Hutchinson Blackbird Racing Lab Tubeless Road Tyre - PV532441 - 2023
Hutchinsons Blackbird Racing Lab TLR road tyre is a level up from the their Fusion 5 Performance. ...Hutchinsons Blackbird Racing Lab TLR road tyre is a level up from the their Fusion 5 Performance. The art of cycling ultimately boils down to one thing: three square centimetres of contact between your tyres and the road. This small surface has been at the heart of Hutchinson's story since its inception in 1890. Four years of extensive research and development have gone into creating the Blackbird, resulting in the fastest tyre every developed by Hutchinson. Rolling resistance has been improved by 10% compared to the previous generation Fusion 5 but with an increased class leading lifespan of over 4,000 km of real-world riding. Central to the reduction in rolling resistance is Hutchinson's new "SwiftEasy" casing design. This new construction sees the tyres casing wrapped around the bead then bonded directly to a central polyamide puncture protection strip instead of the usual process of overlapping these layers. A final layer of casing runs from bead to bead to reduce air leakage. Swif...
The Hutchinson Blackbird Racing Lab TLR road tyre is designed for performance cyclists seeking the fastest ride. It offers a 10% improvement in rolling resistance and a class-leading lifespan over 4,000 km. A potential caveat is its specialized nature, best suited for those prioritizing speed and endurance on paved roads.
All features
Release Year
2023
Model Part Number
PV532441
Brand
Hutchinson
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the main advantage of the Blackbird tyre?
The primary advantage is its significantly reduced rolling resistance, making it one of Hutchinson's fastest-ever tyres, combined with a class-leading lifespan.
Is this tyre suitable for gravel roads?
No, the Blackbird Racing Lab TLR is designed for paved road surfaces. Its smooth tread and casing are optimized for asphalt and will not perform well on gravel or off-road conditions.
What is the lifespan of this tyre?
The Blackbird offers a real-world riding lifespan exceeding 4,000 km, which is considered class-leading for a performance road tyre.
Do I need special sealant for this tyre?
You need a standard tubeless sealant suitable for road cycling. Follow the sealant manufacturer's instructions for the amount to use.
What is the 'SwiftEasy' casing design?
It's a new construction method where the tyre's casing wraps around the bead and is bonded directly to a central polyamide puncture protection strip, reducing overlap and lowering rolling resistance.
Can I use this tyre with an inner tube?
While it's a Tubeless Ready (TLR) tyre, it is generally recommended to use it in a tubeless setup for optimal performance benefits. Using it with an inner tube on a tubeless rim might be possible but is not the intended or recommended use.
What tire pressure should I use?
Recommended tire pressure varies based on rider weight, rim width, and conditions. Consult the tyre sidewall for the minimum and maximum pressure limits, and refer to Hutchinson's or your wheel manufacturer's guidelines for optimal pressure.
Troubleshooting
Tyre will not seat on the rim
Ensure the rim is clean and tubeless-ready. Use a tyre lever to help seat the bead. Consider using a tyre boot or soapy water to help it slide into place. A compressor or CO2 cartridge can provide a burst of air needed for seating.
Slow leaks after setup
Spin the wheel to distribute sealant. Check the valve stem for tightness and leaks. Inspect the tyre bead and sidewall for small punctures; sealant should automatically seal these. If leaks persist, re-apply sealant or check rim tape integrity.
Tyre wears out quickly
Ensure correct tyre pressure is maintained. Avoid aggressive braking and cornering on abrasive surfaces. The Blackbird is designed for performance; check if your riding style is more suited to a more durable, less performance-oriented tyre.
Puncture despite tubeless setup
Small punctures should be sealed by the sealant. For larger cuts, a tubeless plug may be required. If the damage is too significant, consider a patch from the inside or replacing the tyre.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Significantly reduced rolling resistance for faster speeds.
Exceptional tyre lifespan for extended use.
Robust puncture protection for reliable performance.
Optimized for tubeless setups for better ride quality.
Developed with extensive R&D for peak performance.
Cons
May be overly specialized for casual riders.
Requires a tubeless-compatible wheelset and setup.
Performance may be compromised on rough or unpaved surfaces.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Compatibility:
This is a Tubeless Ready (TLR) tyre, requiring compatible tubeless rims and sealant for optimal performance and puncture resistance.
Designed for road cycling, typically using 700c wheel sizes.
Setup:
Ensure your rim is clean and has appropriate rim tape for tubeless setup.
Mount the tyre onto the rim, ensuring both beads seat correctly.
Add sealant according to the manufacturer's recommendations (typically 60-90ml per tyre).
Inflate the tyre to the recommended pressure. Use a compressor or CO2 for initial seating if necessary.
Spin the wheel to distribute sealant and check for leaks.
Care:
Regularly check tyre pressure and adjust as needed for ride conditions.
Inspect the tyre for cuts or embedded debris periodically.
Clean the tyre with water and mild soap if it becomes excessively dirty.
Replace the tyre when the tread is worn down or if significant damage is observed.