Protocol 32" RCG-3 Gravel Tire

$ 99.00
/
NOTIFY ME WHEN IN STOCK
When lining up in Emporia, KS or Bentonville, AR finding the fastest tire that won't flat is key. This is the choice for those types of courses. More grip, more puncture protection, and all the speed.

The RCG-3 is the successful result of our mission to make the best gravel tire on the planet. Arriving at gravel tire development with a fresh perspective, we took the characteristics everyone loves about fast XC MTB tires and optimized them for modern gravel with ultra-fast road tire casing concepts. The RCG-3 delivers robust flat protection without sacrificing speed. It was engineered for harsh courses and unpredictable terrain like you find in Category 3 gravel events like Unbound, Big Sugar, and The Rift. 

Built around our supple Pulsar casing, the RCG-3 integrates an under-tread puncture breaker selected through many rounds of testing for its superior impact resistance. Unlike conventional protective tires that feel heavy and sluggish due to high internal friction, the RCG-3 architecture minimizes hysteretic losses to protect against flats while maintaining optimal rolling efficiency and traction. 

The RCG-3 tread features tightly spaced, elongated center knobs that increase both in size and height as the pattern moves outwards to enhance buoyancy and contact patch during cornering. This clever shape keeps you rolling smoothly on the rubber rather than squirming on the casing. 

To maximize its unique structural layup, the RCG-3 is tuned for slightly higher baseline inflation. This optimized pressure dynamic prevents over-deflection, stabilizes the contact patch, and enhances pinch-flat protection without compromising traction or handling confidence. Accordingly, we added a new casing option to our tire pressure calculator to account for the differences needed for the race casing in our tires. The result is a fast, supple, and resilient tire that allows riders to attack demanding courses knowing their speed won't be compromised by a flat. 

Important: Never install tires with a tire lever.

• 710g
• 120 TPI
• SealSkin Protection Layer
• Fastest Pulsar compound
• Width as measured on a 25mm rim after 24 hours
• Designed for the courses like Unbound and Big Sugar
• Moderate tread pattern for increased grip while keeping rolling resistance low
• Ideal when used on Category 3 gravel
• Race Casing for flat out speed

The Protocol 32" RCG-3 Gravel Tire

RCG-3 Architecture

The same tightly spaced, elongated center knobs as the rest of the RCG-3 family, growing in size and height toward the shoulder for buoyancy and contact patch through the corner. Sized to 32 x 2.4, that pattern sits on a longer, wider footprint than a 700c tire can reach.

An Emerging Advantage

In some scenarios, 32-inch tires offer superior rollover and reduced real-world rolling resistance over rough terrain compared to smaller wheels. Their larger diameter can create a shallower angle of attack against obstacles, lowering the energy required to clear bumps.

Ideal Conditions

Purpose-built 32-inch tires perform on rough, mixed terrain race days, where rollover and stability matter as much as outright speed. Choose it when your frame has the clearance and the course rewards float and comfort over the lowest possible weight.

Protocol Tire Technology

Pulsar Compound
A high performance rubber and silica race compound engineered to hold rolling efficiency, grip, and durability in balance rather than trading one away for another.

Race Casing
A race casing architecture developed around modern tire pressures, so the tire keeps its shape and its ride quality at the pressures wide rims actually run.

SealSkin
Enhanced puncture protection for terrain that asks more of the casing, adding durability where the ground is rough enough to make it part of being fast.

Tubeless Ready
Engineered for modern tubeless systems from the bead out, so sealant, valves, and lower pressures all work the way they were meant to.

The Ultimate Tire Setup

Ultimate Tubeless Sealant

Ultimate Rim Tape

Ultimate Tubeless Valves

Ultimate Sealant Injector

TPU Tubes

Sealant Fill Recommendations

The fill volumes below are the minimum recommended amount of SILCA Ultimate Sealant per tire to provide reliable puncture protection and long-lasting performance. Additional sealant may be beneficial based on climate, riding conditions, riding frequency, tire inserts, and service intervals.

Inspect sealant regularly and replenish as needed to maintain sealing performance.

Model ISO ETRTO Minimum Sealant Fill Recommendation
Protocol RCG-1 45 mm 700 × 45 45-622 90 ml (3.0 oz)
Protocol RCG-1 50 mm 700 × 50 50-622 100 ml (3.4 oz)
Protocol RCG-1 55 mm 700 × 55 55-622 115ml (3.9oz)
Protocol RCG-3 45 mm 700 × 45 45-622 90 ml (3.0 oz)
Protocol RCG-3 50 mm 700 × 50 50-622 100 ml (3.4 oz)
Protocol RCG-3 55 mm 700 × 55 55-622 115ml (3.9oz)
Protocol RCG-3 32" × 2.4" 32 × 2.4 61-686 135 ml (4.55 oz+)
Protocol RCG-4 45 mm 700 × 45 45-622 90 ml (3.0 oz)
Protocol RCG-4 50 mm 700 × 50 50-622 100 ml (3.4 oz)
Protocol RCG-4 55 mm 700 × 55 55-622 115ml (3.9oz)
Protocol RCR 29 mm 700 × 29 29-622 55 ml (1.85 oz)
Protocol RCR 34 mm 700 × 34 34-622 65 ml (2.2 oz)
Protocol RCR 38 mm 700 × 38 38-622 80 ml (2.7 oz)

The Protocol Tire Lineup

RCG-1

45, 50, & 55mm

Learn More

RCG-3

45, 50, & 55mm

Learn More

32" RCG-3

32" x 2.4"

Learn More

RCG-4

45, 50, & 55mm

Learn More

RCR

29, 34, & 38mm

Learn More

Frequently asked questions

How long will a SILCA Protocol Tire last?

SILCA Protocol tires are designed with a race casing, but can also be used for training or as an all-season tire depending on how much you are riding. You can expect these tires to last for around 1000-1500 miles of riding for the standard rider.

Which rims are SILCA Protocol Tires compatible with?

SILCA Protocol tires are designed to ETRTO standards, but you should confirm compatibility with your rim manufacturer.

What should I expect if my rims are narrower/wider than 25mm internal?

The general rule of thumb is that for every 2mm of rim change, you will get 1mm of tire change in measured width with SILCA Protocol Tires.

What is Pulsar Compound in SILCA Protocol Tires?

It’s a faster-rolling and lower-density compound.

What do I do if I see a wobble with my SILCA Protocol Tires?

All SILCA Protocol Tires are tested for wobble prior to shipping. When a wobble is present following the installation of your tire, it is a sign that your bead is not properly seated. Check that the bead line on the tire evenly follows the edge of your rim. If it does not, attempt a reinstallation.

Are there any installation precautions with the SILCA Protocol Tires?

Since SILCA Protocol Tires use a carbon bead, we recommend that these tires not be installed with the use of a tire lever unless absolutely necessary. Using a tire lever increases the chances of damaging this bead.

Why is carbon bead used in SILCA Protocol Tires?

Carbon bead is used in SILCA Protocol Tires to guarantee consistency and provide a safer, more robust riding experience for those using hookless rims.

Which tubeless sealants can be used in SILCA Protocol Tires?

While we tested SILCA Protocol Tires with our Ultimate Tubeless Sealant, all modern sealants on the market should be compatible.

Can I use tubes in SILCA Protocol Tires?

Even though SILCA Protocol Tires are listed as tubeless tires, they can be used with tubes if you wish.