Schwalbe’s new Pro One tire: Tubular feel from tubeless
Schwalbe has released the next iteration of its Pro One tire, which is claimed to be a completely new design to offer a “souplesse” feel, similar to that of a tubular tire.
The new Pro One road tires are available in three different versions (weights are all for 25mmm):
– Pro One Tubeless Easy (TLE) at 245g (€69.90 / US$81)
– Pro One TT Tubeless Easy at 205g (€69.90 / US$81)
– Pro One Tube Type (TT) at 235g (€59.90 / US$72)
Schwalbe claims that the Pro One TT Tubeless Easy is the world’s lightest tubeless tire.
The Pro One series is available in widths of 25, 28, and 30mm. The tubeless models are designed to be mounted without the aid of tire levers or a compressor, saving your hands a little bit of grip strength. To accomplish this, Schwalbe tested a range of rims to ensure the Pro One design was optimized for this style of mounting around a 19mm internal-width rim. The company also developed a sealing lip for the tire bead.
“The goal was to develop a fast, lightweight and safe tire, which at the same time offers maximum souplesse. A tire which quickly and accurately responds to a cyclist’s riding style and always provides sensitive feedback.”
Schwalbe product manager Peter Krischio explained that the Pro One tire doesn’t just feature subtle changes to make it a better tire, but rather that it’s an entirely new concept that matches the feeling of riding a tubular tire.
“Souplesse – easy rolling suppleness, that you can feel, but barely explain,” the press release stated. “The goal was to develop a fast, lightweight and safe tire, which at the same time offers maximum souplesse. A tire which quickly and accurately responds to a cyclist’s riding style and always provides sensitive feedback.”
Schwalbe claims that all of these characteristics will lead to a less fatigued rider, thus resulting in higher performance.
Schwalbe redesigned the Pro One tire in tubeless versions to be installed without the use of tire levers or a compressor.
In constructing the new Pro One, Schwalbe focused on four primary categories: the Souplesse carcass construction, V-Guard polymer fiber puncture protection to accommodate the thinner carcass, the Addix Race compound with the intent of increasing grip without compromising rolling resistance and durability, and the manufacturing process by using equipment such as automated compound mixing stations, tire assembly machines, and an extruder plant.
Schwalbe claims that the new Pro One now has 13% lower rolling resistance and 22% more corner grip compared to its predecessor.
Schwalbe’s previous Pro One model will stick around, albeit with a few updates as an all-rounder version called One. It starts at €29.90 / US$39 for the TT with wire bead, €39.90 / US$51 for the TT folding bead, and €54.90 / US$62 for the One TLE folding.
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