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Radial revolution: Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial Gravity Pro
When Schwalbe lays its hands on the Magic Mary, the scene pricks up its ears. But this time it's not just about a new tread, but about a real technological revolution under the tread: the Radial carcass. While conventional tyre casings are woven diagonally, the threads here run at a more obtuse angle. The result? A tyre that adapts to the ground more smoothly than ever before. The Magic Mary Radial Gravity Pro Ultra Soft is the new ultimate tyre for downhill and enduro use, where grip is essential for survival.
We tested these enduro tyres:
Character and area of application
The Magic Mary remains the undisputed "intermediate" monster - strong in almost all conditions, from soft forest soil to loose gravel. The new radial construction massively increases the contact area, which generates noticeably more traction for aggressive edge grip and hard braking manoeuvres. In combination with the Ultra Soft Compound, this tyre is a pure downhill machine. Its territory is steep technical trails through to extremely wet conditions, where every ounce of grip counts. Price: 79,90 Euro >> available here.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
- Phenomenal grip: Thanks to the radial carcass, the tyre literally hugs stones and roots.
- Maximum damping: The combination of Ultra Soft rubber and the new carcass layout absorbs vibrations and impacts excellently.
- Braking traction: The Magic Mary claws into the ground, which enables extremely short braking distances.
- Security: High confidence when leaning due to high deformability with simultaneous support.
Weaknesses:
- Rolling resistance: In the Ultra Soft compound and with radial construction, the tyre rolls noticeably more slowly than the competition.
- Wear and tear: The soft compound is designed for performance, not mileage.
- Weight: With its massive gravity design, it is no lightweight for touring riders.
The return of the master: Schwalbe Albert Radial Gravity Pro
Connoisseurs will remember: For years, the Albert was synonymous with grip and reliability. Schwalbe has reactivated the name and crossed it with the revolutionary radial technology. It not only "absorbs" bumps, it moulds itself around them. In the 27.5-inch version (654-584), this tyre is an excellent choice for playful enduro and mullet setups.
Character and area of application
The Albert Radial is the modern all-rounder for maximum ground contact. Compared to the Magic Mary, its tread pattern is somewhat more closed, which gives it excellent guidance on hard ground and in fast berms. Thanks to the soft compound (orange stripe), it offers the ideal compromise between sticky grip and acceptable rolling resistance. It is the perfect choice for enduro racers and demanding trail riders who are looking for a tyre that brings noticeably more composure to the chassis in technical terrain (root carpets, stone fields).
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths:
- Traction miracle: The radial design ensures a significantly larger contact surface, which provides massive confidence when leaning.
- Self-attenuation: The tyre acts like an additional suspension element; small vibrations are eliminated before they reach the chassis.
- Versatility: The soft compound works in almost all temperatures and on a wide variety of surfaces.
Weaknesses:
- Weight: The massive gravity construction is reflected on the scales - there are lighter options for the uphill sprint.
Precision: Due to the flexibility of the carcass, a slightly more undefined ride feel in fast corners and when pushing hard.
Schwalbe Magic Mary / Albert Radial - Facts & Price
| Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity Radial | Schwalbe Albert Gravity Radial | |
| Price | 79,90 Euro >> available here | 79,90 Euro >> available here |
| Rubber compound / TPI | Ultra Soft / 67 | Soft / 67 |
| Carcass / size | Gravity / 29 x 2.5 | Gravity / 29 x 2.5 |
| Laboratory test | ||
| Weight / rolling resistance | 1307 g / 50.1 watts | 1280 g / 33.6 watts |
| Tyre width / tyre height | 60.5 / 63.8 mm | 60 / 62.2 mm |
| Carbon copy / Puncture | 460 mm / 114; 530; 430 N | 470 mm / 120; 531; 538 N |
| Practical test | ||
| Cornering behaviour | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ |
| Traction | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ |
| Self-cleaning | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ | ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ □ □ |
| BIKE grade | 2,02 | 2,02 |
Conclusion: Schwalbe Magic Mary / Albert Radial
With Magic Mary and Albert Schwalbe sends two radial tyres into the race. With identical tyre pressure, grip and comfort are a real revelation in direct comparison to the competition. Despite the rather fast soft compound on the rear wheel, the Albert delivers the best uphill performance even in wet conditions. The puncture protection is also impressive. In fast corners, the tyres feel a little spongier and less defined at the usual pressure. The Magic Mary is ideal for wet conditions and offers excellent self-cleaning properties.
How Bike tests
With a total of ten different tyres, we went to the laboratory of tyre manufacturer Ralf Bohle, where we measured values for the Puncture protection, rolling resistance and weight determined. The practical test took place in the Oberammergau bike park on various routes.
The test in the laboratory
How well do the tyres roll and how good is the puncture protection? We used Schwalbe's test laboratory to clarify these questions. The fast Specialized Eliminator rear tyre and the Maxxis Highroller are separated by over 21 watts at a speed of 20 km/h, 50 kg load and 1.7 bar tyre pressure. There are also clear differences in terms of snakebite protection. While the lightweight Specialized Butcher deflates at a drop height of 310 millimetres, the thick Pirelli Scorpion can withstand a 70 percent higher impact before failing. We test how sensitive the tyres are to foreign objects such as thorns or sharp stones with a triple puncture test. A round spike with a diameter of 1.5 millimetres and a five-millimetre blade are pierced through the tread. The test is also carried out on the side wall with the blade. There are differences of up to 70 per cent in the penetration.
The practical test in Oberammergau
We organised three identical Canyon Neuon:On AL 8 tyres so that we could ride them directly against each other. The test took place in the Oberammergau bike park in rainy weather and with an outside temperature of twelve degrees. On small laps and sections, we were able to compare the tyres perfectly with three test riders. Traction for uphill riding and braking, cornering grip and self-cleaning were evaluated for each individual tyre. Riding stability and damping behaviour also played a part in the overall score. The practical impressions make up 50 per cent of the final score. A further 30 per cent is accounted for by puncture protection, while weight and rolling resistance together contribute 20 per cent to the final score.
Stefan Frey
Editor
