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    The best gravel tires: Pro Alex Howes tests 18 models



    After racing at the top of the sport for more than a decade at the Tour de France and beyond, Alex Howes created his own gravel program for 2023 where he got to select his own equipment. He tested 18 different tires and did all the big events, and in this video he shares his thoughts and his favorites.

    While 2023 was his first year racing solo, it certainly wasn’t his first year racing gravel; Alex won SBT GRVL in 2021 and placed third at Unbound Gravel in 2019 – the same year he won the US National Road Championship.

    Alex’s favorite tires:
    Everyday and adventure: Pirelli Cinturato RC https://tinyurl.com/5fy95a9z

    Super-fast for events like BWR CA: Panaracer GravelKing+ https://tinyurl.com/b7cecutw

    All-around race: Schwalbe G-One RS https://tinyurl.com/yfnrdf89

    Other tires tested and discussed:
    Vittoria Terreno Dry https://tinyurl.com/jsy277n8
    Schwalbe G-One Bite https://tinyurl.com/368bp4cn
    Vittoria Terreno Zero https://tinyurl.com/cdbwrcyf
    Continental Terra Speed https://tinyurl.com/26ffcjh3
    Panaracer GravelKing SK https://tinyurl.com/msfmvxrx
    45North Gravdal Studded https://tinyurl.com/4zufetkx
    Vittoria Mezcal III https://tinyurl.com/fvvws4ww

    All tires at BikeTiresDirect https://tinyurl.com/2s3td445

    ProCyclingStats: https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/alex-howes/2018

    Go follow Alex!
    https://www.strava.com/pros/11673347
    https://www.instagram.com/alex_howes/

    —
    The Ride is supported in 2023 by:

    Castelli clothing: https://www.castelli-cycling.com
    Giro helmets: https://www.giro.com
    Feedback Sports stands & tools: https://www.feedbacksports.com
    —

    0:00 Intro
    3:23 why ask Alex?
    4:45 BikeTiresDirect
    8:12 BWR AZ
    10:00 BWR CA
    13:01 The Mid South
    16:14 Gravel Locos
    20:53 Alex’s Favorite Gravel Tires

    View 25 Comments

    25 Comments

    2. TyTy on

      G-One RS – stupid fast, but never had much luck with them regarding durability. Always the fastest tire to wear out for me and puncture. Still loved them for their speed

      Challenge Getaways – also surprisingly fast, especially at lower pressures. Can’t wait to try the XPs

      Cinturato RCs – again, fast tires (and the one that has me skeptical of the RR results on the drum), durable, all-around solid tires. These tires new have such a satisfying grip to them, feels like I’m ripping the terrain every time

      S-Works Pathfinder Pro – kinda surprised at how slow these can feel at times, but great overall grip and durability. Only used them for about a month, but I can see myself using them again

    12. jamtoz on

      Received my Schwalbe g-one rs 45mm last week, i have Vittoria terreno dry 38mm on right now(very happy with them) can't wait to try them.

    13. sccxvelo on

      CX bike is gravel/everyday outdoor bike so tires depend on the days plans. So 38-40mm in the rear depending on tread side knobs with inner rim width. Front run 40-42mm no matter what tread. Did Mammoth Tuff mid September on with what I had that was in the parts box for years, no other gravel tires. Clement/Donelly MSO 40mm up front and Schwalbe G all round 40mm in rear. Worked well on tarmac, hardpack, not so much sandy stuff. When got home picked up a vittorria terrano dry 38mm and specliazed pathfinder pro 38mm for better side grip. Picked up panracer gravel king slick and maxxis refuse 32-34 depending on inner rim width for everyday all road/ hardpack dirt/ fast cx courses. Planning on picking another refuse tire when the panaracer is worn out. Maybe mud use as well, SoCal notorious slick sticky adobe clay mud. Doing more gravel races next year so will see what works best. CX mixed/ mud tires are the Clement MXP. Still use tubes as one disc brake wheelset of the ease of use.

    14. bcm1013 on

      Rode Pathfinder Pros most of the year but switched to Pirelli Cinturato M for Big Sugar. Was super happy with the grip and had zero punctures. Gonna ride them through the winter too.

    15. Jay Price on

      fast course with little to medium flat hazards, Conti Terra Speed in 45mm or that Schwalbe G-One RS in 45mm (thinks SBT.) Flat hazards? (like Unbound) Pathfinder Pro in 45. Those tires are going to cover 95 percent of the serious races.

    18. E Bomba on

      Swapped my G-One RS tires for the new Maxxis Reaver 40c tires. I wanted just a little more traction on the climbs and these tires delivered. Only one long ride in but I can already say that they are fast and confidence inspiring. What are your thoughts @bendelany?

    19. Chris Stewart on

      If you do this feature again it would be helpful if when you pick up a tire or point at a tire you call it by name. It’s too hard to tell from the video what each of the tires your holding is.

    22. shawn oen on

      I don't really like Specialized bikes but the Pathfinder Pro are the best gravel tires ever. No flats at Unbound, Big Sugar or 8,000 other miles this year for me and numerous events.

    25. E on

      Briliant work Ben & Alex, easily the best tyre review video I’ve seen. The real world review, based on actual race or training experience over the long term, is far and away better than the ubiquitous short test ride/review of a new tyre.
       
      The only discussion missing was re: 700c vs 650b – the latter being better for running wider 47-50mm tyres.  

      I’m currently riding Vittoria Terreno Dry 47mm 650b and Schwalbe G-One R 40mm 700c, on my two bikes. They are both excellent tyres and clear favourites, lighter and more supple than most. 

      I’m also about to try (the big brand missing from your review) Maxxis Velocita 40mm as gravel slicks on the 700c wheels for training rides mixing it up between road and gravel over summer down here in Australia. (I too have always found GravelKing’s a bit loose fitting and I won’t use them).  
      Perhaps next race I’ll try the Schwalbe G-One RS, depending on the terrain.

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