Schwalbes new Albert and Shredda tyres borrow their carcass construction from the car tyre industry, using perpendicular radial plies rather than diagonal ones.Bold claims around improved grip and traction, and a smoother-feeling ride accompany the brands new approach to carcass construction.Three new tyres use Schwalbes Radial design the Shredda gravity-focused aggressive spike, the all-rounder Albert and a radial version of the Magic Mary.The radial carcass design is claimed to compress more freely, resulting in more grip. - SchwalbeCosting from 73.99 / 73.90 for the Albert Trail Pro and Magic Mary Trail Pro to 79.99 / $104 / 79.90 for the Shredda Pro, Albert Gravity Pro and Magic Mary Gravity Pro, the new tech to cycling at least comes at a cost.The Albert is available in 27.5in and 29in diameters, and 2.4in and 2.5in widths, while the Shredda front is only available in 29x2.5, but the Shredda rear can be bought in 27.5x2.5in and 29x2.5in sizes.However, their weight is competitive. The Albert Gravity Pro 29x2.5in Ultra Soft tyres weigh 1,346g, which is similar to equivalent Maxxis, Continental and Vee Tire DH-casing tyres.Radial tyre techThe Albert Gravity uses a two-ply casing. - Alex Evans / Our MediaRadial tyre constructions in the automotive industry, at least are nothing new.Radial tyre carcasses are built using plies that run perpendicular (90 degrees) to the tyres direction of travel and typically use a belt that improves stability.Diagonal carcass (also known as bias ply) tyre construction plies criss-cross one another at sharper angles (typically between 30 and 45 degrees), forming a mesh-like pattern and giving them their strength.Both tyre construction types can be built from as many or as few plies as the manufacturer wishes, depending on their intended usage.Cyclings take on radial tyre constructionSchwable's radial design isn't a true radial tyre because its plies aren't perpendicular to the direction of rotation, but it's not far off. - SchwalbeSchwalbes mountain bike radial tyres are a slight modification of the traditional 90-degree radial tyre.Its plies are still laid at an angle, albeit one less acute than a true radial tyre.This is the criss-cross pattern of a bias ply tyre carcass. - SchwalbeSchwalbe says the angle has been adjusted enough so it doesnt need a belt to maintain stability, but like the secret ingredients of a chefs sauce, the exact angle of the plies remains undisclosed.What are the advantages of radial tyres in mountain biking?The difference between a bias ply tyre's contact patch (left) and a radial tyre's contact patch (right). - SchwalbeAccording to Schwalbe, because the tyres plies are at a more obtuse angle, theyre under less pressure or tension, which means the tyre can deform better as it rolls over bumps.Thanks to that additional deformation, theres also an increase in tyre contact patch; up to 30 per cent for an equivalent pressure against a bias ply tyre. The tyre effectively squashes more when its on the ground or contacting a bump, compared to a traditional mountain bike tyre.A radial carcass design is claimed to be better damped compared to a bias ply model, with a quicker reduction in compression and rebound oscillation after an impact.The radial tyre oscillates at a lower amplitude and stops oscillating faster than a bias ply tyre. - SchwalbeThis 'more controlled rebound' and 'smoother response behaviour' should help improve bike handling and grip.Details in Schwalbes press release are thin, but its safe to assume the rebound speed of the carcass remains more constant regardless of how compressed it is. As the tyre returns to its original shape, its still inflating/rebounding at a similar rate to when its nearly fully compressed. This should boost control.There must be some disadvantages, right?A downside of the radial carcass design is a potential increase in pinch-flat punctures. - SchwalbeEven Schwalbe admits there are some cons to its radial design.Rolling resistance is increased thanks to the larger contact patch; more of the tyres tread and rubber is in contact with the ground at any one time.You may get more pinch-flat punctures because radial tyres are more supple compared to bias ply tyres. As the tyre hits an impact, it compresses more, thus opening up the potential for more pinch flats.Schwalbe likens this to removing a volume reducer from an air spring; it'll use more of its travel more readily.New Albert Trail Pro and Albert Gravity Pro details and pricingThe Ultra Soft is Schwalbe's tackiest compound. - Alex Evans / Our MediaThe new Albert comes in two variants: the Albert Pro Trail and the Albert Gravity Pro. The differences between the two are the number of plies in their construction. The Gravity Pro is made with a dual-ply casing, while the Trail version uses a single ply.However, the tread is identical across both tyres, featuring an alternating two-three centre-block pattern and long side knobs, akin to Maxxis Assegai.The tyre has a rounded profile. - Alex Evans / Our MediaThe tight block pattern known as a small pitch has been designed specifically to keep as much tyre in contact with the ground as possible, working with the radial carcass.Its positioned as an enduro-focused all-rounder, but with a performance bias towards harder trail surfaces. It has a universal front and rear tread pattern, and is recommended for bikes with 150mm of travel or more.It measures 60mm wide, slightly narrower than Schwalbe's 65mm claims. - Alex Evans / Our MediaWhile claimed weights for the Albert Trail and Gravity tyres arent publicised by Schwalbe, my 29x2.5in Albert Gravity Pro Soft and Ultra Soft tyres weighed 1,319g and 1,346g respectively.Schwalbe Albert Trail ProSchwalbe Albert Trail Pro. - Schwalbe27.5x2.4 Soft27.5x2.4 Ultra Soft29x2.4 Soft29x2.4 Ultra Soft29x2.5 Soft29x2.5 Ultra SoftAll models 73.99 / 73.90Schwalbe Albert Gravity ProSchwalbe Albert Gravity Pro - Alex Evans / Our Media27.5x2.4 Soft27.5x2.5 Soft29x2.4 Soft29x2.4 Ultra Soft29x2.5 Soft (1,319g actual weight)29x2.5 Ultra Soft (1,346g actual weight)All models 79.99 / $104 / 79.90The new Shredda ProSchwalbe Shredda Front Gravity Pro. - SchwalbeThe new Shredda Pros spiked tread pattern has been designed for loose and loam trail surfaces, and its design was inspired by motocross tyres.There are front- and rear-specific tyres, each with their own tread pattern.The Shredda Pro Front uses a symmetrical square-shaped two-block centre pattern, but every other pair of knobs has a small bridge to increase stability.Schwalbe Shredda Front Gravity Pro. - SchwalbeIts side knobs are more rectangular, running with their longest edge in the direction of rotation. These are designed to grip when the tyre is leant over during cornering.Designed with the radial construction in mind, an open and high tread is said to create 'interlocking' with the terrain, upping grip on loose surfaces.Specific to the rear, the Shredda Pro Rears tread is shallower than the fronts and has a different design.Schwalbe Shredda Rear Gravity Pro. - SchwalbeA two-two-three centre-block alternating pattern and larger vertically orientated side blocks, which also alternate in a one-two pattern, are claimed to provide uphill grip and traction (for electric mountain bikes) and plenty of braking performance.Schwalbe hasn't released claimed weights for the new Shredda.Schwalbe Shredda Gravity Pro Front29x2.5in Ultra Soft79.99 / $104 / 79.90Schwalbe Shredda Gravity Pro Rear29x.2.5in Ultra Soft27.5x2.5in Ultra SoftAll models 79.99 / $104 / 79.90