Schwalbe expands its radial tire range
In addition to the new Romy tire, Tacky Chan and Eddy Current are now also available in new variants
The success story continues: Schwalbe is consistently expanding its portfolio of MTB tires featuring innovative radial tire technology. The construction developed in the Schwalbe LAB for even more grip, comfort and safety is now available for additional models and versions: the new Romy, Tacky Chan, Eddy Current, and Magic Mary. For this expansion, the development team has further optimized the existing designs. The GRAVITY PRO construction in particular has been refined — offering even greater puncture protection while maintaining the same high level of comfort.
What does radial mean?
In conventional bicycle tires, the carcass threads run diagonally at an angle of approximately 45°. In Schwalbe’s radial tires, however, they are arranged at a significantly wider angle.
The result:
- 30 % larger contact area at the same air pressure
- Noticeably more grip
- Increased damping
- Additional safety and control
Radial technology thus opens up a new dimension in the performance of modern MTB tires.
These Schwalbe models are available in radial construction:
ROMY (NEW) → Keep Scrolling to learn more about the new tire.
TACKY CHAN (NEW): Tacky Chan is now available in a new size: the 2.5-inch width will be offered exclusively as a radial tire. Schwalbe has specially optimized the tread pattern for this version. The new 2–2 tread block arrangement ensures a more controlled ride, while the closed transition area enables smoother steering and improved braking traction. Tacky Chan is available in new variants and sizes – both as a radial and a “classic” diagonal tire. It is also replacing the discontinued Big Betty in the portfolio. Depending on the intended use, riders can choose between TRAIL, GRAVITY and RACE versions. Four variants of Tacky Chan are now also available in a classic construction with an excellent price-performance ratio, priced between €44.90 and €49.90. The PRO version costs between €69.90 and €74.90 (non-radial) and up to €79.90 (radial), delivering maximum performance thanks to the latest technologies.
EDDY CURRENT (NEW): The indestructible tire for E-MTBs was previously available in dedicated front and rear versions. Going forward, only the rear-wheel version with radial GRAVITY PRO construction will remain in the range – available in 27.5“ and 29“ (both in Soft compound). The “Rear” suffix has been dropped, as this is now the only version available. The tire measures 64 mm in width (previously 65 mm). RRP: €79.90.
MAGIC MARY (ADDITIONAL VARIANTS): The legendary Magic Mary is now available with new carcass constructions and the new Ultra Soft compound. Due to high demand, additional radial versions are now offered in 27.5“ and 29“. These new radial models feature a smooth sidewall design, while performance and sidewall protection remain unchanged. At the same time, Schwalbe is now also offering the classic construction version at an excellent price-performance ratio (RRP €44.90 to €49.90).
ALBERT (ADDITIONAL VARIANTS): Schwalbe’s first radial tire is now available in three additional versions:
- 27.5 x 2.5“ (GRAVITY PRO, Ultra Soft, €79.90)
- 29 x 2.6“ (TRAIL PRO, Ultra Soft or Soft, €74.90)
Introducing the new Romy
Maximum fun with more grip and control
A tire for maximum riding fun, whether uphill or downhill: With the new Romy, Schwalbe presents a model that makes choosing the right MTB tire particularly easy. As a versatile allrounder, the Romy is perfect for trail and all-mountain riding.
The tread pattern
Aggressive shoulder lugs provide enhanced grip when cornering and maximum control in any situation. The closely spaced center tread with shallow tread depth ensures good rolling characteristics and high durability. The result is a balanced overall tread pattern that optimally combines control and versatility. The Romy is lighter than many enduro tires, yet at the same time extremely robust and durable. It is suitable for use on both the front and rear wheel.
Radial and diagonal
Romy is the first tire that Schwalbe also offers in a radial version in 2.4 inches, following the introduction of the Albert and Shredda models in 2.5 and 2.6 inches. With Romy, mountain bikers now have the choice between two carcass constructions:
- Radial: A flexible carcass with a larger contact area for increased grip, safety, and cushioning. Ideal for the most demanding trails.
- Diagonal: Classic carcass. The right choice when the focus is on minimum rolling resistance and maximum puncture protection, and when the advantages of a radial carcass are not required.
Romy is available in different versions:
TRAIL: In the TRAIL version, Romy impresses with an excellent price-performance ratio. It offers very good grip and
reliable puncture protection at an attractive RRP of €44.90 – a unique selling proposition in the market! Like
all new MTB tires from now on, this version benefits from Schwalbe‘s high-quality compounds, which were
previously used exclusively in the Evolution Line. The result is very good performance.
GRAVITY PRO / TRAIL PRO / RACE PRO: Thanks to the latest materials and state-of-the-art technologies, the PRO versions deliver maximum performance
in terms of grip, puncture protection, and control. As innovation leaders, the PRO tires are developed
in collaboration with Schwalbe professionals from the World Cup circuit. With an RRP of € 69.90 to
€ 74.90, they are technologically positioned at the level of the former Evolution Line – meeting the highest
demands in use.
TRAIL construction differences in detail:
TRAIL PRO Romy offers even greater puncture protection at a lower weight. It is also equipped with the proven
Schwalbe APEX. This additional fabric-reinforced protective insert improves stability and significantly increases puncture
protection – without adding weight.
Selection depending on intended use
Which version is the right choice depends on the intended application:
- For more gravity-oriented bikes, frequent downhill rides, and maximum stability, the GRAVITY PRO Romy is recommended.
- For classic trails, the TRAIL (PRO) version is the best choice.
- The RACE PRO version of the Romy is particularly suitable for the rear wheel on enduro bikes when the focus is on even lower weight and the best rolling characteristics.
Schwalbe‘s sustainability promise
Circular economy + fair natural rubber
Schwalbe also uses recycled carbon black from its own tire recycling for the Romy – as is now the case for more than 70 % of the entire portfolio. This saves 80% CO₂eq compared to conventional carbon black. Fairly traded natural rubber is also used in all PRO versions. For every kilogram of natural rubber, Schwalbe pays a premium directly to certified small farmers, who are free to decide how to use it.
FIRST RIDE IMPRESSION
Our time aboard the new Schwalbe Romy was a bit limited, and in less-than-ideal conditions, making it difficult to obtain a definite assessment. However, it was enough to walk away impressed and excited to ride it more. First impressions suggest that this tire will be a great all-around tire for aggressive 140mm riders up to discerning riders looking for a faster rolling 160mm tire, especially on the rear.
The Romy offers impressive braking traction, and the aggressive shoulder lugs let me push it hard and trust that it’d hook up when I needed it to, even on a 160mm eMTB in some sloppy conditions.
I spent a lot more time riding the new Tacky Chan 2.5″ tire in the Gravity Pro construction. I like this tire a lot! The 2.4 Tacky is a very good tire, but feels very purpose-built, excelling in certain environments but often leave a bit of a vague and uncertain feeling in the float zone between the center and shoulder knobs. Riders who feel a similar float on a Maxxis Minion DHF will know the experience, where you’ve got to be extremely comitted to get the best out the tire.
Now the Tacky Chan has widened the center knobs, there is a notably more predictable lean over and traction throughout lean angles. I will absolutely be using this tire a lot more in the future, and am excited to try it in a variety of conditions back home.
Moving into the construction updates and slower rebounding Ultra Soft compound, I felt the difference right away. Time will tell as to how the claims on wear have delivered. But from a slower rebound speed to a stiffer and more supportive carcass, Schwalbe have absolutely delivered. The Grip of the Ultra Soft Gravity Pro was insane over the few days of epic shuttle riding in Molini Di Triora Italy for the test event. We rode on everything from snow to nice mixed conditions soil, hardpack marbly trails, bike park style berms and some pretty gnarly rock gardens. Regardless of the situation, I felt more confident and comfortable than I expected.
The squirm I felt in extreme G load corners was gone, yet I still had a bit of that supple Radial feel I’ve grown to love. It’s a little bit less conforming than the outgoing Radial Gravity, but I would be willing to make this small sacrifice, as I’d now be willing to keep these Radials on for a trip to the bike park. While the squirm may have had me selecting a more supportive tire for A-Line laps in the past, I no longer feel like this would be necessary. Overall, I think more riders who are riding the Gravity Pro tire line this year will feel at home, as it’s less polarizing and delivers nearly all of the same positives without as much of the downsides.