Silca 700c Protocol RCG-4 Gravel Tyre

The SILCA Protocol RCG-4 is a tubeless-ready gravel tyre for the rough end of gravel riding: sloppy mud, sand, loose rock and singletrack.

It has large, widely spaced knobs that shed mud, SealSkin puncture protection from bead to bead with an extra sidewall layer, and carbon fibre beads. It's compatible with hookless and hooked rims and comes in 45, 50 and 55mm widths.

Tread built for mud and loose ground

The RCG-4 uses fewer, larger and taller knobs, spaced wide apart. Open spacing lets mud and sand clear from the tread instead of packing in, so the knobs keep biting as conditions get worse. The taller knobs also put more rubber between the casing and sharp rocks.

It's SILCA's more aggressive gravel tyre: the SILCA Protocol RCG-3 has a tighter tread pattern for faster, firmer gravel. Choose the RCG-4 if your riding includes mud, sand, steep and loose climbs, off-camber rock, singletrack or rough fire roads and four-wheel-drive tracks.

Bead-to-bead puncture protection

SealSkin is SILCA's puncture-protection layer.

On the RCG-4 it runs from bead to bead, covering the sidewalls as well as the tread, with an added sidewall protection layer for severe conditions. Sidewall cuts from sharp rock are a common way to end a gravel ride, and they're much harder to seal than a tread puncture.

Fast-rolling compound and race casing

The RCG-4 uses SILCA's Pulsar compound, a lower-density rubber and silica race compound that balances rolling speed, grip and durability. The 120 TPI race casing is designed around modern, lower tyre pressures, where a supple casing lets the tyre conform to rough ground for more grip and comfort.

CarbonBead BeadLock

The RCG-4 uses carbon fibre beads instead of Kevlar, which SILCA says keep the tyre's dimensions stable and the fit secure over its whole life.

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.

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-4 is tubeless ready. The minimum sealant amounts in the table are for SILCA Ultimate Tubeless Sealant, so a 45mm tyre needs at least 90ml, more than one 65ml bottle.

SILCA says more may help, depending on your climate, conditions, tyre inserts and how often you top up. Browse our tubeless sealant range. You can also run it with inner tubes.

How long does it last?

SILCA expects around 1,600 to 2,400km of life for a typical rider, depending on how and where you ride.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the SILCA Protocol RCG-4 best for?

Rough and loose gravel: mud, sand, loose rock, singletrack and off-camber terrain.

Is the SILCA Protocol RCG-4 tubeless?

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

What widths does the RCG-4 come in?

700 x 45mm (545g), 700 x 50mm (620g) and 700 x 55mm (650g).

Does the RCG-4 have sidewall protection?

Yes. SealSkin puncture protection runs from bead to bead, with an extra sidewall protection layer.

Can I use the RCG-4 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-4 and RCG-3?

The RCG-4 has fewer, larger, more widely spaced knobs for mud, sand and loose rock. The RCG-3 has a tighter tread for faster riding on firmer gravel.

How much sealant does the RCG-4 need?

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

Can I use tyre levers with the RCG-4?

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-4 last?

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

Specifications