News: Schwalbe X One Bite

Paul Horta-Hopkins

Schwalbe have brought out a more aggressive mud ‘cross tyre, the X One Bite.

New for 2017 – although I have already seen these at my local ‘cross league – are Schwalbe’s X One Bite. Similar to their X-Ones that I reviewed previously, these feature a coarser tread pattern for heavy mud. These are tubeless ready and come in Performance or Evolution models.

The new for 2017 Schwalbe X One Bite has come out just in time for the winter ‘cross league

I’ve been running Schwalbe’s X-Ones in my local cyclo-cross league and have been very happy with them. The only time they have suffered is in really thick deep mud, where they can get a little overwhelmed. The small lugs will clear quickly, but you will have a few sketchy moments until they clear. I assume this is why Schwalbe have decided to bring out the X One Bite.

Utilising the same materials and technology as the X-Ones – MicroSkin carcass and Triple Star compound – they are producing two versions. The Evolution Line is the top end tyre, with a TPI of 127 (that’s Threads Per Inch) while the Performance Line has 67.

The tread pattern on the X One Bite is beefed up version of X-One and the taller lugs look like they’ll offer more grip in thicker mud. They should roll well on hard surfaces as well, with the central lugs creating a good surface. As to whether they clear well, the pattern looks fairly open, only some proper mud time will tell.

With the weather down South finally producing the kind of conditions you expect at a ‘cross race, these could be coming out at just the right time. We’ll try to get a set to review and let you know how they handle the gloop.

Schwalbe

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