Pulled the trigger on a second gravel bike to keep my Áspero company and to get some extra tire clearance. After way too many hours of scrolling and comparing, I ended up going with the new Ventum GS1 frameset. They just dropped it, and I couldn’t resist.
Had a bunch of spare parts, so my LBS built it up for me. Only thing I was missing? Bigger tires. My Áspero topped out at 40c, so I grabbed some 50c Pirelli Cinturato Hs to max out that comfort.
Fast forward to pickup day: the GS1 looks chef’s kiss… but then I notice how tight the tire clearance is. I ask my LBS if it’s an issue,they pause and say it’ll only be a problem in mud (thanks for the PTSD, 2023 Unbound 😅).
Now it’s hanging on the wall looking beautiful, but I’m lowkey stressing over the clearance. Am I just being paranoid? Anyone else riding 50s on this?
by eight_seven
24 Comments
You want thinner tires for mud anyway. Use the aspero for muddy rides. Use this one for non-muddy rides. Issue solved
Yeah, that won’t allow mud to clear, at all. Either smaller tires, or don’t take it in the mud.
For hard pack gravel that tire is made for, should be fine for its intended use. May get some scratches but it’s a gravel bike being used in gravel.
For mud size down to like 44-ish and something made for mud.
Bullshit, I would not ride it in that configuration. Even a small stone that gets dragged by the tire is gonna be a major problem. Is there a flip chip on the rear triangle?
If you need 50mm tires then the terrain is probably suited for MTB. There’s only so much increased tire width can do
I run 2.2’s on my Mog and the clearance is tighter than that… Rode it at unbound this year and it was fine. As long as it doesn’t rub on the stays when your out of the saddle, I wouldn’t be afraid to run them. I put some clear ppf on the seat tube and stays just to protect the paint a little bit. most rocks just get flung off. And Other than races I typically ride the trainer when it’s wet out lol
No good 😌
What’s they stated clearance ?
Dot ride ist like this. Any mud that builds up in this space is gonna make dmg or destroys your riding experience.
My 45 cinturato are 47.8mm wide on 25 interal width rim. That might be a measured 53mm tire…..
For the sake of science and all of us, you should measure the tire with a caliper. You’re saying you’re unhappy I assume because it’s supposed to clear 50’s and it’s looking tight. I know personally that you can stuff some 2.1” tire on that frame so I’m dubious. Measure to see what the tire actually is. Stated tire measurement is more art than science and if these are measuring at 55 (or whatever) you’ll have your answer.
Different tires measure out differently, you could try a different tire. Personally, I would drop to a 45mm tire and call it good. A lot of the compliance and comfort from hitting things is coming at the front anyway.
At a minimum, put some protection film on the frame in that area otherwise the paint is going to take a beating.
Looking at your setup, not sure that bike is your best fit anyway… looks like you prefer a very upright position and that frame has a super low headtube for a gravel bike.
Out of curiosity would you move to 650B and/or is that 650B? That should net you more tire clearance
Its likely partially the tire’s fault. Had some 45mm Cinturato Ms that went up to over 47mm.
Looks way too close for comfort.
That looks like a circumference issue, not width.
I’d never ride that. The sloppy mud we have in the UK would get stuck in that in a heart beat.
Bah. I have a 3T Exploro Racemax with minimal clearance.
In a muddy race with my buddies, all who had greater clearance, we were all screwed equally.
Whats that wall rack?
If you need that much comfort just get an XC bike, I think you’ll be Way happier. It’s funny watching the slow transformation of gravel bikes to XC and the denial of it from the riders.
How’s the clearance up front? Could just switch the rear tyre to a 45. Should help
Their website says very clearly, max clearance is 48C tires.
The only person to be unhappy with is yourself, my man, for not doing your homework.
I’d also check the zip 303s tire compatibility. Says it’s safe to put on the Gravel H 45mm but the 50 is not on the list.
Everyone is focusing on measured tire width, but the real limiting factor here appears to be tire height. Since the chainstays aren’t visible in the photo, I’m assuming the tightest clearance point we’re seeing is at the seatstay bridge.
Per Ventum, 700x50c tires are within spec for the GS1, and technically, these Pirelli Cinturato Hs should fit. The wheel spins freely, and for dry pavement-only use that might be “acceptable” — but this level of clearance is well beyond what would be considered functional for mixed terrain. One decent-sized rock or mud buildup, and you’re risking frame damage or tire rub.
A few commenters mentioned successfully fitting 2.1” (53–54mm) tires on this frame, which raises some questions. My working theory is that the frame was optimized around a 25mm internal rim width, which would spread the tire casing slightly more, increasing measured width but lowering the effective height. The OP is running 23mm internal rims, which can result in a slightly taller tire profile due to the more rounded casing shape.
It’s also possible the tires haven’t fully settled into their final shape. With a few rides — especially on pavement — the casing may stretch laterally and squat a bit, gaining width while slightly decreasing height. But that’s a marginal change and not something I’d rely on for improving tight clearances.
At the end of the day, if you’re planning to ride mixed conditions or anything remotely chunky, this setup looks too tight to be confidently safe or functional. It might be worth trying a 45–47c option unless you’re riding dry-only routes and okay with potential rubbing under flex or debris buildup.