French tire manufacturer Hutchinson recently released two new tires in advance of Sea Otter 2026.
GP Explorer – Entry Level Road Tire
The new GP Explorer is a new entry-level road tyre designed to make high-quality performance accessible to every cyclist, regardless of their budget or experience level.
The GP Explorer draws inspiration from Hutchinson’s heritage, paying tribute to one of the brand‘s most iconic tyres: the GP1, a benchmark road tyre of the 1980s. This lineage reflects Hutchinson’s longstanding commitment to developing tyres that combine reliability, performance and durability, adapted to the needs of modern riders.
Designed to deliver a well-balanced combination of performance, road holding and durability, the GP Explorer stands out through a technical approach rarely found in this category. Most notably, it features a dual compound tread, allowing Hutchinson to optimise rolling efficiency while maintaining dependable grip. This bi-compound construction is a key contributor to the tyre’s on road performance and clearly differentiates the GP Explorer from many competing entry-level road tyres that rely on a single rubber compound.
Developed to meet the expectations of entry-level and everyday cyclists, the GP Explorer offers a true “fit and forget” solution, providing confidence and peace of mind without sacrificing ride quality. Drawing on technical insights gained from Hutchinson’s performance road tyre range, the GP Explorer is available in 26, 28, 30 and 32 mm widths, enabling riders to benefit from improved comfort and reduced rolling resistance associated with wider tyres.
Reinforcing its modern design, the GP Explorer features an expanded tread area, maximising contact with the road to enhance traction and cornering stability across a wide range of conditions. Whether navigating urban environments or riding on open country roads, cyclists can rely on a versatile tyre suited to year-round use.
Thanks to this combination of thoughtful engineering and efficient industrial design, the GP Explorer delivers a high level of performance and reliability, offered at a highly competitive price, making quality road tyres more accessible than ever.
The GP Explorer is available in two distinct versions to suit different rider needs:
- Folding Bead – €14.99 / £14.99: featuring a 66 TPI casing for a more supple, performance oriented ride. Available with black or tan sidewalls across all sizes.
- Wire Bead – €24.99 / £23.99: built around a 33 TPI casing, prioritising durability and value. Available in black only, in 26 and 28 mm widths.

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