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    Gravel Cycling

    32c tyre road tyre that can handle light gravels and pathways


    UPDATE: I OWN A SET OF GIANT SLR2 36 WHEELSET AND THE GIANT WEBSITE HAS A LIST OF RECOMMENDED TYRES.

    https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/hookless-technology

    I have recently bought the Giant Defy Advanced 2 which comes with the Giant Gavia Fondo 1, tubeless, 700x32c. I have been slightly worried that these tyres may not be the best option for light gravel and pathway through the wooden area next to where I live. Ideally I would like to feel more secure and more comfortable going offroad. I have read some review saying that the Giant option maybe not be super resistant to puncture when going offroad.

    Could anyone recommend a tyre which will be mainly used on the road but can easily accomodate some light to medium gravels? Basically I would like to go for rides and feel that I am not going to get stuck when I divert my route to go offroad.

    Thanks

    by TriboKing

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    13 Comments

    1. Bambussen on

      In my experience, 32mm is just too narrow to be fun on anything loose and punctures are far easier to happen.

      You can ride it in a pinch or with a low pressure but then you have to be super careful about roots or holes.

      I did some light, smooth gravel on my commuter bike before I got my gravel bike and frankly it sucked.

    2. LosterP on

      I use Panaracer Gravelking SK+ for the scenario you describe and also some rougher, slightly gnarlier stuff. Only thing is, they don’t seem to make them in 700x32mm anymore. Could you go up to 35mm perhaps?

    4. Guilty_Sheepherder_1 on

      Your bike has clearance up to 35mm. I run Pirelli Cinturato H at 35mm on the kind of paths you mention with no issues

    5. Southern_Planner on

      Gravel king SS. It’s what I use on my commuter bike for exactly this purpose.

    7. MonsterKabouter on

      It’s a trade-off. How much speed are you willing to lose on road? How much grip do you want? Or are you just looking for puncture protection

    9. killexel on

      I think you can get pathfinder pros in 32s but you might have to wait and/or shop around

    11. initiali5ed on

      Roubaix 2Bliss, I used to run the 120TPI 27mm, now use the 60TPI 32mm very similar.

    13. drewbaccaAWD on

      Don’t over think this one.. I find a 28c tire is fine for light gravel and pathway. Any 32c should be able to handle that. Anything a 28mm wouldn’t handle, I really wouldn’t be that much more comfortable on 32mm either. In my mind I sort of break things down as 23-25, 28-35, 38-42, and 45+ for road bike tires.

      Everyone’s comfort level and enjoyment is different. Your weight and the pressure you run will be factors too.

      Likewise, where you ride matters. Someone who rides in an urban area with lots of broken glass or someone in the SW US who sees a lot of goat heads might say a tire isn’t puncture resistant enough and it may not matter to your local riding conditions. So, take reviews with a grain of salt without that context… what did the reviewer get a flat from?

      You don’t have to follow the recommended list. If I had to pick off of there, probably Schwalbe. I’v e had ok experience with Vittoria but they tend to run small in my experience. I think of both more as commuter tire brands than gravel tire brands. I like Panaracers, Specialized, and Donnelly offerings myself.

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