Hutchinson Expands Gravel Line with Three New Tires, Brings GridSkin Tech to Gravel

Hutchinson has expanded its gravel tyre range with the introduction of three new models: the Touareg Race, Touareg Race GS, and Caracal Race GS. Building on over 130 years of tyre engineering expertise, the French manufacturer aims to offer a versatile system that caters to the varied demands of modern gravel racing. These tyres can be mixed and matched according to terrain and rider preference, reflecting the evolving nature of gravel racing as a discipline focused on performance optimisation and marginal gains. The Touareg Race serves as the flagship of the new lineup, featuring Hutchinson’s latest Mach Tread 3.0 compound, which delivers improved energy return and enhanced tear resistance. The tyre also incorporates the SwiftEasy casing to reduce weight and increase flexibility, resulting in a race-ready product weighing from 480 grams. Available in 40mm, 45mm, and 50mm widths, the new range responds to the growing popularity of higher-volume gravel tyres, while maintaining a balance between low rolling resistance, grip, and stability. A significant innovation in the new gravel range is the introduction of Hutchinson’s GridSkin technology, designed to protect riders tackling rocky terrain. This knitted mesh reinforcement isolates cuts and tears, preventing sidewall punctures without compromising rolling efficiency. Hutchinson recommends pairing the Touareg Race at the front for enhanced control with the Caracal Race at the rear for speed, creating what the company describes as the “Perfect Combo” for most gravel race conditions. The Caracal Race GS now also comes in a 50mm version, blending speed and comfort for demanding surfaces. All new models are tubeless-ready and compatible with modern wide-rim standards, with aesthetic options including classic black or tan sidewalls for the Race versions and a speckled finish for the GridSkin variants. Prices start at £54.99 for the Touareg Race, with the GS models priced slightly higher, reflecting Hutchinson’s commitment to delivering high-performance gravel tyres tailored to the needs of competitive riders.