Hutchinson Caracal Preview

We covered the Hutchinson Caracal launch recently, which had two versions of this new race-orientated tyre. You have two tyres, the Caracal and the Caracal Race. Both use the same dry/hardpack tread pattern that mark them out as fast tyres. Where they vary is in the materials used in their construction.

We have a pair of Hutchinson Caracal tyres to try out, should the weather allow. The Caracal uses Hutchinson’s Hardskin protection that sits over the top of the 127TPI carcass. Hardskin was originally created for Hutchinson’s Mtb tyres and gives extra protection against cuts. This fabric grid runs bead to bead, protecting the sidewalls and under the tread.

Take a look at the tread and you know this is for dry weather only. Made using Hutchinson’s Bi-compound casing, it offers grip and durability. This is achieved by combining a soft compound that is used for the outer tread. Here is where you want extra grip as you lean into a corner. The softer compound will grip better, but will also wear quicker due to that softness. That’s not an issue as you will spend most of your time riding on the firmer centre patch. Here you have a broad smooth patch, more akin to a road tyre. which will roll faster and last longer.

Weight and colours

The Hutchinson Caracal weighs in at a claimed 475g and comes in two colours, black or tan. There is only one width, 40mm, a good do-it-all sort of size, offering decent cushioning, but without being too heavy. I find a 40mm, combined with a tyre-liner, a good option when it comes to dry racing. A fatter tyre is good for a more comfortable ride, but 40mm feels faster to me.

I’ll be trying the Hutchinson Caracal out on some of my local rides once summer arrives. My local terrain is mainly chalk and once that gets wet, grip goes out the window! I hope to try them out at the final round of the UCI Gravel World Series in Wales. This is the kind of event that Hutchinson have designed the Caracals for. Fast racing on big gravel roads, with some tarmac sections should suit them perfectly. I’ll let you know how I get on, even if I just end up using them on my local pot-holed tarmac!

Take a look at the Hutchinson Caracal on their website.