Silca 700c Protocol RCG-3 Gravel Tyre

The SILCA Protocol RCG-3 is a tubeless-ready gravel race tyre for fast, rough courses.

It combines a tread pattern borrowed from fast cross-country mountain bike tyres with a supple 120 TPI race casing, SILCA's fastest Pulsar compound and an under-tread puncture breaker. It's compatible with hookless and hooked rims and comes in 45, 50 and 55mm widths.

Tread for speed and cornering grip

The centre of the RCG-3 has tightly spaced, elongated knobs that roll quickly on hardpack and firm gravel. Towards the edges the knobs get bigger and taller, so when you lean the bike into a corner the tyre has more rubber and a bigger contact patch to grip with. SILCA calls it a moderate tread: enough bite for loose gravel, without the drag of a full off-road tread.

Puncture protection without the weight

A puncture breaker sits under the tread, and SILCA chose it through impact testing. In SILCA's own lab testing, the RCG-3 resisted 24.7kg of force before puncturing, more than two well-known gravel race tyres it was tested against (22.3kg and 19.9kg), while also weighing less than both.

SILCA designed the RCG-3 for a slightly higher baseline pressure than its other tyres.

That stops the tyre squashing too far onto the rim over rocks and edges, which helps prevent pinch flats on harsh courses. SILCA has added a setting for this tyre to its online tyre pressure calculator.

Race casing and Pulsar compound

The 120 TPI race casing is supple, so it flexes over rough ground with less energy lost than a stiffer casing. It's paired with SILCA's fastest version of its Pulsar compound, a lower-density rubber and silica blend made for low rolling resistance.

CarbonBead BeadLock

The RCG-3 uses carbon fibre beads instead of Kevlar, which SILCA says keep the tyre's dimensions stable over its whole life and give a more secure fit on hookless rims.

Fit the tyre by hand: SILCA says never to use a tyre lever to install it, because levers can damage the carbon bead. After fitting, check that the bead line sits evenly above the rim edge all the way round. If the tyre wobbles, reseat it.

Levers are fine for removal:

Let all the air out, push both beads into the centre channel of the rim, then lever the bead off with non-metal levers such as Muc-Off Rim Stix.

RCG-3 or RCG-4?

Both are SILCA gravel tyres with a 120 TPI race casing, Pulsar compound and carbon beads, in the same three widths. The difference is the conditions they're built for:

• RCG-3: fast gravel racing and firm, rough gravel. A tighter, faster-rolling tread, and lighter at every width.
• SILCA Protocol RCG-4: mud, sand, loose rock and singletrack. Fewer, larger, widely spaced knobs that shed mud, plus bead-to-bead SealSkin protection with an extra sidewall layer.

For road riding on rough surfaces and chip seal, see SILCA's Protocol RCR road tyre.

Choosing a width

Widths are measured on a 25mm internal-width rim after 24 hours inflated. As a rule of thumb, every 2mm change in rim width changes the tyre's measured width by about 1mm.

Check your frame and fork clearance before choosing a width, and confirm compatibility with your rim manufacturer.

Tubeless setup and sealant

The RCG-3 is tubeless ready. SILCA tested it with SILCA Ultimate Tubeless Sealant, and says all modern sealants should be compatible. Even the 45mm needs at least 90ml, more than one 65ml bottle. Check and top up sealant regularly. Browse our tubeless sealant range. You can also run it with inner tubes.

How long does it last?

It's a race tyre first, but SILCA says it can be used for training or all season, depending on how much you ride. SILCA expects around 1,600 to 2,400km of life for a typical rider.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SILCA Protocol RCG-3 best for?

Fast gravel racing and rough, firm gravel, where you want low rolling resistance with solid puncture protection.

Is the SILCA Protocol RCG-3 tubeless?

Yes. It's tubeless ready and can also be used with inner tubes.

Can I use the RCG-3 on hookless rims?

Yes. It's compatible with both hookless and hooked rims. Confirm compatibility with your rim manufacturer.

What's the difference between the RCG-3 and RCG-4?

The RCG-3 has a tighter, faster-rolling tread for firm gravel and racing, and is lighter. The RCG-4 has fewer, larger, widely spaced knobs for mud, sand and loose rock, with bead-to-bead sidewall protection.

How much sealant does the RCG-3 need?

At least 90ml for the 45mm, 100ml for the 50mm and 115ml for the 55mm.

What tyre pressure should I run?

SILCA designed the RCG-3 for a slightly higher baseline pressure than its other tyres, to help prevent pinch flats. SILCA's online tyre pressure calculator has a setting for this tyre.

Can I use tyre levers with the RCG-3?

Only to remove it. SILCA says never to use a lever to install the tyre, because it can damage the carbon bead. Fit it by hand.

How many kilometres does the RCG-3 last?

SILCA expects around 1,600 to 2,400km for a typical rider.

Specifications