Hybrid Johnny Watts review: A radial tyre with incredible grip for touring cyclists

E-bikes – and particularly those with an SUV-like feel – are all the rage. They offer a wide range of uses, a high level of comfort and a secure riding experience, even on gravel. The Johnny Watts from Schwalbe was developed precisely for this purpose and has been one of the best-sellers in the Schwalbe range for years. Now Schwalbe is thoroughly reimagining this all-rounder. But ​who’ll be riding the new Schwalbe Johnny Watts alongside its predecessor (reviewed here) At first glance, you’ll hardly notice any difference. The same tread pattern, the same design – and yet this tyre is nothing short of a revolution. Schwalbe is the first manufacturer ever to venture into the touring sector with a radial tyre.

What does ‘radial’ mean?

Watch out, here comes a bit of theory. But it’s important for understanding why radial tyres can make such a big difference to grip and comfort. Here’s the thing: in conventional bicycle tyres, the textile threads of the carcass – that is, the inner framework that gives the tyre its stability – run at a 90-degree angle to one another. This creates a diamond pattern beneath the tread.

In radial tyres, on the other hand – which have been the standard in the car and motorbike sectors for decades – these cords run at a significantly flatter angle. The result: the tread can deform more easily as the tyre rolls, and the contact patch increases by almost a third at the same tyre pressure. The implication is clear: a larger contact patch also means – more grip!

Better grip, but also greater comfort

Radial tyres, however, have a second ace up their sleeve. Thanks to the more flexible carcass, the tyre can also react more easily to obstacles or impacts. This is noticeable in the form of significantly improved rolling comfort at the same air pressure – which is particularly beneficial on long rides. Theoretical drawbacks could include rolling resistance and puncture protection. However, based on current findings, these play hardly any role with the Johnny Watts – see below.

In the mountain bike sector Schwalbe successfully introduced radial technology two years ago – with a noticeable difference, particularly on e-MTBs, where increased grip and riding safety are especially important. With the new Johnny Watts Radial, this technology is now making its debut in the touring sector.

Johnny Watts: The facts at a glance

Schwalbe offers the Johnny Watts in three versions for different purposes. ALL are radial tyres – the classic version is being phased out. This shows just how convinced Schwalbe is of this new technology, even in the touring sector. In addition to the Johnny Watts TLR there is also the Johnny Watts Plus with extra puncture protection and the Johnny Watts 365 for exceptional durability and good grip, even in cold and wet conditions.

• Hybrid Johnny Watts TLR: The Tubeless-Ready version with RaceGuard puncture protection and ADDIX Green rubber compound (recycled carbon black from our own tyre recycling programme), RRP €49.90 >> available here
• Johnny Watts Plus: All-round protection with an extra-thick GreenGuard puncture-resistant layer, similar to the Marathon Plus, as a clincher tyre, RRP 43.90 euros >> available here
• HYBRID 365 Johnny Watts Plus: All-season version with ADDIX 365 compound as a folding tyre, RRP €52.90 >> available here

The tyre is available in 27.5 and 28/29-inch sizes, in widths of 2.35, 2.60 and, for the Plus model, also 2.80 inches. All versions are also approved for high-speed e-bikes (E-50), whilst the 2.80-inch version is approved for E-25. The Johnny Watts hybrid tyre primarily features the eco-friendly Addix Green rubber compound, which has a particularly high recycled content, and is also available with reflective strips.

This is what the Johnny Watts Radial is like to ride

We tested the new Johnny Watts Radial in a direct comparison with its predecessor under identical conditions and at the same air pressure – and the difference is clearly noticeable. First, a minor point: on the scales, the new tyre weighs slightly more. However, an extra 50 grams is absolutely negligible when you’re talking about a one-kilogramme e-bike tyre.

Comfort

The larger contact patch makes itself felt right from the very first obstacle: potholes and kerbs are absorbed noticeably more smoothly. The tyre absorbs bumps in a way that has never before been seen in a touring tyre in this class. This can be a key selling point, particularly for touring bikes that often have poor suspension or none at all – whether in city traffic or on long tours, where the odd rough stretch of road is inevitable.

Grip and traction

On loose surfaces, the Johnny Watts Radial demonstrates its second major strength: it feels noticeably more planted on the road. When cornering and on slippery surfaces, the traction limit is reached noticeably later than with its predecessor. However, due to its tread pattern, this applies primarily to reasonably firm surfaces. In deep sand or mud, where the tread pattern plays a greater role, the Johnny Watts is still unlikely to be in its element.

Incidentally, as well as its radial carcass, the Johnny Watts has another trick up its sleeve. The standard versions are tubeless-compatible – a feature previously reserved for Schwalbe’s dedicated mountain bike tyres. This means you can ride the Johnny Watts at lower air pressures without worrying about punctures (snake bites) or damage to the inner tube. Comfort and grip also benefit as a result.

Rolling resistance

Despite the increased contact patch, Schwalbe claims that rolling resistance will remain at the same level as the previous Johnny Watts. In our initial tests, we were unable to identify any significant drawbacks – for example, in terms of range compared with its predecessor. That in itself is remarkable. However, independent laboratory tests on this are still pending.

Handling and puncture protection

The radial construction theoretically carries risks in terms of steering precision and puncture protection. With the Hybrid Johnny Watts, however, Schwalbe has these issues well under control. Both handling and puncture protection were of the usual high standard. Only riders carrying a heavy load and riding with very low air pressure of around 1.5 bar might find the Hybrid Johnny Watts feels slightly spongy.

However, experience shows that most touring cyclists prefer to run their tyres a bit too hard rather than too soft. It’s not uncommon to see tyres inflated to 3 bar for fear of punctures and higher rolling resistance. It is precisely these cyclists who benefit from the radial construction, because the new Hybrid Johnny Watts remains flexible even at higher air pressures and moulds itself confidently to the ground.

BIKE verdict: Top marks for grip and comfort

The Schwalbe Hybrid Johnny Watts is more than just a facelift – it represents a genuine technological leap forward for touring tyres. Grip and comfort are so significantly improved that even the already remarkable benefits, such as the switch to a tubeless-compatible design, are hardly worth a passing mention. For most touring cyclists looking for a safe riding experience and plenty of comfort, this may well be the best tyre on the market. There’s no need to worry about increased rolling resistance, despite the large contact patch. - Adrian Kaether, Test & Technology Editor