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Schwalbe Ultremo R
January 6, 2010
Fast tires are nice. Skinny little things that have such high pressure and such low rolling resistance that they just make life on a bike so much faster. In 2009 Schwalbe introduced the Ultremo. This is there full on 700c race tire. I however am no racer. I like to go fast, but I am rarely seen in spandex and have never competed in a criterium in my life. So with all that being said I thought I would throw these tires at the city streets to see what they could handle. And on to my brakeless fixed gear they went.
A brakeless fixed gear is a pretty good bike to test tires out on, but not an accurate wear indicator. I have ridden these tires on the fixed gear for well over 4 months time. The end result was one flat. This was aquired while playing bike polo, and was the result of a small piece of glass that worked it's way through the tire. At the time I was disappointed, because I had yet to get a puncute on any Schwalbe tire I have ever ridden. Taking it all into account though, I feel good that only one flat has occured. The glass filled streets here can be hell on a tire, especially race tires.
The Schwalbe Ultremo rolls fast. They have very little rolling resistance but grip surprisingly well. Taking all things into account the durability is high, and I believe they have now introduced an even lighter version set for release soon. After all these months on the streets, I could actually recommend these not just as a race day tire, but as a fast training tire as well.
Upon close inspection the Schwalbe Ultremo shows the usual knicks and small cuts, that I find normal on road tires. No major cuts on the tires at all, and as I said earlier only one small piece of glass worked through the whole summer. I typically choose a tire that is aimed more at every day wear, but this tire hold up to the daily grind fairly well. And in the end you have a nice, light, fast rolling tire.
Price: $75 CDN
Details: A great race day tire that last on the street
Pros: fast, fast, fast
Cons: Good but not great puncture protection
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Schwalbe
Reviewed by: Ryan