3 March 2026
For decades, road cycling relied on one undisputed golden rule: the narrower the tyre, the faster it was. We used to pump our tyres to the maximum pressure, thinking we were saving every possible watt. But the world is changing, cycling is evolving, and at Hutchinson, we’ve decided to challenge these long-standing traditions.
That’s why our flagship range is taking a new step forward with the arrival of new dimensions. The Blackbird range is expanding to include 32 and 34mm widths across all our models : Blackbird, Blackbird Race and Blackbird Allseason.
You might think a wider tyre slows you down. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. At Hutchinson, we don’t just follow market trends, we validate them : independent laboratory tests have shown that our 32mm tubeless tyres improve rolling resistance by an average of 5% compared to 30mm at the same pressure.
The belief that narrow tyres and high pressures are the choice for performance cycling has increasingly been challenged by elite athletes and performance riders.
Finally, proving that comfort and performance are no longer at odds when it comes to choosing performance tyres.
There are three technical pillars that have led Hutchinson to this conclusion when investigating wider tubeless tyres, rolling resistance, comfort and grip.
At equal pressures, the contact patch of a wider tyre is shorter and rounder.
This specific geometry reduces internal friction and casing deformation. The result: you go faster for the same effort.
By riding at lower pressures, the tyre acts as true suspension.
Instead of bouncing over road imperfections, the tyre absorbs them, preserving your forward momentum without losing speed.
A wider footprint provides superior lateral support. In corners, the contact area remains perfectly centered, allowing you to attack bends with complete confidence.
This benefit is further enhanced by the lower pressures enabled by wider sections, even during aggressive cornering.
While 28mm is the current industry standard, the future clearly lies in tyres sized 30mm and up. The expansion of our flagship Blackbird range to 32 and 34mm sections offers more confidence, more freedom and more grip.
The future belongs to sections of 30mm and above. But how do you choose between our new dimensions?
This is the new standard dimensions for performance-oriented riders.
It is the ideal choice for those looking to race at the highest level worldwide, from amateur to world tour; he is a pure performance tyre approved for use by professionals.
This is the perfect partner for your daily training or racing on the most demanding terrains, such as damaged or cobbled roads.
Safety and stability are pushed to their maximum here.
Rediscover your usual roads with the stability and speed of the new Blackbird widths.
With the arrival of these new wider sections, the Blackbird family now offers a complete ecosystem adapted to every type of road cyclist. If you are wondering which model to choose to accompany your transition to 32 or 34mm, here is a summary to help you decide based on your riding goals.
The classic Blackbird remains the most versatile choice for the majority of performance-oriented cyclists. It offers the perfect balance between high-speed performance and daily durability.
It is the ideal tyre for those who want a fast, high-performance setup that can handle high-mileage training weeks without wearing out prematurely.
This is the choice for riders who make no compromises on speed.
Designed for racing and high-intensity efforts, the Blackbird Race is the lightest model in the range, offering the ultimate in agility and responsiveness.
If you don’t let the bad weather and wet roads dictate your rides, the All Season version is for you.
It is the perfect partner for those who prioritize security and stability, or for cyclists who frequently tackle rougher road surfaces where grip is the number one priority.
Ready to elevate your ride? Discover the full range of Blackbird tyres and technologies on our website :
Whether you’re chasing podiums or exploring new roads, the Blackbird Range tyres are your ultimate companions.