Why you SHOULD and SHOULDN'T put MTB tyres on your gravel bike

[@JackMott]

I would like to clarify that wider tires do not inherently roll slower. This is a common misconception. If two tires are constructed the same, and you run each at their optimum pressure, the wider one tends to have less rolling resistance, not more. Additionally, as you go wider you can construct the casing thinner, with the same safety margin, and this means less energy needed to deform it. This why you can see some MTB tires like the RaceKing (non shieldwall version) and Thunderburt have less rolling resistance even in roller testing than many gravel tires. (roller testing only measures 1 of the 2 components of rolling resistance).

[@jonpoon3896]

Absolutely love the Mezcals. Rode the Tour Aotearoa on the latest version. So many times I thought I was about to cut a sidewalk, instead it shoots the rock to the side of the trail

[@MrGND123]

I do! I use the René Herse Fleecer Ridge 700c x 55mm (although mine mic in at 57mm) in the Endurance Casing, set up tubeless. In the Richmond, VA USA area where I live, there's a ride called The Endpoint Coffee Grinder Loop. It has urban and suburban streets, smooth and chunky gravel, rooty singletrack...the Fleecer Ridge handles the singletrack great and it's not bad a'tall on pavement!

[@stuartpotter4923]

I've been running 27.5 Maxxis CrossMark IIs in 2.1 for a good while... I like them. They feel super burly, but not too heavy. I tend to ride pretty rocky trails, but also some smooth stuff mixed in. While they're not the quickest on the smooth stuff, I'm always glad I've got them on for the rough. I also have a second set of wheels in 700c with semi-slicks for faster, smoother rides

[@davidf1288]

I've been riding Maxxis Aspen 27.5 x 2.1 tires, which is a fast-rolling XC tire, without any clearance issues. Like you, found it easier to setup tubeless and appreciate the added traction and compliance. As you've discovered, Vittoria tires with the long-wearing graphene 4C compound is a great option if riding lots of pavement.

[@TheDarKris]

I have a drop bar Hardtail as my gravel bike now and I just got some 29 x 2.2 Continental Race Kings and my god these roll sooooooo well it’s insane. I need to do a longer ride to see how they hold up

[@LordFata]

Word! Ran 650b 2.2 Race Kings on my Bombtrack and they roll so so well. In Africa on sandy dirt roads I overtook the Schwalbe Mondials on light descends without even pedalling (while the others did). Got a 700c carbon wheelset with 42 mm WTB Resolutes later and they feel so sluggish compared to the Race Kings

[@highestsprings]

2nd up drop bar MTB as a gravel bike. Perfect really.

[@richscorer]

For UK "Gravel" in autumn winter, the Sendaro's are amazing in the mud / rubbish conditions. As soon as it dry's up a bit you can go a for lot less tread. I have 2 sets of wheels, the first is Schwalbe G all round in 40mm "Groad" and Sendaro's for anything else. My next tyre will probably be thinner for Groad probably to 35 - 38mm, 40mm for me is overkill. I want Cinturato Gravel H in 35mm but their availability is currently limited, however loads of stock in 40mm locally so might have my choices picked for me.

[@ahmadzuhairi]

Rene Herse' Fleecer Ridge have knobbies that rolls fast and quiet like a slick. Lighter than any mtb tyres too.

[@BikeLife154]

I have 700 x 52c Mezcal tyres on my 2022 Giant Revolt. Giant say you can fit 53s, but saying they will fit and saying they’ll fit safely are 2 different things! If I actually rode the bike like I want to on gravel there would be nothing left of the carbon frame and fork!

[@risesir]

Which way is the chip flipped? Sounds like you have it on the short side.

[@BikeLife154]

@@risesir it’s on the longest mode. Short mode allows up to 45mm according to Giant. This bike will realistically only take a 50mm. More than that and you risk damaging the frame. Cheers!

[@bootsauce47]

I’ll say it again your the bike/gear reviewer that makes me spend the most MONEY! Slapped a set of these bad boys(Mecall lll) on my Bombtack Beyond+ yeah they are a little slow, but are wearing in nicely and rolling better on tarmac the more I ride them. I also want to mention easy to set up tubeless and the most PLUSh tire I’ve ridden and then there’s the GRIP… I previously had Shwalbe G-Ones on now those are a fast tire and surprisingly capable tire. Those are some stiff tires. I am now also an owner of a Bombtrack Hook EXT even though it may be redundant I’m going to shod Vittoria Mescal lll as well in my the 650b x 2.1

[@lillithbena1211]

former mountain bike racer busy converting all bikes to wider fatter rubber the past 5 years. am using Vittoria Barzos on my Bombtrack Hook EXT-Cin 700x2.1. LLLOVE them and they have taken me through everything. but they do pack up with mud and being a carbon frame, i know now that winter is over, i do need to swap out with say the Mezcals or Ikons before i do any real damage to the frame/fork surface, where the hairs did rub at first. Also been a fan of Small Block 8s on a former CX/commuter bike. they only work on hardpack though and i do quite like getting through rather than dismounting to walk past trail mud. i am just in love with the Barzos despite that they are just not the right tire for my Hook. had i been able to find Mezcals in tan wall, i'd have gotten those but only found them in the 27.5s, which may be how i keep my Barzo fix - get them in the 650s for next winter. the Barzos do lose pressure after 48 hours though, so it's time to let them go. just have to find a suitable replacement. Mezcals at the top of that list, and Ikons. not been a Conti fan just b/c i heard of blow outs. My 650b wheels have SOMA Cazadero's, and they owuld make a suitable gravel tire in 700x50, but not so competent off road as i am certain the Mezcals would be.

[@Alex_564]

Are those faster than the Mezcals?

[@brianbush2922]

Vittoria make the Terreno’s in a 2.1 size now. I’ve thought about running them a few times.

[@MarkJanmelAboy]

I have a buget MTB and I plan to get a gravel bike frame with a rigid fork and flat bars with and use my 1.95 wheels. Because here in the Philippines long rides are getting more popular and since we live in a third world country which means the roads are not he best quality and you never know if the roads are under construction, so I think this setup is really good since I don't do much heavy trail and want to be faster on roads and can pretty much do everything. Thanks for the tips

[@wojciechopyrcha9116]

Mtb tyres can be a good option. I can say that Continental Race King is quite cheap and really fast tyre. Faster than many Gravel tyres. It should be good option. Mezcal are also nice but not so cheap.

[@shanewalden8547]

I like running a mtb tyre up front and gravel at the rear, helps that the Exploro has more tyre clearance up front but I find it better for grip and my hands thank me for it.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

SWEET profile photo my dude!

[@shanewalden8547]

@@JustRideAdelaide did it just for you

[@garypostell5268]

Our gravel roads in Alabama are quite rough so the mtb tires are good choice not much riding on road WTB 29x 225

[@fentuz]

I run continental crossking 50-584 in winter and crossking front with raceking 50-584 rear in summer. I love this set up

[@Alex_564]

This is useful to me as I just ordered a set of Schwalbe Thunder Burt 29x2.1(bikes max, which is fine in the desert-ish area I ride) tires for my gravel bike. Coming from the 43mm SK+ the 2020 TB in the regular casing is lighter than the smaller SK+ & from what I can gather just as fast. 2021 model is the same weight due to the updated thicker casing. On my previous bike I had 29x2.0 Conit RaceKings in the rear & it was fast rolling, but braking left a little to be desired.

[@brianbush2922]

I found some thunder burts on sale last year and put the 2.1’s on my radar pro tubeless. Felt good, rolled fast on hard pack and pavement, felt pretty grippy and comfortable. The casing was extremely thin; I’m pretty sure the newer models are considerably thicker/stiffer, and after about 1.5k miles they were prone to puncture. Enjoying Soma’s 48mm Shikoro currently for mostly rural pavement.

[@bikejinjarides]

great vlog. can you also review Ultradynamico tires

[@TamBikeOnHotToo]

My monster gravel has a conti raceking 29x2.0 I like the more rugged look and a more comfy than narrow tires 🤫💯😍🦋🚲

[@bobmajew53]

I just got Smart Sam 28x1.7, very close to a MTN tire and as fat as I dare with mudguards.

[@davidlenneberg4303]

It’s like gravel bike are going full circle starting starting to look like early mountain bikes with the drop bars

[@bogusjimmy]

Just add flat bars and it’s perfect 👌

[@davehause8571]

Or cyclocross bikes circa 2007

[@miked319]

panaracer comet hardpack 27.5x2.0 folding tire, great tire, similar thread!

[@marcokalle2452]

Can't really call these "real" mtb tires, but running 650B 60mm wide G-one speeds on my Ridley X-Trail gravelbike makes it a really nice beachracer 😎

[@Ey_up]

Running Mezcal 2.25 front and 2.1 rear on my GenesisVagabond. Thinking seriously about the Pirelli Cinturato M...when they're back in stock.

[@bushbeatnik4480]

When will we see the gravel mullet? 29x2.5 in front 650x50 rear for full send mode😜🤙🙈

[@evanm.2300]

Thats funky 😅 we need it tho for the video content of entertainment and science!!!!

[@heliosans]

kenda small block, maxxis pace, cst jack rabbit also good for gravel bike with mtb tires.

[@gonnok]

Maxxis TreadLites here. 2.1 on paper, but on my DT XM401's they are closer to 48-49mm. Bit of sealent seeping trough the side walls.

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Fresh. Crisp. Great scripting. Flawless delivery. Nice use of graphics and cut aways. This is the best of KZbin.. a regular with high talent, given opportunity to strut.

[@sabamacx]

The other problem going full chonk is that you push the limits of your bikes geometry. I run 29x3 on my Fargo and, although it fits, it aint designed around it and the steering is slow and cumbersome. Infinite grip and comfort, though.

[@wheelzandgillz]

Running 2.6 mezcals on my Fargo the grip on gravel on turns at 15mph is amazing!

[@jeffservaas]

I have pulled back from maxing out the clearance with 700x44 and 650x2.2 after I found I prefer the handling of 700x38 for light gravel and 650x48 for rougher gravel

[@jandzacovsky5281]

I'm fiddling with the idea of getting Continental Race King 650b 2.2 tyres for my GT Grade Carbon gravel bike. I'm just not sure if their width would work with the AXS front derailleur.

[@kymcopyriot9776]

Great work as always James. Now I gotta find me some of the Cinturatos! Bike tyres can be hard to find nowadays!

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Yeah man, they really are! Plus, people have complained directly to me that too many people are buying them because I always shout about how great they are! I like to imagine I have that power :D

[@larsonrickli7540]

I have a Maxxis assegai 2.5 on the front of my kona sutra.

[@BoogieBrew]

Now THAT'S a grippy gravel tourer!

[@OzFritty]

I've been running Maxxis Forekasters on my Hook EXT during winter for deep mud and snow riding. Absolute overkill as soon as it dries up, but super durable and excellent tubeless setup. You mentioned the Schwalbe Thunder Burts, which stayed on for a whole 500km of Bikepacking before they went in the bin. Yes, fast. But too loose for an easy setup and puncture prone. Currently on Onza Svelts, which are actually decent all-year monstercross tyres, but feel too "sticky" for summery gravel/asphalt rides.

[@bikebudha01]

It's not about the tires. It's about the GEARING. If your gravel/adventure riding has a significant amount of paved sections - no mountain bike will be geared properly for it. I know, I put a 46 big ring on my hardtail. On the flats, you'll spin out in the 18-20mph range. It's very difficult to keep up with actual gravel/road bikes. And of course on the downhills, they will drop you like a hot potato...

[@michiganstate149]

A 30t (small for MTB standards) sounds out at 23-24mph. Most are running 32 or larger. You won't spin out until you are 26+...

[@bikebudha01]

@@michiganstate149 so every time you go downhill... got it...

[@thecappy]

I'm rocking 700x48 Oracle ridge on my Warbird. This is about as far as the bike can go, and have to pay attention for build up in muddy conditions.

[@andreamazzoni2323]

Canyon Grizl with Vittoria Mezcal 27,5 x 2.10 Fantasticccccc !!!!

[@calvinnieh8943]

Nice video and interesting topic. I’m on a Salsa Fargo with 29 x 1.35” Barzo in front and Mezcal in the back. They roll great on chunky XC single track and fire roads and feel fine on good to okay condition gravel roads. If I’m going to be on gravel and road without chunk.. I’ll switch to wheels with 43mm Panaracer GK SS+ tires.

[@jpval3484]

I've done the opposite and it's the best bike i have for now, Bobcat trail, Manitou 27.5 frame fork ~ 29er wheels ~ 700x43c gravelking sk tires

[@ass5178]

Hey mate, I notice you’re still riding the Bossi. They are pretty awesome hey

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Haha yeah man it keeps on kicking ass! It's about to get an overhaul with some crazy new gear which will make for some fun content.

[@TamBikeOnHotToo]

Yeah but my frane can't accomodate more than 2.1 😔🦋

[@Full_Throttle_no_Brakes]

Why the little had? It is to increase drag?!

[@pedrolahoz]

After experiencing plenty of gravel riding I find myself more tolerant to smaller tires. One has to “learn” or train the body (and equipment) to ride the rougher terrain. Protective tire inserts are a must, to prevent pinching your tube while running lower tire pressures. The lower pressures give the bit of suspension needed to make gnarly gravel riding a bit enjoyable.

[@discoditto]

What kind of inserts?

[@pedrolahoz]

@@discoditto Tannus to use with tubes, Defender for tubeless. Made my gravel bike rideable.

[@al-du6lb]

What pressure do you put in those bad boys?

[@FortheLoveofCycling]

I need to get a gravel bike.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

You certainly do!

[@SimersTO]

Hello please review the Pirelli Gravel H, I recently got it and the rainy weather is stopping me from pushing its limits.

[@jonpoon3896]

He did review them. Not too long ago

[@SimersTO]

@@jonpoon3896 Those were the Gravel M's, the ones I'm referring to have less tread

[@jonpoon3896]

@@SimersTO he’s reviewed both. It’s there

[@Planetone.]

Wish it came in a 45c!

[@SJ-tk4ri]

Vittoria have now released the Mezcal in a 700 x 44c: exact same tread pattern, TNT casing in anthracite.

[@outbackwack368]

My tire limit is 700x42 or 650x48 :-( Looking into getting a Cutthroat now instead... but I do like titanium! :-)

[@Alex_564]

have a bike builder make custom TI new gen Cutthroat in your size?

[@connororeilly9076]

Vpace tmx titanium from Germany shipped easy to USA is basically gen 1cutthroat geo more or less and 29x 2.25 clearance

[@jefftoonstra5087]

Check out Bearclaw Ti bikes out of Michigan!

[@KurtisPape]

15psi :o well I guess that is your only suspension. Ive been getting beat up with my 35mm tires

[@bogusjimmy]

Currently running gravel tyres but ready for some WTB Ranger 2” chonk for winter. I’ve heard from other that’s they’re here for a good time, not a long time... PS it’s pronounced “renay airs” 👌

[@Robwooddesign]

Thanks David

[@Aerestflow]

2.10 width 29 is perfect for gravel bike?

[@cyclingmania1012]

What was your stem degrees?

[@trailhuntercy4433]

JUST SUBSCRIBED BRO!!!PROPER ADVICES, PROPER CHANNEL!!!KEEP OT UP BRO!!!

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Thanks mate, appreciate it!

[@karlkrieg858]

Fleecer Ridge 👌👍

[@snorristurluson9679]

i'm running 2.2 Conti RaceKing Protection on my Hook EXT in 650 B and they are lot faster and much more comfy then lets say my GK SK in 43 mm, lately i tried the Pirellis Cinturatos in 45mm , like it so far but i don't think that they are any faster then the RaceKings. On Bike Rolling Resistance they are also in 2nd Place after the SpeedKings....

[@sebAstian-xp3kw]

Why dont use speedkings?

[@snorristurluson9679]

@@sebAstian-xp3kw will be the next tire for dry contitions..

[@LL-jr2ys]

What rim width are you using?

[@snorristurluson9679]

@@LL-jr2ys Hunt adventure Sport Wheels

[@LL-jr2ys]

@@snorristurluson9679 thanks!

[@everywherelocal]

yeah! 💪

[@kc3718]

titanium wears away too

[@molokofreak]

from my mtb experience and current setup mezcals are slow in comparsion with race kings and thunderbirds, but very plushy, as a front tyre - great, as back - go with shwalbe or conti.

[@yumyumhungry]

It's interesting that Tour Divide is essentially a 2,750 mile gravel race and everyone chooses to run 2.2 in tires.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

It makes sense when the stakes are so high. Chonk tyres might cost you some time but they're more rugged and comfortable.

[@pgreenx]

@@JustRideAdelaide I heard an interview with a divide winner who only averaged something like 10 miles an hour. He said he won because of his time on the bike not his speed on the bike. So it makes sense being comfortable is more important than being fast over 3000 miles

[@chazbro2512]

Maxxis icon 🤘🏼

[@Monsieur.Nobody.]

What bike is that may I ask?

[@kacy_12]

Looks like a surly ogre.

[@Talos353]

Soon: "Why you should put flat bars and front suspension on your gravel bike".

[@Big_Yin]

Maxxis ikon 27.5x2.2 is 650b at 56mm wide. On a gravel frame you'll be lucky To get 50mm clearance, which is 27.5x2.0 So if you have a regular gravel frame aim for XC/cross-country MTB tyres. Anything wider than 2.0 or 50mm with knobs will most likely not fit.

[@jefftoonstra5087]

Bearclaw Thunderhawk will take a 700 x 50c or 650c x 60

[@Big_Yin]

@@jefftoonstra5087 did you read "regular gravel frame" not custom titanium frame that's costs more than a complete bike. I know it must be tough for you to comprehend reading but it's actually important if you're going to attempt to conversate, nice try though.

[@jefftoonstra5087]

@@Big_Yin wow turn down the anger dude! BBC bikes are not custom build and are on the more affordable range of Ti bikes

[@Big_Yin]

@@jefftoonstra5087 the frame alone costs over $2k that's more than a complete "regular gravel bike" That's on 40c wheels

[@jefftoonstra5087]

@@Big_Yin ok you made your point

[@jarrydatienza1082]

nice cap always, where did u get it bro?

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Hey Jarryd, I got a bunch of them through the Australina Cinelli distributor. I think the Cinelli Winged Store is where to get them from now.

[@nathancouse3596]

The mezcals in that size have been discontinued?... I thought

[@JustRideAdelaide]

I don't think so, they're still listed on Vittoria's site.

[@karlkrieg858]

You should’nt because you will start to love the mtb side more than road 🧐😉

[@marcokalle2452]

“Luke, Don’t Give In To Mtb. That Leads To The Dark Side.” 😉

[@Big_Yin]

Mountain bikes suck, one hand position. Fuck that!

[@evanm.2300]

​@Big_Yin 😅😂its not that bad with ergon winged grips and a good bar. Just fotta accept it. Or get bar attachments or super curved bars or those bars that r almost like drops or convert to drop bar

[@phillipcowan1444]

The Rene Herse knobbys have been very good for me in this regard but be prepared to plunder your wallet.🙂

[@jairoalonso5191]

After about 3 years the last Keurig stopped working kzbin.infoUgkxBrV-RbF5Nk0Rlt9i15aao-YMzqzTG8Vf initially was able to unblock, however eventually we couldn't fix. That one was a replacement unit sent by the manufacturer after we had problems with our very first Keurig. This works fine (lol, at least for now) however I didn't realize the water reservoir was so much smaller than our prior unit. With 2 people having one or two cups of coffee each morning, it seems like I'm refilling it daily. Otherwise just happy to have the convenience of pod coffee vs. making a morning pot.

[@kevinlinares9060]

Lol here I thought he was going to talk about 2.4” and above tires when I read “mtb”.

[@The_Real_JN]

2.1 is not wide lol

[@IronKnok]

ren A airs

[@rule3036]

If you need mtb tyres for the terrain you are riding......then really you need a mountain bike.....and believe it or not mtbs can eat unsealed roads. " Gravel" is just " off road" for roadies.

[@chubscoi]

Thicc

[@hilltop1972]

This channel is just too similar to Rides of Japan for it to be coincidence

[@redleaderone8429]

Gravel bike haha. Please

[@Digi20]

I am running Schwalbe G-One speed 700c 50mm, they absolutely have no grip at all once it gets muddy. But hell they fly on tarmac and hardpack and even at or slightly below 20psi the bike does not feel sluggishly slow on long road passages compared to my roadbike. at low pressure they grip surprisingly well off road as long as its dry. Sadly schwalbe seems to have changed the tire with the new addix generation and according to bicyclerollingresistance.com they are a bit meh now.

[@Alex_564]

May want to look into the G-One Bite or Ultra Bite in that size.

[@JustRideAdelaide]

Haha, yeah that whole category of tyres is useless in mud. I try and test those fast treads in summer because MAN they can be a pain in the ass in winter.