Bontrager RXL All-weather Hardcase road tyre review

We’re sceptical of the ‘rain shedding’ claims for this deeply siped tread pattern; bikes don’t aquaplane and grip comes from the rubber compound and contact patch size, even on wet tarmac. The tread will help traction on towpath commutes, though, and commuting is where this tyre is most at home.

It’s very tough, with an aramid belt under the tread, ‘anti cut’ bead-to-bead casing, and ‘anti pinch’ sidewalls. But this adds weight and stiffness, and it’s slow-rolling.