Inspired by the legendary Oregon Outback and named after the first climb of that epic 360-mile gravel ride/race, the Switchback Hill remains the lightest, fastest and most comfortable ultra-wide 650B tire.
On the Oregon Outback route, the gravel is quite loose in places, and the extra flotation of the Switchback Hills gives you more speed and security when the going gets really rough. 30% of the Oregon Outback is on pavement, so we designed this tire to roll as fast and grip as well as a good racing tire. The tread has enough thickness in the center to last many miles, but it’s thin and supple on the shoulders where it doesn’t wear. With this tire, you truly have the best of both worlds.
The Standard casing is our more affordable option: comfortable and fast, yet also strong to withstand considerable abuse. The Extralight casing takes the performance, comfort and feel of your bike to an entirely new level. The Endurance casing is reinforced for extra sidewall protection and puncture resistance, while retaining the speed and comfort for which Rene Herse tires are famous.
The Switchback Hill is tubeless-compatible. For tubeless setup, we recommend SealSmart sealant. When used with tubes, we recommend the SV13 or SV14A tubes.
Made in Japan.
TECHNICAL SPECS
All models feature:
Clincher, folding bead
Tubeless-compatible
Maximum pressure with tubes: 55 psi (3.8 bar)
Maximum recommended pressure – tubeless: 55 psi (3.8 bar)
Actual width on 20 mm rim (internal): approx. 49 mm
Actual width on 23 mm rim (internal): approx. 50 mm
Extralight casing: +1 mm width
Tubeless: +0.5 mm width
Recommended rim: 17 - 35 mm (inner width; hookless: +1 mm)
Standard casing
Supple casing
Tan sidewalls
441 g
Extralight casing
Ultra-light, ultra-supple casing
Tan sidewalls
403 g
Endurance casing
The same ultra-fine threads as our Extralight casing, but in a denser, stronger weave
Protective belt under sidewalls and tread
Ideal for rough gravel and tough conditions
Dark tan sidewalls
441 gMore info & orderRackTireHeadsetBarplugBellBidonBottlecageBrooks spare partsCranksetDecaleurDerailleurmiscellaneousPanniersToolsGripsCableBasketHubHubdynamoPedalPumpBrakeBrakeleverBrake CablesFenderMudflapMirrorsHandlebarBartapeQuillstemHandlebar BagToeclipstrapToeclipBottombracketRimLightShifterStemFrontrackWheelsSaddlebagSeatpostSaddleBrooks CambiumBrooks saddleBrooksDeal
Products
Inspired by the legendary Oregon Outback and named after the first climb of that epic 360-mile gravel ride/race, the Switchback Hill remains the lightest, fastest and most comfortable ultra-wide 650B tire.
On the Oregon Outback route, the gravel is quite loose in places, and the extra flotation of the Switchback Hills gives you more speed and security when the going gets really rough. 30% of the Oregon Outback is on pavement, so we designed this tire to roll as fast and grip as well as a good racing tire. The tread has enough thickness in the center to last many miles, but it’s thin and supple on the shoulders where it doesn’t wear. With this tire, you truly have the best of both worlds.
The Standard casing is our more affordable option: comfortable and fast, yet also strong to withstand considerable abuse. The Extralight casing takes the performance, comfort and feel of your bike to an entirely new level. The Endurance casing is reinforced for extra sidewall protection and puncture resistance, while retaining the speed and comfort for which Rene Herse tires are famous.
The Switchback Hill is tubeless-compatible. For tubeless setup, we recommend SealSmart sealant. When used with tubes, we recommend the SV13 or SV14A tubes.
Made in Japan.
TECHNICAL SPECS
All models feature:
Clincher, folding bead
Tubeless-compatible
Maximum pressure with tubes: 55 psi (3.8 bar)
Maximum recommended pressure – tubeless: 55 psi (3.8 bar)
Actual width on 20 mm rim (internal): approx. 49 mm
Actual width on 23 mm rim (internal): approx. 50 mm
Extralight casing: +1 mm width
Tubeless: +0.5 mm width
Recommended rim: 17 - 35 mm (inner width; hookless: +1 mm)
Standard casing
Supple casing
Tan sidewalls
441 g
Extralight casing
Ultra-light, ultra-supple casing
Tan sidewalls
403 g
Endurance casing
The same ultra-fine threads as our Extralight casing, but in a denser, stronger weave
Protective belt under sidewalls and tread
Ideal for rough gravel and tough conditions
Dark tan sidewalls
441 gMore info & order
Our most iconic 650B tire has a perfect balance of on-pavement grip and off-pavement volume. Babyshoe Pass is remote pass nestled between the great volcanoes of Loowit (Mount St. Helens) and Klickitat (Mount Adams). It provides a back-door way from Seattle to Portland, avoiding the crowded Puget Lowland.
These tires roll as fast as racing tires on the paved lower sections of the climb, yet float over the gravel on the higher parts. They are surefooted on the descent to Trout Lake, where you can enjoy the famous huckleberry shakes at the local food spot.
The Standard casing is our more affordable option: comfortable and fast, yet also strong to withstand considerable abuse. The Extralight casing takes the performance, comfort and feel of your bike to an entirely new level. The Endurance casing is reinforced for extra sidewall protection and puncture resistance, while retaining the speed and comfort for which Rene Herse tires are famous.
The Babyshoe Pass is tubeless-compatible. For tubeless setup, we recommend SealSmart sealant. When used with tubes, we recommend the SV12 or SV14A tubes.
Made in Japan.More info & order
This Shiftmate is just to improve the cable line into the rear mech, it leads to crisper gear changes.
Replaces older items (no longer available) such as Avid Rollamajig, Mr Control Roller (really for V-brakes), Acor Pizza Cutter, Tiso P-Pue and Crud Cog Hog.
- CNC machined.
- Sealed ball bearing.
- Hard Nickel plating.
- Reduces cable friction and cable housing length.
- Small compact design only 14 grams.More info & order
Designed for mixing SRAM 11 speed road shifter with SRAM 11 speed MTN derailleur.
To use the other way ie SRAM 11 speed MTN shifter with SRAM 11 speed road derailleur, fit the Shiftmate at the shifter.
- CNC machined.
- Sealed ball bearing.
- Hard Nickel plating.
- Reduces cable friction and cable housing length.
- Small compact design only 17 grams.
- Save money by upgrading over time or using components and wheelsets you already own.More info & order
Designed for mixing Shimano 11 speed road STI with Shimano 11 speed MTN derailleur.
To use the other way ie Shimano 11 speed MTN shifter with Shimano 11 speed road derailleur, fit the Shiftmate at the shifter.
- CNC machined.
- Sealed ball bearing.
- Hard Nickel plating.
- Reduces cable friction and cable housing length.
- Small compact design only 17 grams.
- Save money by upgrading over time or using components and wheelsets you already own.More info & order
This model is for mating Shimano 11 road STI levers with Shimano 11 MTN rear derailleur and cassette or 11 speed MTN rapidfire levers with Shimano 11 speed road rear derailleur and cassette.
The ShiftMate Straight is an inline shifting interface device for mating different bicycle shifting components. Using a ratio changing pulley, the ShiftMate Straight adapts different component brands and models to make the proper correction in the amount of cable pull needed for perfect shifting.
- CNC machined.
- Sealed ball bearing.
- Hard Nickel plating.
- Ideal for straight cable run mounting or mounting at cable stop locations.More info & order
This model is for mating Shimano & Campagnolo triple road shifters with mountain bike front derailleurs and cranks or mountain bike front shfiters with road triple cranksets.
For matching Campagnolo 11s Ergo Shifters with wide Shimano 11s cassettes using the 10s Shimano mech which was originally designed for max 36t.
In practice with some adjustment of the 'B' stop screw 40 and probably 42 are achievable.
The ShiftMate Straight is an inline shifting interface device for mating different bicycle shifting components. Using a ratio changing pulley, the ShiftMate Straight adapts different component brands and models to make the proper correction in the amount of cable pull needed for perfect shifting.
- CNC machined.
- Sealed ball bearing.
- Hard Nickel plating.
- Ideal for straight cable run mounting or mounting at cable stop locations.More info & order
These clips attach the fender stay to the dropout eyelet. They may be used with VO 5mm stays as well as fender stays from other brands. Includes screws and washers. Price is for a pack of four.More info & order
This model is for mating Shimano shifters with SRAM 1:1 derailleurs or SRAM non-road shifters with Shimano derailleurs.
It will also let you run Shimano 10 speed road STI with Shimano MTN 10 derailleurs and Shimano or SRAM 10 speed cassettes.
The ShiftMate Straight is an inline shifting interface device for mating different bicycle shifting components. Using a ratio changing pulley, the ShiftMate Straight adapts different component brands and models to make the proper correction in the amount of cable pull needed for perfect shifting.
- CNC machined.
- Sealed ball bearing.
- Hard Nickel plating.
- Ideal for straight cable run mounting or mounting at cable stop locations.
*Except Shimano Tiagra 4700 10 speed shifters and rear derailleurMore info & order
This model is for mating Campagnolo 2001+ shifters with SRAM 1:1 derailleurs. - see compatiblity guide.
The ShiftMate Straight is an inline shifting interface device for mating different bicycle shifting components. Using a ratio changing pulley, the ShiftMate Straight adapts different component brands and models to make the proper correction in the amount of cable pull needed for perfect shifting.
- CNC machined.
- Sealed ball bearing.
- Hard Nickel plating.
- Ideal for straight cable run mounting or mounting at cable stop locations.More info & order
This model is for mating older Pre-2001 8 & 9 speed Campagnolo components with Shimano 8 & 9 speed components. You can also match newer Campagnolo 11 speed with Shimano 10 speed components. Please check the link above for all suitable combinations.
Using a ratio changing pulley, the ShiftMate adapts different component brands and models to make the proper correction in the amount of cable pull needed for perfect shifting. There are no comprimises when using a ShiftMate. Your shifting will perform equally or better than original factory components.
- CNC machined.
- Sealed ball bearing.
- Hard Nickel plating.
- Reduces cable friction and cable housing length.
- Wide range of component mates and interfacing.
- Small compact design only 12 grams.
- Save money by upgrading over time or using components and wheelsets you already own.
*Except Shimano Tiagra 4700 10 speed shifters and rear derailleur
2001 and newer Campagnolo shifters and derailleurs are not compatible with older versions.More info & order
This model is for mating newer 2001+ Campagnolo 9 & 10 speed components with Shimano 9 & 10 speed components.
- Shimano 9 & 10 speed shifters to Campagnolo 9 & 10 speed cassettes & derailleur
- Campagnolo 9 & 10 speed shifters to Shimano 9 & 10 speed cassettes & derailleur
Using a ratio changing pulley, the ShiftMate adapts different component brands and models to make the proper correction in the amount of cable pull needed for perfect shifting. There are no comprimises when using a ShiftMate. Your shifting will perform equally or better than original factory components.
- CNC machined.
- Sealed ball bearing.
- Hard Nickel plating.
- Reduces cable friction and cable housing length.
- Wide range of component mates and interfacing.
- Small compact design only 12 grams.
- Save money by upgrading over time or using components and wheelsets you already own.
*Except Shimano Tiagra 4700 10 speed shifters and rear derailleurMore info & order