Schwalbe is no newcomer to tubeless technology, having had its Snakeskin Tubeless Easy design that employs an additional impermeable layer for easy tubeless setup to the high-end Evolution line of mountain bike tires. This layer was put on the outside of the casing and had the benefit of adding durability to the sidewall.
Schwalbe’s road and cyclocross Tubeless Easy design is uses a lightweight sidewall sealing layer. Schwalbe notes this as a Microskin-patented microfilament fabric vulcanized within the casing. This material keeps the weight low and the sidewall supple according to Schwalbe, and although sealant is still recommended, less work is required to set up the tire. Mark Read of Schwalbe mentioned it has the additional benefit of creating an additional layer of resistance to cuts. This was developed for Schwalbe's road tires and other high pressure tubeless applications. For 2016, Schwalbe introduced Tubeless Easy tires with Microskin technology for road, cyclocross and gravel. The Tubeless Easy was also used with the ever popular Marathon line of tires for commuting and touring.
The X-One is a purpose designed cyclocross tire that is available only in a 33c width (for UCI compliance according to Schwalbe). Although we constantly harp on tire companies that limit cyclocross clinchers (including tubeless) to the UCI tire 33mm width limit, since 99% of paying customers will never race a UCI race, Adam Craig of the Giant Factory Off-road Team, sponsored by Schwalbe, took advantage of its compliant width and opted to ride the tubeless tire over tubular options in his CrossVegas pre-ride and race last week. The new cyclocross tire employs the Tubeless Easy Microskin technology, which keeps the weight to 370 grams, and has a tread with an old-school look of round knobs in the center and tall knobs on the shoulders.
Schwalbe's X-One tubeless cyclocross tire, as see on Adam Craig's CrossVegas cyclocross bike. © Cyclocross Magazine
The G-One is Schwalbe’s foray into the gravel category with a modified file tread available with the Tubeless Easy design is medium and wide casings of 35 and 38C, and 400 and 460 grams, respectively.
The Tubeless Easy technology is also used with the smooth tread too, in 32 and 40C with a reflective sidewall for commuters, cyclotourists, or for rides where traction on loose surfaces is not a problem. The Marathon Supreme reflects the depth of Schwalbe's new commitment to tubeless technology for all users.
The Marathon Supreme is more of an urban-based tread. © Clifford Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
