Hello guys, How much of a difference would I feel going from 40 to 30mm tyres on my cube gravel bike?
I ride mostly on pavement and the gravel off roads that I ride on every now and then is still rather smoothly packed!
Is going from 40 to 30 going to make a big difference in agility and speed? Is 30 too much to go down to since the bike's geometry might be built around the 40mm width and 35 is the minimum I should go to? Or is it not worth going to anyway?
by Hoory89
23 Comments
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40 is the sweet spot IMO. I put mine at 50psi if I’m riding around town. 35-40 for offroad. I would even go larger if my frame could allow.
For example, I am doing a 50 mile gravel race in a few weeks in a national forest and the organizers recommend 40s at the MINIMUM for the fire roads.
45’s!!!
I slowly keep moving towards larger diameter tires as I replace them. Started on 40’s, now on 43’s, and will be putting on 45’s once these GK SS wear out. 50’s will likely come eventually lol but that’s my frames max.
I have next to no speed penalty on these 43’s compared to anything from like 33 and upward in size so why not keep pushing the size for comfort and capability?
If you ride mostly pavement, I think you might want to go down to 35. I ride both 36 mm and 40 mm tires, because I have two sets of wheels, and I like the feeling of the smooth 36’s with fairly high pressures on paved roads.
30 is likely excessive. In 2024, that’s what you see in something like the Tour de France.
There’s plenty of data now that thinner isn’t necessarily faster.
If you go less than 40 you might as well be running road tires. I’ve done lots between 32 and 40 and then I have 50s in a second wheelset.
Buy some panaracer slicks in 40s and you’ll be golden for your conditions.
I love 40s. good comfort. Would probably run 45s if I had em
Wider is better 😀 fo 45mm!
Sounds like you want more of an all-road tire.
I really liked my Rene Herse 35mm tires. I would give that a shot. 30mm is roadie stuff. I think you’ll find it too harsh.
Give 35’s a shot. You’ll not notice much of a difference going to 38mm.
30 was my favourite size for when I used to go fast. I don’t anymore. I’m on 40’s now. It’s a big difference yes. I used an 11-30 on 28-32mm tires. I’m using 11-34 on my 40’s. Still a quick bike but it’s not the same. I’ve been thinking of going back to 30’s now that I bought a hybrid though. Go back to more like road bike feel.
40 is perfect if your gonna encounter paved stuff often
I have 45s and like them now where did we get that wall mount me wants ☝️
I ride 42 minimum on my road bike.
35 or 40 anything wider begins to feel like a beach cruiser.
For true gravel where you need the tires to bite I use 40s.
For mostly road and some dirt I use 35s.
I wouldn’t go less than 35mm if there is any dirt involved even if it is reasonably smooth.
Can you fit 40? There’s your answer.
I ride 32 on the road. 40 on gravel.
It’ll be a notable difference.
Realistically, 35’s should be thee lowest with 38mm being a good middleground. Panaracer has good options.
Recently I put on some 32’s (road slicks) for fun and it’s certainly “faster” (down from 42mm) but lmao, it feels weird riding on delicate tires. Will be looking at 35-38mm.
47 all day.
The widest she’ll (the frame) take!
I’m currently riding 32s on my gravel bike for summer riding where I spend more time on road. It’s still a capable bike off-road but much less so than with my 45 ml gravel tires. Also not nearly as comfortable of pavement.
I’m running stock 42s!
You’re asking the gravel sub so you’re unsurprisingly going to get a one-sided answer.
Based on your description, if I was starting from scratch, I would probably get some slick 35c tires. It really depends on what your offroad terrain is like. If you just need a little plush and grip isn’t an issue, then slicks would be nice to have on your majority road sections. But that’s just me, usually I optimize a bit more for the road sections since my rides are generally long touring rides with off-road link-ups.