Halo launch three new gravel tyres

New for 2020, wheel and component brand Halo are joining the growing gravel tyre category with three new tread patterns.

Developed over the last three years and put to the test in the field by the Halo team and friends, these have been designed to offer minimal rolling resistance, high traction levels and mud shedding abilities.

The three options are optimised for different conditions and terrain, although all three are modelled around a lightweight and reliable 60TPI tubeless carcass. According to Halo, this lightweight carcass ‘allows the tyres to conform to the terrain for grip and comfort, but also brush off a large amount of potential damage from objects on the road or trail’.

The three treads of the new Halo gravel tyre range

All tyres options feature a generous tread wrap to give grip at extreme lean angles.

With two different rubber compounds making up the tyres, the central material is more firm increase rolling speeds and longevity, while the edge compound is softer. Combined with the large tread wrap, that means you’ll find grip when you really need it.

The packaging for each tyre includes a reusable Velcro frame strap, which always comes in handy for bikepackers!

RXR gravel tyre: the road plus

Road Plus: the RXR is your choice for winter roads, light gravel roads, hardpack and touring

Minimal rolling resistance and maximum comfort are the primary aims of the RXR tyre, the Road Plus option.

Halo have incorporated leading edges into the centre of the tread for braking and acceleration traction in all conditions, combined with a flush rolling surface. These leading edges only come into play when used in the wet, or when off-road. In the dry and when on smooth surfaces the tyre rolls with minimal resistance. Angled mud and water shedding channels are also been integrated on the shoulder tread.

The RXR tyre is available in 650b x 47 mm only (505 g), in black or tan wall options.

GXR gravel tyre: the all-rounder

Tge GXR combines a fast-rolling centre with more aggressive tread on the sides

Toted as an all-rounder option, the GXR aims to mix the great rolling resistance of the RXR with maximum grip on the sides of the tread for a greater dose of off-road trails.

Just like with the RXR all road tyres, leading edges into the centre of the tread give braking and acceleration traction in all conditions, while still giving a flush rolling surface.

The side tread is made up of specifically placed, spaced blocks. This aggressive side tread helps the GXR offer enormous grip levels that are there when needed most.

An all condition tyre, angled mud and water shedding channels have also been integrated on the shoulder tread.

The GXR tyre is available in 650b x 47 mm only (575 g), in black or tan wall options.

GXC gravel tyre: the aggressive one

The GXC is the most aggressive of the three gravel treads

Suggested as suitable for all conditions, including loose, wet, gravel, dirt and hardpack, the GXC is the most aggressive and traction enabling gravel tyre in the new Halo range.

The GXC has been designed to excel on loose and challenging terrain, and Halo claim that the GXC is ‘the perfect weapon for all season riding’.

Closely spaced arrow shaped blocks in the centre of the tread, despite a deep tread depth, are used to try and maximise rolling speed. Arrow shaped blocks in the centre encourage mud and water down the channels formed to keep the tread mud free. Rearwards facing edges on the arrow blocks aid grip under braking whatever the conditions. The angled mud and water shedding channels continue from the centre tread all the way to the edge of the tyre.

Specifically placed blocks on the side tread help the GXC offer enormous grip levels that blur the lines with mountain bike tyres.

The GXC tyre is available in two sizing options, 650b x 47 mm (from 545 g) and 700c x 38 mm (from 395 g), in all black and tan wall.