Gravel biking is incredibly popular at the moment, and is growing ever more so.
It’s not surprising – gravel bikes are very capable machines, opening road riding opportunities to mountain bikers, and mountain biking opportunities to road cyclists alike.
Gravel bikes are faster than MTB’s, more comfy than out-and-out road race machines and are just incredibly fun to ride – on and off the road.
Gravel bikes sport generous tyre clearance, and the choices are numerous – so what tyres do you choose?
In this article I’ll highlight some of the most popular 38c-45c tubeless-ready gravel bike tyre options currently available, and compare specs and recommended selling prices.
Brands we’ll explore in this guide, in no particular order:
(This list isn’t exhaustive, but I can source these through my supplier network)
- Challenge
- Panaracer
- Maxxis
- Goodyear
- Pirelli
I’ll leave a comparison table at the end, including recommended pricing.
Challenge Gravel Grinder | 700 x 42c
This vulcanized tyre is the lightest of this group, weighing in at 450g. It has a tubeless-ready 120TPI carcass.
Challenge recommends an operating pressure of 2 – 3.5 bar and these are NOT approved for use on hookless rims.
Perfect for: weight weenies looking for the lightest tyre option.
Maxxis Rambler | 700 x 45c
One of the most popular tyres on gravel bikes at the moment, owing in part to the popularity of the Maxxis mountain bike tyres no doubt.
These are available in black and tan sidewall options. At 604g, these 60TPI tyres are among the heavier options, but the extra weight surely means super durability.
Perfect for: Riders who expect a fit-and-forget experience.
Goodyear Connector Ultimate | 700 x 45c
A superb choice for riders who are hard on their tyres, do big mileage and who traverse mixed terrain.
A supple 120TPI casing and versatile tread pattern combine excellent cornering grip with low rolling resistance.
Perfect for: Demanding gravel riders who need their tyres to work well everywhere.
Schwalbe G-One Allround Super Ground | 700 x 45c
Sporting a grippy but fast tread pattern, this tyre excels in dry conditions, on tarmac, gravel and on the trail.
At 540g, it fits the middle of the weight spectrum and is a superb all-round tyre choice.
Perfect for: Gravel bike riders who ride in dry climates and on smoother trails.
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M (Mixed Terrain) | 700 x 40c
The Pirelli Cinturato Mixed Terrain is the tyre for you if you never know if your ride will be in the wet or the dry.
Tightly spaced center knobs keep rolling resistance low on the tar or hardpack, and aggressive side knobs inspire confidence when the riding surface becomes unstable.
Perfect for: riders who ride in the wet and dry, and over mixed terrain.
Panaracer Gravelking SK+ | 700 x 38c
The narrowest tyre in this group, only because of current stock availability, the Panaracer Gravelkings are a perennial favourite of gravel riders across the world.
Small knobs in the center of the tread give way to larger, more aggressive ones on the edges of the tyre, making this a great tyre for riders who spend most of their time on dirt roads. At 460g, it’s also the 2nd lightest of this group.
Perfect for: diehard gravel riders who use a slightly narrower tyre, either by choice or limited fork and frame clearance.
Tyre comparison chart:
I don’t think there’s a tyre in this group that you should actively avoid, so pick your choice based on where you ride and what your priorities are – budget, looks, weight, traction requirements.
I hope this was helpful.
If you’re in the market for a set of new gravel tyres, reach out by email or WhatsApp and request your free, no-obligation quote.
Same is true if you’re thinking about a new set of alloy or carbon gravel wheels for your gravel bike.
I’m able to source hubs, rims and spokes, and assemble your dream set of wheels – perhaps for less money than you expect.
Click here to find out for yourself.
From super-light to super-strong, or a sensible combination of both, building custom wheels for riders like you is my specialty.
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