The choice of tires for your bike is an important matter. Especially if you ride on trails and paths. In the Gravel discipline
, therefore, getting the tires right can make a difference. Not in vain, it affects key aspects such as comfort, performance, and balance on rough terrain. We want to help you. That’s why we have prepared a guide that will allow you to make the best decision when installing tires on your Gravel bike.
➡️ Guide to choosing the right gravel bike
What a Gravel tire should have
In general, the most balanced Gravel tire has a 700 mm diameter (the most common size for road wheels) and a width or volume of 32 to 55 mm, with 40 mm being the most commonly used. It should have a tread or rolling band with a rolling profile, with small and compact knobs. This way, you get good grip without losing the feeling that the bike moves forward swiftly with each pedal stroke. A good combination for riding trails and tracks, but without giving up asphalt.
Small and numerous knobs, tubeless, and 700C diameter define the most used gravel tire.
On the other hand, most Gravel cyclists, just like MTB riders, opt for using tubeless.
A system that helps prevent punctures and allows riding at low pressures, since the possibility of blowouts or rim strikes is minimized. This way, you get extra grip and lightness.
The tire dimensions, key in the choice
There is much debate about the ideal width of Gravel tires. Also about their diameter. There is a wide range of sizes, also due to the versatile and multipurpose nature of their bikes and routes.
To set an average or reference point: the standard size of a Gravel tire would be 700x40 mm. As we have already mentioned, it is the same diameter as a road bike, which enhances its rolling qualities. Meanwhile, the 40 mm width provides a good base or contact with the terrain, without being too much of a burden. From there, you can increase or vary the dimensions depending on the routes you plan to take, your riding style, or the tire clearance your bike allows (maximum width it can fit). The new Gravel bikes, especially high-end ones, already have a maximum tire clearance of 55 mm.
Most commonly used width sizes
Measured in mm, just like on Road tires, ranging between 32 and 55 mm (1.25 – 2.1”). Let’s review these sizes: 32 – 40 mm is the range in which the most classic Gravel tires are found, for more rolling routes (track, smooth trails, gravel...). The width would increase by about 0.5 – 1 cm compared to a Cyclocross tire (32 – 34 mm), or a wide road tire wide (28 – 30 mm). 40 – 50 mm is a recommended size for rolling routes with some technical elements: descents, potholes, rocks... From 40 mm onwards, performance on asphalt is more compromised, as well as the weight (over 500 grams per tire).
In the so-called Gravel+ category, for very technical routes, the most commonly used tire diameter is 650B.
50 – 55 mm is a size that can be equivalent to a narrow MTB tire (2 – 2.10”). Suitable for Gravel routes with very technical sections, descents, and some rock gardens, also called Gravel+. It is highly recommended to be tubeless to contain the weight increase and get the best performance with low pressures.
The diameter, 700C or 650B?
The Gravel has adopted the standard Road diameter (700C), but also the intermediate diameter (650B) that was briefly popular in MTB 10 years ago. Both have their own strengths. 700C: in inches, it would be equivalent to 28”. It is a size more focused on flat and rolling routes, more stable at high speeds, and associated with tire widths between 32 and 45 mm, approximately.
The 650B diameter would be equivalent to a 27.5” wheel. A size that has benefited from the growth of gravel to make a comeback.
650B: would be equivalent to 27.5” wheels and began to be introduced in the Gravel as more robust and radical bikes were created, with elements inherited from MTB, such as suspension. It is the recommended wheel diameter for technical routes, with curves, narrow trails, and obstacles. A 650B wheel is more lively, quick to react, and agile. But it is also less stable at high speeds and requires more refined bike handling.
Choosing the tread pattern
The shape and number of knobs is also an important aspect when choosing your Gravel tires. In general, you will have to choose between semi-slick or patterned, and more aggressive knobbed tires. Semi-slick or patterned tires are associated with widths between 32 and 40 mm and recommended for routes with more asphalt than gravel or dirt. Likewise, if you prefer to ride fast and avoid technical sections, consider this type of tread.
Rolling treaded tires are the most specific for Gravel, ideal for widths from 32 to 45 mm. A mixed profile with small and numerous knobs all over the tread, for comfortable riding and just enough grip to corner properly or get through a technical section. There are also variants with more separated and larger knobs, or arranged diagonally, for rain or mud. There are also tires with tall knobs. You will find them more often in 650B models with widths from 45 to 55 mm. This is the type of tread used by the most radical Gravel cyclists, who barely touch asphalt and dare to tackle rock gardens or obstacles.
Other aspects to consider: TPI, compounds, and reinforcements
In addition to size and tread, don't forget to compare the TPI / EPI value, which refers to the casing density. It determines aspects such as the weight or resistance of the tire and in Gravel it ranges between 60 and 120 TPI. Remember that with lower TPI, the tire will be heavier, but more comfortable on rough terrain and more resistant to punctures. As for the tread compounds, rolling profile and reduced hardness of 60a with a large amount of rubber are preferred. Unless you want to compete, choose this type of compound for greater grip or resistance.
Likewise, there are models with specific reinforcements in the casing and sidewalls. Sheets with anti-abrasive fabrics that are more opaque than conventional nylon threads. With these, a more solid, stable, and puncture-resistant structure is achieved. Examples include Maxxis's EXO Protection and Schwalbe's SnakeSkin.
What pressure should you inflate them to?
As a general rule, the recommended pressure range for a Gravel tire is between 1.5 and 4.5 bars (22 – 65 psi), a margin that falls between mountain biking
(1 – 3 bars) and road cycling (5 – 9 bars).
The pressure range varies between 1.5 (technical trails) and 4.5 bars (rolling tracks and asphalt).
Within this range, you should adjust your pressure according to the type of tire, dimensions, your weight, terrain conditions, etc. Just like in any other cycling discipline. Opt for a lower-than-normal pressure if you use tubeless and widths over 40 mm (1.5 – 3 bars, generally 1 or 2 bars more than on an MTB) and go up to 4 bars if the terrain is very fast-rolling and you use narrower models.
The 5 most popular gravel tires
To finish, there's nothing better than seeing everything above reflected in specific models of Gravel tires. In this case, we have chosen five of the most popular and in-demand models today, each for a specific type of terrain.
Hutchinson Overide
Very common on Gravel bikes focused on simply riding and racking up kilometers. It has a central tread with tiny knobs, almost like a road tire with a pattern. On the sides, these change to larger, more spaced diamond-shaped knobs to increase grip in corners.
It is available in tubeless or tube versions, has a dual compound and a light 127 TPI. Available in 650B diameters with a width of 47 mm, and in 700C of 35, 38, and 45 mm.
- Comfort: good.
- Grip: good.
- Puncture resistance: very good.
- Weight: good.
Schwalbe G-One Bite
The Schwalbe G-One is very common as original equipment in any of its 7 variants. And it keeps releasing new versions to the market. The latest, the ultra-light G-One RS. We present you the most balanced option, the Bite, with good performance on all types of trails. The tread is small, fast-rolling and well distributed across the central band, combined with larger knobs on the sides and smooth spaces to better evacuate mud. It is tubeless ready, features Addix Speedgrip compound (blue, a mix of grip and good rolling) and a three-layer casing with Snake Skin to protect against punctures. Available in 700C or 650B options and in widths from 40 to 54 mm.
- Comfort: good.
- Grip: very good.
- Puncture resistance: good.
- Weight: good.
Vittoria Terreno Dry
Another option for a Gravel fast-rolling tire, especially designed for dry terrain. It is very practical for Spain's forest trails, both in summer and in dry winters. The Terreno Dry has small hexagonal knobs in the central band, which makes for a smooth and agile ride. At the same time, it offers good traction when braking and cornering with other much more prominent and diagonally arranged knobs on the sides.
It is offered in a wide range of sizes (from 31 to 47 mm) in 650B / 700C options and tubeless or with inner tube.
- Comfort: very good.
- Grip: good.
- Puncture resistance: good.
- Weight: very good.
WTB Sendero
An attractive option for the more daring gravel cyclists. WTB offers an aggressive tread design, almost like an MTB profile. In addition, its characteristic skinwall sides give the bike a more eye-catching aesthetic touch. It has a dual compound, offers options for both inner tube and tubeless, and is only available in the 650Bx47 mm size.
- Comfort: normal.
- Grip: excellent.
- Puncture resistance: good.
- Weight: normal.
Maxxis Rambler
We finish with Maxxis' most popular gravel tire, the Rambler. A versatile model, suitable for both fast-rolling trails and technical sections. Its knobs are somewhat larger than on fast-rolling tires like the Terreno Dry or Schwalbe G-One, but still maintain a certain size and compact alignment for comfortable rolling. On the sides, there are more prominent knobs, in line with more technical tires. It offers options with extra EXO protection, for inner tube or tubeless, and in both 650B and 700C sizes, with widths ranging from 38 to 50 mm. It also comes in two versions depending on TPI: 60 or 120.
- Comfort: good.
- Grip: very good.
- Puncture resistance: very good.
- Weight: good.