How Important Is Tire Choice for Gravel Cycling?

Question

I'm looking forward to indulging in gravel cycling and I’m curious to know how important tire selection is going to be for my travels?

Answer 1

Tire choice is critical in gravel cycling as it can make or break your ride. The best tires for gravel grinding depend on the type and conditions of surface. Hardpack gravel can use a slick tire for speed, while loose and muddy surfaces require knobbly tires for grip. There is no doubt that one should be careful in choosing your tires depending on the riding surfaces, for one’s riding experience to be satisfactory.

Comments

I ride an old CX bike with tubes and canti brakes! Variety of terrain, including very rocky in my part of the word. Although tubeless would probably improve comfort a bit, I have no real issues with punctures on my now-old fashioned inner tube tyres. I do 200 to 250k a week on these.

---

Tubeless 40mm Goodyear Peaks on my gravel bike are a god send for the 'gravel' we have here in the UK. Tyre choice is so important, I've spent a lot of time (and money) trying to find the perfect combo, but I think I'm finally there! Nice content, Francis. Informative as always!

---

you don’t need the same tyres front and back - they’re doing a very different job. Fast rolling on the rear and nobbly on the front gives you best of both worlds.

---

I change my set of tires for different rides, so I cannot use tubeless. Two years riding and only 4 holes. It's ok for me.

---

Tyre choice is the hardest part of my life. My MTB spends most of the time on hardpack gravel jump tracks, but when it gets muddy in winter god I need more than an XC/DJ tyre. My cyclocross bike does double duty as longer road ride bike, and gravel/XC bike so picking what to put on that means I'm either slow on road, or need to walk more off road. I tend to go with slicker than I would want, knowing it's faster on road and I can always walk. One day I'll have 2 wheels for every bike...

---

I own a cyclecross bike and cycling with it from 2018, almost for 4 years as my commutebike. I plan to buy another bike, especially a Gravel Bike (GB),  for travel (GB has mount in forks and it can bring more luggage, ) and fun.  
But I am worried about speed , because most of my besties own Roadbike, I am worried about my GB speed when cycling with them.

---

'Schwalbe Marathon Racer' instead of pure slicks and you can ride almost everywhere with them. Light (even as a clincher), light rolling and almost never a puncture.