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The Caracal Race has been tested as the fastest gravel tire, borrowing technologies from Hutchinson’s high-performance road offerings.
Source: Press Release
- Two new tires designed to meet the needs of gravel racing and an increasingly performance-oriented segment.
- The Caracal Race is the fastest gravel tire on the market and weighs only 475 g.
- The Caracal is dedicated to more versatile use thanks to its bead-to-bead Hardskin reinforcement.
French tire manufacturer Hutchinson announces the expansion of its gravel range with the ‘Caracal’, a new series of tires designed for the demands of competitive gravel riding and high-speed outings.
The Caracal series includes two tires, the Caracal Race and the Caracal. Both feature the same tread pattern but with different constructions depending on whether the rider wants to prioritize maximum efficiency or greater puncture protection.
The Caracal Race
The Caracal Race enters Hutchinson’s premium ‘Racing Lab’ range, manufactured in France and designed in collaboration with some of the world’s best gravel athletes and teams, including ultra-distance gravel expert Ulrich Bartholmoes.
In developing the Caracal Race, Hutchinson set a single goal: to serve their elite teams and athletes by creating the fastest gravel tire on the market.
After a period of intensive research and development, this goal was achieved, with the Caracal Race outperforming similar competitor gravel tires by up to 35% in independent tests commissioned by Hutchinson.
These unparalleled levels of performance were achieved using two new technologies initially developed for the French brand’s latest road racing tire, the Blackbird.
First, the tire uses the new ‘SwiftEasy Casing’ carcass technology. Unlike typical constructions that overlap in the center of the tread, the carcass fold in this construction stops earlier, leaving only two layers of 127 tpi fabric overlapping under the tread. This method means that one less carcass layer is needed in the center, allowing for significantly increased flexibility and performance. Rolling resistance is reduced to an unprecedented extent, by 40% compared to similar semi-slick gravel tires in the Hutchinson range.
The Caracal Race also uses Hutchinson’s new high-performance Mach Tread 3.0 compound, another technology initially developed for its high-performance road tires. Mach Tread 3.0 is the fastest rubber ever developed by Hutchinson, a new formulation offering an exceptional 25% rebound, meaning more energy is returned as forward motion. Not only is the compound faster than its predecessor, but it is also 10% harder and more tear-resistant. Hutchinson’s tests showed 75% better results in tear tests, with no compromise on grip.
The removal of a specific puncture protection layer significantly improves tire efficiency and flexibility, but means that the Caracal Race is to be reserved exclusively for race days on dry and/or compact gravel terrain. This tire can also be perfectly suited for all-road use, in a quest for performance and comfort. When used in the correct conditions, the Caracal Race is unbeatable.
The central tread design is smooth, featuring only a slight granularity that can also be found on the Challenger endurance road tire, while the more pronounced side knobs allow for aggressive cornering. The Caracal Race is available exclusively in 700x40mm size and only in Tan Wall color, weighs 475 g, and has a recommended retail price of €59.99.
The Caracal
The Caracal adopts the same speed-oriented tread design but combines it with a proven and highly appreciated construction, including a bead-to-bead Hardskin puncture protection layer and the Hutchinson Gravel Bi-compound that can also be found on the brand’s other Made in France gravel tires. The Caracal offers more versatility and an optimal balance between performance and durability.
The resulting tire maintains remarkable speed, while offering additional peace of mind thanks to bead-to-bead Hardskin protection, making it more suitable for everyday use. The Caracal is also available exclusively in 700x40mm size but in Tan Wall and Black color options. The tire weighs 475 g and has a recommended retail price of €54.99.
Hutchinson’s gravel range now offers five tires, providing comprehensive coverage for all conditions encountered by cyclists. It includes classics such as the Touareg for versatile riding and the Tundra for more chaotic terrain. The addition of the Caracal offers an extra option for cyclists who like to customize their tire setup through combos, to perfectly adapt their setup to their riding style.
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