Heading into the 2025 uplift season, I wanted to get my bikepark rig dialled for maximum grip, control, and fun. That’s when I stumbled across something intriguing: radial tyres. A relatively new concept in mountain biking, these tyres seemed to promise big benefits for gravity riders. But are they worth it? I did my homework before committing, and here’s what I found.

What Are Radial Tyres, and Why Are They Making Waves?

Unlike the traditional bias-ply tyres we’ve been riding for decades, radial tyres have their carcass plies arranged perpendicularly to the rolling direction. This might sound like a minor tweak, but it fundamentally changes how the tyre behaves on the trail.

The Pitch:

• Enhanced grip: Radial tyres claim a 15% improvement in traction on loose and technical terrain.
• Better comfort: They’re designed to absorb vibrations, reducing fatigue and letting you focus on riding harder, longer.
• Consistency under pressure: Run higher pressures without sacrificing grip—ideal for preventing pinch flats on rocky descents.

The Benefits That Caught My Attention

1. Grip and Traction: Is It Real?

The first thing that hooked me was the claim of superior grip. Reviews and manufacturer data suggested that radial tyres maintain a larger and more consistent contact patch with the ground. For gravity riders, this translates into better cornering and braking control.

The Numbers: Schwalbe reports a 15% boost in grip compared to their standard gravity tyres, thanks to the increased flexibility of the radial construction.

2. Comfort: Smoother Rides Mean Longer Days

Bikepark days are brutal on the body. Between the chatter from braking bumps and repeated impacts on rock gardens, fatigue can creep in fast. Radial tyres are said to absorb more of these vibrations, keeping your hands, arms, and legs fresher.

Schwalbe’s Claim: Their radial tyres offer a 20% improvement in vibration damping.

3. Pressure Flexibility: High PSI Without Sacrifice

I’m no stranger to pinch flats, and I usually run slightly higher pressures to avoid them. The downside? Traditional tyres lose grip as pressure climbs. Radial tyres, however, are designed to flex more naturally, even at high pressures.

Downsides: What’s the Catch?

No product is perfect, and radial tyres aren’t without trade-offs. Here’s what I learned:

1. Weight: A Bit Heavier

Radial tyres weigh about 100–150 grams more per tyre compared to their bias-ply counterparts. This might bother weight weenies, but on a gravity-focused bike where uplift shuttles do the climbing, it’s hardly a deal-breaker.

2. Availability: Limited Choices

Currently, radial tyres are only available in a handful of models and sizes. Schwalbe leads the charge with the Magic Mary Radial and Albert Gravity Pro.

3. Cost: Not Cheap

At €80–€100 per tyre, radial models are priced at the premium end of the market. But for a tyre that promises to improve grip, comfort, and consistency, it’s an investment I’m willing to consider.

Why They Make Sense for My 2025 Uplift Season

After hours of reading reviews, analysing performance data, and comparing them to my current setup, I decided radial tyres were worth a shot. Here’s why:

• Grip Is Everything: On steep, root-laden tracks, grip can make or break your line.
• Comfort for Long Days: Less fatigue means more laps before the lifts close.
• Durability: Tyres wear out, and I’m due for a new set anyway. Why not try something innovative?

The Conclusion: Time to Give Them a Go

Radial tyres aren’t just marketing hype—they’re a step forward in tyre technology that could genuinely improve the ride experience for gravity riders. Given the benefits of improved grip, comfort, and performance consistency, I’m excited to try them out this coming season.

When the lifts start spinning for 2025, my bikepark rig will be rolling on Schwalbe Magic Mary Radials. Tyres are consumable. If they don’t live up to the hype, I’ll know by the end of the season. But something tells me they’ll have me smiling as I carve through berms and blast over roots with newfound confidence.

Explore Schwalbe Radial Tyres