Hutchinson Caracal Race Tubeless Gravel Tyre — 700×40c Tubeless Folding Tire
Hutchinson Caracal Race Tubeless Gravel Tyre — 700×40c Tubeless Folding Tire

Hutchinson Caracal Race Tubeless Gravel Tyre — 700×40c Tubeless Folding Tire

Regular price$89.99
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The Hutchinson Caracal Race is a high-performance gravel tire engineered for riders who want the lowest possible rolling resistance and maximum speed on hardpack roads and gravel surfaces. Built with a lightweight SwiftEasy casing and Mach Tread 3.0 compound, this tire delivers fast rolling characteristics without sacrificing essential grip where it matters most. 475 GRAMS!!!

📄 Independent Rolling Resistance Lab Test

Tire Lab Test: Hutchinson Caracal Race TLR (tan) 40Bicycle Rolling Resistance
This review finds that the Caracal Race, with its SwiftEasy casing and Mach Tread 3.0 compound, delivers extremely low rolling resistance and is widely regarded as the fastest semi-slick gravel bike tire tested to date — even ahead of many competing gravel tires in its class.

Excerpt from the test:

“Hutchinson has delivered the fastest semi-slick gravel bike tire to date, and we’re impressed by the overall performance of the Caracal Race.” – Bicycle Rolling Resistance

This 700×40mm tubeless-ready folding tire is designed for racers and performance-oriented gravel riders who prioritize efficiency and agility over aggressive tread for deep loose terrain.

Key Functional Details

  • Size: 700×40c (ISO 40-622)
  • SwiftEasy casing with 127 TPI for flexibility and low rolling resistance
  • Mach Tread 3.0 compound for efficient, smooth rolling performance
  • Tubeless-ready folding bead for lightweight and easy setup
  • Weight: ~475g (actual varies slightly by sidewall and build)
  • Color: Black (sidewall dependent on variant)

Compatibility & Technical Notes

  • Designed for gravel bikes with 700c wheels and clearance for ~40mm tires
  • Tubeless setups require appropriate tape, valves, and sealant
  • Suitable for tubeless or tube installations
  • Best performance on hardpack, paved gravel, and fast mixed terrain
  • Not optimized for deep mud, heavy loose sand, or technical loose rock

Service / Ownership Context

Proper tubeless setup significantly impacts performance and flat resistance—ensure tape seals well and check seating at correct pressures. Rolling resistance advantages are most noticeable at sustained speeds above ~18–20 mph, where power transfer efficiency matters. Inspect tire bead seating and sealant distribution after initial installation.

Fit & Use Signals

  • Good fit if you want a fast gravel tire for hardpack and paved gravel
  • Good fit for racing, Fondo, and high-speed mixed surface riding
  • Good fit if your bike has clearance for ~40mm tires
  • Not a fit for very muddy or loose soft surfaces
  • Not a fit if you want maximum puncture belts or deep-lug off-road grip
On rolling resistance testing, the Caracal Race consistently ranks at the top of gravel tyres with tread >1mm — even beating road-like fast models in independent lab tests like BicycleRollingResistance.com, which called it the fastest semi-slick gravel tyre tested to date. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} This is the tyre we reach for when somebody wants to drop time on a long hardpack gravel event or ride without going slick. Its strength is speed and efficiency — you feel it most when you’re trying to hold higher average speed and want minimal drag from the rubber. The SwiftEasy casing and 127 TPI keep rolling resistance down while still providing enough casing durability for most normal gravel roads. People sometimes mistake “race tyre” for “weak tyre” — it’s not; it just trades some deep-lug protection for lower drag. That means it’s great on hardpack and smooth gravel, but you’ll notice less traction in soft loam or technical loose conditions compared to a more aggressive tread. We also see samples vary a bit — tan sidewall versions sometimes show slightly lower rolling resistance versus black sidewalls, but both are still among the fastest. Common questions we get: “Is this tyre fast?” — Yes — independent lab tests put it ahead of almost all gravel tyres with knobs. “Will it flat easily?” — Not necessarily; tread puncture resistance is decent, but casing protection is lighter than heavier all-terrain tyres. “What pressure should I run?” — Lower for smooth hardpack to save energy; higher if you need puncture resistance. “Is it good off-road?” — It’s best on firm surfaces; in deep loose you’ll feel the limits of the semi-slick design. This tyre is essentially for riders who want to go fast on gravel without sacrificing stability — not for riders who are hitting gnarly, tech gravel all the time. Sku guidance: Consider matching casing sidewall colors (tan vs black) to catalog variants if you sell both.

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