RENE HERSE POTEAU MOUNTAIN 700c X 48

Pro racers have been asking us for a semi-slick—a tire that combines the speed of our slicks with the traction of our knobbies. They didn’t want a conventional semi-slick, but the same round profile as our other Rene Herse tires, for predictable cornering grip at all times—whether in a muddy gravel race or during a paved descent with ultra-fast hairpin turns.

So we went about reinventing semi-slick tires. It took three years of R&D and resulted in three new patents. Instead of distinct zones with different tread patterns, the slick tread transitions seamlessly into the side knobs, for better and more predictable grip as the bike leans into corners. The first row of side knobs is anchored on the center tread to stiffen the knobs for superior traction under extreme power—important when you sprint or climb out of the saddle and rock the bike from side to side. The knobs are arranged with our proprietary noise cancelling technology, making this tire almost eerily quiet for a gravel tire.

The innovations don’t stop there: The radius of the tread is significantly larger than the radius of the casing—effectively creating a tire that corners like a much-wider tire. This innovation also allows us to make the center tread thin and supple for ultra-low rolling resistance, while the tall side knobs provide superb traction when the tire sinks into the surface.

Together with our supple casings, the result is a semi-slick tire that’s faster than most slicks on the market. We don’t use the word ‘revolution’ lightly—try these tires yourself and tell us whether you notice the difference!

The Poteau Mountain is named after the roughest and most remote part of the Arkansas High Country Race. It’s a magical place, especially at night. The initial climb is ultra-steep and full of loose rocks. Rough boulder fields suddenly appear during the high-speed descents, adding to the challenge. The Poteau Mountain tire is perfect for adventures like the Arkansas High Country, which combine ultra-rough terrain with paved sections.

The Standard casing is our more affordable option: comfortable and fast, yet also strong to withstand considerable abuse. The Extralight casing takes the performance, comfort and feel of your bike to an entirely new level. The Endurance casing is reinforced for extra sidewall protection and puncture resistance, while retaining the speed and comfort for which Rene Herse tires are famous. The Endurance Plus casing provides the ultimate in sidewall protection for extremely tough conditions.