Silca

Protocol RCG-1 Tubeless 700c Gravel Tire

XC race tire thinking, engineered for modern gravel.
For years, gravel tires have largely been treated as oversized road tires, adding more rubber and heavier casings as tire volume increased. SILCA took a different approach with the Protocol RCG-1. Instead of starting with a road tire and making it bigger, SILCA started with the architecture of an XC mountain bike tire and stripped it down to what gravel actually needs.

The result is a high-volume gravel tire designed to roll fast, corner confidently and take advantage of the lower pressures made possible by modern wide rims.

Built around high-volume, low-pressure performance
The RCG-1 uses a 120 TPI casing and a deliberately lightweight construction. SILCA's approach is based on the idea that a high-volume tire at lower pressure can better distribute impact forces across the casing, allowing the tire to use a thinner, faster-rolling construction without sacrificing real-world resilience.

That lower casing tension also contributes to the RCG-1's lively ride feel and ability to conform to rough surfaces instead of bouncing across them.

More grip when you actually need it
The RCG-1's tread isn't simply a collection of evenly sized knobs. SILCA uses a variable-height tread design with taller outer blocks and lower center knobs.

This allows the outer tread to engage earlier when cornering, keeping more biting edges in contact with loose surfaces while reducing the amount of casing deformation that can occur under hard cornering.

The asymmetric tread also separates the braking and acceleration edges, while the directional center tracks are designed to reduce rolling resistance. Forty-degree outer knobs provide additional purchase when the bike is leaned over.

Designed for modern gravel wheels
SILCA designed the RCG-1 around the wider rims and lower pressures used by today's gravel bikes. Each tire size is engineered to measure true to its stated width on the specified rim, with SILCA measuring final dimensions after 24 hours of inflation.

That means the 45, 50 and 55 mm versions aren't simply different widths of the same construction. SILCA adjusts casing thickness throughout the range, using thinner casings on the wider tires and progressively thicker casings as tire volume decreases.

Carbon BeadLock keeps the tire true
The RCG-1 also introduces SILCA's Carbon BeadLock construction. Unlike traditional Kevlar folding beads, carbon fiber does not absorb moisture or stretch over time. That eliminates bead creep and helps the tire maintain its original shape and consistent interface with the rim throughout its service life.

Tubeless performance starts at the factory

SILCA treats the casing with a proprietary, latex-friendly mold release agent designed to bond with tubeless sealant rather than repel it. The goal is faster and more reliable sealant interaction when a puncture occurs.
Why We Like It

• XC-inspired construction optimized specifically for gravel
• High-volume 120 TPI casing
• Designed around modern gravel pressures
• Lower casing tension improves compliance and impact absorption
• Variable-height tread improves cornering traction
• Directional center tread minimizes rolling resistance
• Asymmetric braking and acceleration edges
• 40-degree outer knobs provide additional cornering bite
• Carbon BeadLock carbon fiber bead resists stretch and moisture absorption
• Designed to maintain its shape and tire-to-rim interface over time
• Proprietary tubeless casing treatment promotes sealant adhesion
• Tubeless Ready
• Available in 700 x 45c, 700 x 50c and 700 x 55c