Howdy folks! I’m looking for some insight about which tires to get/try for my canyon grail. Here’s what I’m looking for (if such a combo exists):
1. 700x42c (max clearance on the grail)
2. Something that rolls pretty fast on smooth gravel/tarmac (Pittstown/Chatham NY roads or NH rail trails), but can handle some rougher VT roads and beyond (think VTXL, Super 8).
3. Reliable and puncture resistant
More background:
1. I had no qualms about the Schwalbe G-One Bites that came on the bike (they handled a very wet VTXL and countless Pittstown rides very well). Maybe I should just get another pair of them again?
2. I came into a pair of Teravail Cannonballs 38c and am curious if they’ll roll as fast as the Schwalbes mentioned above or if they’ll be as grippy on looser gravel?
3. I’m curious about other brands offerings; especially specialized. I’ve been thinking about maybe going for a Pathfinder Pro rear and Rhombus front combination.
Maybe I’m overthinking it, but if anyone has any insights/experience with the tires or similar terrain mentioned above, I’d love to hear about it! Thanks!
by Keither88
6 Comments
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I haven’t tried their treaded tires but I’m very happy with my Rene Herse Barlow Pass tires I’ve set up tubeless. I ride probably half road and half gravel (Canyon Grizl). Super fast on pavement/trails and handles light-medium gravel and dirt paths well extremely well. Zero problems so far at about 1k miles.
I have similar needs, with just a bit more clearance. Very happy with my 700x45c Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M. They also come in 40c but not 42.
[Specialized Sawtooth](https://www.specialized.com/us/en/sawtooth-2bliss-ready/p/155300?color=228365-155300&searchText=00018-4225&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=PMax%20Shopping_US_Equipment%26Accessories_Mid_ROI&utm_id=17855747445&utm_content=&utm_term=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA6vaqBhCbARIsACF9M6nnOVD0y_QYHwivigKkTHqefpf3Foc7ET4CGtn5kaUS1UOphvEHxT8aAnN0EALw_wcB) was a go-to for me but the brand seems to be phasing them out. The pathfinder pro is definitely the tire that the brand has been getting behind and I see several folks running the combo you’re talking about. I haven’t ridden it myself but it seems appealing. The rhombus is plenty fast rolling, despite its appearance.
Ultradynamico sent me a pair of their [CAVA race](https://ultradynamico.com/products/cava-race?variant=40708620550229) tires and I’ve been running them on my local route (60/40 tarmac gravel split) in Southern California and I’m pretty smitten. Our terrain is quite different than yours: dry, sandy, loose over hard, more smooth rocks than slick roots. If you’re interested in ultradynamico but want a meatier front tire, I’d suggest the [Rosé race](https://ultradynamico.com/products/rose-race) on the front.
Just bought a set of rhombus for wet gravel, can report back
Gravelking SK in 43mm. You’ll never look back. So fast, puncture resistant and look awesome.