Halo RXR Road Plus Gravel Tyre review

The Halo RXR is the third model listed in Halo’s gravel tyre range, positioned by the brand as a ‘road plus’ tyre.

This means the recommended terrain covers tarmac and hardpack, suggesting it's more of an ‘all-road’ option rather than an out-and-out gravel bike tyre.

Comfort and low rolling resistance are the two key traits of the RXR, making the tyre well suited for road-based day rides and touring.

Halo RXR Road Plus Gravel Tyre specifications and details

Available in a 35mm width for 700c gravel wheels, the RXR sits right between common widths for endurance road bikes (where 32mm is popular) and gravel bikes, where 40mm tends to be the starting point.

The tread is made of up two different compounds, with a more durable centre-line rubber designed to increase longevity and rolling resistance

The shoulders of the tread feature a softer rubber, said to enhance cornering grip.

The tread is low-profile, with a chain of ‘H’ symbols along the centre line (just like Halo’s GXR gravel tyre), while the remainder of the tread features a maze-like pattern of channels aimed at further boosting grip.

Halo RXR Road Plus Gravel Tyre performance

The Halo RXR Road Plus tyres were easy to seat on my WTB CZR i23 rims, both tubeless tyres seating on the first attempt with a shot of air at 100psi.

On the wide 23mm internal rims, they sized up a little over their stated width at 36.5mm.

Heading out to test the tyres, my first challenge was a 25-minute road climb.

At times, I forgot I was even on my gravel bike, with the slicker, narrower RXR tyres offering a ride feel that encouraged me to pace a little harder up the wall of tarmac.

However, unlike skinnier road bike tyres, the extra few millimetres of width, and hence volume, added to the overall comfort over rougher roads.

I was keen to test the limit of the ‘road plus’ tyres, so rode a mixture of finely graded gravel trails, rougher forest roads, hardpack and trails.

On loose gravel and steeper gradients, the rear wheel skidded out a couple of times, and I certainly didn’t feel as confident in the corners as I usually would using a wider 40mm gravel tyre with more aggressive shoulder tread.

Having said that, I could still ride those sections – albeit gingerly – so it was handy to know that if my route plotting didn’t quite go to plan, the tyre could handle some light off-road riding.

Hardpack trails were no problem at all, with the RXR tyres rolling easily over the dry earth, roots and rocks.

Riding back from the trails onto lanes again, it was clear that this is where the RXR tyres really excel. Rougher tarmac, potholed roads and some mid-lane gravel were no chore for the RXRs, giving the reassurance I needed to stop hovering over the brakes.

On wet roads, the RXR tyres continued to offer good grip, even when controlling speed on steep descents. The back only slipped out when forced under harsh, sudden braking – something to be expected of almost any tyre in such conditions.

Although Halo doesn’t detail the nature of the puncture protection in the RXR tyres, they held up well.

I traversed plenty of rougher tracks and debris from freshly strimmed hedges, where thorns are an ever-present danger, without any noticeable punctures.

Halo RXR Road Plus Gravel Tyre bottom line

As a road tyre for rougher tarmac, potholed lanes and unexpected gravel sections, the RXR is a great choice.

It offers good comfort and the confidence of a wider and more heavily treaded gravel tyre, without compromising on rolling resistance.

If you’re looking to include more than the occasional bit of gravel on your rides, you’d be better off with a wider, dedicated gravel tyre.

That said, for canal towpaths, hardpack and the odd bit of gravel riding on your road rides or commutes, the RXR is a good solution.