Are radial tires really that good? I rode downhill with the Schwalbe ALBERT.

To sum it up, it was incredibly good.

Honestly, at first, I thought, "How much difference can a radial structure really make?"
But after actually installing them and riding, it was completely different. It's really good.

I actually downhill-ed at Tokusagamine, so I wanted to share this excitement.

What is Schwalbe's new "Radial" structure?

Radial tires are common in automobiles, but Schwalbe's new ALBERT model is the first MTB tire (I think?) to adopt a radial structure.

Compared to the conventional bias structure, the casing's fiber angle has been changed to a more obtuse angle, improving road adherence and contact patch.

It is said that the contact patch increases by about 30% with the same air pressure, significantly changing traction and stability.
It flexes more flexibly than conventional models, creating a feeling of "gripping" the ground.

Tire Specifications

I tried the ALBERT GRAVITY PRO casing this time.

Front: 29×2.5 ADDIX ULTRASOFT compound

Rear: 27.5×2.5 ADDIX SOFT compound

Impression After Use

• The sidewall, as expected from a gravity tire, is thick and sturdy, yet the feel to the touch and while riding is very supple.

• ALBERT was designed for hard-packed, firm surfaces, but it gripped well even on slippery corners with wet black soil, and it reliably stopped without slipping during deceleration, which gave me peace of mind.

• I was able to ride high-speed flat corners, which usually make me nervous, with confidence.
  

• I felt a rim-strike-like sensation with my usual air pressure, so a slightly higher air pressure seems just right. Even with increased air pressure, it still gripped well.

• Installation was smooth and relatively easy to fit.

In a word, the tire's impression is...

Safe and fun because it doesn't slip!

Though it looks like a tough gravity tire, the ride feel is supple and easy to handle like a trail tire.
It grips firmly from hard-packed to wet black soil, and even with increased air pressure, it maintains a sense of security, showing its versatility.
It was a tire that achieved both the reassurance of a gravity tire and suppleness.

What I'm curious about next

While I was perfectly satisfied with the ALBERT I used this time, I'm now incredibly interested in the MAGICMARY RADIAL, which is designed more for downhill. It seems like it would provide even more grip than the ALBERT, making downhill riding even more enjoyable.

A combination of the MAGICMARY RADIAL on the front and ALBERT on the rear seems like it would work well.
My downhill tires for next season have already been decided.

From bias to radial—honestly, I thought there wouldn't be much difference just from a change in structure.
But after actually riding them, that notion was completely overturned.

The Schwalbe ALBERT is a tire that nicely balances grip, stability, and suppleness.
It's a recommended choice not only for gravity-oriented riders in downhill and enduro, but also for eMTBs.

ALBERT GRAVITY PRO: ¥17,600 (tax included)
・29×2.5 ADDIX ULTRASOFT compound
・27.5×2.5 ADDIX SOFT compound

MAGICMARY RADIAL GRAVITY PRO: ¥17,600 (tax included)
・29×2.5 ADDIX ULTRASOFT compound
・27.5×2.5 ADDIX SOFT compound

The first batch sold out quickly due to limited numbers, and pre-orders are now being enthusiastically accepted.
If you're looking for tires for next season, please consult with Shimizu.