What is the perfect tyre size for a gravel bike, having just moved from 50 mm tyres to 55 mm tyres, I thought it’d be a good opportunity to chat about the differences, what I like and don’t like, and, going forward, what size of gravel tyre I am going to be choosing for my gravel bike. A little bit more of a niche topic on this one, but would love to hear what you think.
Thanks to DJI for sponsoring this video, as I mentioned here are the cameras of theirs that I’m using:
DJI Osmo Action 6:
https://store.dji.com/uk/product/osmo-action-6-adventure-combo?set_region=GB
DJI Osmo Pocket 4:
https://store.dji.com/uk/product/osmo-pocket-4-vlog-combo?set_region=GB
New DJI Osmo 360 II:
https://store.dji.com/uk/product/osmo-360-2-tripod-combo
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0:00 – 1:13 – intro
1:13 – 4:17 – rolling resistance
4:17 – 7:02 – low pressures
7:02 – 10:55 – weight
10:55 – 12:25 – grip
12:25 – 15:51 – tyres I’d choose
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4 Comments
Good to hear someone talking about this as it’s definitely a compromise to think about and all depends on what trails and gravel and how much road we ride.
I’ve just gone to 50mm Schwalbe G-one Pros and they’re the perfect balance for me, fast in all the testing I’ve seen and in my own experience riding quick 21-22mph groups on the road, they are so consistent with grip they give me huge amounts of confidence on any surface and as weather changes. 600g weight is top end of what I want if I’m doing 40-50% road riding though
I’m using my my gravel bike as a gravel and winter road bike and riding fast group rides so I’ve noticed it makes 20-30 watts difference to the effort on fast road rides or in a group.
I’d suggest if people can do it then a perfect setup would be 50-55mm whatever your preferred gravel / mtb tyre and a road wheelset with 35mm tyres
I’ve also ridden and would definitely reccomend the Dubnitals in 50mm also, these are the ones I’ll use in hardcore British winter mud. Pathfinders are very fast in road and dry gravel but crap for grip in anything other than dry light gravel
I maxed out my tyre clearance with 40 mm gravel tyres to try out gravel riding, it seems like the gravel around here is not that great but I found riding on the road with these tyres so much more comfortable. Honestly I am torn what should I do, keep these gravel tyres (They are for amooth gravel nothing harsh) for road? Is this madness or anyone else doing this?
50mm is maxing out my clearance 😅
50mm+ have their place for sure, but I’ve seen me revert back to 45mm as the best all round compromise that suits my general riding with the option of 50mm (plus Vittoria gravel lite tyre inserts … a surprising game changer) for big adventure/gravel days where the terrain is a challenge.