I was running my typical 40-42mm tires since moving to Wyoming from Texas. However on a few downhills I just wasn’t as comfortable because of unexpected layers of loose gravel out of nowhere. I decided to try 55mm front (29×2.20) and 50mm rear and I’m never going back. Hitting 44mph today through sections of loose stuff felt super solid. The mountain bike front tire grips and corners well because, well it’s a mountain bike tire. I can leave my house and be on gravel in less than 1/2 mile, so pavement isn’t something I ever have to ride on, but I can see that wouldn’t be ideal.
Wider tires for the win, at least for my area.
byu/Asleep-Two2961 ingravelcycling
by Asleep-Two2961
1 Comment
Running 50-55mm tires, its just waaay smother, nice grip, less rolling resistance with the drawback of added aero ressistance, but thats marginal.
I believe that 50mm will become the new standard