IRC
IRC has quietly been leaving its treadmarks in cyclocross and gravel. At Sea Otter 2018, we took our first look at production Boken gravel tires, and now the company has more tread and size options, as well as a new cyclocross tread.
IRC has a new 26mm and 28mm Marbella X-Guard tubeless tire that can help expand the grip and terrain of road bikes. New IRC cyclocross and gravel tires from 2018 Interbike. © Cyclocross Magazine
IRC has had its Serac CX, Serac CX Mud and Serac CX Sand cyclocross tires in two different tubeless casing. The Serac CX Sand tire is a file tread with no side knob, making it reminiscent of older Wolber tubular options and popular for sandy or icy courses. Now, IRC has added a side knob to create the Serac CX Edge tire, creating an option to compete against tires like the Donnelly LAS and Challenge Chicane.
IRC added a side knob to its Serac CX Sand tire to create the Serac CX Edge. New cyclocross and gravel tires from 2018 Interbike. © Cyclocross Magazine
The Squid Bikes team is all tubeless this year, relying on IRC tires for its UCI racing. Thankfully, the IRC tires tend to be quite narrow, ensuring the team has no issue with UCI tire width restrictions even with wider rims. The Serac series of tires uses IRC’s road tubeless bead and retail for $79.99 each.
The company has also rolled out the Boken Plus gravel tire, with its smooth center and small side knobs. The 650b gravel option is available in 42mm and 47mm widths and will retail for $59.99. The Boken tires are tubeless compatible, requiring sealant, in contrast to the tubeless, more expensive casing of the Serac tires.
New IRC Boken Plus gravel tire comes in 650b diameter and 42 and 47mm widths. New cyclocross and gravel tires from 2018 Interbike. © Cyclocross Magazine
Got an older road bike with limited tire clearance but always eyeing that dirt path on your road rides? IRC also has a new width of its Marbella tubeless tire. The new narrow file tread comes in 26mm and 28mm widths and is tubeless with the X-Guard puncture protection casing. The new option could make a great candidate to convert a vintage ride into a gravel-worthy cruiser. The tire will retail for $69.99.
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