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While classic mountain bikes are weakening, sales of e-mountain bikes have been going through the roof for years. Because everyone is suddenly riding trails? No. Many e-MTBs are mainly used for everyday riding, commuting or touring. Bike and tyre manufacturers have reacted. Schwalbe was particularly quick to respond with the Johnny Watts presented a profile for precisely this application.
The original SUV tyre is wide for maximum comfort and good cushioning. Narrow, flat centre lugs are designed to last a long time and roll quickly and quietly - in stark contrast to normal mountain bike tyres. They often roll much heavier and louder and also wear out more quickly. The Johnny Watts has slightly more tread on the outside if additional traction is required on soft ground or when cornering. The ideal compromise for trekking, touring, SUVs and everyday mountain bikes?
The Johnny Watts in practice
At around 1000 grams, the Johnny Watts is no lightweight and those coming from touring tyres may be a little sceptical about the slightly mountain bike-oriented profile. The fact is, however, that the Johnny Watts is very unobtrusive in touring use. It actually rolls relatively quietly and is only about as heavy as a fast cross-country or grippy gravel tyre. When cornering, the Johnny Watts offers smooth transitions and conveys a great feeling of safety on firm surfaces.
The Johnny Watts also works well on gravel, but the tyre slowly reaches its limits on very loose or soft ground. The outer lugs only offer slightly more grip than the centre. Unlike its competitor, the Continental eRuban (reviewed here), actively cornering the tyre doesn't offer any significant advantage. On the other hand, the Schwalbe's good handling is on the plus side. Puncture protection is at a high level, in line with the SUV category. The puncture protection in particular is very good. This means that the tyre can also be ridden with an inner tube and low air pressure without risking a snake bite. Good if you need a little more grip or additional comfort off-road.
Strengths
- Wide range of applications
- Puncture protection
Weaknesses
- Not very grippy off-road
Conclusion on the Johnny Watts from Schwalbe
The Johnny Watts is rightly popular. Although it is a little heavy, the ride feel is very smooth even on the road despite the light studs and the puncture protection is high. The centre tread grips slightly better than the eRuban. On the other hand, the outer lugs don't grip as well. A small disadvantage off-road. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
The tyre in detail
- Model name: Schwalbe Johnny Watts
- Tested size: 60 - 622
- Price: 46,90 Euro >> available here
- Technology: Double defence, hose
- Reflective stripes: Available
BIKE measured values
- Weight: 964 g
- Rolling resistance: 21 watts (2.0 bar)
- Tyre width: 58 mm (25 mm rim)
- Tyre height: 55 mm (25 mm rim)
- Carbon copy: 500 mm
- Cut resistance: 140, 677, 412 N
Adrian Kaether
Editor
