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Giant Hookless Technology and What Tires 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 tire to have the same volume as a larger, heavier tire, resulting in a lighter overall weight.

ENHANCED DURABILITY

Giant’s hookless rim design is realized through an innovative manufacturing process that results in a more continuous carbon fiber 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 tire shape that provides superior grip and handling as well as added sidewall support when cornering.

TIRE RETENTION AND COMPATIBILITY

Like any modern tubeless system, the tolerances of the tire bead diameter and hookless rim bead seat diameters must be carefully calibrated in order to create an airtight seal that will allow the tire to stay on the rim and the rider to slow to a safe stop in case of puncture. If the tire 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 tire bead will stretch over time and it will lose its original diameter. If rim manufacturers do not work directly with tire manufacturers when designing new hookless rims, tolerances and bead materials can vary, making it difficult to safely pair tires and rims.

WHAT SETS GIANT HOOKLESS APART?

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

WHAT TIRES CAN I USE?

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

However, should you prefer to run a non-Giant or CADEX tire, here are the tires 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 TIRES SHOULD I NOT USE?

The following tires 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 tires that have failed the Giant test protocol, we are working with the tire 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 tire with an indicated maximum pressure above 72.5psi (5 bar) that is not on the list of tires that have passed the Giant test protocol, YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK, as the tire may not function properly with the Giant hookless WheelSystem.

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

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

If necessary, you may use an inner tube on a Giant hookless rim, so long as the tire 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 tires on Giant hookless rims, as well as for more information on the test results of the individual tires themselves.

Download test protocol [PDF]

What Pressure Should I Run?

Appropriately inflated tires 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, tires 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