Hey all,
I’m looking to upgrade the tyres on my BMC URS (with RockShox Rudy fork). I’m currently running the stock WTB Riddlers but want something with better all-around performance.
I’m considering the Schwalbe G-One RX Pro – 40mm in the back and 45–50mm up front. My riding is a mix of cat 2 and 3 gravel, some singletrack and bikepacking, so I’m looking for tyres that balance good grip with low rolling resistance. My routes usually consist of 40/60 gravel/asphalt.
What are you all running for similar terrain and use? Any recommendations or experience with the RX Pros (or similar options)?
Appreciate any input!
by pineapple216
2 Comments
I’ve been running Specialized Pathfinder Pros for 1 1/2 years and I love them. I have two wheelsets, one with 38s and the other with 42s. They have discontinued the 42s and now offer the TLR 40s, so I’m not sure what to do moving forward, but since the 38s are still available, I think that I’ll eventually switch to the TLR 40s as the wider tire, or perhaps use the Tracer TLR, which is 45mm. Last year, before I had a gravel-specific bike, I ran the 38s on my Trek Domane, transitioning away from Conti Gatorskin 32s. Strava data suggests that it had a negligible impact (if any) on average speed and made my 100+ mile rides that much more enjoyable, since running a wider tire is more comfortable. In terms of wear, the Conti tires last around 3,000 miles maximum for me in the rear, but the Pathfinders lasted me more than twice as long with no flats. They seem indestructible! The center bead really does the trick when riding asphalt, and they are quite grippy on gravel, especially if you drop the pressure a little.
Pathfinder Pros are robust and fast but not much grip on grass or mud.
Next level up is Cinturato Gravel M, they are almost as fast but great traction, also bulletproof.
IMO after that you should just go for an XC mountain bike tyre: dubnital, racing ray etc.
Plenty of other tyres that are also grippy and fast, but typically don’t have the robustness or durability I want for bikepacking.