700 x 45mm - Black Hutchinson Caracal Race Gravel Tires on a set of Reserve 40|44 wheels (Inner Width - Front 25.5mm, Rear 25mm). The front tire measures just over 48mm on my wheels at 35 PSI, so they do run big.
I almost immediately set out on a 340 mile fast bikepacking trip. I had no punctures over the three days and these rolled fast on the gravel and crushed stone of the C&O Canal Towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage trail.
These more than met my expectations for a fast gravel / mixed tarmac surface tire to use in dry weather.
I believe I would want more tread in muddy or slippery conditions!
SUPER fast tire! I only have about 350mi on these, but so far these have been so good. Tested on all kinds of single-track/gravel/road and chunky stuff - very pleased on all the terrains so far. Definitely slippage on some steeper/loose climbs, but that is fully expected.
On any hard-pack these things roll so incredibly fast and on the chunky stuff they have been holding up quite well considering what I have been riding through.
I am running the 45mm and they blew up to 48mm on 24mm internal rims so that is something to keep in mind. They definitely run big for the size.
Aside from longevity which I can't attest to yet, these tires are fully delivering as a race-day option that can mix it up on all kinds of terrain. Although these would truly shine on mild/packed/pavement style courses. These are now my go-to race option for a rear tire paired with something that has more bite up front.
As a former fan of the Schwalbe RS PRO and Rene Herse Snowqualmie Pass Extralight, the Caracal Race 45 (tan sidewalls) had some tough competition. These tires exceeded my expectations in every way. My tires weighed 587 &588. They seated by hand in minutes on my Enve 45 AR, 25ID rims without removing the valve stem. After riding a few times, they settled in at ~47.65mm/R and ~47.75mm/F inflated to 30R/29F. I use the Silca PSI calculator and set the tire type to High performance for PSI (Im still playing with PSI). The Caracal Races are very supple and smooth . The Compound used is Hutch's race mix and it is FAST. Its also has an extremely soft and grippy feel that magical absorbs bumps and washboard. These tires have amazing grip and the width makes the ride very smooth and calm. The side lugs seem to their job as the tire corners with a lot of confidence. In testing speed, I ride a regular route with a power meter and these are just as fast as the Snowqualmie pass's (but the Caracal is wider, smoother and corners better) and faster than the Schwalbe RS Pro's (the caracal is wider and much more supple) on a route with pavement, Class I and 2 gravel. Overall, these tires are my new favorite hands down for speed, confidence and ride quality.
These tires are quick and smooth. Lost a little grip in sand, but expected with the semi slicks. Works great for my typical hard pack, dry gravel.
Fantastic tire and has very low rolling resistance. Punctured the front tire on some glass on day one and it sealed right up. They have mostly been used on the gravel bike in inclement weather and the wet road traction has been very good. Only have 30 miles of gravel road use, but have been solid so far. Would have preferred a larger size, but appear to be only made in 40's
