The Schwalbe gravel line-up keeps getting more interesting, as well as more versatile, even in the G-One Speed TLE with the addition of the Super Ground casing. Essentially Super Ground adds SnakeSkin bead to bead protection that finds the ideal blend of puncture/abrasion protection with lightweight. As you run lower pressures with tubeless use, even the fastest tires can find a footprint that offers more grip and control, but flexible full protection is crucial. The challenge is making that protection functional and as flexible as it needs to be to offer that low pressure versatility. As an EVO-series tire Schwalbe believes that with the Super Ground concept they have found that combination while also lowering weight, so the 700x35 comes in at 425 grams, an approximate 25g reduction from the previous version.

Start with the Tubeless Easy design. This advanced construction has resulted in a far more supple tire that the company considers TL Easy, for easy to mount. Anyone who has wrestled with, or snapped tire levers trying to install a road tubeless tire will be happy to hear that the G-One Tubeless features a Kevlar bead which can be installed and removed without tools with most rim combinations if handled properly. Some of that comes from the bead and it is assisted by the 67 EPI casing, which is still quite flexible- while still providing excellent puncture protection. The improvement in ride quality in this current road tubeless tire has greatly improved feel and suppleness, while still offering great sidewall abrasion and overall puncture protection as well as providing the easier installation/removal process and fast sealing.

The final piece of the G-One puzzle is found in the Addix rubber compound. This is Schwalbe'sAddixSpeed rubber race version. Weighted towards low rolling resistance and puncture protection, it suffers some in the wear and mileage aspect. The long term wear question is unfair to ask of a truly efficient race-level tire. The best tubed clincher and tubular race tires don't sell themselves on mileage. The need for grip and suppleness means that even the firmer of the Addix durometer compounds used is softer than a high mileage tire. With the use of a consistent small dot pattern on the medium durometer rubber, neither water nor grit impact excellent adherence and feel, even while cornering under load. While Addix Speed has been formulated for lower rolling resistance at lower pressures, it is effective throughout the pressure range, so heavier riders can use the higher end of the psi range without a degradation of performance.

The G-One Speed Super Ground TLE Gravel Tire will surely be viewed by some as an event only tire. There is nothing wrong with that thought process, but this is such a great tire to ride every day for those who like to push their bikes, even for every riders on a rough, fast commute home. We'd prefer to consider the G-One the way we do Schwalbe's great EVO mountain bike tires. Yes, you may change them a bit more frequently than another option, but having confidence in the grip and feel, as well as knowing potential service will not result in bloody knuckles, all make the riding experience better.