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What tyres are people using for large volume gravel?
700 x 47/50c
29 x 2.0/2.1
Ideally folding to keep the weight down.
Continental Race King Protection for me.
Much volume + versatility and only around 600 g - yet biased towards gravel/XC. They’re not too draggy on tarmac.
If I was doing mostly smoother-surfaced paths/roads then I’d go for something more slick like Schwalbe Marathon Supreme.
At at around 60% dodgy tarmac and 40% farm-tracks, towpaths and light singletrack I find the Race Kings to be spot-on and haven’t been tempted to change them for three years now. If I want go by (say) 90% road I just take my touring bike instead, shod with 28c.
Schwalbe do the G-One in 2.1 don't they? I run them at 35 and they're great on most things other than mud
Vittoria Terrenos for me.
WTB Nine Lines for me, in 2.25 but can get them in 2.1 as well (I think). Very fast rolling for such a big tyre and lots of lovely volume too.
Vittoria Terrenos for me
+1
In tan wall preferably. Still using mine with latex tubes, shockingly fast for an MTB tyre. Cornering takes a little bit of getting used to right enough, and hard, straight line braking on loose surfaces feels a little floaty... Fast and fun though 😎
As mentioned above WTB Nine Lines are great if you need the grip for softer surfaces and if it's firm/dry Teravail Sparwoods are a faster option. If you can't be bothered swapping around then the Ninelines aren't draggy.
Maybe WTB Venture 700x50 if you want something in-between?
+1 Nine Lines in 2.0
Cheers All, will have a look at the ninelines and terrenos.
Think I've got a set of ventures in the 50mm size, might put them on and see how it goes first
2.1 Thunderburts. Rode the Dirty Reiver 200 with them
I'd avoid the WTB Ventures if you live anywhere with flint or a lot of fine grit, the very closely spaced "fins" or grip on the tyre, picks up the bits of flint or grit and it sticks in there until it works its way into tyre. Fine on larger actual gravel though
re WTB nine line 2.25 -
I’ve not come across these before but could consider when it comes time to replace the (2.2) Race King Protection - they both look quite similar (see pic)
Anyone know do the WTB have an edge on the Contis in any way? WTB weigh around the same the lightfast/dual dna version (?) and are around the same price as the Race Kings at CRC? (£90 a pair)
I’ve not tried the Conti’s @p7eaven but I’m really happy with the Nine Lines 2.25’s on my Kona Sutra LTD. They’re light, roll quick and I’ve even used them for commuting pumped up.
But at lower pressures they do everything I’d want them to on the bike in question, from genuine gravel to some more borderline XC riding in the eastern Peak. Good to see that CRC have them back in stock as when these wear out I’ll replace like for like.
Running a 2.2 Ardent Race on the front and a 40c Rambler on the back of my Secan. Loving it!
I've done a chunk of stuff on Terravail Sparwood tyres. They're pretty good.
Have a look at WTB Nano tyres. I’ve had them in 40c and 2.1
Not just put whatever cheap xc race tyre you can get?
If not going tubeless then I'd even look at wire beads.
If you are going tubeless then why not a pair of part worn xc tyres off the classifieds or eBay?
Good tyres are expensive (imo) and are very subjective. So going second hand will allow you to try a few without spending a fortune.
I'm running Specialized S Works Pathfinder / Renegade 29*2.1, fast, light and grippy enough for mtb-esque levels of abuse!
Thinking about the sort of surfaces I'll mostly ride on this bike, I've decided to go something semi-slick so got some schwalbe hurricanes on the way, 2.0 rear and 2.25 front. Don't weigh that much more than the 50c ventures that are currently on the wife's bike and they seem to work well for her so I'm hesitant to steal them!
I'll see how they go and if not, I'll stick something slightly more mtb on there. Ideally I'd like some Bruce Gordon rock n Road in 50/55c
I’ve used Hurricanes quite happily on rural commutes. Heavyish but swift and tough. I stepped up to Nano 2.1s after a while tho as they were better on farm tracks etc if I hit some slight muddy patches/ puddles etc or wet grass. And the clever centreline pattern on the Nanos meant they were not too slouchy on tarmac.
Also managed to pick up a pair of vredestein spotted cats 29x2.0 look to be in the same camp as race Kings and nine lines.