In early 2023, Goodyear Bicycle Tires released the latest evolution of its Ultra High-Performance Road tire range. Incorporating leading-edge technology in tread compound development, casing lay-ups and proprietary construction methods. All of which are designed, developed, and manufactured in its dedicated bicycle tire factory located in Nantou, Taiwan.
This Ultra High-Performance range consists of the Eagle F1 R and Eagle F1 SuperSport R, both of which have shown significant quantifiable improvements in performance as well as positive qualitative market feedback.
Laboratory testing
Goodyears own laboratory testing performed by a third party, shows significant reductions in rolling resistance for both the Eagle F1R and Eagle F1 SuperSport R. When compared to the previous generation Eagle F1, its latest generation Eagle F1R showed up to a 16% reduction in Crr, and the F1 SuperSport R showing up to a 36% reduction in Crr across a range of pressures.
Bicycle Rolling Resistance’s recent laboratory testing of the Eagle F1 SuperSport R highlighted not only a rolling resistance of just 8.5 Watts, but also an exceptional wet grip test score, tying the record for the highest center wet grip ever tested.
In addition to quantitative laboratory testing the Eagle F1 R and Eagle F1 SuperSport R have received high praise for ride quality, grip, and value for money from publications such as Road.cc and BikeRadar along with Tour-Magazine where the Eagle F1 R tube-type was a test winner among all-rounders.
Growing the team
With its continued commitment to product development, Goodyear Bicycle Tires have recently appointed Bastien Donzé as its new Product Director. In this role, Donzé will be charged with the development of not only new products, but also the long-term planning that will best utilise the new bicycle tire production facility and development center located in Nantou, Taiwan.
Donzé brings along an extensive knowledge of the global bicycle industry and in particular the tire and wheel categories. He first started with Mavic in 2000 based in France as a Product Manager; helping the company establish the first UST Tubeless wheels for MTB. Joining SRAM in 2008, and later relocating to the United States, Donzé continued his development most recently serving as Product Manager – Global Wheels.
OEM growth
As Goodyear bicycle tires OEM partnerships continue to grow, the brand continues to focus on key industry events such as Taichung Bike Week. This October, David Chamberlain (OEM Sales Manager), Luke Musselman (President), and Product Director Bastien Donzé (Product Director) will be attending. To arrange a meeting to discuss OE requirements with the team, a contact form can be found on the Goodyear Bicycle Tires website.
This article is sponsored by Rubber Kinetics.
