Hutchinson Launches Caracal Gravel Range - Including The Fastest Gravel Tyre On The Market
The Caracal Race has been independently proven as the world's fastest gravel tyre, borrowing technology from Hutchinson's performance road offering
- Two new tyres are designed to meet the needs of increasingly high paced elite gravel riding
- Caracal Race is the fastest gravel tyre on the market and weighs just 475g
- Caracal dedicated to more versatile use thanks to Hardskin bead to bead reinforcement
2nd May, Paris: French tyre manufacturer Hutchinson has today announced the expansion of its gravel range with 'Caracal', a new series of tyres engineered for the demands of elite racing and high speed gravel riding.
The Caracal series features two tyres, the Caracal Race and the Caracal. Both feature the same tread design but with different constructions depending on whether a rider wants to prioritise all out speed or a greater level of puncture protection.
The Caracal Race enters Hutchinson's premium 'Racing Lab' range, handmade in France and designed in conjunction with some of the world’s leading gravel athletes and teams, including ultra distance gravel specialist Ulrich Bartholmoes.
Caracal Race
When developing the Caracal Race, Hutchinson set out with a singular objective, to serve their elite teams and athletes by creating the fastest gravel tyre on the market. Following an extensive period of research and development, this has been achieved, with the Caracal Race outperforming similar race tyres from competitors by up to 35% in independent tests commissioned by Hutchinson.
These unmatched levels of gravel performance have been achieved by utilising two new technologies initially developed for Hutchinson’s latest high performance road racing tyre, the Blackbird.
Firstly, the tyre uses new 'SwiftEasy' casing technology. Unlike typical tyre casings that overlap at the centre of the tread, the new casing is instead bonded to the outer layer of the tyre. This method means one less layer of casing is required at the centre giving a 2x127 TPI centre and 3x127 TPI construction on the sides. This allows for greatly increased flexibility and performance. Rolling resistance is reduced by an unprecedented 40% over similar semi-slick gravel tyres in the Hutchinson range.
The Caracal Race also utilises Hutchinson’s new high performance Mach Tread 3.0 compound, another technology initially developed for its performance road tyres. Mach Tread 3.0 is the fastest compound Hutchinson has ever developed, a new formulation that offers an exceptional 25% rebound, meaning more energy is returned into forward motion.
Not only is the compound faster than its predecessor, it’s also 10% harder and more resistant to tearing. Hutchinson’s tests resulted in 75% better performance in tear tests, all without compromising on grip.
Reduced puncture protection massively improves rolling resistance and tyre flexibility, but means the Caracal Race is best reserved exclusively for races on hard packed gravel or for all-road performance riding. When utilised in the correct conditions, it’s unstoppable.
The central tread pattern is smooth for dry, fast, race days while pronounced side knobs allow for aggressive, fast cornering. The Caracal race is hookless compatible, available exclusively in a 700x40mm size, only in Tan Wall colour, weighs 475g and costs £54.99/€59.99
Caracal
The Caracal takes the same fast rolling tread pattern but matches it with a traditional casing design, as well as a Hardskin bead to bead puncture protection layer and the proven bi-compound found on the other tyres in Hutchinson's popular gravel range. Striking a more versatile balance of performance and durability.
The resulting tyre is still incredibly fast rolling but with the added peace of mind that only bead to bead protection can offer, making it more suitable for everyday riding.
The Caracal is also available exclusively in a 700x40mm size but in both Tan Wall and Black colour options. The tyre weighs 475g and costs £49.99/€54.99
Hutchinson’s gravel range now offers five tyres to match the full spectrum of conditions that riders encounter. Including classics like the Touareg for all round riding through to the Tundra for hardcore technical days out. The addition of the Caracal gives another option for those who like to mix and match their tyres to truly dial in the perfect tyre setup for their specific type of riding.
For more information visit cycling.hutchinson.com
Additional Information
A product presentation and selection of both action and product photography can be found here
Chris Terry