Road Bike Tire Test: IRC Formula Pro Tubeless RBCC 25
Contents and Test Summary
- Introduction
- Manufacturer Specifications
- Size, Weight, Thickness
- Rolling Resistance: 17.5 Watts
- Puncture Resistance: 48 Points
- Static Wet Grip: 64 Points
- Conclusion: 2.8 / 5 Not Recommended
- Comments
- IRC Formula Pro Tubeless RBCC 25
(100% is best)
The IRC Formula Pro Tubeless RBCC is the first road bike tire from the Japanese brand that we've tested. When testing tires from well-known brands, we usually have a good idea of what to expect but testing new brands is always more exciting as we just don't know what to expect.
The Formula Pro Tubeless range consists of 3 tires and the RBCC version fits right in the middle. Also available is a Light version that (obviously) is built a bit lighter, and an X-Guard version that offers an additional layer of bead to bead anti-puncture material.
The RBCC version also makes use of a different compound than the Light and X-Guard. To be more precise, RBCC stands for Rice Bran Ceramic Compound. You can find more information about this compound on IRC's site, but they claim the compound offers increased wet grip and a 10% lower rolling resistance.
All versions of the Formula Pro Tubeless come with an ultra-wide tread that extends onto the sidewall. The width of the tread is quite unique as almost the entire tire is covered with tread. The advantage is better puncture protection of the sidewall and more tread to ride on when using (ultra) wide rims.
The Formula Pro RBCC is available in the 23-622, 25-622, and 28-622 sizes. If you prefer tires with a bit more volume, definitely check our size measurements. The true size of this tire is spot on, which means it's a bit smaller than most other 25-622 sized tires that come in 1 to 2 mm bigger than the specified size.
Manufacturer Specifications
| Manufacturer Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Brand | IRC |
| Model | Formula Pro Tubeless RBCC |
| Year | 2021 |
| Tire Type | Tubeless |
| Supplied By | Bought in store |
| New or Used | New |
| Mileage | 0 km |
| Price Range | High |
| Buy At | |
| Manufacturer part number | HT HP-92/TL RBCC BW |
| TPI | - |
| Compound | RBCC |
| Bead | Folding |
| ETRTO | 25-622 |
| Size Inch | 28" |
| Specified Width (mm) | 25 |
| Specified Weight | 299 grams |
| Max Air Pressure (psi) | 115 |
| Made In | Pro Data |
| Available Sizes |
23-622 (700x23c) 25-622 (700x25c) 28-622 (700x28c) |
IRC Formula Pro Tubeless RBCC 25 Test Results
Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
| Size, Weight and Thickness Measurements | |
|---|---|
| Specified Weight | 299 grams |
| Measured Weight | 299 grams |
| System Adjusted Weight (tire + valve + rim seal) |
319 grams |
| Measured Width | 25 mm (un-round) |
| Measured Height | 22 mm (un-round) |
| Total Tire Thickness Center | 3 mm |
| Total Tire Thickness Sidewall | Pro Data |
| Unmounted Casing Width | 61 mm |
| Unmounted Tread Width | Pro Data |
| Tread Cover (Tread / Casing Ratio) | Pro Data |
| All size measurements are taken at an air pressure of 100 psi / 6.9 bars on a 17.8 mm inner width rim. | |
Rolling Resistance Test Results
| Rolling Resistance Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Inner Tube | None (20 ml sealant) |
| Measured Width | 25 mm (un-round) |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 132 psi/9.1 bar 25-27 = 120 psi/8.3 bar 28-29 = 108 psi/7.4 barUltra High Air Pressure (120 psi / 8.3 bar) |
Pro Data |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 110 psi/7.6bar 25-27 = 100 psi/6.9 bar 28-29 = 90 psi/6.2 barExtra High Air Pressure (100 psi / 6.9 bar) |
Pro Data |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 88 psi/6.1 bar 25-27 = 80 psi/5.5 bar 28-29 = 72 psi/5.0 barHigh Air Pressure (80 psi / 5.5 bar) |
17.5 Watts CRR: 0.00525 |
| Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 22-24 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 25-27 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 28-29 = 54 psi/3.7 barMedium Air Pressure (60 psi / 4.1 bar) |
Pro Data |
| The Road Bike section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load. |
|
Puncture Resistance Test Results
| Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better) | |
|---|---|
| Total Puncture Score Tread | 48 Points |
| Total Puncture Score Sidewall | Pro Data |
| Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Pro Data |
| Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Pro Data |
| Tread Total Tire Thickness | 3 mm |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle | Pro Data |
| Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle | Pro Data |
| Sidewall Total Tire Thickness | Pro Data |
Static Grip Test Results
NOTE: Grip test data is only available on tires tested after November 2018. You can find more information about our grip test here: Introducing Grip Testing
| Static Grip Test Results | |
|---|---|
| Wet Grip Average | 64 Points |
| Wet Grip Center | Pro Data |
| Wet Grip Edge | Pro Data |
| Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 Road bike grip test rim width = 19.0 mm |
|
Conclusion
- IRC Formula Pro Tubeless RBCC 25
(100% is best)
The IRC Formula Pro Tubeless RBCC doesn't bring us much excitement. Performance seems below average at best in nearly all of our tests. The only thing where this tire leaves the competition behind is tread width and sidewall thickness: something that we do not expect as a requirement for many riders.
The price to pay for the wide tread and the resulting thick and protective sidewalls is a higher rolling resistance and very high weight. When we take the volume of this tire into account, it comes out as one of the heaviest tubeless tires we know of, and it doesn't even offer extreme protection.
Although they don't offer an extremely wide tread, better tires are available that also offer good sidewall protection. Check out our road bike overview page, and be sure to use the filters to find a more performant alternative.
RATING:
2.8
/ 5
TEST VERDICT:
Not Recommended