Schwalbe G-One R in review

Swallow G-One R – R for racing? It certainly seems like it when you look at the tread, but how does the speed-tuned gravel star of the G-One family fare in our big group test? And is efficiency really the stand-out feature of the fastest gravel tires?

Schwalbe don’t mince their words, the G-One R is designed for speed. Together with its twin G-One RS, the R is amongst the fastest gravel tires. But the two models could hardly be more different. The rather aggressively treaded R features a unique herringbone tread pattern and thus promises all-round traction, combined with class-leading efficiency. This also makes it an interesting option for a mixed tire combination: a G-One R up front and G-One RS at the rear should offer the perfect combination of traction and efficiency.
But that’s not all. Thanks to the easy fitment and hassle-free tubeless setup, it’s actually fun to fit this tire.

Schwalbe G-One R – Rising star in the gravel sky

The ride feel of the Schwalbe G-One R is best described as fast and easy. The tire feels agile and predictable in the corners thanks to its round profile and even tread pattern, it also accelerates quickly and maintains its speed with ease, generating just 14.2 W rolling resistance. The G-One R also delivers good traction on the trails, with the surprisingly grippy shoulder knobs inspiring confidence. And it doesn’t let you down when things get wet, either, as the tire continues to bite into the ground and propel the bike forwards. It’s only in very muddy conditions that the tire’s self-cleaning doesn’t suffice, quickly packing up with mud. On the other hand, the G-One R shines in terms of compliance and puncture protection. It offers excellent puncture protection, in which case it’s only outdone by the G-One RS.

Conclusion

All-round almost sounds too boring for the G-One R, since its excellent efficiency makes it stand out from the test field. But this doesn’t come at the cost of traction, as the R can also keep up with the best in this regard. As a result, it turns out to be the ultimate all-rounder in the test field, even trumping the in-house G-One Allround – it may be the perfect gravel tire overall.

Tops

• loads of traction for such a fast rolling tire
• excellent efficiency
• unique looking tread pattern
• excellent puncture protection

Flops

• somewhat poor self-cleaning in extremely muddy conditions

Made in Indonesia | Tested size 40-622 | Tire width in mm¹ 39,8 | Tire height in mm¹ 34,73 | Tire height + Test rim in mm² 80,05 | Weight 499,7 g | Price € 74,90
1 measured dimensions with 2,5 Bar, 2 Test rim: ZIPP 303s 622 x 20.3C (Rim height 45,32 mm)

For more information head to: schwalbe.com

In our introduction of the best gravel tire on test you can’t just find our most interesting findings and our overall conclusion, but a good view on all tires tested.

All tires on review: Challenge Getaway (Click for review) | Challenge Gravel Grinder (Click for review) | Continental Terra Speed (Click for review) | Continental Terra Trail (Click for review) | Maxxis Rambler (Click for review) | Maxxis Receptor (Click for review) | Panaracer Gravelking (Click for review) | Panaracer Gravelking Slick Plus+ (Click for review) | Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H (Click for review) | Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One Allround (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One R | Schwalbe G-One RS (Click for review) | Schwalbe G-One Ultrabite (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Pathfinder (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Tracer (Click for review) | Vittoria Terreno Dry (Click for review) | Vittoria Terreno Mix (Click for review) | WTB Riddler (Click for review) | WTB Byway (Click for review)

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: czajac Photos: Jan Richter