Ultremo R cross-section

Three innovative technologies – a ‘radial’ puncture-resistant belt, triple tread compound and ceramic particles incorporated into the tread – have transformed Schwalbe’s highly-regarded Ultremo race clincher into the Ultremo R, which is said to offer lower weight and rolling resistance than its predecessor with improved puncture resistance and road holding.

Developed for the Ultremo R in cooperation with American firm Warwick Mills, High Density Guard is said to be the thinnest, most closely-woven such belt used in cycle tyre construction. While the close weave helps impede penetration by sharp objects, the belt has another trick up its sleeve in the form of a ceramic particle coating called HD Ceramic Guard.

The idea is that tiny shards of glass that become lodged in the tread and which slowly work their way through a conventional protection belt are stopped and blunted when they come into contact with the ceramic particles, which are harder than glass.

The belt itself is laid with threads perpendicular to the centre line of the tyre, with those aligned with the rotation of the tyre acting much as the circumferential belt in a radial car tyre. Above this is laid a Triple Nano Compound tread containing three different compounds, each mixed using nano-sized filler particles for enhanced grip and durability. The result is a claimed 10% reduction in rolling resistance over the standard Ultremo.

The Ultremo R is available in an all-black version as well as with white, silver, pink, red, yellow or blue shoulders. There is also an optional Double Defense version with an additional fabric layer that protects the tyre’s shoulders and side wall.