The Fastest Gravel Tire You Can Buy — Hutchinson Caracal Race

Rolling resistance matters more than most riders think — especially if you're riding Korea's paved bike paths mixed with gravel sections. The new

  Hutchinson Caracal Race 700x40c just proved it's the real deal.

What the Numbers Say

Independent testing by https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/cx-gravel-reviews/hutchinson-caracal-race — the gold standard for tire testing — measured the Caracal Race at just 13.6 watts of rolling resistance. To put that in perspective:

  - It's faster than most road tires, including the popular Schwalbe Pro One 38mm

  - Among gravel tires with actual tread, it's ranked #1 in the world

  - It scored a perfect 5 out of 5 rating

Why This Matters for Riding in Korea

If you're doing the Cross-Country route (국토종주), the 4 Rivers paths, or just commuting around base, you're dealing with a mix of smooth pavement and packed gravel. The Caracal Race is built exactly for this:

- Slick center rolls fast on pavement: you won't feel like you're fighting your tires

- Edge knobs give you grip when the path turns to gravel or you hit corners

- 40mm width at lower pressure soaks up vibration on rough sections

The Tech Behind It

Hutchinson pulled technology from their road racing tires — the Mach Tread 3.0 compound and SwiftEasy casing — and put it in a gravel format. Handmade in

  France, 127 TPI, coming in at just 464g measured.

  Who Is This Tire For?

- Riders who spend most of their time on pavement or hardpack but want gravel capability

- Anyone doing mixed-surface rides like Korea's bike path network

- Gravel racers who want every watt they can get

  Who Should Look Elsewhere?

If you're riding muddy trails or loose mountain gravel regularly, a more aggressive tread like the standard Caracal or a dedicated MTB tire would serve you better.

  Available at Platoon Cycles — stop by and we'll help you find the right tire for your riding style.

Availabe: 700 x 40c / 700 x 45c (MSRP: 89,000 krw)

Sources:

- https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/cx-gravel-reviews/hutchinson-caracal-race

- https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/cx-gravel-reviews

- https://cycling.hutchinson.com/tyres/gravel/caracal-race/

- https://www.cyclingweekly.com/reviews/tyres/hutchinson-caracal-race-gravel-tyre-review-significant-improvements-in-speed