Schwalbe Pro One - The next Generation of Tubeless Tires
For ambitious riders Tubeless is becoming the right choice. Tubeless tires offer clear advantages in speed, comfort, grip and puncture resistance. This applies not only to off road, but just as well on the road – for racing and touring bicycles.
Not long ago we were rather skeptical of Tubeless on the road. On Gravel and on the Trail, the benefits of tubeless are obvious - but what advantages does Tubeless bring to the road? Schwalbe quickly learned that in order to make a high quality, high-pressure tubeless tire, it would require a rather complex innovation.
MicroSkin is the new key technology for making Tubeless Easier
MicroSkin is the development which makes the difference compared to previous Tubeless tires. The patented construction consists of a high-tensile micro fabric which is vulcanized together with the rubber compound and the carcass. MicroSkin envelops the entire carcass and facilitates a fault-free Tubeless Easy operation for high pressure tires, not unlike SnakeSkin on an MTB tire.
The new Tubeless tire is a new experience
With the new PRO ONE, the tubeless tire provides ambitious riders with significant benefits: It is faster, safer and lighter.
In simple figures: The new Schwalbe PRO ONE is 25 percent lighter than the previous tubeless tire. The new PRO ONE is faster. The rolling friction measurements show almost 25 percent less than a comparable folding tire and over 40 percent less than tires which are similarly resistant to puncturing, such as the Durano. This is joined by an all-round superior level of cut resistance.Used by Professionals
In 2015 Martin Elmiger, Swiss champion of WorldTour Team IAM Cycling, and Sylvain Chavanel, put the tubeless tire to the test in extreme conditions. There is no tougher challenge for either cyclists or tires than the cobblestones of Paris-Roubaix.
Their initial scepticism gave way to huge enthusiasm for the tubeless tires. Both cyclists were amazed at the speed and comfort with which the tubeless tires guided them over the hellish cobblestones. They didn't experience a single snake-bite, by far the most frequent cause of blow-outs on the Paris-Roubaix route. Both cyclists completed the race without a single puncture. Martin Elmiger came in at fifth place.
Roger Kluge, also from the IAM Team, has already tested the new tires Down Under: "This tubeless tire has rolling properties like a track tire!". From a track specialist like Roger Kluge, this is a substantial compliment.
For this specific purpose, Schwalbe has created the S-One - The Special One. Hardcore Race Tire for Paris-Roubaix, Tour of Vlanderen, again Tubeless Easy, MicroSkin, V-Guard 700C at only 310 grams. You can ride it “old school” as a handmade tubular too!
In the TOUR Transalp last year, all of the Schwalbe amateur teams used the new PRO ONE sucessfully.
Used by Gran Fondo riders
Last weekend The Schwalbe Pro One was tested by Cannondale Girls, on the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad Gran Fondo, the amateur ride open to all cyclists.
The tire's worked extremely well on the Cobbles.
The Schwalbe Pro One tubeless allows more flex in the tire as it continuallly hits cobbles, some head on.
A normal road tire and tube can experience pinch punctures and blow outs under this extreme use.
The Schwalbe Pro One can be run at a lower pressure depending on the conditions.
Fitting and Sealant
Tubeless tires have been known for being difficult to fit but PRO ONE removes this barrier.
Although some sealant is necessary, there is no extensive conversion process.
First you fit valves hand tightened and seal around the valve base with a small amount of latex sealant. Fill the tires with between 35 and 60ml of tubeless sealant (depending on tire size) and make sure the beads are fully mounted. Run a small amount of sealant around the beads for quick and long lasting sealing. Inflate to maximum pressure and then maneuver and rotate them to ensure sealant is dispersed well and a good seal all around the tire is achieved. Leave your wheels and tires for 3-4 hours and then check for air leakage. You don't need to be a bike shop professional to fit tubeless tires.
Which size to run 23, 25, or 28mm?
The PRO ONE comes in three widths: 700 * 23c, 25c and 28c mm at weights of 235g, 255g and 275g respectively. The RRP is around $85.60
Any of these three tire sizes will work excellently and provide great performance but advantages can be gained by selecting the tire width to match your intended routes and types of riding. While 23mm wide tires are a great choice for many riders and have become the status quo over the past decade the consensus is shifting towards 25mm and in some cases even 28mm (even for pro-riders) as having lower rolling resistance, puncture protection and of course comfort/grip.
Weight is obviously a factor and if you can save some on the tire that will make a bit of difference to climbing, so our view is if we're going to be doing rides/races with lots of climbing, where the descending speed/grip is not so important, then we would consider the 23mm option.
Contact your local bike dealer for more information - schwalbetires.com/dealers
Stage 1 to Fribourg 165km
