For Schwalbe, 2018 was a bigger year for new products than 2019, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything new. Tech Master Andrew Batchelar took some time to walk through the new additions for 2019, which include some minor updates for cyclocross and gravel, and something new for the road.
Generally, Schwalbe has seen tubeless take off in the US. Their tubeless mountain bike tires have been popular for some time, but the expansion into cyclocross, gravel, and road tubeless has really picked up in the US compared to other parts of the world.
For cyclocross, the X-One line was redesigned to fit the UCI’s 33mm size limit on the wider rims racers are running these days. For those not competing in UCI races (the majority of us) and are looking for more traction, the 35mm’s are still currently available in the All-Around. They are also looking to add more natural sidewall options that customers have been asking for.
A few years back, Schwalbe used a similar naming convention as their mountain bike line. Fun names like Rocket Ron and Racing Ralph were used, but they have switched to to something a little easier to understand. The X-One comes in three versions, the All-Around, Speed, and Bite. By the names, you can pretty easily understand which tire matches which conditions. All are available in their higher end Evolution line or the budget Performance line. All three tires are available in their Tubeless Easy microskin casing, which makes them lighter and quicker rolling, without sacrificing cut protection.
In the gravel market, new sizes are the news. While the G-One All-Around, Speed, and Bite are nothing new, the Speed is now available down to a 20″ tire for recombants and trikes. For 2019, they will also be adding sizes up to a 700x50mm. The All-Around and Bite will also see the addition of 27.5×1.5″ and 29.2″ sizes.
Road is where there is some bigger news. Schwalbe has ben pretty successful with their One Pro, which is now available in 30mm size. It is a world tour level race tire that is tubeless. Other news outlets have rated it as one of the fastest rolling tires on the market. While we don’t have the labs to concur, I have run it tubeless on a set of race wheels and found it to be exceptional. But, not everyone wants to run a race tire for training and the winter. The new One is a more budget friendly option that will handle all of your training needs. It’s a little heavier, but more durable, and should last longer through tougher conditions, like winter training.
While we don’t have any official news further than 2019, we’ve been told that there are some big things in the works for 2020 from Schwalbe. We’ll keep you posted as we hear more.
Heckling Editor, Image Taker, Crash Test Dummy, and Beard Master at Bikeworldnews.com
~Veggie Powered Athlete~
Location – Lancaster, PA
Current Testing Rigs – 2024 Van Dessel Arch65, 2019 Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie, 2018 Van Dessel Motivus Maximus LTD, 2016 Van Dessel Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, 2015 Bianchi Sempre Pro, 1978 Trek TX900
Dream Bike – I’ll tell you when they make it
Discipline – Cyclocross, gravel, road and duathlons (ride/run)
Favorite Rides – Quiet country roads of Amish Country, some of the best roads around.
Food of Choice – Sweet potato roll
Beer of Choice – Unibroue Grand Reserve 17, aged four years
Bourbon of Choice – Widow Jane 10 Year