Ekoi, a French brand renowned for cycling accessories and apparel, has recently ventured into the high-performance road tyre segment with its Ekoi RR 29. This tyre, designed for modern racing, aims to deliver superior speed and comfort. While its installation can be tricky and its price is at the higher end of the spectrum, extensive testing over 1,000 kilometers in challenging Arizona conditions has revealed its exceptional ride quality, remarkable puncture resistance, and a compelling aesthetic. This makes the Ekoi RR 29 a serious contender for cyclists seeking premium performance, provided they are willing to invest and manage its specific compatibility requirements.
Detailed Evaluation of the Ekoi RR 29 Road Tyre
In a significant move into the competitive realm of high-performance cycling components, French brand Ekoi launched its innovative Ekoi RR 29 road tyre. This 29mm tyre, explicitly engineered for contemporary racing, eschews conventional narrower designs in favor of enhanced speed and a distinctive black and white aesthetic. A notable caution from the manufacturer is its incompatibility with hookless wheelsets, a crucial detail for potential buyers. Despite its premium price tag, Ekoi's established presence in WorldTour racing with other products suggests a strong ambition for this new tyre.
Testing for over 1,000 kilometers in the diverse and often harsh winter conditions of Arizona, a region known for demanding road surfaces, provided comprehensive insights into the tyre's capabilities. The Ekoi RR 29 demonstrated an impressive ability to handle varied terrain, from smooth tarmac to rougher, inconsistent stretches, excelling in both responsiveness and comfort.
The installation process proved to be the most demanding aspect. While the tyre's lightweight and pliable sidewalls initially suggested an easy fit onto standard hooked ENVE rims, seating the bead required an air compressor and additional effort, going beyond what a typical floor pump could achieve. Furthermore, maintaining optimal tyre pressure necessitated consistent re-inflation between rides, with sealant needing replenishment after just a week, indicating a slight air leakage when stationary. However, during rides, the pressure remained stable, assuring consistent performance.
The tyre's ride quality was exceptional. The unique construction, featuring a 350 TPI cotton casing, natural latex, and an aramid bead, significantly contributes to its ability to absorb road vibrations and imperfections. This design choice strikes an excellent balance between structural integrity during cornering and efficient power transfer, making it particularly effective at the recommended 75 psi pressure, even on less-than-ideal surfaces. Anecdotal evidence from test rides indicated faster segment times and improved personal records on Strava, underscoring its performance advantages.
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise was the Ekoi RR 29's durability. Despite Phoenix's notorious reputation for debris-induced punctures—including thorns, metal fragments, and glass—the tyres completed over a thousand kilometers without a single flat. This performance stands in stark contrast to other road tyres previously tested, which often succumbed to punctures within the first five hundred kilometers. While the white sidewalls accumulate dirt, the tread shows minimal wear, suggesting considerable longevity.
Priced at $134.99 USD / £95.83, the Ekoi RR 29 positions itself alongside offerings from established premium brands like Continental and Vittoria. This pricing might give some cyclists pause, especially given Ekoi's relatively new entry into the tyre market. However, for those willing to embrace a new product and who do not use hookless rims, the Ekoi RR 29 offers a genuinely innovative and high-performing option. Its aesthetic appeal and demonstrable on-road performance make it a compelling choice for cyclists prioritizing speed, comfort, and unexpected resilience.
As an observer of the evolving cycling technology landscape, the Ekoi RR 29 presents a fascinating case study in product development and market entry. The decision by Ekoi, a brand primarily known for accessories, to enter the highly competitive high-end tyre market with such a bold product speaks volumes about their confidence and commitment to innovation. While the price point is ambitious for a newcomer, the reported performance, especially in challenging environments, suggests that genuine merit underpins this offering. It highlights the industry's continuous pursuit of the perfect balance between speed, comfort, and durability. For consumers, it underscores the importance of looking beyond established names and considering products that bring fresh perspectives and tangible performance benefits, even if they come with a learning curve for installation and maintenance. The Ekoi RR 29 serves as a reminder that true performance can emerge from unexpected places, pushing the boundaries of what cyclists can expect from their equipment.