Guide
My gravel bike’s new set of tubeless tyres
by Patrick Bardelli
Schwalbe’s G-One R tyres have made my bike feel brand new
13-6-2023
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Translation: Katherine Martin
A few weeks ago, I mounted a new set of tyres on my bike. Then, something happened that I’d never thought possible: the Schwalbe G-One R tyres made my Giant gravel bike feel like new. Not only that, they made it feel better too.
With the rubber on my tyres worn down after 3000 kilometres, it was definitely time for a change of wheels. This gravel bike pit stop began unfolding in my garden at the beginning of April – and turned into a small-scale, multi-part drama. There was, however, a happy ending to the story.
Since then, I’ve been riding around with Schwalbe’s G-One R tyres; an experience that’s allowed me to get to know a whole new side of myself and my bike.
Schwalbe G-One R: gravel tyres for almost any terrain
Let’s start with the most important discovery: these tyres are made for use on gentle off-road terrain, gravel trails and asphalt. In other words, just right for me. After all, when I head out on my gravel bike, I mainly cycle on (you guessed it) gravel, asphalt and gentle trails.
Source: Schwalbe
My old tyres were 38 millimetres wide, but I’m able to fit my Giant with tyres measuring up to 45 millimetres. In the end, I did just that. This reminded me of my first mountain bike back in the early 90s, which had tyres with similar dimensions. These days, MTB tyres are over 60 millimetres wide, depending on what they’re being used for.
At 45 millimetres, the pressure of the Schwalbe G-One Rs should never exceed a maximum of four bars. If, like me, you cycle on different surfaces, pressure is always a matter of compromise. The higher the percentage of asphalt, the higher the pressure, as this reduces rolling resistance. Off-road, less pressure in the tyre is better, as it increases grip. I generally cycle at around 2.5 bars, which is a good fit for me.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
Source: Patrick Bardelli
My bike feels new thanks to the Schwalbe G-One Rs
The «R» in G-One R stands for «race». Schwalbe couldn’t have chosen a better product name. Having cycled a good 300 kilometres with the Schwalbe G-One Rs, I’ve set new personal bests in virtually every Strava section. I’ve even been able to finish in the top ten in certain sections – something which seemed impossible until a few weeks ago. It’s not that I’ve suddenly become a gifted cyclist. I’m still pedalling around as average as ever. No, it’s my new Schwalbe tyres that deserve all the glory.
I’d never have thought that something as trivial as bike tyres could have such a significant effect on performance. And what impresses me twice as much? The fact that my subjectively positive experience of riding the bike tallies up with the objectively measurable stats.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
My verdict
In short, I love my Schwalbe G-One Rs. Remember the constant rain in April and May? Have you been enjoying the sun since June started? I have, too. Or to put it another way, these tubeless tyres have been doing well on asphalt, gravel and gentle trails in both dry and wet conditions. The «R» lives up to its name; the tyres combine speed, grip, puncture resistance and comfort when cycling.
You’ll find our complete range of bike tyres here.
Header image: Patrick Vogt
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.