introduction

Gravel bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years as more cyclists look for versatile bikes that can take them off-pavement. Gravel grinders offer access to a world of unpaved roads and trails, so tire setup is an important consideration for this new breed of bike. Two key factors that determine how a gravel bike handles the varied terrain are tire size and tread.

tire sizes 

Tire width is often discussed before gravel racing. Even a difference of a few millimeters can have a significant impact for professional riders who need to maintain precise specifications. However, for most drivers, having comfortable and grippy tires is more important than just focusing on speed.

For gravel bikes, it is usually advisable to choose wider tires. The reason for this is that a wider tire can be run at a lower pressure, resulting in better comfort and grip. Additionally, wider tires have a larger volume and therefore more air between you and the ground, which can improve puncture protection.

If you spend a lot of time on the road or racing on densely packed gravel, then tires in the 35 to 37 mm size range are probably a good fit for you. On the other hand, if you drive on rough roads, have a lot of mud and spend little time on asphalt, then tires with a size of 47 to 50 mm are well suited.

However, if you are looking for an all-round tire that can handle a variety of different surfaces without having to change your tires, then a 40 or 42mm gravel tire is the right choice for you. It's not the fastest rolling tire nor does it offer the best traction, but it should perform well in all areas.

If you're considering larger sizes, it's important to check whether the frame and fork can accommodate the width.

tread pattern

The tread of a gravel tire plays a crucial role, similar to MTB tires, as it determines how and where the tire can be used. An aggressive and very grippy tread pattern provides excellent off-road traction and confidence, but is less efficient when it comes to speed. A smooth profile, on the other hand, is designed for speed and efficiency. There are also tires designed to balance speed and traction. Such tires often have a uniform tread pattern consisting of similar knobs that extend across the entire width of the tire, resulting in a predictable tire with consistent cornering grip.

smooth running surface

Slick gravel tires are essentially wider versions of road tires. They have a low profile that is ideal for cyclists who ride primarily on asphalt, smooth dirt and gravel roads. These tires are the fastest option for gravel bikes on paved roads, but they may not be the best choice for rougher terrain. The lack of raised knobs in the tread means there is less rolling resistance on smoother surfaces, which is ideal if you tend to ride on paved routes with occasional detours onto gravel. These tires typically have a light file tread pattern that provides additional grip on light gravel roads. The smooth texture of these tires means more rubber comes into contact with the ground, resulting in better grip than knobby tires in dry, slippery conditions.

semi-smooth tread

A semi-slick tire features a smooth stripe in the middle that has raised knobs on both sides to provide additional grip when turning. The smooth section in the middle helps reduce rolling resistance on paved surfaces, allowing you to save energy. The added texture on the sides of the tire helps you maintain control on loose surfaces. This type of tire is perfect if you often drive long distances on paved roads, but still want to be safe when switching to loose gravel or gravel roads.

all-rounder tread

If you're looking for a gravel tire that can handle anything, then the dual-profile type is your best choice. This type of tire has a more aggressive texture than semi-slicks, with low-profile, densely packed knobs covering the center strip and larger side knobs for better cornering ability. This versatile tread is an excellent compromise between semi-slicks and extreme gravel tires, allowing you to explore almost any gravel route on the map while still being fast enough on paved sections. If you spend most of your time on loose gravel and dirt roads and rarely use paved roads, then an all-round gravel tire is the right choice.

Extreme/Mud Stairs

These gravel tires have larger knobs that dig into the surface of the trail and prevent mud buildup. Aggressive gravel tires are recommended for backcountry riding or bikepacking when trail capabilities are more important than pavement efficiency. When riding through rough gravel, mud, or some singletrack, these beefier gravel tires provide better traction and grip in the corners. The specific knob shapes are often specifically designed to remove mud buildup so the rider maintains traction even in sticky mud. Extreme gravel tires have similar characteristics to XC mountain bike tires.

Choose on different terrains

For better understanding, we will use a scale of 1 to 10. 1 represents a 100% asphalt surface suitable for a road bike, while 10 represents 100% mountain bike terrain suitable for a full suspension MTB.

conclusion

In summary, choosing the right tire size and tread pattern for your needs will optimize the performance of your gravel bike. Wider tires provide comfort off-road, while narrower treads are suitable for solid paths. Aggressive knobs excel in mud but hinder speed, while slicks roll quickly but offer little grip.

The best all-rounder balances these factors with a 40-42mm dual tread tire. It handles different conditions without you having to change it and allows you to explore any path. Ultimately, you should choose tires that match your primary 1-10 terrain scale to fully maximize the versatility of your gravel bike. With the right tires, every route is within reach.