From handlebars to trousers to rucksacks: the industry is busy developing specific products for e-bikes and their users. The "E" in the name seems to guarantee success at the shop counter. With the Eddy Current now brings Schwalbe's first tyretyre, which was developed explicitly and exclusively for e-mountainbikes. A look at the facts makes it clear that the German tyre specialist has made no compromises.
Super Gravity carcass: The new E-MTB tyre is available exclusively with Schwalbe's reinforced carcass, which is otherwise used in the enduro and downhill sector. It provides effective protection against punctures and punctures, but is considerably heavier. Additional weight and rolling resistance play a subordinate role with an e-motor, and the risk of punctures increases due to the high weight of e-bikes. The reinforced carcass makes sense for tough off-road use.
Addix Soft rubber compound: Schwalbe also only offers one rubber compound variant: Addix Soft. The soft compound is said to provide very good grip and good damping properties. The rubber is slightly harder on the tread, which means it rolls better and is more durable. Experts might miss a Supersoft variant for even more grip.
Solid studs: The Eddy Current uses around 20 percent more rubber than Schwalbe's Magic Mary enduro tyres. This should result in greater stability, more traction and longer durability, while the weight increases. As I said: no compromises.
The consistent implementation has its price: we weighed the first samples of the new tyres at 1306 grams (front tyre, 29 x 2.4 inch) and 1409 grams (rear tyre, 27.5 x 2.8 inch). If you ride in demanding terrain and also want to ride at high speeds in rough terrain, you will accept the extra weight in favour of puncture resistance and grip.
Profiles for front and rear wheel
The new Eddy Current will be available in a version for the front wheel and with a rear wheel tread. Both tyres were explicitly developed for the so-called MX wheel concept, i.e. for 27.5+ on the rear wheel and 29 inches at the front. However, both versions will be available in both sizes and different widths. The idea behind the concept, which Schwalbe wants to reinforce with the Eddy Current, is that the wide rear tyre can be ridden with little air and offers maximum grip thanks to its large contact area. The narrower 29er front tyre rolls over obstacles better and offers direct steering behaviour. We have been completely convinced by the MX concept on e-mountainbikes in previous tests.
Versions and availability
Eddy Current should be available from autumn 2018. The tyre will cost €62.90 (2.4-inch width) or €67.90 (2.6 and 2.8-inch width). The following versions will be available:
- 27.5 x 2.8 (front and rear)
- 29 x 2.6 (front and rear)
- 29 x 2.4 (front)
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
