My Top 5 Gravel Tires

The best gravel tire for you depends in large part on where you live and how you like to ride. I've tested dozens of tires and have talked to product managers and winning pro racers and test-lab engineers about various models. I do most of my riding in the often-dry state of Colorado and the American west, and these are my top 5 gravel tires.
Buy the tires:
Cadex Classics: tinyurl.com/yvkhe5t5
Maxxis Rambler: tinyurl.com/shh6cn7e
Vittoria Terreno Dry: tinyurl.com/4t8nn7sb
Specialized Pathfinder Pro: tinyurl.com/uzmv58a9
Schwalbe G-One RS: tinyurl.com/mx652wn4
(all links to BikeTiresDirect in Oregon, except Cadex and Specialized, which are direct)
0:00 Context
3:07 Cadex Classics
4:50 Maxxis Rambler
5:44 Vittoria Terreno Dry
7:11 Specialized Pathfinder Pro
8:37 Schwalbe G-One RS

[@249brianb]

IRC Boken tires came on the first gravel bike I got (stiff carbon frame) . They were awesome on the gnarliest New England gravely steep climbs and decents, mud,sand, and everything in between. Flat diamond square center tread and knobs on the edge for grip similar to the Schwalbe bite you talked about.

[@stevevarga8621]

Thank you, another thoughtful piece. I 100% agree that tire choice is very subjective and I believe is very much based on your cycling roots. Those coming from the road scene tend to like tires that lean towards road like characteristics ie as narrow as possible, smoother treads and higher pressures. Mtn bikers tend to prefer wider tires, lower pressures and bolder treads because roadies are more concerned with roll resistance while mtbers are more concerned with traction and a smoother ride. But these 2 groups also tend to ride very different gravel roads. My roadie friends refuse to go on my idea of fun gravel roadies.

[@jefffetterer1395]

My go to tire is the Maxxis Receptor 40mm. Fast rolling slick center with some cornering knobs. It has been very durable for me. I used to ride the Gravel King Slicks in 38mm. Super fast but just punctured too often on the southern Indiana limestone. Oddly, I also just just built up a 27.5 setup with 2.1 Schwalbe Racing Ralphs. Not as slow as I thought and they rail the gravel downhills and rough doubletrack

[@davidbee8178]

Tanks for your review, Ben - nice to hear from an experienced ON the road or trail rider as opposed to a tire-spec speculator :-)

[@Bloekie]

I ride Terravail Cannonballs 47mm. I haven’t even tested 5 different tires, but these are my 2nd pair of gravel tires and I like them a lot better than the Schwalbe ones I had previously. Came recommended by the local shop and I’m really happy with them. I’m interested in Pathfinder Giro’s and Rene Herse as well, but those will be for when these have lived their life.

[@Van1sh1ng]

Great review! And right on time for me as I am choosing a tire for my new 303S wheelset.

[@JEstr357]

Vittoria Terreno Dry! I rode it on gravel, road and singletrack and held up pretty nicely. Good grip on cornering, fast in a straight line. Wanting to give the Schwable G One RS now.

[@KwadSkwad]

same story. i primarily ride terreno dry. the g1 RS looks like the same tread setup. worth a shot for my next pair as well.

[@targaW3007]

I agree. I work in a bike shop and so I have tested plenty of gravel tires. But the Schwalbe g-one R is my absolute favorite. This tire is so smooth, so fast and has so much grip, I just love this tire. Thanks for your top 5

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Right on. I hope all's going well in the shop.

[@Rgetch1212]

I’m looking at the g-one R -have you tested it in wet conditions? Very few reviews out there on this tire. I’m thinking of trying the 40c on my DT Swiss 1400 rims internal width 24 for racing my grizl in spring New England conditions

[@UTemHorns]

Super new to Gravel, just built my bike and picked Vittoria Terreno Dry (tan wall) based on how much I love there MTB tires. Just found your channel today.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Right on. I've got a lot of gravel stuff here. I hope it's useful for you.

[@ZacharyPawlowski]

I got to try out the Rene Herse Antelope Hill TC Tire this summer and the ride feel was ridiculously good - definitely the best tire i've ever ridden.

[@dmartel243]

Happy your mount can clear 55 inch tires. Must be awesome!

[@joshriles84]

I'm using a maxxis rambler for railtrail riding i love them

[@DaveCM]

I tied the Vittoria Terreno Dry tires. I bought the 38c and they nearly maxed out on my older gravel bike. I typically run 38s and it came with 40s. I measured them and they measured out at 42mm wide!! The Specialized measure out at 39 on the same wheels. So, The Vittorias are wide! They are good feeling tires. They seemed more finicky with tire pressures. The Schwalbe's I like also and better than the Vitorrias. But, my go to tire has been the Specialized. I just prefer it and it has worked great for me. Surprisingly, I was in a race that had about a half mile of horrible mud and I was able to ride it while others had to get off their bikes. The only reason I had to stop coming back through it was because others stopped in front of me. I was shocked it handled the mud as well as it did.

[@h1n1worm]

i ride Vittoria Terreno Dry 35 but going to replace them. they just bad on dry sandy terrain, on asphalt they good though.

[@mister_ray]

I love all the Schwalbe G-One series tires. From the Speed to the Ultra Bite. Ride a Trek Boone with ICAN G24 gravel carbon wheels and use it as my all round bike. The G-One RS is a great choice for just about every condition.

[@BenZCardiff]

The new new Schwalbe G One RS is a nice tire. It’s fast, light for the size, and seems durable based on the 500 miles I’ve put on a pair so far. I used them for day 1 of RPI this past fall when the terrain was rough singletrack as well as the Queenstage on wide open fast gravel roads. They worked great. I’m also a fan of Rene Herse standard or Endurance casing knobbies. I run the 700x48s (plump up to 49+) on a bike and they rip around the dirt. I just wish they were not so expensive or actually went on sale once in awhile.

[@benjapolcycling]

Just got G one RS tire last week and i'm very impress so far (except on the little section of unavoidable mud). On pavement it feel almost the same as my roadbike.

[@jackseph03]

The only tyres in your list that I’ve tried at the Schwalbe G1s in 35mm. Great tyres. I’m a big fan of Panaracer Gravel Kings. I’m lucky enough to have 3 sets of wheels for my main bike, an Enigma Escape, and they are fitted with 3 sets of Gravel Kings, 38 slicks, 38 SSs and 43 SKs. That covers me for the mostly dry but crappy surfaced roads I have in northern NSW, Australia, mixed road and gravel and mostly gravel. I find the GKs are the best combination of weight, speed, comfort and price.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Yeah, the price and durability are hard to beat.

[@NathanShines]

Awesome video sir! Very concise and to the point. Bought a Salsa Journeyer and it came with Teravail Washburns and I've had 4 flats within 200 miles and they're a pain to take off. Thanks for the video!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Doh! That is some bad luck. Glad the video was helpful.

[@bgfb]

Great picks Ben! The G-one's used to be my favorite on my Stigmata in a 35 or 38. I had the All-Rounder on one set of wheels and the "speed' on another set. However when I tried a Canyon Grizl fitted with 45 Ramblers it just seemed more fun offroad and works better for the Socal conditions and I swapped the Stigmata for the Grizl. The Double bonus is that the Ramblers perform good enough on the road that I no longer have to mess with a second wheel set and I came away with $2k in my pocket after that transaction which is awesome.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

The Grizl is a heck of a lot of bike for the money.

[@gravelymas]

Hi there. I used Maxxis Rambler for a while. Switched to Hutchinson Touareg and they are a little bit better on tarmac (on gravel performs great too). Next tires will be G-ONE RS, since they were launched I put my eyes on them. Cheers.

[@moreadventureuk]

Great video, I've just ordered some Schwalbe RS!

[@chrisjustincase]

I can vouch for the durability and ride quality of the Pathfinder Pros. Among the many tires I had previously ridden and tested, I chose the Specialized for a bikepacking circumnavigation of Iceland. I also convinced my riding partner to use them. After 1300 miles of hard riding on chunky gravel, volcanic rock, pavement, and everything in between, we had zero issues. They were bombproof on that trip.

[@robp3431]

Agreed !

[@jimbo4203]

I've used those they came on my bike , and I liked them , I ve been using Specialized Sawtooths for the last couple weeks and they also are excellent

[@wojtektc]

how did the Pathfinder Pro performed in wet conditions ? I mean wet and hard, not muddy.

[@jimbo4203]

@@wojtektc the pathfinder handles about like any other tire that is slick in the middle on wet , I did a short video of me riding on wet rocks and sand yesterday with the Sawtooths and they surprised me , check it out on my channel

[@huntos83]

@@wojtektcwet and hard conditions they are fine, but not so good when there is any mud or a layer of slime over the hard surface. Certainly not the worst in the wet, they are manageable, but won’t be as good as more chunky tread options

[@alanbenham4139]

I've been using Bontrager GR2 and find them really good in most conditions.

[@rolffuchs2737]

For the winter I changed from Vitoria Terreno Dry to Vitoria Mescal in 44mm. Unbelievable Grip.

[@michaellapetina4623]

Schwalbe is awesome! I have the G-one overland. Which is a great all around. I ride some aggressive trails here in SoCal and these babies eat em up. Climbing, cornering, descending. They love all terrain. Feel super confident on the trail with them. Also, It rides really smooth on road. I get PR’s all the time with these on and off road. I have the 700x40

[@grcgrcgrcgrc4]

Had the G-ones earlier on wheels that I used for all-round riding. They would get something in the middle of those little knobs and start leaking. Then there was no stopping it. Went from Stan's standard sealant to the race with the same results. Totally bummed me out on that particular tyre style.

[@DR_1_1]

@@grcgrcgrcgrc4 Most gravel Schwalbe have low puncture scores compared to their touring tyres, eg Marathon, but they are not worse than other brands in this domain.... I chose tyres that are almost slick and a bit slower for that reason (not doing any race or performance, so it's comforting me)

[@heathbarry6015]

IRC Boken Double Cross. I only got one 42mm in front, it replaced the pathfinder pro. I like taking gravel roads and woody trails and grassy trails. I can go with faster speeds on gravel and the tire absorbs quite a bit of the rocks and chunks, resulting in a very enjoyable and comfortable ride. Cornering on trails is great and stopping/slowing down on grass doesn't really result in sliding anymore.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

That's a good beefy one. Ran that at BWR Utah a couple years ago.

[@chesterthomas5093]

Good video. I used to run the Maxxis Ramblers and loved them, but found they wore out quickly due to the softer rubber compound used. Switched to Pirelli Cinturato M’s and love them. Perfect for riding here in Northeastern Vermont. Roll fast on pavement and hard pack, super grippy and confidence inspiring in loose,chunky,slick,or muddy conditions.

[@billyhammm]

Agreed. Great tire, but they seem to wear down rather quickly. Another complaint: The first two 38c Ramblers I bought from BikeTiresDirect were badly deformed to the point of being unusable. Was the quality control department taking the day at the factory that day? BikeTiresDirect's customer service was great and shipped out new tires immediately.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Disappointing to hear about deformity, but glad to hear BikeTiresDirect took care of you.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks for sharing. Riding in Vermont sounds dreamy to this desert kid.

[@KOL630]

@@billyhammm I had the same issue with some conti terra trails. Thought my wheel was buckled but it was a bulbous tyre. Both the same so I binned them. Next set we’re fine though.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Great vid guys, I hope she does very well on her two great bikes!!

[@SJ-tk4ri]

Another great upload, just love this type of content - insightful and contextual; much more informative and enjoyable than the normal run of the mill tyre listing vids. The Terreno Dry is now available in a 700x47 width that is compatible with hookless rims (actually mounts up around 45mm on 24mm internal width).

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thank you very much. And thanks for the correction/update on the Terreno!

[@Jeff.Slavich]

I'm a big fan of the Pathfinder Pro's. I ride a 38 on pavement and gravel. The rolling resistance is great on smooth surfaces and plenty of grip when I'm on gravel and less than smooth surfaces. I've been riding them for a few years and never had a puncture. I'm not really in the competitive racing mode anymore. Mostly adventure rides, bikepacking and the occasional sponsored ride/race type events. Great video.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Competitive riding is a small sliver of all the riding - even for the people doing it. It is just a good frame of reference. Cheers!

[@kestrel909]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I've had a set of 38mm pathfinder pros tubeless on my Grizl carbon gravel bike for almost 2 years. They go 160+ km weekly on asphalt, gravel, and single track. I did 3 race/group gravel events last year here in Montana. NOT ONE flat in all that riding, and I'm no flyweight rider. Always predictable in the rocks and feel smooth when on asphalt. They also don't show much wear. We don't have much mud, but that might be the one weaker spot. I just bought another set -- why change such good rubber hitting the road/gravel!?? 👍🤙

[@wojtektc]

how did the Pathfinder Pro performed in wet conditions ? I mean wet and hard, not muddy.

[@joolski]

I've been using the pathfinder pro's for the last 18 months, both the 38's and the 42's. They are great performers and very durable. Not so great when it gets really muddy, but in all other conditions they work really well. I'm going to give the G-One's a try, it'll be interesting to see how they compare.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Let me know what you think of the new G-Ones - although they seem to be out of stock everywhere right now.

[@toddgogulski2796]

Ben - very helpful video. Nice to see your thoughts about tire selection and I've got to say, you've introduced me to some I've never tried. Thanks!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Cheers, Todd.

[@KwadSkwad]

terreno dry is my jam for several thousand miles. i’ve only had one puncture. but i’m no fast racer. just love how supple they are. smooth center for fast rolling + shoulders cornering confidence. tried rambler but it just felt slow relative to terreno so I swapped back

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Nice. Racing, schmacing. A good tire feels good every day of the week.

[@jasonisaac1]

Appreciate the topic and the video! Can tell your an accomplished racer so makes sense the tires you chose. Maxxis Ramblers have worked well for me on my 700c gravel bike most of the year in western NC. Just switched to Pirelli Cinurato M for late fall/ winter riding, and they’re great for increased traction/mixed surfaces/good rolling resistance. Teravail Sparwood 27.5x2.1 are good on my dirt drop/adventure bike in summer, and Rene Herse Umtanum Ridge 650b x 55mm are my faves, endurance casing. Best for just about anything, and awesome for bikepacking.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Beautiful neck of the woods where you are. I went to Warren Wilson for a hot minute back in the day. Sounds like you've got a lot of good riding in your rearview mirror as well. For the Rene Herse's - how has your luck been with flats?

[@kwparker]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I've had very good luck, personally. I'm in Denver/Boulder and spend a lot of ride time on the chunkier side of the gravel spectrum - North Table Mountain/Rowena/Switzerland/etc - and have had no issues with flats or cuts on the 42c Hurricane Ridge (standard casing). Also run the 44c Snoqualmie Pass with Endurance casing for all road purposes, and haven't had any flats there either.

[@jasonisaac1]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Warren Wilson, all right! Indeed, my neighborhood backs up to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Can ride from home on the Parkway several miles to get to so many forest roads and trails. No problems with flats running endurance casing on the 650b Rene Herse tires. Did have a few flat issues with 700c x42 Rene Herse tires on my other bike that had standard casing.

[@davidschiffer4448]

Awesome Review. The pathfinder Pro for me, all day!! Being a heavier rider (210lbs) riding in Kansas, they have never failed me while many others have.

[@alanhill7965]

Hi David I’m a big fan of Pathfinders I’ve just started using the S-works version and they are very fast and so far just as tuff as the Pro version

[@fradd4045]

go the sworks, ones even better

[@williamhoag7181]

Recently I sold a Few of the Power Adventure Tires to some customers they seem to like it! Like your choices too!

[@lewis4175]

The insight is much appreciated

[@debbieschwartz3132]

I've been running Panaracer SK 700X43...they've held up well on paved and gravel roads plus color choices are a plus

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

You are not the only one who has benefitted from Panaracers' longevity.

[@jeffwaknitz2410]

Put my GK back on after I tried Terra speed tires. Burned through the Terra speeds in couple months. The GKs seem to last forever.

[@chrisjong8412]

Great video , like the style and music. You have a new fan in Amsterdam

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks, Chris!

[@BradleyHansonPhotography]

Michelin Power Gravel, available up to 700c x 47. Similar to Gravel King SS, but a little more grip without extra rolling resistance, and works nicely on the road

[@michaelhayward7572]

Good video. I have frame clearance for just about anything on my 29er Surly, and have tried a bunch of tires The biggest shock was how fast 2.25" Vittoria Mezcals roll on tarmac/hardpack. They seem faster than 2.1" Terreno Drys i am on at the moment. Such a surprise looking at the tread pattern, and they are so confidence inspiring off road. Prefer them to anything inc Thunder Burts.

[@shirtlessGraveler305]

So question I love the Mezcal’s. I had them on my cross-country mountain bike and I ride that bike a whole lot more than my gravel bike so to sum this up what Victoria gravel tire performs like the Mezcal’s and I don’t want anything that’s big maybe 43 at the most for the gravel bike. What’s your experience??.

[@michaelhayward7572]

@@shirtlessGraveler305 Terreno Dry.

[@YoSpiff]

I have those Terreno dry on both of my gravel bikes now. I originally had Gravelking SS on one of them, but switched when I was planning a ride that I expected would need that bike's low gears and a bit more knobbiness. The Gravelkings may eventually go onto something else.

[@matthewsmith6486]

The original Panaracer Gravel King's baby! Whatever size you need. They can do it all.

[@Aragorn.Strider]

Thanks Ben, great review. I'm currently riding the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel-H 40mm (front and rear, no distinction). They do well on broken asphalt, brick roads, light and heavy gravel, autumn leaves, and hard sand. Probably bad on mud, grass and loose sand, which I don't like anyways.They are made for that and yes I like them so far, but I basically have no comparison material. So, no I won't say mine are better (or worse!) then any of yours. Not yet any punctures. Feels like after a corner they push me back straight again automatically, which for me was a new weird sensation, but I love it.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Lots of shout outs for Pirelli here. You're not alone in your appreciation.

[@Aragorn.Strider]

One small addition: some tires are exceptionally fast for one race of say 400km, winning it by 1 second, saying I'm the best, and then they are done and you throw them away (compare Formule-1). Other tires are great for a lone-wolf sunday morning rider who do like fast tires but prefer even more that they are also great after 3000km, hopefully without punctures, we hates punctures. I guess Ben is more in the first category and I'm much more in the second category. Different tires for everyone.

[@Aragorn.Strider]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney And you won a race with them, kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKelimOEhrNkqck

[@CraigStellmacher]

I own both the Pirelli Gravel M's and H's, in 40mm x 700c and mount them on a Cannondale 2021 CAADX1. Together they have about 1500 miles, with more for the heavy-tread M's which I started with. I found I could ride nearly anywhere with the M's; they loved the dirt and grass and were ok in mud. On pavement, they ride on a center raised section like the Specialized Pathfinder Pros, and you encounter the edge-tread when cornering or sinking into the terrain. The only complaint I have might have, is they feel mushy but predictable when cornering on pavement; then you'll be on the aggressive side tread. But when I tried the H's, I started to favor them as they felt so much faster on all but the most technical terrain. Then, they could easily be overwhelmed. I like them both and would recommend, If you ride 70/30 better terrain, go for the H's. If you want to be at home in the woods, on gravel or grass, try the M's. What I like to do now, is I'm switching back and forth every 3 months or so, when the Tubeless fluid inside ages-out, and I then swap them and then put in new fluid. I haven't a puncture on either.

[@christiankos5766]

the Gravel H are great and good to ride - but mine have been eaten up too quickly. after 1.600km the rear shows alomost none of the trade pattern any longer, front has some 30% remaining.

[@Daniel-yf9iy]

I’m new to gravel but my 2022 Kona Rove DL came with Maxis Receptors and I like those. I like the fine “file” center with the knobby (enough) outer which makes for a smooth ride.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I dig the Receptors also. Fast and smooth in the 40mm.

[@tacconelli]

Amazing video. G one are my faves as well, but I was not aware of this new RS version...must try some asap!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I love 'em, but Schwalbe has been out of stock for months.

[@bombasticbissell]

Gravel king SK+ in a 38 for dry. Rene Hurse Hurricane Ridge (42 knobies) endurance casing for wet. Riding mostly chunky gravel and single-track in the Pacific Northwest.

[@daveanolik8837]

I’ve raced on the terravail sparwood, pathfinder pro, g1 and terravail cannonball. Without going into selecting a tire specific to the region (Midwest is different than Rockies, which is different than west coast)… I like the Sparwood when I’m on my xc 29r hard tail for very wide/really low psi (mt passes, some single track, etc) and the pathfinder for mixed and variable surfaces in race mode. Love the g1s for comfort and training.

[@daniels6554]

What about the cannonballs? I have a set I have but haven’t used them yet. What’s their best use scenario? Thx.

[@daveanolik8837]

@@daniels6554 cannonball’s are tough AF for a slick gravel tire - but I switched to maxxi re-fuse for this class of slick because there’s perceptibly less weight and rolling resistance on pavement sections between gravel that I encounter while racing. These aren’t supple tires, and I haven’t dived too deep into comparisons on the rolling resistance site, but I’ve never flatted on either of these tires during a race, which is insane considering I’ve destroyed other tires on similar courses (I’ve shredded Rene Herse tires for example). So… to answer your question, crushed fine gravel & b-road clay, only on a dry day. Great for a big variable surface day where you not only gotta go from A to B on pavement but also trails and back roads.

[@vadusa]

Trying a lot of Gravel tires and for myself I made choice Specialized Pathfinder Pro 700x42c. This tires have the best rolling, smooth on gravel terrain.

[@teunluijbregts2533]

Another tyre that fits into your list: Tufo Speedero. It needs some pressure but especially at 36mm it runs perfect in European conditions. The Thundero is nice as well but better in 40mm for actual dirt paths and singletracks. Both are a breeze to fit - never needed anything more than a SKS track pump to mount ‘em 👍

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Cool. I have not ridden a Tufo for years, unless you count ENVE’s new tires. Thanks for calling them out.

[@holdonL]

im choosing between g one rs and thundero. I don't know what to pick

[@manabiker]

My bike came with this tire, I was in a snow packed gravel race in Michigan (Waterloo Grit n Gravel mid March) a few yrs ago, going up a hill, a bike fell infront of me, I thought I was going down, but I triesd to swerve on the snow pack, although I knew the tire was good on snow pack, (not ice) this was the ultamate test, zoom I went around in shock, so the next hill when everyone was going up on the loose gravel on the edge in a long line, I passed them all in the middle of the snow packed road, confidence inspiring to say the least, I ride this Specialized Sawtooth all the time now, (tubeless ready, $ as low as $30.) I only ride gravel when the MTB trails are bad, but I ride all winter, getting way more miles on my gravel bike then the fat bike, the tires make it fun to get a great workout in winter.. the tires are good the rest of the year, and ok on MTB trails too, but for winter they are confidence inspiring, scary fast at times going down hill at 25 mph+ on snow pack..but they work. I think they make the tire from octopi,,, ;)

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

That is some all-conditions testing! Thanks for sharing.

[@DonutEndurance]

My go to tire has been the Vittoria Dry as well. It make sense because I live in Oklahoma.

[@dmartel243]

I used to love Pathfinder Pro’s, Gravelking SS until I tried the Oracle Ridge. Realized that I hated tires which have two types of tread pattern (slick center with side knobs), as the transition changes the feel of the ride and there is that insecure moment between transitions. The Oracle Ridge have been awesome - I crossed Canada on them this year and the Endurance casing held up for all 6500 km. For next year I’m using RH Snoqualmie Pass in Extralight. I’m quite fortunate to live in Quebec which has an awesome cycling network so will be doing a lot of hardpack. Thx for the great content!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

“I crossed Canada on them.” !!! Bravo! Thanks for sharing your experience. When you say “for next year,” does that mean you are riding across Canada again? How can I follow? Strava?

[@dmartel243]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Hiya! I'd love to do it again, but taking that much time off from work and family was a one-off thing. Next summer I'll be doing shorter trips closer to home. For fun, I've sent my trip report to your velonews email. Cheers!

[@donmulvey9280]

I've been riding RH switchback hills on my bike but find them fragile in a standard casing but love them for 80/20. I def recommend the endurance casing for RH tires if your looking for longevity. I also recommend using the Smart Sealant. Miracle stuff. Like you ... I hate the side knobs on a slick tire ... on any hard surface. Always surprises me.

[@CarsandBikes]

I agree with you on the Terrano Dry tire.

[@chipverner5011]

I just moved from Ramblers to the Gravel King SS. So far, I like them much better. You do give up cornering traction on gravel, but you gain significant speed everywhere else. Also, they last about 3x as long.

[@robertlopez9685]

I use the pathfinder pros cause they came with my Specialized Diverge Comp Gravel bike. When the first pair wore ljt i eneded up buying another pair. They have been really good and durable. Ive been riding them for 2 1/2 years and only have gotten one puncture. They have been through hell. 😅😅😅

[@WilfredGibb]

I've been using WTB Nano's on my bike this season. Seem to perform well and reasonably durable. Feel like they roll pretty well on the pavement too. Have Panatacer Gravel King SK+ too but, notice that they seem to kick up a lot of stones from the course.

[@jimiedrake4972]

Love my Nano’s

[@MrLmb4682]

Continental Terra speed for me ! Great review sir

[@markortiz-luis2990]

Terravail Cannonball Durable version for me. Its Fast, grippy and ive'd been using it for more than a year. A reliable tire for me.

[@rlake349]

The Kimberlite from American Classic is an exceptional tire, it’s quiet and fast.

[@conor_on_the_go]

I've been running the Pathfinder Pro's for about a year now, originally in 42mm, now in 38. Absolutely, unequivocally the best gravel tire I've ever run. Super fast, super durable, feels great. 10/10.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi the Pathfinders in 38, in a rim about 20mm int 27external around what width should have? Thanks

[@salbass7737]

About 38

[@richarddecredico6098]

They used to be the best until the Pirelli Cinturato arrived.

[@gabrielmarias972]

@@richarddecredico6098 cinturato M?

[@barrowsworm1226]

G-one RS is my top choice, in 40 mm. I just love that tire, rolls fast even on asphalt, but seems to have much more grip than one would expect. I have also yet to flat on it, which is more than I can say for the Terreno 0... Nice supple casing on the RS as well, I find it to have a smoother ride than the Vittoria options when run at the same pressure. I am in CO, and ride mostly dry conditions, but lately (unfortunately) I have ridden the RS on snow/ice/mud, and it has done surprisingly well there, although I really try to avoid such conditions whenever possible!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Nice. Where in Colorado?

[@benjapolcycling]

Funny you mentioned about snow, I occasionally challenge myself riding terreno dry in the "still grippy-ish packed snow" and surprisingly it has adequate grip as long as the road (incline/sharp turns) and the rider are not too crazy. Cannot wait to try that again on G-one RS 40mm I just bought.

[@sagitkuka]

I have been using the Panaracer GravelKing SS+ 35c for the last 1500km in Hong Kong, where 90% of the road are a mixture of beat down tarmac and bumpy pavements. The other 10% are a mixture of light trail and gravel. Love these tyres

[@againthebegin]

Nailed it as usual, Ben... I have a basement full of tires over time have simplified it down to just three -- Pathfinder Pro in 42 for Unbound and any other course with serious flat hazards and either the g-one RS or Conti Terra Speed for early everything else. On rare occasions when a race has a ton of sand I might trot out the G-One Speed liteskin beach racing tires in 2.0, but that’s getting hyper-specialized. The Pirelli G and H also have worked well, and are worth a mention. The S-Works Pathfinder doesn’t roll any faster, apparently, and has less tread and likely less puncture resistance (I dont trust lab tests for puncture as they dont seem to correlate super well with real world) but is significantly lighter and no doubt makes sense for some vertical courses.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks, Jay. Have you always done the Pathfinders for Unbound, or have you tried others there? I need to spend more time with the Pirellis.

[@againthebegin]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Not always. 1st year used Panaracer standard casing no issues, then the reinforced ones next year on the gnarlier north course. One bad sidewall cut in that 1st bad section that culls so many (E. Kaw). Not the tire’s fault….in the press briefing beforehand they said they’d flatted three jeep tires there reconning. Replaced that at second pit with 650b Panaracer in 50mm standard casing. No issues. Next year ran pathfinder pro front and Pirelli gravel h year in 45mm. The mullet theory was tad more aero in front, more weight carrying rear. The pirelli punctured but sealed at @22 psi with me noticing. Maybe on Little Egypt. My mechanic caught it at last pit and I had him pump it on up to 40 as it’s mostly tame after that. At awards Dylan Johnson and I were comparing notes …he said which punctured? He’d been running pirellis and had several punctures, said that’s it, back to pathfinders. BUT he’d done well on them 45mm) in bunch of it east coast races. Rocks here not usually shard. Then this year I had maybe 6 people there I’d put on pathfinders, only one got a cut, when someone forced him off a line. Sample size now good. That said, people in my house got through on freaking Terra speeds. Luck plays a role.

[@againthebegin]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney also…. You see lot of pros on pathfinder pro and few if any on s-works. I have theory that with large sharp rocks the thickness of rubber in the tread and shape of tread pattern plays crucial role….look at classic Panaracer tread design….hard for a large rock to reach casing before its impact is spread across much greater surface area, reducing cutting force. Ditto pathfinder, but while tread design is the same on both models, tread thickness on s-works is maybe half of pro. All bets are off on sidewall cuts but “supple” prob not the way to go at unbound.

[@toddeyster7557]

I am not in the competitive category and do not have the budget to have a “quiver” of tires. I also have no desire to switch them out. I have had really good results with the WTB resolutes. I have ridden the DK 50, the Mid South 50, and lots of varied surface from pavement to softball sized rock sections without flats (orange seal endurance).

[@burn31]

Pathfinder Pro in 38mm have been awesome for me 💯💯 really fast on the road and grippy on the gravel.

[@markxkovacic]

I have negative experience with 2 of these tires. The center strip came off the Specialized Pathfinder Pros and wrapped around the frame. Front did the same a few months later. The Maxxis Ramblers developed blisters using Orange seal. I successfully warranted 3 of them for the same reason.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Whoa! Thanks for sharing.

[@curtbohling]

Yes sir, the Pathfinder is good one!

[@alanhill7965]

Hi Ben I’ve been using Pathfinder Pro’s for a few years and have found them to be very good , For the last week I’ve been using the S-works version and must say they are a beautiful ride I had a big ride on Sunday with various gravel and road finishes and they were great obviously to early to tell but I do like the feel of them

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Feel is real!

[@mavallarino]

I’ve been using gravelkings. I’ve only ever used WTBs prior but I haven’t been riding long to have had the opportunity to try other models

[@josech]

Those Schwalbe look great, personally tried Panaracer Gravel King and never looked back.

[@Adventuregirl96]

I have been into Gravel less that a year and as a Salsa fan girl I been trying the different tires from Teravail. and I enjoy both the Cannonball and the Washburn.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Cool. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@acousticgearhead7820]

PSA: The Vittoria Terreno Dry in 38 tend to be 40s on modern rims. Some shops list the various notations for tyre sizes and they do appear as 40s in different notations (same principle applies to other sizes as well, obviously). Mine measure 42 mm on a 23 mm internal rim width (WTB i23). I tend to subscribe to your line of thought as well when it comes to tread patterns for pure gravel riding and don't change tyres to go for road rides. The smooth center does more than well enough for my road rides. I have a set of 650b wheels with XC tyres for the more mtb oriented rides as well, so don't really need tyres like the Ramblers myself. Before I had that second set those would've been a prime choice though! Before the current Terreno Dry's I was on Continental Terra Speed's that were an utter disappointment. Yes, they are light, yes they roll very well and have a surprising amount of grip. But. They don't last at all (wear on the rear tyre was apparent after a single week of maybe 200 km worth of riding. And I don't do skids.), they needed more sealant than the Vittoria's or my previous Schwalbe X-One Allround (both of which don't need sealant at all to keep air pressure), therefore kind of negating the weight benefit and need more frequent sealant top ups as well because they dry out quicker. If they were cheap as chips I'd be fine with that, but their running cost (monetary and in terms of maintenance time) don't justify their price imo.

[@alex1231235]

Great review Ben - as always! I’ve been using the G ONE RS for a few months now (50/50 tarmac and trail) and the performance and reliability has been terrific!

[@muhammadfadliladhim9158]

what about the wear?

[@rule3036]

I have been using G1 on rural roads and light gravel in the Uk past 2 years and find them easy rolling yet grippy and secure in the wet and loose surfaces , down side they wear out fast and poor protection against the Haw thorns littering English and Welsh country roads from the hedgerows, even when tubeless. Otherwise great tyre.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

In previous editions (R, Allround), the rubber is softer so does faster than harder tires. Just one more tradeoff to balance with bike gear, right? Some people value durability, and with good reason! I'm spoiled with so many test options, so I indulge in the supple feel.

[@mediumrick7667]

Every gravel tire is a give and take from my perspective. I've had good luck with the Pathfinder. Durable and decent on both the dirt and the pavement. 42mm for me. YMMV

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Agreed 100% that every tire (and most bike gear) is a give and take.

[@davidnicholson6680]

In dry gravel, I like the Maxxis Receptors best: bulletproof, supple and fast. For dirt roads, Gravelking slicks. For damp or slightly muddy conditions, Pathfinder Pros. Special mention to Rene Herse Snowqualmie Pass, which offers the best ride I've ever experienced on smooth gravel... but they are pretty fragile.

[@gabrielfong]

Odd that you recommend Pathfinder for damp or muddy conditions

[@Gianniz27]

Pathfinder Pro is fastest on dry as well.

[@donmulvey9280]

I also describe Rene Herse as great but fragile. I would not buy them in anything but endurance casing. But I do love em.

[@geoffreybomber]

I’m definitely not competitive in the gravel scene but good to know! I went from 650x47 Vitoria Terrenos to 700x36 Donnelly MSOs and it was a world of difference. So even beyond model vs model or brand vs brand, a video about width would be very helpful.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Good idea. I'll see what I can cook up. Thanks.

[@249brianb]

Check out Ted Kings video on tire choice. Excellent

[@markreams3192]

I haven’t had a lot of experience with gravel tires. I ride more pavement than gravel. I started with the Pirelli Cinturado gravel H and when they became hard to get and the price increased significantly I switched to Panaracer gravel king SS. They’re both quite fast on the road and have adequate traction on hard pack dirt and gravel. They’re fast enough that I haven’t set up my road wheels. As far as flat resistance, the only punctures I’ve had are from goat heads and wires from truck tire treads. There’s no such thing as flat resistance from those two things. I am interested in trying the Specialized pathfinders but I’m well stocked up on tires for now.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@davidnall4445]

Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44 mm have been my go to for several years now. Tubeless, fast, go through everything, tough, long lasting and a real surprise.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Endurance casing, I assume? Where do you live? Thanks.

[@shirtlessGraveler305]

Last Sunday at a gravel race here in South Florida those tires were recommended to me In endurance casing. Never ran slicks off road for anything. The rider raved about them and we have sharp bumpy coral rock gravel roads here. I might just buy them. I just spent money on new Conti Terra speed size 40c and had a bit too much air pressure on race day cause the valves clogged up during the week. That’s another issue I can’t stand. But I had a bumpy donkey 🫏 kicking ride on my Diverge …. Grrrrrr . Looking forward next pay day to order some Rene Herse tires and maybe the Panaracer sealant too.

[@Graptos]

Maxxis OEM Ramblers, liked the feel but flatted three times on the first ride, front and back (x2). Received another OEM set...and flatted both of these too. Ridden the same pisté on different tires without the same trepidation, e.g., Panaracer Gravel Kings - more a comment on OEM quality.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

OEM vs aftermarket is a great point. Do you recall which casing?

[@armarac]

You need to try the Challenge Getaway . You’ll love them !

[@kwparker]

Agree - raced on the Getaway (700x40) at SBT Black this year and they were excellent, even when the course conditions got sloppy.

[@hansschotterradler3772]

Had some bad luck with the rambler; never had any issues with the GK, not with the SK version nor with the SS version.

[@marciomvp9458]

Can't wait to get my Schwalbe G-One RS. Couldn't decide yet if I will go with 40 or 45

[@karlr6810]

As a fellow Coloradoan, I appreciate this video as I'm thinking about changing one of my gravel rigs from Kenda Allevium 700x35 to something else. Kenda's are nice, rock-solid in experience - they just feel slow to me. The other day, I rode my other gravel bike, fitted with Soma Cazadero 700x50, inflated per Silca recommendations, and that bike was faster. Unfortunately, my gravel rig with the Kenda's limited to 42mm tires and the Soma's in that size are not tubeless. I know folks rave about Panaracer Gravel Kings however, I've discovered mounting any of those tires to WTB KOM 700 rims is a no-go. They go on and if you need to take them off while on the trail, good luck. I'd love to try them...just don't want that worry if I have to remove one when out-and-about. Thanks for sharing, sir. Cool and informative video. 👍🤘

[@sheldonjohns]

IRC Boken have been my go to for a while now. Very similar design to the G One RS

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Thanks, Sheldon.

[@robertrunkle2315]

No Gravel Bike topic will get more feedback than "What is the best gravel tire"? All tire choices are regional, terrain, and race specific. I've run the Maxxis Rambler, Maxxis Receptor, Schwalbe G-One All Around, Teravail Cannonball, WTB Raddler. The Rambler wears to fast and doesn't have the side knob bite I want as I lean in hard into the corners, but good all around durable tire. The Receptor is really more of an all weather tire for roads, the G-One is a solid "All Road" tire that is better suited for wet roads that have soot and dirt run off from the rain or light dirt over hardpack, I've done a few gravel bike races on the Teravail Cannonball and it was the supplest tire I've ever ridden, it would be the tire I would ride all day long if only it came in a 45mm. The downside is the supple compound version is susceptible to punctures in head on sharp rocks, but very few tires are not. I now run the WTB Raddler and that thing is a machine! It's durable, it's grippy, it's confidence inspiring, and it wears forever! It's the Mountain Biker's gravel tire...... In a 44mm it feels great and I raced it twice this year over some chunky sections and the confidence was measurable. I also want to make a request for WTB and IRC, for WTB please make the VENTURE in a 700x45mm (Tanwall), That tire is what I want to ride all day everyday, there are not as many Gravel Bikes out there with the ability to run a 50mm 700. For IRC, I would be riding the boken over the Raddler if only it came in tanwall.

[@briantravis1851]

G One Schwalbe is my choice as well, cheers Ben.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Nice!

[@JimLangley1]

Thanks a lot for the helpful recommendations Ben, looking for the right tires for the Sea Otter. That course is so unpredictable - might need to bring 2 sets.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

My pleasure, Jim. Sea Otter gravel race is on the old XC course, yeah? What bike are you using?

[@JimLangley1]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I think it's a new course, Ben - or so some guys told me who rode some of the new course. The map is up and early reports are that it's wet and rutted from all the rains. But there's a couple weeks still to race day. I'm on a Trek Checkpoint SL 5 I reviewed recently on my channel but I'm sure you know the bike - can take up to 50mm tires.

[@TheCortMetal]

Great vid! Im just torn between Schwalbe G one rs 40 vs 45.. My current Pirelli Cinturato Rc gravel M 40 feel really slow and i want to try something more comfy / faster (I know, hard combination to get)

[@davidtt8372]

The Ramblers I have are very loose fitting on my DT Swiss wheels. System kept failing between rim and bead. They also gave me issues when I upgraded to a Roval wheelset. Switched back to Pathfinders.

[@aliancemd]

I used Conti Terra and have not realized how bad those were until I switched to Pirelli Cinturato Gravel RC(after using Gravel M on a different bike for ~1 year and absolutely loving those). Terra basically uses road rubber with knobs and has very bad grip, feels hard and uncomfortable while Cinturato has soft rubber that eats lots of the small buzz but is also significantly more grippy when cornering while doing great in the straight line do to the knobs design in the center of it.

[@jakubdobrosielski5709]

Terra speed?

[@pierrex3226]

That makes no sense, Conti basically makes the best road rubber compound, with the GP5000 being the gold standard, why would this feel hard and uncomfortable? And they've both been tested, the Cinturato is 5.4W slower per tyre. And the terra speed has better puncture resistance.

[@jakubdobrosielski5709]

Terra speed uses black chilli compound which is probably the best compound for such usage. Super fast rolling and gripy

[@aliancemd]

​@@pierrex3226 It has road/tarmac rubber, which is hard rubber, that's why it feels uncomfortable on anything that is not smooth. Did the test happen on an imitation of tarmac or gravel? Because the rubber giving in slightly will add rolling resistance on tarmac but grip and better/more constant contact on gravel. It's not as simple as translating "good on tarmac, means good on gravel".

[@PerfDayToday]

Nice .. I use pathfinder and the original G-1.. nice comparisons.

[@melvinsmithson7924]

I love the ride quality of the Maxxis rambler but I have cut too many of them

[@robbchastain3036]

Thanks, Ben, always enjoy your conversations about anything gravel. And it'd be fascinating to hear about your projected 2023 calendar of events and how you put it together--and how others make their plans, too, maybe with chats with them.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

You assume I have it put together... ;-) Good idea.

[@chadstellwagen3460]

I’m just getting into gravel. Thanks for all the good info on tires. I’m in Phoenix and mostly ride road with the occasional packed gravel sections. We have pretty chunk roads and there is usually a lot of gravel and debris on our roads. What would be your preference be for that?

[@fennec13]

Great picks ! I have two sets of wheels/ tires. 32c Panaracer Gravelking for more time on the tarmac with 45mm deep carbon wheels - and I run giant's Gravel 1 tires in 40c for the chunky stuff on 33mm deep carbon wheels x 24mm internal width - having both has given me the versatility to take my gravel bike anywhere.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Cool. Which bike?

[@stevekelly6544]

I agree the Pathfinder Pros are fast, but the hard center strip accentuates bumps and cracks and vibrations in comparison to the Vittoria or Maxxis Receptor, which are far more supple and give a much more comfortable ride quality- the other thing about the Pathfinder is the tread on the side of the strip will pick up and throw fine limestone gravel at you the entire time your riding a rail trail, covering your legs and water bottles with gravel dirt and grit- again have not experienced that with the Vittoria or Maxxis-

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Funny how some tires just hit that sweet - or maybe sour! - spot with the loose surface in certain areas. I was just replying to a few Panaracer comments here about the GravelFling effect in Colorado.

[@matthewkramer8613]

The specialized pathfinder is pretty good for mixed conditions. Pretty fast on road, grips well off road. Schwable is usually my goto brand. Interested in the in that G one!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

For so many of us, gravel rides start on pavement and often include a lot of pavement. So that Pathfinder is a pretty sweet option. And yeah, if you like supple tires you'll love the G-One RS.

[@tonyg3091]

G-One RS are brilliant yes

[@the_joe_reynolds_foundation]

I've really been digging the Sawtooth from Specialized. It's got a zigzaggy pattern that I feel deforms and conforms to what you're riding on, and is quite good at cornering on dirt, road, and (oddly enough) light snow. The rear even stuck pretty good on a sloppy climb around here. It's a little on the heavier side, so I can chuck it into some more gnarly stuff without a ton of fear of sidewall cuts, but I wouldn't want to use it for anything TOO extreme for too long. Have you ever done a speed test on those? Oh! And do you even mix and match tires for certain races? With maybe a slightly more aggressive tire up front? Thanks for the recs! First time stumbling across ya.

[@buzzman4860]

👍 because tires are the number one upgrade on a bike.

[@richarddecredico6098]

Of course. It's the only contact with the planet.

[@jimthebikeguy]

Goodyear connector ultimate. The most underrated tire in the world. Fast. Bullet proof. Grip for days. Rolls like a maniac on tarmac. Only downside is stiff carcass, run em low.

[@cdeluise]

Very underrated tire indeed! I've been on them 2 years now with zero punctures, awesome grip too. Carcass is a firm, but nowhere near as stiff as a Kenda Flintridge Pro.