Press release (21.06.2023)

TACKY CHAN: THE WORLD'S FASTEST MTB TIRE

SCHWALBE PRESENTS NEW MTB TIRES - COOPERATION WITH TEAM COMMENCAL/MUC-OFF

The goal of the fastest rider in the Downhill World Cup, Amaury Pierron: get even faster. The goal of the manufacturer of the most successful tire in the Downhill World Cup (Magic Mary): to become even better. The result: the fastest MTB tire in the world. Welcome Tacky Chan! The ambition to continue to improve even in the moment of greatest success meets the love of passionate tinkering with the smallest details. Then comes a tire that sets new standards and has no less a goal than to win every race. Anyone who simply wants to get started with their MTB will benefit from this: on the race track or on the home trail. But the road to Tacky Chan was rocky. Almost three years of development, numerous prototypes and several falls.

2020

Schwalbe starts the project. The tire should be fast with full control and precision. Also present: The Commencal/Muc-Off team around the French downhill pros Myriam Nicole, Thibaut Daprela and Amaury Pierron. Some of the best of their generation.

Schwalbe develops the first prototypes within a few weeks. The basic idea of the new tire is created in the 3D model. The profile is taking shape: Small ramps on the lugs are intended to improve rolling properties, shoulder lugs that are 20% more stable than Magic Mary increase lateral support. The tire gets L-shaped lugs, slightly longer braking edges. 10% more space between the center lugs reduces the weight.

The procedure used to create the first prototypes is unusual: First, Schwalbe's developers carry out a total of twelve different cuts on the Big Betty model in order to determine the perfect balance between support and flexibility of the shoulder lugs. And indeed: The Tacky Chan reaches faster speeds, the braking traction is still higher.

2021

Off to the track: The prototype starts in the first races and is really fast! Thibaut Daprela chooses him for the 2021 World Cup. He rides brilliantly in training and qualification. But then: In the race he falls – twice. He still believes that the tire can reach the goal. His feedback: The large lugs are a bit too stiff, too unyielding. More cornering control please!

2021/2022

The next step is passionate, detailed work at the millimeter level: the shoulder knobs are slightly smaller, the braking edges one millimeter longer. Double knob depressions create a tighter mesh.

It's a breakthrough. The tire celebrates victory after victory: Amaury Pierron won the 2022 World Cup overall title with it. "We always believed that the result would be a real success. And yet, I felt like a little kid at Christmas when I had the tire in my hands. So much development work has gone into the Tacky Chan - and you can feel it when you ride it. Having incredible grip and full control without compromising speed is incredible. We've pushed the limits," says Pierron.

Myriam Nicole wins the World Cup on the infamous Black Snake in Val di Sole. One of eleven World Cup victories for the Tacky Chan in 2022. Nicole: "The Tacky Chan gives me a very direct riding feeling. It's unique to have a tire that you can fully trust when riding it on the edge, and at the same time, it gains even more speed."

"If you want to make World Cup riders happy, it's simple: you just need a tire that makes them faster. Tacky Chan benefits anyone who wants to start and push their limits with full power," says Carl Kämper (Product Manager MTB).

Tacky Chan is now available in various versions for downhill to enduro.

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Further information

Schwalbe UK LTD
Press Office
Hortonwood 30 | Shropshire TF1 7ET Telford
Phone: +441952602680 | press@schwalbe.com
www.schwalbe.com/en