This blog post provides a comprehensive review of Schwalbe radial tires after 400 km of use on an EMTB. It discusses the technology behind the tires, performance characteristics, tire pressure adjustments, and comparisons with other brands, ultimately recommending the tires for their grip, comfort, and control.
Today, I want to share my impressions of the Schwalbe radial tire technology after running them for about 400 km on my electric mountain bike (EMTB). Schwalbe made significant marketing claims when they launched these tires in 2025, stating that the radial carcass design allows for a larger contact patch, which conforms better to terrain, yielding more grip, comfort, and control. However, as we know, marketing can sometimes be misleading, so let's dive into my honest review of these tires.
The development of these tires was driven by the needs of the Kamasal Mukoff downhill team, who sought a tire that provided excellent grip without the need for tire inserts. To achieve more grip, riders often lower tire pressure, but this comes with risks such as damaging the tire, burping, or blowing up the wheel. Understanding this balance is crucial when evaluating tire performance.
The radial technology from Schwalbe represents a shift in the direction of the tire treads. Previously, the treads were angled at 45 degrees; now, they are closer to 90 degrees. The exact angle remains a closely guarded secret by Schwalbe. This change is designed to enhance grip and comfort while riding.
My experience with the tubeless installation of these tires on my Race Face wheels was not as straightforward as I had hoped. I had to use an air compressor to seat the bead properly, which is unusual for my setup. Typically, I rely on a pump with a reservoir to achieve this, but it did not work with this tire and rim combination.
The radial technology significantly absorbs vibrations and dampens the trail, akin to the difference between an air shock and a coil shock or between a downhill casing tire and an XO Plus casing tire from the Maxis family. This enhanced comfort is immediately noticeable.
I adjusted my tire pressure while using these tires. Previously, I ran 23 PSI in the front and 27 PSI in the rear with Maxis tires. With the Schwalbe radial tires, I increased my pressure to 26 PSI in the front and 30 PSI in the rear. Despite the higher pressure, I still experienced excellent grip.
Currently, I am using the Schwalbe Magic Mary radial 29x2.5 at the front and the Schwalbe Albert radial 29x2.5 at the back, both in the Addix ultra-soft compound and gravity casing. These tires feel stiff enough and do not exhibit squirming, even at normal pressures. They provide a soft feel when navigating over roots and rocks, yet they offer substantial support and grip when cornering or riding fast on flow trails.
The Magic Mary retains the classic tread design known for its excellent mud shedding capabilities, providing grip on loamy and hard-packed surfaces. In contrast, the Albert features a new tread design that rolls quickly but does not shed mud as effectively due to its tightly packed blocks. This difference makes the Albert less suitable for muddy conditions when compared to the Magic Mary.
I noticed that the Albert lacks some of the braking power I was accustomed to with other tires like the Maxis Dissector or DHR2. However, both tires are supple, comfortable, and conform well to the ground, enhancing the overall riding experience.
If you are used to running downhill tires from the Maxis family, switching to the Schwalbe radial tires will feel like a significant upgrade in comfort and vibration absorption. The new radial tires are comfortable right out of the box, unlike previous Schwalbe DH casing tires, which required a break-in period.
A common question is whether the Schwalbe radial tires are narrower than their Maxis counterparts. After measuring both the Maxis Acid Guy and the Schwalbe Magic Mary and Albert, I found that they all measured 62 mm wide. This suggests that the perception of the Schwalbe tires being narrower is an optical illusion, likely due to their rounder profile.
Would I recommend the Schwalbe radial tires? Absolutely. I purchased these tires with my own money and have no financial incentive to promote them. I genuinely love these tires and plan to equip my Marin Quake DH bike with a set of Magic Mary tires for both the front and back. For trail riding, the current setup of Magic Mary and Albert is fantastic.
In conclusion, if you have tried the Schwalbe radial tires, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Have a great riding season!
