the benefits of tubeless are obvious – but what advantages does Tubeless bring to the road?
A few years back we started to meticulously explore the topic, especially tubeless for road racing. We quickly learned that in order to make a high quality, high-pressure tubeless tire, it would require a rather complex innovation.
Today we are convinced: Tubeless is the tire technology of the future!
Whether mountain bike, road race or touring. For all ambitious sports riders Tubeless is the right choice. Tubeless tires offer clear advantages in speed, comfort, grip and puncture resistance. This applies not only off road, but just as well on the road – for racing and touring bicycles.
There is no friction between the tire and tube. This fact significantly reduces the rolling resistance, even less than in ultra-light competition tires.
Tubeless can be ridden at lower air pressure – without sacrificing performance! This brings substantial advantages in comfort, but also provides more consistent control in critical situations and on rough roads.
Tubeless systems provide very high puncture resistance. Sudden loss of air through bursting tubes or valve tear off is impossible. Tubeless tires are not only more resistant to cuts and Snake-Bites, but the use of puncture protection liquid seals punctures within a few tenths of a second.
What is new?
Lighter. The new Schwalbe Pro One is 70 g lighter (25 %) than the current ONE tubeless tire. The tire weights 235 g and you do not need a tube!
Faster. The Schwalbe Pro One is faster!
Measured rolling resistance (Watt):
- Almost 10% less than the current tubeless tire.
- Nearly 25% less than a comparable folding tire.
- More than 40% less against tires with a similar puncture resistance (e.g. Schwalbe Durano).
MicroSkin. We use a new revolutionary MicroSkin construction. This new construction makes it possible to apply the Tubeless Easy principal, a proven solution for the MTB, to high-pressure tires for the first time.
The integrated MicroSkin fabric takes on several important functions simultaneously. It ensures airtightness. It guarantees reliable high-pressure stability and it improves cut resistance all around the tire.
Tubeless Easy. The Schwalbe Pro One is a Tubeless Easy tire. Although some sealant is necessary, there is no extensive conversion process with a lot of shaking and repeated pumping. The mounting properties are even better than with classic tubeless tires.
Top-Race Tire
Tubeless Easy, MicroSkin
23-622, 235 g
25-622, 255 g
28-622, 275 g
Also in 20“
For ultrafast Velomobiles
28-406, 200 g
In the race
The cobble stones of Paris-Roubaix are a proving ground for rider and tires alike. There is no tougher challenge in cycling than the mighty ‘Hell of the North’. Swiss Champion Martin Elminger and Sylvain Chavanel of IAM Cycling, veterans of the epic race and its torturous nature, quickly turned their initial doubt into true Tubeless advocacy after feeling the speed and comfort while riding over the fierce cobbles. In the toughest of conditions, the two champions did not experience a single snake-bite or flat on the brutal course; Tubeless proving to be a significant technical advantage and carrying Elminger to 5th place on the day.
Demonstrating that this technology is not solely for the rugged races, Roger Kluge, also from the IAM team, raced the new PRO ONE at Tour Down Under, claiming, “This tubeless tire has rolling properties like a track tire!” Coming from a track specialist like Kluge, this is a substantial compliment.
Nothing on availability ... This still in the R&D stage?