Hutchison has released limited-edition road and gravel tyres that feature what it calls Gridskin reinforcement technology designed to increase puncture protection and reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing. The Fusion 5 Performance road and Touareg gravel tyres are available with the brand new sidewall – which looks a lot like reptile skin – that means significantly less wastage in the production process, claims the French brand.

> Review: Hutchinson Fusion 5 Performance tyre
Hutchinson has launched its new Gridskin reinforcement after two years of R&D and the brand says it provides the best balance between lightweight and protection.

“Gridskin improves the tyre’s grip and comfort, allowing lower pressures whilst offering greater resistance to punctures and cuts,” says Hutchinson.

The “knitting mesh” construction is said to isolate external damage and, Hutchinson says, reduces the chance of embedded sharp objects creating larger holes or eventual punctures.

Hutchinson says that using Gridskin in its Touareg gravel tyre allowed it to drop the weight by 8% compared to the standard Hardskin-reinforced model.
> Review: Hutchinson Touareg tyre review
Hutchinson makes claims of outstanding distortion performance, improved cornering and comfort over rougher surfaces, and says testing results proved this.

Handmade in Hutchinson’s factory in France, the brand says the new reinforcement reduces the number of manufacturing processing steps from four to one, and with this, the waste generated and emissions associated with these steps have also been reduced.

Less plastic, less rubber and less electricity is used in the streamlined process, claims Hutchinson.

> How green are your bike tyres? What the big brands are doing, and what YOU can do to help
Hutchison calls the Gridskin limited edition tyres a “naked product” as no printed sidewall labels have been added to the tyre which is said to greatly reduce the amount of scrap. It also comes packaged in recycled paper.
Prices are as follows:
- Fusion 5 Performance Gridskin 700×28: £64.95
- Touareg Gridskin 700×40: £62.95

2 thoughts on “Hutchinson launches sustainable Gridskin puncture protection on limited edition road and gravel tyres”
The marketing seems to be
The marketing seems to be pulling in two directions. Streamlined eco-friendly manufacturing with reduced wastage on the one side, niche market hand made limited edition on the other.
I bought a pair of Hutchinson
I bought a pair of Hutchinson Intensive 2 Hardskins and after just only 150 miles the tread, which was evidently glued onto the carcass much like a retreaded car tire, came unglued, I e-mailed Hutchinson at least a dozen times and never got a single response. Sorry, but I have to say no to Hutchinson for the rest of my life.