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    Gravel Cycling

    What’s everyone’s favorite tires these days?


    My bike came with Pathfinder Sport’s 700×38 and they did the job but I have worn them down. I liked them, especially the smooth center strip for the asphalt.

    https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/pathfinder-sport/p/173175?color=269819-173175

    Just looking for options. I think I want to keep that center strip cause I bike a bunch of asphalt to get to the gravel. And I’ll probably size up a bit. To 42, maybe even higher.

    By default, I’d probably get the newer Pathfinders, but I’m curious to see what others like.

    https://www.specialized.com/ca/en/s-works-pathfinder-2bliss-ready/p/205546?color=334753-205546&searchText=00022-4451

    by firenze86

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    31 Comments

    1. widowhanzo on

      I still like my Pirelli Cinturato M and H. I wish I had gotten the H in 45mm as well, instead of 40mm, but oh well. They’re pretty quick in dry conditions, but not amazing in wet, while M are great in wet autumn/winter conditions, but feel a bit heavy and sluggish. A tradeoff, but it doesn’t matter if you’re not racing.

    2. stangmx13 on

      Tufo Thundero or Schwalbe G-One RS.

      The center strip doesn’t mean a tire is faster on asphalt. The carcass of the tire is more important.

    4. rupert_regan on

      Whichever tire you pick i recommend the biggest your frame can fit. Ive run pathfinder pros and schwalbe g-one rs and I like them both. Like someone else said, the casing has a lot more to do with the rolling resistance than the smooth center strip does.

    8. sitdownrando-r on

      Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 700×44, Juniper Ridge 650×48 (knobbies), and Rat Trap Pass 26×2,3″. Either extralight or endurance casings depending on use case.

    10. Hot_Clothes_4195 on

      Pirelli Cinturaro M’s in 700×45, I live in the PNW and they have been an incredible all year do it all tire for me, everything from high speed descents to singletrack to winter commuting, mud and large rocks theyve exceeded my expectations

    12. esuohe on

      In 650b WTB Sendero in the front and Resolute rear.
      In 700c Panaracer GK SK in the front and SS rear.

    13. SleepingTiger0214 on

      I love the feel of the RH Snoqualmies extra lights 700×44. But they are definitely prone to sidewall leaks. I’m tempted to try the Schwalbe G-One RS to see if I like the feel. I suspect it won’t be as plush but the tires might be less hassle.

    14. Dino_Sore98 on

      If you already like the design of the Pathfinder Sport, I’d suggest the Pathfinder Pro. I have used them in the past and they are great for mixed surface riding. I also like the Kenda Alluvium Pro for mixed surfaces; similar characteristics to the Pathfinders.

    15. Sultanofslide on

      I like the Michelin Power adventure 42mm so far. I’ve only put about 300 miles on them so the longevity is the only unknown at the moment. 

    17. chunt75 on

      Snoqualmie Pass Endurance if it’s gonna get a bit chunky but not need knobs, G-One RS as an all around, and 2.2” Thunder Burts on my Seigla for getting rowdy

    18. Funktopus_The on

      Went on my first ride with my tufo thunderos this morning and I really liked them. Haven’t had them long enough to give them the official recommendation, but with one short ride down I’m excited for more.

    19. Independent_Break351 on

      Zipp 40mm XPLRs. Really can’t complain about them. Could there be something out there better? Sure, but they could also be worse. I’ve never flatted in 3 years so there’s that. Plus they are fast on pavement. Perfect hybrid tire.

    21. US__Grant on

      whatever you do, DO NOT buy Rene Herse despite their generally positive reviews.

      I have a pair of Bon Jons that after 780 miles wouldn’t hold sealant, micro drips from entire sidewall- mileage 90% tarmac so not from rock gardens. the tread doesn’t look worn at all. so I reached out to them as they had recommended me those tires prior to purchase and they said yeah, that’s normal wear at tear, it happens- no warranty, and i should just put tubes in them.

      i understand genuine wear and tear but F that noise, $180 for clinchers.

    22. Grindfather901 on

      I like the Terravail Cannonball 42’s. Online reviews say “they roll slow” but I’ve not felt that at all.

    24. moos-squalor on

      Everyone saying Cinturatos – are you running them tubeless? I had 3 punctures in a month when I ran them with tubes and am now fighting to get them set up tubeless

    28. Outrageous-Pass-8926 on

      I bought a set of SWORKS Mondos, for the country roads where I live. 38mm, plush and
      Low resistance. So far, so good!

    30. kafin8ed on

      I like Vittoria Terreno Dry 38 – they are actually much more capable in the wet than their dry moniker implies. They have a fairly fast strip down the center and small knobs on the side.

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