Silca Unveils Protocol Tire Line, Collaborates with Gravel Pro Dylan Johnson

Revolutionizing Cycling Performance: Silca's Protocol Tires and Dylan Johnson's Endorsement

A Cyclist's Unique Journey: From Tire Agnostic to Brand Ambassador

Dylan Johnson, a prominent figure in professional gravel racing, coaching, and YouTube content creation, has always maintained an independent stance on tire brands. This neutrality allowed him the freedom to meticulously test and select tires based solely on performance, aiming for the fastest options available. His philosophy underscored the critical role of tire choice in gravel cycling, making his recent partnership with Silca particularly noteworthy.

The Genesis of a Groundbreaking Partnership: Silca's Protocol Tires

Johnson's long-standing refusal to tie himself to a single tire sponsor stemmed from his belief that such commitments could compromise his pursuit of optimal performance. However, his collaboration with Silca marks a new chapter. The Indianapolis-based company, known for its high-quality cycling accessories, embarked on developing its first range of road and gravel tires, the Protocol series. Johnson's involvement predates his official sponsorship, beginning in 2024 when Silca sought his expertise in the development phase.

Redefining Rider Engagement: Johnson's Hands-On Approach to Tire Development

Understanding that his audience might question his shift from tire neutrality, Johnson emphasized his deep involvement in the Protocol tires' development. He was not merely endorsing a finished product but actively contributed to its design, offering crucial feedback on aspects like tire volume, casing construction, ride feel, and tread patterns. This hands-on participation was vital for Johnson, whose credibility is built on his meticulous attention to equipment choices.

Prioritizing Performance: Johnson's Unwavering Commitment to Excellence

Johnson's decision to partner with Silca was rooted in his conviction that the Protocol tires genuinely represent the pinnacle of market performance. He asserted that his sponsorship would not entail any compromise on quality, highlighting his belief in the product's superiority. This dedication to performance over mere endorsement reinforces his reputation as an "optimiser" always seeking the most efficient setup.

Shaping the Future of Gravel Cycling: Insights from Johnson's Experiments

Johnson's impact on gravel cycling extends to his unconventional tire choices. His extensive real-world and wind-tunnel testing led him to advocate for large-volume, thin-casing cross-country mountain bike tires for gravel racing long before it became mainstream. He demonstrated that these tires could offer faster rolling speeds and superior puncture protection on rough gravel compared to traditional gravel tires, a trend that gained widespread acceptance among U.S. gravel racers by 2024.

Industry Adaptation and Tire Innovations: Responding to Evolving Demands

The cycling industry has rapidly adapted to these insights, with newer gravel bikes featuring increased tire clearance to accommodate larger rubber. For instance, recent models from Specialized, Factor, and Open now support tire widths up to 55mm, 57mm, and even 66mm, respectively. This evolution reflects a broader industry movement towards embracing the benefits of higher-volume tires for gravel riding.

Silca's Innovative Philosophy: Bridging Mountain and Road Tire Design

Silca's approach to designing the Protocol line diverges from traditional methods. Instead of modifying road tires for gravel use, they adopted an "inverse proportional" strategy, drawing principles from cross-country mountain bike tires. This involved pairing larger tire volumes with thinner, high-density 120 TPI casings. This design aims to enhance shock absorption and reduce rolling resistance without sacrificing puncture protection, especially at lower inflation pressures.

Introducing the Protocol Series: Diverse Options for Every Terrain

The Protocol line includes three gravel-specific models and one high-volume road tire. The RCG-1 is designed for fast hardpack and mixed surfaces, featuring a low, ramped directional center tread. The RCG-3 caters to rougher gravel, with closely spaced knobs and enhanced puncture protection for challenging events. For extreme conditions like mud or loose trails, the RCG-4 offers an aggressive, widely spaced lug pattern. The Protocol RCR, a high-volume road tire, focuses on impact absorption through increased air volume.

Uncompromising Testing: Validating Performance through Rigorous Methods

Johnson emphasized the thorough testing process undertaken by Silca, including both indoor drum tests and extensive outdoor evaluations conducted by John Karrasch. Karrasch's "Chung" method, or Virtual Elevation, assesses rolling resistance on various real-world terrains, providing a comprehensive understanding of tire performance beyond laboratory settings. This dual-testing approach ensures that the Protocol tires meet the highest standards for rolling resistance and puncture protection.

Johnson's Ultimate Endorsement: A Testament to Trust and Performance

Johnson's personal experience with the Protocol prototypes, spanning multiple iterations, led him to conclude that the final versions offer predictable handling, reliable traction, and exceptional performance. He now uses the RCG-1 and RCG-3 as replacements for his previously favored options, the Schwalbe Thunder Burt and Continental Race King. Despite the reputational risk of aligning with a single brand, Johnson maintains that no sponsorship fee is worth compromising his race results. His ultimate endorsement: "I've not punctured a Silca tyre yet."

Availability and Pricing: Accessing Silca's Latest Innovation

The Silca Protocol tire range is now available for purchase through Silca's official website and select retailers. Each tire is priced at $99 USD / £99 / €119 / $149 CAD / $159.95 AUD, making these high-performance tires accessible to a broad range of cyclists seeking to optimize their riding experience.