Historically, the cycling industry has treated 34-38mm tires as if they are meant for touring with thick casings that made them slow, heavy, and dead feeling. In developing the RCR tires, we’ve taken a volume-centric approach that prioritizes width and speed without adding useless bulk. RCR are the first road tires of this size range to be designed and optimized with the same care as a racing tire where, using lower pressures, they are thinner, faster, and more supple.
We started with our widest 38 mm model, designing it with the largest volume possible while still adhering to the regulations set forth by our governing body overlords who shall not be named. By leveraging this increased air volume to absorb impacts and reduce flat risks, we stripped away heavy, redundant puncture layers. This allows us to keep the tire lightweight, fast, and comfortable to offer riders the high-volume performance they have been asking for.
For optimizing around modern 25mm internal width rims, our 29mm wide tire is the sleekest option that fully complies with ETRTO standards. To eliminate the safety vulnerabilities typical of hookless setups, we integrated our Carbon BeadLock technology. Unlike standard Kevlar beads that stretch and "creep" over time, which increases blowoff risks; our rigid carbon fiber beads never stretch. From local criteriums to the punishing cobbles of Paris-Roubaix, Protocol RCR keeps you rolling fast and safe.
