The Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro Radial tyre is an all-new tread pattern and casing with plenty of features to make it a top-performing tyre. The well placed two-three-two tread blocks give plenty of transition onto the side knobs for predictable and consistent grip while the more compliant casing helps dampen the trail. Available in two casings, two compounds and in 27.5- and 29-inch formats, this is a confidence-inspiring and reliable tyre.
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Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro Radial tyre – Technical details
While the concept of a radial casing is nothing new in the tyre world, applying it to a mountain bike tyre is less commonly seen. Effectively, this construction method refers to the way the threads are layered, where a standard bias-ply tyre would see alternating layers crossing at 90 degrees – a bit like a fishing net. The radial carcass changes this angle, so the threads cross at a much shallower angle, creating a more conforming tyre. Schwalbe hasn’t changed the threads, using the 67 threads per inch (tpi) as before.
There are claims of a 30 per cent increase in contact pattern thanks to this new radial carcass, which allows the tyre to deform over uneven ground with less force. In short, more contact patch equals more grip. Thanks to less force being required to deform the tyre, another benefit is a more linear deformation curve, which translates into less pingy and more dampened feedback through the tyre.
With a tyre that deforms more, the impact resistance is less, and a bigger contact patch increases rolling resistance, so you’ll need to run more air pressure to help support the tyre. Around 3-5psi over your usual pressures is a good place to start.
The Albert is a new tread pattern for Schwalbe, which features the popular two-three-two block pattern seen on most front tyres. Every tread block features siping, which aids deformation of each block for extra grip. The profile is on the rounded end of the spectrum and uses reasonably closely spaces shoulder knobs for a predictable feeling when leant over. The transition between the centre and shoulder knobs is smooth with should help with that predictable feel between the corners.
The Albert Radial is available in 27.5- and 29-inch variants with 2.5- and 2.6in widths. The Trail and Gravity radial casings are claimed to weigh 1,180g and 1,330g, respectively. Rubber compounds are covered with the soft and super soft options.
Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro Radial tyre – Performance
When fitting, the Gravity casing certainly didn’t feel as tough as the old Super Gravity casing; there is notably more flex. As a benefit, there was less wrestling to get the tyre fitted, and with some quick pumps on a high-volume track pump, it aired up with no issues.
As for pressures, I ran more than usual, starting with 25psi in the front and 28psi in the rear.
First impressions of the Albert Gravity Pro Radial tyre were super positive. The dirt conditions were perfect for the first ride, so I struggled to differentiate how much of my confidence was from favourable dirt and how much was the tyre, but, as testing has continued, the tyre has proven to be a reliable companion.
The rounded profile and relatively tightly spaced tread pattern of the Albert make cornering very predictable. Transitioning from upright on the centre two-three-two tread blocks over to the shoulder knobs is always smooth with no loss of grip or sudden changes of angle. This gives the confidence to lean in, knowing the grip levels and feedback will be predictable.
The side knobs do a good job of managing deflections from the ground. At no point did I feel the side knobs squirm but the more compliant carcass manages to dampen out the pointy edges a little which calms down the feedback. This feeling gives the sensation of more grip with a tyre that tracks the ground well. The increase in tyre pressure is certainly needed to help with sidewall support in the corners, however, I haven’t felt the usual spring back you’d get from a folding sidewall during a mid-corner manoeuvre.
Increasing the tyre pressure doesn’t harm grip when the tyre is upright. The more compliant tread arrangement manages high pressures better than an equivalent standard bias-ply tyre with a more controlled feel across the terrain.
In wet conditions, the ultra-soft compound did a great job finding grip across roots and rocks; however, I did find the tread blocks clogged in thick mud due to their relatively tight spacing. When the ground is a little grittier with less mud, these tyres have impressive grip, which was predictable even when the limit was reached. With plenty of braking edge from the tread pattern, slowing down was predictable and better than the old Big Betty standard casing tyre, sharing a similar braking edge albeit a different pattern.
From a durability standpoint, I ran an ultrasoft on the front and soft on the rear, favouring maximum grip on the front with some reduced rolling resistance and improved durability for the rear. The rear tyre is starting to show signs of use with the braking edge starting to wear, however, it has stood up to enough riding for that to be acceptable compared to similar compounds from other options on the market.
There is some side wall peeling on the front tyre, but I am speculating that this got caught on something and caused it to peel. I’ve been monitoring it and it hasn’t got worse through use, however, it’s still not ideal for an expensive tyre.
Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro Radial tyre – Verdict
At £80, these top-end gravity tyres aren’t the most expensive. The aggressive two-three-two tread tyre is a popular end-of-the-market tyre, and the Maxxis Assegai is still the top offering. Costing around the same money, the Downhill casing Maxx grip variant offers the same high grip tough tyre and is worth checking out.
Another cheaper option at £66 is the e*thirteen Grappler tyre, which received high praise. A tough, well-damped casing with predictable grip, if not a little draggy – it offers good value for money.
The Schwalbe Albert Gravity Pro Radial tyre has proven to be an excellent addition to Schwalbe’s already extensive line-up. I’d pitch it as a fast-rolling, summer-friendly Magic Mary with predictable grip. The radial casing certainly requires more pressure than usual; however, the extra compliance offered does help dampen the trail. As a summer and shoulder season tyre, it’s a reliable and predictable companion as long as the mud isn’t too sticky.
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Product purpose:
Radial carcass allows for a larger contact patch and significantly filters out road irregularities: more grip, more comfort, and more safety+
Virtually clings to the ground as the tyre deforms more precisely
Profile optimised for radial carcass: Many lugs for maximum control and good durability
Safety and control in all situations
Build extra:
With our radial tires, we are turning the MTB world on its head. We have always asked ourselves the following question during development: How can we make the best possible use of the limited contact area of a tire?
The basis for this is the completely rethought construction of the carcass. The carcass threads, which run diagonally across the tire at a 45° angle in conventional bicycle tires, are arranged at a much more obtuse angle in our radial tires. This technology opens up a completely new dimension in the function of bicycle tires.
Product construction
Product construction extra:
Product performance
Product performance extra:
Corner transitions are great
Trail dampening is really noticeable
Product durability
Product durability extra:
Product weight
Product weight extra:
product value
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Product value extra:
Overall performance:
Product likes:
Predictable cornering
Great braking traction
Product dislikes:
Pay close attention to pressures
Side wall peeling could be a concern
