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Giant Hookless Technology and What Tyres Can Be Used

LIGHTWEIGHT PERFORMANCE

Compared with hook-type rims, adding inner width on hookless rims costs much less in weight because the outer width can be maintained while the inner size is enlarged. Giant’s all-new, wider inner rim width hookless design allows a smaller, lighter tyre to have the same volume as a larger, heavier tyre, resulting in a lighter overall weight.

ENHANCED DURABILITY

Giant’s hookless rim design is realised through an innovative manufacturing process that results in a more continuous carbon fibre structure. This process enhances durability and increases impact resistance with no weight penalty compared to the current SLR line.

CONFIDENT HANDLING

Hookless rims also help create a more round tyre shape that provides superior grip and handling as well as added sidewall support when cornering.

TYRE RETENTION AND COMPATIBILITY

Like any modern tubeless system, the tolerances of the tyre bead diameter and hookless rim bead seat diameters must be carefully calibrated in order to create an airtight seal that will allow the tyre to stay on the rim and the rider to slow to a safe stop in case of puncture. If the tyre bead diameter is too large, it will not match the rim bead seat diameter. Likewise, if the bead material isn’t strong or stiff enough under high pressure loads, the tyre bead will stretch over time and it will lose its original diameter. If rim manufacturers do not work directly with tyre manufacturers when designing new hookless rims, tolerances and bead materials can vary, making it difficult to safely pair tyres and rims.

WHAT SETS GIANT HOOKLESS APART?

Rather than using a Kevlar-only bead, which can stretch over time and compromise the tyre bead diameter, Giant tyres feature a carbon and Kevlar composite bead that’s strong enough to avoid stretching under heavy loads. This, combined with our accurately defined tyre and rim bead seat diameters, tested at pressures up to 150psi, guarantee dependable air and tyre retention.

WHAT TYRES CAN I USE?

Giant WheelSystems are built to be used as a system and Giant and CADEX tyres are always the best choice.

However, should you prefer to run a non-Giant or CADEX tyre, here are the tyres with an indicated maximum pressure above 72.5psi (5 bar) that have passed the Giant test protocol for use with Giant hookless rims:

Download test protocol [PDF]

WHAT TYRES SHOULD I NOT USE?

The following tyres have failed the Giant test protocol and currently do not function properly with Giant hookless WheelSystems:

VITTORIA RUBINO PRO TLR      25C

VITTORIA CORSA TLR      25C

CONTINENTAL GP5000 TL      25C

PIRELLI CINTURATO      24C      26C

For tyres that have failed the Giant test protocol, we are working with the tyre brands so updates can be made to make them ready for our hookless rims as soon as possible.

Please be aware that if you choose to use a tyre with an indicated maximum pressure above 72.5psi (5 bar) that is not on the list of tyres that have passed the Giant test protocol, YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK, as the tyre may not function properly with the Giant hookless WheelSystem.

If the maximum pressure indicated on the sidewall of the tyre is below 72.5psi (5 bar) and the tyre is hookless rim compatible as per the tyre manufacturer’s recommendation, the tyre can be used with Giant hookless WheelSystems and does not have to appear on the “WHAT TYRES CAN I USE?” chart.

Although Giant tyres are designed for best use with a Giant hookless rim, it is possible to use a Giant tyre on a hooked bead rim.

If necessary, you may use an inner tube on a Giant hookless rim, so long as the tyre you are using has passed the Giant test protocol. However, please note that Giant hookless rims are designed to perform best when set up as tubeless and used without an inner tube.

Please review the test protocol for a detailed explanation of the testing for tyres on Giant hookless rims, as well as for more information on the test results of the individual tyres themselves.

Download test protocol [PDF]

What Pressure Should I Run?

Appropriately inflated tyres conform better to imperfections in the road, absorbing impacts and allowing you to ride more efficiently and safely with more comfort and control.

As mountain bikers have known for a long time, tyres that are inflated to a higher pressure than necessary for the terrain transmit more impacts and sacrifice speed as well as energy as the rider fights to keep the bike on track and to stop it from deflecting off obstacles, however small, in its path.

Learn More