Fastest tyre in the company's history? Hutchinson presents new Blackbird Race tyre

The new Blackbird Race is the logical further development of the previous Blackbird. According to Hutchinson, the development was carried out in collaboration with the World Tour team Intermarché-Wanty, who have been riding the tyres since this season. An early prototype was also used at the 2024 Olympics, when triathlete Alex Yee (Great Britain) mounted the Hutchinson on his bike and won gold.

The Blackbird Race has a new carcass based on a construction method developed for the original Blackbird. Hutchinson states that this has resulted in weight savings. The tubeless-compatible tyre should therefore weigh 240 grams in the 28 millimetre wide version. The rubber compound, which the French company calls Mach Tread Ultimate, is also a new development and is said to be the fastest compound that Hutchinson has ever developed. Compared to the "normal" Blackbird, the French claim an improvement of ten per cent.

The tyres, which are handmade in France, are tubeless-compatible and compatible with hookless rims. There is a choice of two widths of 28 and 30 millimetres. With a price of 79.99 euros, Hutchinson sets itself apart from other manufacturers, who often charge three-digit prices for their fastest models.

To complement the Blackbird range, Hutchinson is also presenting a so-called all-season version. This tyre is said to be more puncture-resistant, as the tread thickness has been increased by 24 percent and the sidewalls have been reinforced with a knitted fabric. The so-called Gridskin technology is intended to save weight compared to the hardskin protection used in gravel tyres, among others. Hutchinson states a total weight of 340 grams for the 28 millimetre version. Thanks to a special rubber compound on the side of the tread, the Paris-based brand also promises a better grip level in cold and wet conditions. Overall, the service life of the Blackbird All Season is 6,000 kilometres.

Like the Blackbird Race, the all-weather tyre is also handmade in France. The tubeless version of the tyre is compatible with hookless rims and costs 69.99 euros. Hutchinson also offers a "tube-type version" for 49.99 euros. There are three widths available: 28, 30 and 32 millimetres.