Gravel Tyre Review: René Herse Corkscrew Climb - Embracing a Knobby, Bold Semi-Slick Design for Off-Road Traction
René Herse Introduces the Corkscrew Climb Semi-Slick Gravel Tyre
René Herse has unveiled its latest addition to the gravel tyre market - the Corkscrew Climb. This semi-slick tyre boasts a rugged, knob-heavy tread designed for versatility and control on a wide range of terrain types.
Key features of the Corkscrew Climb include:
- Tread design: A unique semi-slick layout with a slick center for speed and widely spaced square knobs inspired by mountain bike models, offering enhanced grip on loose or rough terrain.
- Sizes and options: Available in 700x44mm with four casing options (Standard, Extralight, Endurance, Endurance Plus) and two sidewall colors, enabling customization for weight, durability, and price.
- Performance: The tyre rolls well on tarmac with a slight audible buzz but excels off-road, providing excellent grip even in muddy and rocky conditions without punctures during extended testing.
- Durability: Robust Endurance casing protects against punctures and sidewall damage, with minimal wear observed after months of use on hardpack gravel, cracked pavement, and technical trails.
- Tubeless setup: Easy to mount tubeless and retains air pressure well, reducing the need for frequent pumping.
- Grip and control: Provides confident braking, stable cornering feedback, and smooth slide control on loose surfaces.
The Corkscrew Climb stands out in the semi-slick gravel tyre category for its bold, aggressive tread pattern that balances off-road traction with on-road speed. It is ideal for riders seeking a tough, versatile tyre that performs across varied terrain.
For riders looking for faster, less-knobby tyres for dry summer conditions on fast, non-technical courses, options such as the Schwalbe G-One RS, the Cadex AR, or René Herse's slick options like the 44mm Snoqualmie Pass may be more suitable.
The Corkscrew Climb tyre has a patent-pending design with several unique features, including a slick center with a minimal chevron tread, a gradual transition from slick to knobs, two rows of large, rectangle knobs that are staggered for noise-cancelling benefits, and a rounded profile.
When compared to René Herse's "dual-purpose knobs," such as the 44mm Manastash Ridge TC, the decision of when to choose the fully knobbed option over the semi-slick Corkscrew Climb remains unanswered. Both tyres are versatile and capable, with little difference in ride feel on mixed-surface rides and wet, hardpack terrain. The decision may depend on the amount of pavement expected to be ridden or the power output of the rider.
The Corkscrew Climb was tested with the Endurance casing and measured at 44.65mm on Shimano WH-RX880 wheels with a 25mm internal rim width. For bikepacking or routes with mixed terrain and trail sections, particularly in wet weather, the Corkscrew Climb is a solid option. The tyre has shown good grip in various conditions, with no punctures reported during testing.
The Corkscrew Climb was tested on a variety of terrains, including snow, thick mud, dry, dusty summer conditions, cracked pavement, hardpack gravel, downright sloppy trails, and rocky terrain. According to BicycleRollingResistance.com, the Corkscrew Climb has a rolling resistance slightly higher than the Hurricane Ridge, but the difference is minimal.
The Corkscrew Climb was launched by René Herse in January 2025, and it was named after the biggest climb of the old SBT GRVL race course, the Corkscrew Climb. However, the 2025 edition of the SBT GRVL race was moved to a new 37-mile closed loop circuit in Hayden, CO, and did not feature the Corkscrew Climb. Despite this, René Herse's sponsored athlete and national gravel champion Brennan Wertz won the 2025 SBT GRVL race, but he did so on the Barlow Pass slicks, not the semi-slicks.
The Corkscrew Climb offers a good balance between speed, grip, and versatility, making it a compelling option for riders tackling varied conditions, especially those who value control and comfort over marginal gains in speed. The weights and prices for the casing options of the Corkscrew Climb are as follows: Standard (517g, $82), Extralight (481g, $96), Endurance (552g, $96), Endurance Plus (564g, $104).
Gravel cycling enthusiasts might find the Corkscrew Climb's unique tread design, featuring large rectangle knobs inspired by mountain bike models, appealing for enhancing grip on loose or rough terrain. This semi-slick tyre also offers compatibility with sports gadgets such as bike computers and GPS systems due to its extensive testing on various terrains and weather conditions, providing valuable data for riders.
