Technological Milestone: Schwalbe Presents New Albert and Shredda Radial Tires
A revolution in tire technology: Schwalbe has developed two MTB radial tires for the first time. The two models Albert and Shredda are turning the MTB world on its head. The basis is the completely new design of the carcass. The carcass threads, which run diagonally across the tire at a 45° angle in normal bicycle tires, are arranged at a much more obtuse angle in both models. The technology, which was developed in the Downhill World Cup, opens up a completely new dimension in the function of bicycle tires. It has already helped Schwalbe athletes to a total of 14 World Cup victories. First and foremost Amaury Pierron (Commencal/Muc Off), who recently won at the World Cups in Les Gets and Val di Sole with a lead of 6.498 seconds and 4.893 seconds respectively.
First and foremost, the arrangement ensures that the carcass material overlaps shorter and with less tension. As a result, the tire deforms more selectively and can react much more flexibly and adaptably to unevenness without sacrificing safety.
On the other hand, the radial tires offer approx. 30% more contact area than conventional tires at the same air pressure. Even if the air pressure is increased by 50%, the contact area is still 15% larger and the tire retains its flexible properties. This means that the air pressure can be freely selected according to the rider’s wishes – with virtually no negative impact on suspension behavior and comfort!
The increased contact area and more flexible response provide significantly more grip, more damping, more safety and more comfort. The tire absorbs impacts better and uses the suspension travel more effectively – it literally sucks itself into the ground. This applies to both mountain bikes and eMTBs, which have significantly more traction on the ground with the two tires.
With the exception of the ADDIX Ultra Soft rubber compound, the radial tires are manufactured with recycled carbon black (rCB). The rCB is a direct product from the Schwalbe recycling system and replaces 100% fossil-based carbon black. In this way, 80% CO₂ equivalents are saved – without compromising the quality and performance of the tires.
The two models in detail:
ALBERT
When developing the Albert, Schwalbe’s developers used the findings from the development of the Tacky Chan. The basic question: What should a tire look like that gives me a lot of security in every situation?
The shoulder lugs from the Tacky Chan were adopted and ensure extended braking edges, durability and good transferability of lateral forces. Overall, the tire is more closed and rounder. There are only two different lug types. Carl Kämper, Product Management & Development MTB: “We have much more rubber on the ground and several lugs that are constantly in contact with the ground. In combination with the larger contact area of the radial tires, this gives you exceptional control when riding, whether braking or accelerating. The tire adapts extremely well.”
SHREDDA
Nothing is impossible? The Schwalbe Shredda sets completely new standards in terms of grip! The tire comes with a front and rear version and was specially developed for technically demanding trails with the e-MTB. The front tire scores with the greatest tread depth that Schwalbe has ever produced: 10mm on the shoulder and 8mm in the middle.
Visually, the tire is reminiscent of a motocross tire. While the center lugs stand like pyramids on the tire (stability and abrasion resistance), the angled shoulder lugs deform and close when riding. Even when turning in and leaning a lot, the tire still provides a lot of control. The tire not only offers advantages on uphills, the tread depth with the open tread design ensures good interlocking, especially on soft ground. The tire is therefore ideal for transferring momentum on soft ground despite the higher weight of an e-MTB.
Robert Mennen, Product Manager MTB: “When developing Shredda, the goal was to master technical trails! The long lugs transfer the steering forces even on steep uphill sections.” This is why the profile of the tire looks so powerful, the focus here is clearly on function.
The tread depth of the Shredda Rear is slightly lower – the extreme protrusion of the many lugs is noticeable here. Individual lugs are reinforced with bridges to guarantee even more stability and durability. Mennen: “With the shoveling effect of the many lugs, we get the power on the ground – both when braking and accelerating.”
