Eurobike 14 – Schwalbe ProCore
Word of this system has been doing the rounds for a little while now but here is the latest info from Eurobike.
The Procore dual-chamber system makes it is possible to ride a mountain bike at extremely low air pressures thus improving tyre performance enormously. Because of the additional high-pressure chamber inside, there is no more danger of Snake-Bites. Previously, it was hardly possible to ride with less than 1.5 bar (20 psi) due to the Snake- Bite risk.
The name Procore is short for progressive core. The “core” is filled with high pressure and progressively cushions even very hard shocks. The system is a joint development of Schwalbe and Syntace.
The rim must also be tubeless-compatible and should have a width of at least 23 mm, a tubeless rim tape for sealing is supplied by Schwalbe. The wider the rim, the easier the installation works and the better are the riding characteristics at low air pressure, the very wide Syntace rims work really great for this. Installation is much easier than could be expected, first, the inner tyre is mounted onto the rim similar to a road bike tyre. Place the “Air Guide“ over the valve and position it according to the instructions, the Air Guide allows air to enter into the outer chamber from the valve. The complete wheel is then placed into the outer tyre and the two beads mounted from the left and the right. Finally fill the two chambers successively through the dual valve.
Contrary to the images previously seen, no second valve is necessary for the system, a special dual valve distributes the air into both chambers. The upper part of the valve is a selector, simply screw in or out to fill the desired chamber. This makes it extremely user friendly, there is no longer any need to drill a second hole in expensive wheels.
The inner chamber consists of the special Procore inner tyre and the Procore tube. The tyre is very light and extremely high pressure resistant. The tube is equipped with the patented dual valve. The inner chamber is filled with high pressure of 4-6 bar (55-85 psi). Thus, it ensures effective protection against defects and also prevents “burping“ (air loss of tubeless systems at very low pressure.)
The outer chamber is tubeless. It consists of a normal tubeless-compatible MTB tyre. The tyre is filled with some liquid sealant and very low air pressure of 0.8-1.5 bar (10-20 psi). The tires should be a minimum 57 mm (2.25“) wide.
The weight of the Procore system is approximately 200 g per wheel. A complete set with two Procore inner tires, two Procore-tubes, tubeless rim tape and all the accessories to convert a complete bike costs € 179. The set is available in all three MTB wheel sizes (26″, 27.5″ + 29″).
The Schwalbe ProCore being put forward for awards at Eurobike, possibly due to the brilliant list of new possibilities enabled by the system –
- The tyre pressure can be reduced to around 1 bar (14 psi), thus providing –
- enormous grip. Even on the roughest terrain the tyres “stick” to the ground.
- The tyre provides extremely sensitive cushioning.
- The extra cushioning and traction gives far better bike control.
- No more risk of snake bites. Even the rims are extremely well protected from denting.
- Even in the toughest conditions, significantly lighter tyres can be used.
- Excellent run-flat properties are ensured due to internal high-pressure chamber.
Watch this space for an in-depth review of the ProCore system coming soon.