TIRE FOR GRAVEL BIKE
Are you looking for a comprehensive list of the best bike tires for gravel? Check out this detailed list of reliable bike tires for your gravel bike.
For many years tire options for gravel bikes were just enlarged cyclocross tires, many of which were aggressive “mud” tires. As the all-road and gravel trend became more mainstream so have the variety of component options.
The most noticeable has been the evolution of wheel and tire technologies, offering more variety than one can wrap their mind around. For us here in SoCal where it is rarely muddy the low profile knob has always been a goto, and now there are more options than ever. Here are a few of our favorites that offer great all-road versatility.
Panaracer Gravel King SK+
Detail
Looking for a tire that’s more aggressive than the mixte-tread GravelKing? The GravelKing SK might just be the tire you need for the more hardcore roads. Aggressive knobs, ZSG Natural rubber compound, puncture protection breaker and AX-α special low rolling resistance casing make the Gravelking a go-anywhere tire. And tubeless compatible up to 60 PSI! The Gravel King SK + model has side reinforcement with Protite and bead-to-bead nylon puncture belt, resulting in a 4ply, super tough casing.
- 650B x 48C tire size, perfect for gravel and dirt, great for both rough and smooth pavement
- Folding bead tire that is tubeless compatible, Black tire tread and Black sidewalls
- ZSG natural rubber compound is long lasting and makes for an excellent ride, Anti-flat casing provides reinforcement throughout the tire
- Advanced Extra Alpha Cord, AX technology uses extremely narrow cord which is weaved at a super high density into the casing, makes for lightness and flexibility, increases density and improves resistance to cuts and abrasions
- Max PSI of 60
Black
- 27,5 x 1,9 inch
- 700 x 32 C
- 700 x 35 C
- 700 x 38 C
- 700 x 43 C
- 700 x 50 C
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Schwalbe G-One All Round
Detail
German bicycle tire manufacturer Schwalbe uses densely-packed low-profile knobs on a rounded tire to provide traction on gravel and non-technical dry trails while at the same time offering a fast roll on pavement.
The aptly-named G-One All Round uses a tread compound that makes these tires supple and sticky, resulting in excellent gripping power whether going uphill on off-road terrain or leaning into corners on the road.
The tire’s relatively large width of 35mm and 38mm width provides excellent cushioning while Schwalbe’s Tubeless Easy construction makes the G-One All Around one of the easier tubeless tires to install.
- Tubeless Ready
- Tubeless Easy MicroSkin Technology
- Made from OneStar triple compound
- Tyre type: Folding.
- 35c weight: 400 g.
- 38c weight: 460 g.
- Max load: 70 kg.
- Max pressure: 70 psi.
Black/skinwall
- 650b
- 700 x 35mm
- 700 x 38mm
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WTB Resolute
Detail
WTB continues its reputation for developing affordable gravel and all-road tires with the WTB Resolute, its all-condition gravel tire.
The Resolute’s tire pattern is comprised of three different sections.
The center row is made of small square-shaped knobs that are designed to decrease roll-resistance. A wider set of knobs make up the intermediate and sides of the tire in order to offer better traction and mud-shedding capability on rougher terrain. Square knobs are designed to bite into the terrain when rising out of the saddle to climb.
The Resolute is a somewhat wider tire at 42 mm, so be sure to check your frame’s clearance to see if their work with your rig. Both 700c and 650b sizes are available.
- Size: 650b (27.5 inch)
- Width: 42.
- Level: TCS Light (Fast Rolling)
- Rubber compound: Dual Compound DNA Rubber.
- Casing: Lightweight.
- Bead: TCS Aramid.
- Weight: 440 g.
Tan skinwall
- 27,5 x 42
- 700 x 42C
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WTB Raddler
Detail
Raddler is the radder version of our famed Riddler tread pattern. It combines the expeditious efficiency of a short-knob centerline with get-rad traction of chunky outer knobs.
Let’s call it a semi-slick, but one designed to increase confidence while you’re pushing the limits of gravel. Raddler is an excellent choice for loose terrain where traction takes priority, but efficiency is never far behind.
Lean it over, take the inside line, brake late and stay pinned with the Raddler.
- Short-knob center tread cuts down on rolling resistance while still providing enough bite for out-of-the-saddle traction.
- Center and intermediate knobs on the Raddler are slightly taller than those of the original Riddler, thereby increasing tire lifespan without negatively affecting rolling efficiency.
- Tall, toothy outer lugs ensure your favorite gravel descent doesn’t unravel in the final corner.
- Single-ply 60tpi casing provides dependable protection at a minimal weight.
- TCS Casing- tubeless compatible System.
- Bike Type: Gravel Bike
- Sport Type: Cycling
Tan wall
- 700 x 40C
- 700 x 42C
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Review
Maxxis Rambler EXO TR
Detail
Raddler is the radder version of our famed Riddler tread pattern. It combines the expeditious efficiency of a short-knob centerline with get-rad traction of chunky outer knobs.
Let’s call it a semi-slick, but one designed to increase confidence while you’re pushing the limits of gravel. Raddler is an excellent choice for loose terrain where traction takes priority, but efficiency is never far behind.
Lean it over, take the inside line, brake late and stay pinned with the Raddler.
- Compound: Dual Compound
- Type: tubeless-ready clincher
- Casing: single-ply
- Protection: EXO, SilkShield
Black Tan wall
- 700c x 38mm
- 700c x 40mm
- 700c x 45mm
- 700c x 50mm
Where To Buy
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Kenda Flintridge Pro
Detail
The Kenda Flintridge Pro DTC Gravel Tire is a gravel tire that has a smooth centerline tread pattern that works exceptionally well both on the road and on hard pack. While the center rolls smoothly, the shoulder knobs provide control in loose rock and mud.
The Kenda Flintridge Pro DTC Gravel Tire is a gravel tire that has a smooth centerline tread pattern that works exceptionally well both on the road and on hard pack. While the center rolls smoothly, the shoulder knobs provide control in loose rock and mud.
- KSCT casing provides easy tubeless conversion and sidewall protection
- Reflective Hot Patch increases visibility in low-light conditions
- Smooth rolling center tread with grippy shoulder knobs
Black
- 700×45,
- 700×40,
- 700×35,
- 650Bx45
Where To Buy
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What to look for in a gravel tyre
When choosing gravel tyres, reflect on where you’ll be riding. Consider how much time you will spend on tarmac versus gravel or dirt.
Think about how smooth or rough your roads are and what “gravel” means in your neck of the woods. Smooth and fast? Rough and rutted? Rocky roads that shred fragile tyres? These are just a few of the possibilities.
There’s no single right answer and tyre choice will always contain an element of compromise because those suited to looser surfaces or mud will inevitably be slower when you take them on tarmac, while tyres at the lighter, slicker end of the spectrum will be out of their depth on tougher terrain.
Tubed or tubeless?
While tubeless isn’t essential for gravel, it’s highly recommended.
Tubeless eliminates inner tubes from the equation and lets you run low pressures without the risk of pinch flats, giving your more grip and comfort off-road.
Also, with tubeless sealant in your tyres, small punctures are taken care of automatically.
All of the tyres in this list are tubeless-ready, but some exist in non-tubeless versions too which might save you some money and/or weight if your rims aren’t suitable for tubeless conversion.