Hutchinson Caracal Race – The Perfect Allroad Tire?
Wow, it's already mid-March.
The year is flying by, and I’m a bit behind on my reviews. I’ve already tested quite a few products, so expect a lot more content soon. But first, let’s talk about the tire that carried me through autumn and winter: the Hutchinson Caracal Race.
Technical Data
Price: €48 (as of 17.03.25, Bike-Import) (purchased myself)
Weight: Manufacturer’s claim: 475 g – my scale: ~480 g
Size: 700 x 40C (ETRTO 40-622) – currently the only available width
Width on Rim: 41 mm on a 25 mm inner rim width
Max. Pressure: 3.5 Bar (51 Psi)
Who is Hutchinson?
Hutchinson is a French tire manufacturer with a long history—producing tires since 1853. Their first bicycle tires rolled out in 1890, and since then, Hutchinson has equipped countless professional riders, including multiple Tour de France winners.
In recent years, Hutchinson has been more of a niche player in the gravel and road scene—solid tires, but rarely the first choice for performance riders. However, with their Racing Lab series, they now aim to compete at the top level. The Caracal Race is their latest tire designed for maximum gravel speed—but can it really keep up with the established big names?
How I Discovered This Tire
I usually test tires without reading reviews beforehand to form my own unbiased opinion. Later, I compare my impressions with Bicycle Rolling Resistance (BRR) since they provide standardized lab tests—something I simply can’t replicate myself.
But this time was different. I came across the BRR test results and couldn’t believe my eyes: the fastest gravel tire ever tested.
Only the Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR in 32 mm was marginally faster—and that’s a full-on road tire. The Caracal Race outperformed every other gravel tire on the market.
That got me curious. The fastest gravel tire, best wet grip in the test, and a competitive weight? Sounded almost too good to be true. I checked my go-to online store—and got lucky: they had just added it to their stock. Two days later, it was on my doorstep.
Normally, I wouldn’t have considered this tire, but in this case, I had to find out for myself if the lab numbers translated to real-world performance.
Mounting & First Impressions
For me, there’s one simple rule: If a tire requires tire levers to mount, it’s not getting a recommendation. I don’t want to struggle with it in my workshop, let alone in the middle of nowhere with a puncture.
Luckily, the Caracal Race mounted as smoothly as a Schwalbe, and it seated tubeless with a regular floor pump. No hassle, no swearing—just the way it should be.
I always follow the same setup routine: letting the tire sit overnight at max pressure without sealant. This helps me check air retention and allows the tire to stretch slightly on the rim. The Caracal Race barely lost any air overnight.
The next day, I added 70 ml of Orange Seal and went for the first ride.
Throughout my 2000 km test period, the tire held air exceptionally well. After the first night with sealant, it sweated a little on the tread, but by the next day, it was gone. No signs of consistent air loss or sealant seepage.
Riding Impressions – Speed, Grip & Durability
“Wow, this thing is fast.”
That was my first thought after switching from a Vittoria Mezcal 2.25, a nearly twice-as-heavy, knobby tire.
According to BRR, the Caracal Race is even faster than the Continental GP 5000 AS, which I was running on my road bike at the time.
Could I feel the 2-watt difference? No. But I’d be lying if I said the Caracal Race didn’t feel just as fast.
On asphalt, it rolls almost like a pure road tire. And on gravel, it feels like the bike is floating.
This is the classic semi-slick experience: the completely smooth center strip provides maximum speed, while the low-profile side knobs offer just enough grip when leaning into corners.
The best part? The seamless transition between road and gravel. There’s no feeling of compromise—just consistent speed everywhere.
Grip – Surprisingly Good, But With Limits
✔ Dry, hardpack terrain: The side knobs provide solid grip in gravel corners, and braking remains stable and predictable. Light drifts, but nothing sketchy.
✘ Loose or muddy terrain: This is where the semi-slick design reaches its limits. On steep, loose gravel climbs, the rear tire can spin out under torque. And in mud, it simply lacks the tread depth to find grip.
Conclusion: Fantastic in the dry, forget it in the mud.
Durability – How Does a Lightweight Tire Hold Up?
Lightweight race tires often have a bad reputation for durability, so I was curious to see how this one performed.
After 2000 km across road, gravel, and forest trails, here’s what I found:
✔ No cuts or tears in the tread
✔ Even wear, though the slick center strip is wearing faster on the rear
✔ Zero punctures—no pinch flats, no punctures
The 127-TPI casing is thin but tough enough for regular dry gravel use. However, I wouldn’t take it on extreme trails or thorn-covered tracks.
Comparison: Caracal Race vs. Schwalbe G-One RS
The Schwalbe G-One RS has been my go-to gravel race tire. So how does the Caracal Race compare?
Rolling Resistance & Speed: Both are insanely fast. Lab tests give the Caracal Race a tiny edge, but in real-world riding, the difference is negligible.
Grip & Tread: The G-One RS has a micro-patterned center, which provides a little more bite on loose gravel. The Caracal Race excels on hardpack and asphalt, where it grips like glue.
Durability & Puncture Protection: The Caracal Race feels more robust in the tread, while the G-One RS is lighter but more prone to punctures. I never hat a flat with either.
Best Use Cases: The G-One RS is the more versatile choice if you encounter softer or more technical terrain. The Caracal Race dominates when you need speed on hardpack surfaces.
🔎 My Take: If you want the absolute fastest tire for firm terrain, the Caracal Race is your best bet. If you ride more mixed conditions, the G-One RS might suit you better.
Intended Use & My Wish for a Wider Version
For me, the Caracal Race isn’t a pure gravel race tire—it’s more of a perfect allroad tire.
✔ Ideal for mixed road & fine gravel routes
✔ Rolls on pavement like a road tire but flies on dry gravel
✔ Fast & efficient when switching between tarmac and "champagne gravel"
For true gravel racing, I’d personally go for something wider (50c or more).
One real downside: The Caracal Race is currently only available in 40 mm. I really hope Hutchinson releases a 45c or 50c version—the same fast tread, but with more volume for rougher terrain.
Conclusion
The Hutchinson Caracal Race isn’t a typical gravel race tire—it’s a blazing fast allroad tire.
✅ One of the fastest gravel tires ever tested
✅ Perfect for road & hardpack gravel
❌ Only available in 40c—bigger sizes would be welcome
❌ Not suitable for rough terrain or mud
If you’re looking for a gravel tire that’s just as fast on pavement as it is on dry gravel—and effortlessly transitions between both—then the Caracal Race is exactly what you need.
