In December 2024, Schwalbe introduced the G-One RX Pro, a new gravel tire that replaces the two predecessors, the Bite and the Ultrabite, and is positioned as a kind of all-rounder for rough terrain.
I rode the Bite and Ultrabite (in 50mm) at the Bohemian Border Bash and found both to be very good. However, the wear was already significant and the rolling resistance was a bit higher.
But I took notice of the RX Pro, also because, according to my initial research, it was better reviewed than, for example, the new Conti Terra Adventure.
So, I requested the RX Pro for testing, and thanks to Pressedienst Fahrrad, a set was made available to me.
The G-One R Pro Line was newly developed by Schwalbe and builds on the experiences of many gravel races. The R stands for Race, and R Pro essentially replaces Super Race by increasing puncture protection and reducing rolling resistance.
This sounds like a nearly impossible task, but as far as I could experience with the RX Pro and read from the many experiences of others, this was quite successful. Schwalbe developed a new compound for this and further optimized their V-Guard puncture protection.
The most visible change is in the profile of the RX Pro, which consists of three profile lines:
- Larger side knobs for better traction and grip in curves, even when you slip.
- Arrow-shaped knobs in the middle, which promise good rolling with secure grip when braking.
- “Climbing aids” between the middle and outer profile, which give the tire a balanced and secure feel in the terrain.
And, of course, this also affects the tire weight, which is why the RX tires are in the upper field in terms of weight (manufacturer’s specifications):
- 40mm: 520 g
- 45mm: 570 g
- 50mm: 615 g (646g self-weighed)
- 55mm: 715g (not an official manufacturer’s specification, found on a shop website)
Dimensions & Mounting
I ordered the Schwalbe RX Pro in black in 50mm for the test.
The tire was mounted on a Beast XC rim with a 30mm internal width.
- Tire height: 44mm high.
- Tire width: 50mm, which exactly matches the manufacturer’s specification.
I also measured the knob height at kilometer 0:
- Middle knobs: 3mm
- Knobs before outer section: 2mm
- Outer knobs (maximum height): 4mm
The first test takes place right at the beginning when the tires are mounted on the rim. I ride Beast XC30 rims. The RX Pro tires could be mounted by hand without any problems. However, I always coat the inner flanks with a water-detergent mixture, which facilitates mounting and later the “plop” of the tires into the correct position.
Since I always ride tubeless, I first inflated the tires dry (with a Schwalbe compressor bottle) and then left them without sealant. The air held from the beginning, without the need for corrections or immediate filling with sealant.
I used Orange Sealing for the sealant and filled it in as usual via the valve with a cannula. This prevents contamination during mounting.
Practical Use & Endurance Test
Rolling Behavior and Speed
What immediately struck me: the tires run quite quietly on asphalt. And they are really very fast. I often experience that tires roll a bit more sluggishly on asphalt and then really start moving in the terrain. With the RX Pro, it’s the case that it has good propulsion both on asphalt and in the terrain and rolls very well.
Bicycle Rolling Resistance also confirms this impression with a measured rolling resistance of 16 watts at high pressure (>3 bar) and 20 watts at low pressure (1.7 bar).
In comparison: both the Bite and the Ultrabite had 6 and 9 watts more resistance at high pressure, respectively, and 7 to 8 watts more at low pressure.
I rode the RX Pro with 1.8 bar in the front and 1.9/2 bar in the back. With this, they rolled very well for my requirements, had good grip, and offered the necessary security in the terrain.
At the beginning, I rode the RX Pro in local regions, with a good mix of 70% gravel, forest, and field paths, and 30% asphalt. The good rolling behavior and also the self-cleaning of the profile were already evident there, as I found during many muddy rides.
The Endurance Test: North2Peak Race
After 280 km, I unfortunately had a cut in the rear tire, which I was able to seal again with a Maxalami. However, this would become an issue later. I also had a small hole in the front, but that was managed by the sealant.
On the positive side, I must note that the tire pressure remained stable. Frequent re-pumping was not necessary for me.
The tires then passed the endurance test at the North2Peak Event. That involved 1,000 km through the Heide, up the Brocken, through the Harz, the Weser Uplands, and the Deister, on a lot of gravel, heath, and forest paths. And that not just in sunshine, but also in significant rain and storm. So, the RX Pro were challenged and delivered.
When it got slippery, they provided grip, when it got fast, they provided security. I even rode Bikepark courses twice with them and couldn’t complain about a lack of side stability or agility. Not to forget that I also had luggage on board.
However, on the last 200 km, the rear tire briefly weakened: the Maxalami slipped inwards due to the tire’s frequent flexing during the North2Peak, which is why I then had to insert a tube. The reason was also that through mud, sand, and pouring rain, another repair with the plug was not possible.
But much more importantly: there was no hole and no further flat tire during the demanding 1,000 km.
At home, I patched the hole from the inside, and the tires will soon be used again.
Conclusion
I rode the Schwalbe RX Pro for 1,700 km. And I can confirm what Schwalbe says about these tires: they roll fast and have good puncture protection.
It’s a shame that they are not available as MTB tires, although I noticed that according to the website, they are already available in 55mm width, which corresponds to 2.1 inches, and we are already scratching the lower MTB limit with that.
I was quite impressed by the grip of the side knobs, which saved my butt here and there in the rainy Weser Uplands.
Wear and Longevity
Regarding wear, it is evident that the RX Pro were properly challenged:
| Profile Position | Knobs New (mm) | After 1,700 km (mm) | Wear (mm) | Wear (%) |
| Front Middle | 3.0 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 50% |
| Front before outer | 2.0 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 25% |
| Front Outer | 4.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 50% |
| Rear Middle | 3.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 67% |
| Rear before outer | 2.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0% |
| Rear Outer | 4.0 | 3.0 | 1.0 | 25% |
I will now rotate the tires: rear to front and vice versa. They should then last another 1,000 km before they get more holes. That puts them at around 3,000 km, which is an expected mileage for these tires.
Recommendation
In any case, these tires are a clear recommendation from me to you if you are looking for good grip, low rolling resistance, and good puncture protection in the terrain.
The Schwalbe RX Pro is available in black and with a transparent sidewall. The tire widths range from 40mm and 45mm to 50mm and 55mm. So, there is enough for all preferences and tire widths.
In terms of price, they are listed by the manufacturer at 75 Euros and are thus positioned in the higher price segment. In the market, they cost around 50/55 Euros.
