I currently run a two bike setup in NYC:
* Salsa Warbird (mostly used on roads)
* Salsa Journeyer (sort of the older beater bike, used mostly on rough trails and for errands where I have to leave it outside)
I put almost 3k miles on my last set of Teravail [Washburns](https://www.teravail.com/product/teravail-washburn-tire-384009-1.htm) and loved them. I rode them on MTB trails, paved roads, and everything in between. However, they were my first gravel tires so I don’t know much about what else is out there. I’m interested in the [Specialized Pathfinder Pros](https://www.specialized.com/us/en/pathfinder-pro-2bliss-ready/p/157870?color=334296-157870&searchText=00019-4417) as a similar style. Thoughts on these? Anyone tried one or both?
​
My current tire setup:
Right now, my Journeyer is sporting Teravail [Cannonballs](https://www.teravail.com/product/teravail-cannonball-tire-394759-1.htm) (tubeless) and I love them. They’re damn near perfect for the type of trails around me. However, I’m looking for a faster rolling tire for my Warbird since I ride it mostly on road. I bought Teravail [Ramparts](https://www.teravail.com/product/teravail-rampart-tire-394763-1.htm) (also tubeless) to fill this role, but I’m not impressed. They don’t feel any faster and I’ve had issues with traction/slipping on patches of loose dirt. I think going back to a tire with side lugs and a center slick is probably the best option for me as a middle ground.
Any recs, tips, or other things to consider?
by ClimbCycleSleep
5 Comments
Tufo Thunderos are super fast on tarmac but solid off-trail. Check out their numbers on Bicycle Rolling Resistance – https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/cx-gravel-reviews/tufo-gravel-thundero
Pathfinder are amazing road to gravel tires or mixed terrain riding tires. Especially the sworks version. For pure gravel or off road I’d rather something burlier, without the solid center tread though.
Sworks pfinders
I have a Journeyer that came with the Washburns 650b x 47. They were a decent all-around starter tire, although I had a few minor punctures and tended to slip on softer and wetter terrain. Replaced with Pathfinder Pro’s and they are pretty much better in every single way. Lower rolling resistance is noticeable on the road and harder surfaces. The compound seems to just grip better in cornering and on wet surfaces. Also haven’t had even a minor puncture with about 850 miles on them through some pretty gnarly gravel. (Probably just jinxed myself). Had both setup tubeless on stock WTB wheels that came with Journeyer.
How do you like your Warbird compared to the Journeyer? I keep thinking I want to “upgrade” to something else, but I really like the more relaxed geometry for the long days in the saddle on multi day trips I tend to go on.
I’ll throw in pirelli cinturato H as a blazingly fast road biased gravel tire. Run 40s and in comparison to pathfinder I’d dare say somehow faster.