The HEX Carapace Gravel Tire adds Kevlar protection from bead to bead, guarding both the tread and sidewall against the sharp rocks and hidden edges that cause flats on rough terrain. An anti-pinch bumper and chafer strip reinforce the bead, while the same hexagonal tread pattern as the standard HEX keeps rolling performance intact despite the added protection. What Our Gearhead(R) Experts Are Saying:"I've ridden this through chunky terrain that would have sliced a lighter sidewall without a second thought, and the tire came through without a scratch. The protection doesn't show up as extra drag either, which is what actually sold me on it."