The Hutchinson Touareg is undoubtedly one of the must-have best-sellers when it comes to equipping your gravel bike. Known for its versatility and reliability, it has won over a very wide audience. Today, Hutchinson goes even further by unveiling a highly anticipated new addition that crowns this range: the new "Race" version of this iconic model, called Hutchinson Touareg Race. To evaluate this model and see what it really has under the hood, a test worthy of its racing ambitions was required. Paul, a member of the Alltricks staff and an unconditional gravel enthusiast, had the opportunity to put it to the test. He was able to test this tire intensively, first during his many training sessions, then by lining up directly in race conditions on the legendary Traka. Riding his Orbea Terra Race, a carbon racing gravel bike built for speed, the tire swallowed 250 kilometers under very varied weather conditions ranging from dry to cold, through humid climates and rain. Here is his detailed analysis, told from the inside.
In the Workshop: Technical Reflection and Installation
To approach my intense training sessions and the starting line of the Traka, I chose to ride with the 700x40mm size. It is a carefully thought-out section choice for this type of event. I was immediately attracted by the feeling of lightness this dimension offers. Indeed, I sincerely believe that a 45mm size must be great for absolute comfort, but I have always been a little afraid of having a somewhat clunky "tank" effect with a 50mm tire, which would hinder quick accelerations.
Breaking down the technical features, we see that we are dealing with a supple bead tire that includes the Mach Tread 3.0 rubber. This is a composition specifically designed for racing ("race") to maximize power transfer. The structure is based on the SwiftEasy CASING carcass with 127 TPI, supported by Gridskin technology, which provides the essential extra protection on the sidewalls to avoid bad surprises on rocks.
The first stage of this test took place in my workshop. The tire offers excellent ease of installation, whether by hand or with a tire lever. The rim/tire compatibility in TLR proved perfect. The point that often makes cyclists sweat, the tubeless blow-up, turned out to be very easy to carry out with the help of an Airshot. It is reassuring and allows you to focus calmly on your race.
On the Field: Performance and Speed Delivered
To make the most of this equipment, I chose the recommended pressures with which I conducted the test: inflated to 1.9 bar front and 2.1 bar rear. This fine tuning is crucial because the comfort and performance of a tire largely depend on the pressure applied. The terrains encountered were extremely varied and demanding: asphalt, cobblestones, dirt, trails, gravel, pebbles, mud, wet conditions, but also mountains with technical descents.
Performance is undoubtedly one of the very strong points of this model. On the road, on smooth tracks or uphill, the dynamic behavior is exceptional. Despite low pressures, I absolutely do not feel that the tire "sticks" to the road. The excellent absorption of irregularities allows you to focus solely on pedaling on rolling paths and tracks.
Although the tread is not slick, it has very tight knobs. This specific geometry provides formidable grip while maintaining very low rolling resistance. Uphill, there is no sense of heaviness. To give a point of comparison with a reference tire on the market that I’m used to riding, the Michelin Power Gravel, the Hutchinson seems to me both faster and safer.
Hutchinson Touareg Race GS Racing Lab 700 mm Tubeless-Ready Gravel Tire with Soft Gridskin and Mach Tread 3.0
From €56.99
Hutchinson Touareg Race Racing Lab Gravel Tire 700 mm Tubeless Ready Folding SwiftEasy Mach tread 3.0 Tan Sidewall
From €52.99
Hutchinson Touareg Race GS Racing Lab 700 mm Tubeless-Ready Gravel Tire with Soft Gridskin and Mach Tread 3.0
From €56.99
Handling: Grip and Adhesion in All Circumstances
As soon as the slope percentage reverses or the ground becomes tricky, the Touareg Race Gridskin shows rock-solid reliability. On steep climbs or highly technical sections, I felt good overall traction with very little slipping. The power is transmitted optimally to the ground.
It is especially in descents, during heavy braking or controlled sliding phases, that it shines. It is a tire that gives huge confidence on descents. The rubber and profile allow you to dare fully engage in the slope, and even jump small obstacles without the slightest hesitation.
Comfort and Durability: Ready for Adventure
On long-distance events, comfort is a major ally. In my 40mm setup, this Touareg Race absorbs irregularities very well. Shock filtration is well ensured. However, I specify that for a cyclist primarily aiming for comfort over several days of racing, it might be better to favor a 45 or even 50 size if possible, to have a larger air volume that absorbs shocks even more.
As for reliability, the test is a real success: I didn’t encounter any incidents. The thickness of the rubber coupled with the effective reinforcements of Gridskin do a great job. I had no problem to report on the race, despite a terrain scattered with rocks and particularly destructive holes. I was not faced with the slightest cut on the sidewalls or the tread.
Regarding durability, the mileage of this test being 250 km, I do not yet have enough hindsight to comment on even wear or long-term grip retention. However, keep in mind that longevity will probably be its potential weak point, as this "race" rubber is primarily designed for pure performance, although I have not yet experienced this.
Final verdict
In summary, the obvious strengths of this tire are its efficiency, its reassuring grip, and its very high puncture resistance.
For what use and which rider is this tire most relevant?
I strongly recommend it for the cyclist who wants to go fast in their events while keeping a reliable tire at hand.
Do I recommend it?
Of course! It’s an excellent product. For true competitors, I would even suggest a configuration more oriented towards "race" by mixing this Touareg at the front with the Caracal Race model at the rear to maximize speed.
| Criterion | Score /5 |
|---|---|
| Mounting / compatibility | 5 |
| Efficiency | 5 |
| Grip / adhesion | 4 |
| Comfort | 5 |
| Puncture resistance | 4 |
| Durability / wear | 3 |
| Value for money | 4 |
| Final average | 4 |
Redac
Author
The Alltricks editorial team: passionate experts sharing blog tests and advice on running (10k to marathon), trail, outdoor activities, and of course, all types of cycling.
View his articles
