Gravel Tyres: Which One to Choose?

Published on 4 September

Choosing the right gravel tyre is crucial! Whether it's to optimise your performance or comfort, on the road or on trails, selecting a good gravel tyre is key to enjoying the versatility this discipline offers. With the large number of gravel tyre models on the market, it can be difficult to navigate. In this article, we will guide you to better understand the essential criteria to consider when choosing the ideal gravel tyre based on your needs and type of riding. Whether you're looking for a versatile or specific gravel tyre, follow our advice to make the right choice and get the most out of your tyres.

Understanding the different features of gravel tyres

Understanding the different features of gravel tyres @widen_prod

Gravel tyres are distinguished by a more aggressive tread pattern compared to road tyres, typically with more pronounced knobs to ensure better grip on unpaved surfaces. The rubber compound used is often more durable to withstand harsh conditions such as rocks, mud, or gravel. Gravel tyres are usually reinforced on the sidewalls to prevent cuts and punctures. Their design is predominantly "tubeless-ready" (which doesn't require an inner tube) and allows riding at lower pressures, thus improving comfort and grip while reducing the risk of punctures. In summary, every aspect of gravel tyre design aims to maximise versatility and durability.

Which type of gravel tyre should you choose?

• Rolling gravel tyres: designed for road routes or well-maintained trails, these gravel tyres offer minimal rolling resistance and are ideal if you ride 80% on the road and 20% on trails.
• Versatile gravel tyres: designed for mixed road/trail use, these tyres are good all-rounders but excel at nothing specific. They are suitable for versatile use, being comfortable on the road with moderate rolling resistance while also providing comfort on more technical tracks. They are ideal if you ride 50% on the road and 50% on trails.
• Specialised gravel tyres: designed to perform on specific terrains, these tyres are generally off-road oriented and should be used on technical or very muddy trails. They are ideal if you ride 85% on trails and 15% on the road.

What gravel wheel size should you choose?

• 650 wheels
• 700 wheels

650 wheels (27.5 inches) are generally fitted on smaller frame sizes to offer better geometry. However, they are also available as an option with certain brands such as Kona, which offers its flagship model, the Rove, with either 700 or 650 wheels. The 650 wheels allow for wider tyres to be fitted, providing more comfort, especially for use on technical trails. There is even the 650 Club. Created in 1995 by Henri Bosc, this association aims to preserve this historic wheel size, which nearly disappeared in the 1990s.

700 wheels (29 inches) are fitted to the vast majority of gravel bikes sold in shops. They offer better performance and are more versatile than 650 wheels. Their larger size provides greater inertia for better efficiency, especially when speed increases.

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What gravel tyre size should you choose? 700x35, 700x40, 700x45, 700x50

What gravel tyre size should you choose? 700x35, 700x40, 700x45, 700x50 @widen_prod

The width of a gravel tyre directly influences its performance and comfort. In general, wider tyres (45 mm and 50 mm) offer better shock absorption and more grip, ideal for rough terrain. Narrower tyres (35 mm to 40 mm) are faster on the road but less comfortable on technical terrain.

Tyres from 35 to 40 mm: These widths are ideal for cyclists who prioritise speed on the road but also want to venture onto slightly rough trails. A 38 mm tyre offers a good compromise for mixed use.

Tyres from 40 to 45 mm: These widths are ideal for cyclists who frequently switch from road to trail. These tyres offer a good balance between comfort and performance, with enough grip for most terrains.

Tubeless vs inner tube

Tubeless tyres (without an inner tube) are becoming increasingly popular for gravel riding. They allow for lower pressure, which improves comfort and reduces the risk of punctures. However, they require more complex installation and regular maintenance. Inner tubes, on the other hand, are very simple to fit but require higher pressure, which directly impacts comfort. The risk of punctures is also higher. To correctly choose your type of tyre, refer to our complete article on the subject.

What tyre pressure for gravel?

• Lower pressure increases comfort and grip on rough surfaces.
• Higher pressure improves speed on roads.

Riding with inappropriate pressure can lead to a loss of grip, an increased risk of punctures, and reduced comfort. It is therefore essential to adjust your tyre pressure correctly before each ride, taking into account the type of terrain you will be riding on.

Discover our range of gravel bikes

Rolling vs versatile vs specialised gravel tyres: which one to choose?

Rolling vs versatile vs specialised gravel tyres: which one to choose?

As we have previously discussed, there are different types of gravel tyres depending on your usage. With an increasingly dense range, it is not always easy to understand which is the best gravel tyre brand. To help you, here is our selection of gravel tyres based on their typology.

Rolling gravel tyres

Rolling gravel tyres

This type of tyre is ideal if you ride 80% on the road and 20% on very non-technical trails. They have very low rolling resistance.

Maxxis Receptor

The American brand offers with its Receptor a very high-quality semi-slick tyre. This model includes EXO protection and is available in 650x47 or 700x40.

Panaracer Gravel King

The Japanese brand Panaracer was the first to develop a range of tyres dedicated to gravel riding. The standard Gravel King model uses ZSG (Zero Slip Grip) technology and Tufftex for increased durability. It is available in 700x30, 35, or 40c.

Hutchinson Caracal and Overide

The French brand Hutchinson introduced this year the Caracal, which complements the Overide. The latest addition to the gravel range includes Hardskin protection and offers minimal rolling resistance. These models are available in 700x35 up to 700x50 for the Overide and in 700x40 for the Caracal.

Versatile gravel tyres

Versatile gravel tyres

This type of tyre is ideal if you ride 50% on the road and 50% on trails. They are suitable for mixed-use.

Maxxis Rambler

The Rambler is the best-seller from the American brand. This very versatile tyre allows for use on all types of terrain. Its side knobs provide good grip even in muddy conditions. This model includes EXO protection and is available in 650x47 or 700x48 to 50.

Panaracer Gravel King X1

The new Gravel King X1 model was introduced in 2024. It is the fastest and most versatile tyre in the range. It is available in three carcass types: Standard, Plus, and R for optimised puncture resistance depending on your use. It is available in 700x35, 40, or 45.

Hutchinson Touareg and Touareg Green

This is the flagship model of the French brand. The Touareg offers excellent versatility. The brand has just released the Green model: even more eco-friendly, this model is made of 80% recycled or bio-sourced materials for the carcass and 55% for the tread. These models are available in 700x40 for the green version and 650x47 and 700x35, 40, 45, or 50 for the classic Touareg.

Specialised gravel tyres

Specialised gravel tyres

This type of tyre is ideal if you ride 85% on trails and 15% on the road. With more pronounced knob patterns, these tyres should be used on technical trails or in muddy conditions.

Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M and S

The Italian brand has extended its flagship model, the Cinturato, with the S and M models. These models feature TechWALL Gravel for enhanced puncture protection. They are available in 650x45, 50, and in 700x35, 40, 45, or 50.

Schwalbe G-One Bite

The German brand Schwalbe offers with this G-One Bite a more aggressive version than its classic Allround model. The wider spacing of the knobs provides better grip on loose and muddy terrain. It is available in 650x50 or 54 and in 700x40 or 45.

Hutchinson Tundra

The Tundra is the most aggressive model in Hutchinson's gravel range. With its Hardskin technology and large knobs, this model is ideal for the most technical trails. It is available in 700x40, 45, or 50.

To summarise:

A matter of practice

A matter of practice @widen_prod

The choice of gravel tyre mainly depends on your type of riding and the terrains you ride on. Whether you opt for a versatile or specialised tyre, the essential thing is to choose a model suited to your specific needs to maximise your comfort and performance. Brands like Hutchinson, Panaracer, Schwalbe, and Maxxis offer a range of high-quality gravel tyres, often with puncture protection reinforcements. So, whatever model you choose, ask yourself the right questions about your usage to ensure you select the right tyre for you.