Conquer the most demanding gravel courses—from Unbound to Big Sugar—with a tire built to endure punishment without sacrificing speed. The SILCA Protocol RCG-3 utilizes a supple 120 TPI Race Casing paired with an advanced SealSkin under-tread breaker to effectively eliminate internal friction and energy loss while providing robust puncture defense.
Its optimized tread layout features tightly spaced center knobs that scale up in size toward the shoulders. This intelligent design ensures a smooth, ultra-fast roll on straightaways while delivering high-support contact during aggressive, high-speed cornering. Engineered for baseline inflation stability, it actively prevents pinch-flats, giving you the confidence to push your limits over loose rock, sharp shale, and unpredictable terrain.
STORE MANAGER'S PICK
As a mechanic and endurance rider, I always tell customers that gravel tire selection is a brutal compromise between rolling resistance and flat protection—until now. The RCG-3 completely shatters that compromise. SILCA has managed to combine the high-volume traction of an XC tire with the low-hysteresis velocity of a road racing casing. When you lean this tire into a loose, loose-over-hard corner, the shoulder blocks bite with absolute predictability, while the Pulsar compound rolls remarkably fast on hardpack. If you are tired of getting sidewall cuts or feeling sluggish on mixed-surface epics, this is the ultimate upgrade for your gravel rig.
FAQ
Q: Are these tires tubeless ready?
A: Yes, the SILCA Protocol RCG-3 is fully optimized for tubeless setups, allowing you to run lower pressures for maximum grip and comfort without the risk of pinch-flats.
Q: Which width should I choose between 45mm, 50mm, 55mm, and 32 x 2.4 inch?
A: Choose 45mm or 50mm if your frame clearance is tighter and you prioritize mixed hardpack speed. Choose 55mm or 32 x 2.4 inch for maximum volume, shock absorption, and floatation on extremely rough, technical Cat 3 gravel courses.
Q: How does the SealSkin technology prevent flats without adding rolling resistance?
A: Unlike heavy traditional puncture belts that stiffen the casing and create internal friction, the SealSkin under-tread breaker integrates directly into the supple 120 TPI architecture to stop sharp objects while maintaining high casing compliance and energy return.
Q: Can I use these tires for road riding to get to the gravel trails?
A: Absolutely. While optimized for harsh gravel, the fast-rolling Pulsar compound and smooth center tread deliver exceptional efficiency and speed on paved connectors.
FEATURES
SealSkin Protection Layer
An integrated under-tread breaker prevents flats and sharp object penetration without causing heavy internal friction or sacrificing ride compliance.
Pulsar Compound & 120 TPI
Powered by SILCA’s fastest rubber formulation paired with a supple race casing architecture for maximum speed and minimal energy loss.
XC Tread Grip Meets Road Speed
Combines high-volume cross-country tread buoyancy with ultra-fast road casing dynamics to master rough off-road terrain and fast straights.
Optimized Pressure Dynamics
Engineered for strict baseline inflation stability and structural support to completely prevent pinch-flats under heavy impacts.
Progressive Shoulder Knob Design
Tightly spaced center tread scales up smoothly toward the shoulders to deliver high-support contact and predictable traction during aggressive cornering.
PRODUCT POSITIONING
High-performance, heavy-duty gravel race tire designed for extreme endurance events, rough technical terrains, and riders seeking uncompromising speed and flat protection.
TARGET AUDIENCE
Gravel race competitors
Endurance bikepackers and adventure cyclists
Aggressive mixed-surface riders
Cyclists tackling rough Cat 3 terrain like Unbound and Big Sugar
SPECIFICATIONS
Casing: 120 TPI Race Casing
Protection Layer: SealSkin Under-Tread Breaker
Rubber Compound: Fastest Pulsar Compound
Intended Use: Category 3 gravel events, rough terrain, mixed surfaces
Width Options: 45 mm, 50 mm, 55 mm, 32 x 2.4 in
Weight (45 mm): ~495 g
Weight (50 mm): ~540 g
Weight (55 mm): ~590 g
Weight (32 x 2.4 in): ~710 g
