WTB's Fastest Ever Gravel Tyres Tested in 100 Mile Gravel Event - Are They Worth It?

[@marksandoval5361]

Since Dylan Johnson took tenth place at the Unbound Gravel race using 29x2.2 Continental Race King XC tires, I'm questioning everything I thought I knew about Gravel tires. It seems that tread patterns matter less than I though. And maybe, Gravel bikes should come with wider tires. ( See Dylan's KZbin channel if you're curious about his build.) Turns out that casing thickness, suppleness, and low air pressure matters more than tread pattern when it comes to rolling resistance. I went from riding 700x43 Gravel King SK tires to 700x47 Pathfinder Pro tires and what a difference it makes riding a wider, more supple tire at lower pressure. Now, I'm tempted to try a set of 29x2.2 Race King tires. Maybe 700x45 tires are already outdate. This is not to detract from the Vulpine tires reviewed, which look very good. However, a seed has been planted that maybe 700x45 isn't wide enough.

[@frienduro24]

He used 2.2s on one race! A 200 mile endurance race, the very next race…Dylan was back on 38s. 2.2s are heavy and slow on any light gravel and especially on road.

[@lovenottheworld5723]

Before all the tubeless thing, cyclocrosses ran tubulars for performance and relied on low pressure and the casing and didn't care too much about the tread. Tread was more a clincher consideration. I can't understand it.

[@rejeancomeau]

@@frienduro24 nah he was using 2.2's on 60% road course BWR North Carolina (5th place). He JOKED about using 38's (see his following podcast)

[@frienduro24]

@@rejeancomeau So he lied. Nice. Maybe he would of won on 38s

[@bretprins4792]

@@frienduro24 He didn't lie. You failed to pick up on sarcasm. He's done 3-4 races this year on the Race Kings.

[@SoManyMiles]

Nice to see a new WTB tyre. I‘ve started my gravel journey on WTB Venture‘s (650B 47mm) lasting for many miles and tough rides. As always, your S-Works Crux looks incredible. I am waiting for my DSW to arrive at my LBS (with DT Swiss GR1600 wheels and 10-44 cassette). 😊

[@martinhudobivnik5895]

I've had zero punctures / sealant takeovers in 3 years with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H. One of the quickest tyres as well, if you ride in dry conditions like I do. Usually get new pair after 3000km.

[@throughthespokes21]

Same experiences with the M version. I just swapped out a pair with over 4000 miles. Fast rolling, and zero punctures or pinch flats. That's saying something since I have literally ridden these like MTB tires with some of the trails I go on. They are a tad heavy, granted, but I will gladly take a little weight for the trade off of long-lasting, fast rolling, amazing true mixed surface traction, and freaking bulletproof...couldn't ask for better tires.

[@toshman696969]

I ride the h also they are super fast and 0 punctures, took them for eu trip about 250 miles of gravel no issues

[@bogdanm5657]

@@throughthespokes21 I was about to write exactly the same regarding Cinturato gravel M. Looking for a Gravel H for the rear wheel

[@nlage8725]

Also a fan of Pirelli Cinturato M (in 45mm). Not a single puncture and keep air for ages (Schwalbe/stans milk). Rolling resistance is also not as bad as one would think with the profile. Still - I would like to try something else although i might be dissapointed :D migt go for Tufo Thundero next.

[@andrewhunter9398]

Really informative video, Thanks David. I too have a dicky back and rode the same 100 miler last weekend. I used to run a Redshift seatpost to mitigate back issues but for the last year have been running a much lighter Ergon cf allroad carbon post. If you get the chance to trial one, go for it. I've found it's been just as effective for back problems at a much lower weight penalty. I do however, still run the Redshift stem. What a bonus that was on those rutted sections!

[@Mickthemove_]

Good to meet you at the weekend David, The Minion Got Covid He still tapped out 110km tho 🤣😂

[@PolyglotBikepacker]

It just really depends on your terrain. For me, nothing beats tne 2.1 imch schwalbe g one ultrabite

[@Bikes-n-Stuff]

Did the same event on 40mm, and definitely going to try and go 45 if I do it again! Also same pedals, stood up well, but look very beaten up now! Think I carry too much, I have two frame bags and they were full, but I like to be prepared, and I'm slower so out there longer....

[@benjaminwatts3119]

I rode the vulpine 40’s at unbound last year, no punctures, felt great. 28/30 psi front/rear.

[@riderrunco]

Just a pathfinder copy. New pathfinder out later this year

[@nlage8725]

After riding the WTB Riddler (45mm) WTB tyres are dead to me. More flats than I could count (only good thing: it convinced me to go tubeless). Leaking air so hard I had to pump it up each morning on a bikepacking trip with a mini pump just to get to the next gas station for a compressor (always flat to the bead). Wetgrip is also a nightmare: after losing grip on concrete on very moderade pace twice in one ride I threw them away before I seriously hurt myself or my bike. Switched to Pirelli Cinturato M which are a 9.5/10 to me. Will try the TUFO Thundero next, hoping to find my 10/10.

[@lovenottheworld5723]

I didn't know what to get for my Surly Cross Check so I just got Schwalbe CX Comps in 38mm and they do me fine.

[@br5380]

Can you get anything wider in?

[@lovenottheworld5723]

@@br5380 You can for small wheels. I could only find 38 for big wheels.

[@lovenottheworld5723]

@@br5380 Sorry I misread your question. It looks like maybe 45s could be squeezed in. 40 is probably the best limit.

[@lnbrmt1835]

What topcap are you using? Looks sleek. Nice video!! Thanks

[@gerryl8310]

Cheers David, another great video. Also have a S Works Crux. Been driving myself crazy trying to decide on a saddle bag but after seeing the Apidura 1L frame bag, might be perfect solution. Seems like fit is snug/low weight. Any other thoughts/suggestions? I'm in CA getting into gravel. Have a few 40-60 mile routes excited to try. Thxs! G.

[@davidarthur]

I regularly use a Silca Mattone which is secure and works nicely

[@tsint]

Nice bike stand!

[@davidarthur]

high tech eh! ;)

[@hmudesign]

Love that bike of yours, beautiful :)

[@tylerboylehoban2834]

Why aluminum bars vs carbon?

[@NeonGrayEdits]

38’s not true. He just recently said “there is No senecio in which he would ride 38c”.

[@Andy_ATB]

Fast rolling only works in fast conditions - pretty hopeless in mud......Which is why I laugh at the rolling resistant tests rating gravel tyres. You want rolling resistance off road

[@DaveCM]

I hate WTB tires. I will just not buy another pair ever agian unless they change a lot.

[@bobbyenglish7803]

Me too, in fact I hate everything WTB, their rims in my experience are garbage.

[@br5380]

11:43 “don’t cost a fortune” - £60 a pop!

[@frienduro24]

Dylan used 2.2s on one race. A 200 mile rough endurance race. 99% of gravel riders ain’t doing. Everyone thinks big fat tires is the future. The next gravel race he was back on 38s. 100% depends on the terrain. That said, it’s great to have options.