Breaking Down Schwalbe's New Radial MTB Tire Lineup: Magic Mary, Albert & Shredda

Schwalbe's radial tires have made some serious waves lately - they have been used underneath some of the world's fastest racers and have helped them reach the top step of the Downhill World Cup podium several times. But how are these tires different, and which ones should you be interested in? These tires introduce a radial casing design, a departure from traditional bias-ply constructions, aiming to enhance grip, comfort, and control on the trails.

What Is Radial Casing, and Why Should You Care?

Traditional mountain bike tires use a bias-ply construction, where the casing threads run diagonally across the tire. Schwalbe's radial design reorients these threads to run perpendicularly from bead to bead, similar to automotive tires. This change allows the tire to deform more uniformly under load, increasing the contact patch by approximately 30% and improving traction and damping. 

Schwalbe Magic Mary Radial: The Gravity Specialist

The Magic Mary has long been a favorite among downhill and enduro riders for its aggressive tread and reliable performance. The new radial version builds on this legacy, offering enhanced grip and control.

Key Features:

• Tread Pattern: Aggressive knobs for excellent traction in loose and muddy conditions.

• Compound: Addix Ultra Soft for maximum grip.

• Casing: Radial construction for improved damping and a larger contact patch.

Schwalbe Albert Radial: The All-Rounder

The Albert Radial is designed as a versatile tire suitable for a variety of trail conditions. Its tread pattern and radial casing aim to offer a balanced ride with excellent grip and comfort. 

Key Features:

• Tread Pattern: Moderately aggressive with a rounded profile for predictable cornering.

• Compound: Addix Soft for a balance between grip and rolling resistance.

• Casing: Radial construction enhances comfort and control.

Schwalbe Shredda Radial: The Mud Master

The Shredda Radial is Schwalbe's answer to challenging, muddy conditions. With its aggressive tread and radial casing, it's designed to offer maximum traction when the trails get tough.

Key Features:

• Tread Pattern: Tall, widely spaced knobs for excellent mud shedding and grip.

• Compound: Addix Ultra Soft for superior traction.

• Casing: Radial construction allows for better conformity to uneven terrain.

Final Thoughts: Which One's for You?

• Magic Mary Radial: Ideal for riders seeking maximum grip and control in aggressive downhill and enduro scenarios.

• Albert Radial: A versatile choice for trail riders looking for a balance between grip, comfort, and rolling efficiency

• Shredda Radial: Best suited for wet and muddy conditions where traction is paramount.

Schwalbe's introduction of radial casing technology marks a significant advancement in mountain bike tire design. By rethinking the internal structure of the tire, they've managed to enhance performance characteristics that matter most to riders. Whether you're bombing down a rocky chute, cruising through varied trail conditions, or charging muddy tracks, there's a Schwalbe radial tire tailored to your needs.