Save on these limited offering Pro One Tubeless Tire 2-Packs from Excel Sports. Available in 700x25 or 700x28 sizes.

Road tubeless tire development is now improving rapidly. Schwalbe is a proponent of the technology and has pushed the road race end of the equation. The Pro One Tubeless Tire is what Schwalbe considers a next generation tire, and thankfully it is here now. The new 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 Pro One Tubeless can be installed and removed without tools with most rim combinations if handled properly. Along with a 70 gram lower weight, a new casing and 15% less rolling resistance than it's predecessor, the Pro One Tubeless Tire has many of the qualifications cyclist have been asking for from road tubeless.

But the question remains: will top quality tubeless road tires truly challenge tubulars in racing environments in a way that clinchers haven't? Schwalbe has asked their sponsored pro teams to take on this this challenge, and at several spring Classic event, known for rough roads, cut tires and flats, the Pro One Tubeless has proved more than serviceable. By running the lower pressures tubeless systems allow,and using a reasonable amount of sealant, the Pro One was super reliable. How about on the road? The grip, rolling resistance, and handling? The 127 tpi MicroSkin casing has greatly improved feel and suppleness as well as providing the easier installation process and puncture protection.

Schwalbe's proven OneStar triple compound race rubber ensures wet and dry grip on pavement with decent, but not great mileage expectancy. The long term wear question is unfair to ask of a truly efficient race-level tire. The best tubed clincher and tubular tires don't sell themselves on mileage. The need for grip and suppleness means that even the firmer of the three durometer rubber used is softer than an endurance tire.With the use of a directional, voided tread pattern on the medium durometer rubber, neither water nor grit impact excellent adherence and feel while cornering at speed. While OneStar has been formulated for lower rolling resistance at lower pressures, it is effective throughout the pressure range, so heavier riders can use the higher psi option without a degradation of performance.

The Pro One is an excellent tire for tubeless wheel users who either race or prefer to ride on a race-level tire. The performance and low rolling resistance make this tubeless ready tire a true competitor to tubulars for event use. Remember that rolling resistance is not only a question of rubber, but friction caused by tube/tire interaction- which has always given tubulars a superior experience. Tubeless eliminates the tube- dropping that weight and friction. Of course a tube can always be installed on a training ride in the event of a puncture that won't seal. The flat protection and ease of installation and care are clear advantages. While many tubular riders will never consider another option, cyclists who have preferred the ease of clinchers now have a clear path to upgrade. As new generations of riders engage with tubeless as an every day technology, more cyclists and manufacturers will fully embrace and support tubeless- just as we have seen in the mountain bike world. And don't forget, Schwalbe has been a leader in all levels of tubeless technology there as well. The Pro One Tubeless Tire sets the bar for road tubeless. Time to make the leap.