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Our verdict on gravel tyres
For most gravel cyclists, a 40–45-millimetre tyre with a tubeless system and a well-balanced all-round tread pattern is the best choice. A 40-millimetre tyre is suitable for fast, mainly tarmac-based rides, whilst a 45-millimetre tyre offers greater comfort and reserves. A 50-millimetre tyre is particularly worthwhile on rough terrain, when carrying luggage or for heavier riders. The decisive factors are always the width, tyre pressure, carcass and tread pattern, considered as a complete system.
Gravel tyres have to balance many conflicting requirements: on tarmac, they should roll smoothly and quietly; on loose gravel, they should provide confident handling; and on rough tracks, they should absorb shocks. At the same time, they should be puncture-resistant, durable and as light as possible. The ideal tyre is therefore always a compromise that must suit your own riding style. Those who frequently switch between road and gravel require different characteristics to a bikepacker on remote trails or a racer on fast, hard-packed tracks. As well as tyre width, it is primarily tyre pressure, the carcass, the tread pattern, the rubber compound and the choice between inner tubes and tubeless set-ups that determine handling characteristics.
An important decision: tyre width
Tyre width has a greater influence on the handling of a gravel bike than almost any other component. Wider tyres offer greater air volume, can be ridden at lower pressures and thus improve comfort, grip and traction. Narrower tyres are usually lighter, offer more direct steering and provide a sportier feel on tarmac.
There is therefore no single ‘best’ width. For most gravel cyclists, the most sensible range is between 40 and 45 millimetres. This is also in line with the recommendation from a TOUR comparison of various gravel bikes: tyres of 50 millimetres and above are best suited to particularly rough terrain, soft ground or bikepacking with a heavy load.
40 millimetres: the fast all-rounder
A 40-millimetre tyre is the classic choice for fast gravel bikes. It offers sufficient volume for gravel tracks, whilst remaining comparatively agile on tarmac. The reduced weight makes a noticeable difference when accelerating, on short climbs and during frequent changes of direction.
The disadvantages are particularly noticeable on rough terrain. At the same tyre pressure, a 40-millimetre tyre offers less cushioning and less protection against bottoming out than a 45- or 50-millimetre tyre. Anyone wishing to ride at low pressure must also pay closer attention to rim width, body weight and tyre construction.
Suitable for:
- high asphalt content
- fast gravel races
- dry, hard gravel tracks
- lightweight riders and a sporty riding style
- Bicycles with limited tyre clearance
45 millimetres: the best compromise
45 millimetres is now considered a particularly versatile width. The tyre offers significantly more air volume than a 40-millimetre tyre, without making the bike feel sluggish on the road. With the correct tyre pressure, comfort and traction can be noticeably improved.
The TOUR test with wide tyres showed that wider tyres offer particular advantages when the tyre pressure is actually reduced. A wide tyre with virtually unchanged high pressure does not realise its full potential. In the tests, the wider tyres impressed with lower rolling resistance on rough tracks, more grip, better traction and greater comfort.
Suitable for:
- routes combining tarmac, gravel and forest tracks
- long day trips
- varying substrates
- heavy riders or luggage
- adventurous bike packing
50 millimetres and above: maximum reserves
50-millimetre tyres are not necessarily slower. On rough gravel, they can actually be faster because they roll over bumps more smoothly and lose less energy due to hard impacts. The larger contact patch and lower tyre pressure also improve traction on steep climbs and when braking. Prerequisite: the fork and rear triangle must be designed to accommodate this width.
However, the weight increases with a 50-millimetre tyre. The slower steering response is also a drawback of this width if you’re mainly riding on tarmac. In the TOUR comparison, the Schwalbe G-One Bite tested in the 50-millimetre width weighed 602 grams. The 40-millimetre tyre of the same model weighed in at 494 grams.
Suitable for:
- coarse gravel and loose soil
- long off-road trips
- Bikepacking with luggage
- heavy riders
- maximum comfort and puncture protection
Grip, comfort and rolling resistance
Tyre width does not act in isolation. The key factor is always the interplay between width, air pressure, carcass, tread pattern and rubber compound.
Grip and traction
Greater width does not automatically mean better cornering grip. The key factor is whether the tyre can be run at a lower pressure without bottoming out or rubbing against the rim. The lower pressure increases the contact patch and allows the tyre to adapt better to loose ground.
A distinction must be made between two characteristics:
- Grip describes, in particular, grip when cornering and on slippery or loose surfaces.
- Traction refers to the transmission of power during acceleration, climbing and braking.
Large, widely spaced tread blocks improve traction on loose ground and damp surfaces. On tarmac and hard gravel, however, they cause more deformation and noise.
Comfort and cushioning
Tyre volume is the most important form of suspension on a non-suspension gravel bike. A 45-sized tyre can be ridden at a lower pressure than a 40-sized tyre for the same rider weight. It absorbs small bumps, stones and washboard surfaces more effectively and reduces the strain on the hands, back and sit area.
The carcass also affects comfort. A flexible carcass with a high thread count can roll more smoothly. A particularly robust protective layer, on the other hand, often increases weight and stiffness.
Inertia and weight
The weight of a tyre is situated far out on the wheel. Any extra grams are therefore more noticeable during acceleration and frequent bursts of speed than on the frame. On long, even stretches, however, the difference is less noticeable. A heavier tyre can still be faster if it rolls more smoothly over rough terrain and loses less energy through vibrations.
Rolling resistance
On smooth tarmac, tyres with a solid or almost solid centre roll most easily. On rough gravel, a larger tyre with lower pressure may be advantageous. High tyre pressure does not automatically mean faster speeds on such surfaces, as the tyre bounces more over uneven ground.
In the TOUR test, the Schwalbe G-One Bite generated rolling resistance of 25.4, 26.9 and 31.3 watts on tarmac at pressures of four, three and two bar. The Vittoria Terreno Zero recorded 29.1, 30.5 and 34.5 watts at the same pressures. On gravel, however, both tyres recorded around 40.5 watts. The comparison shows that the tread pattern, carcass and compound can be more important than the nominal width.
Tyre carcass and tread: an aspect that is often underestimated
The carcass is the tyre’s textile framework. Its thread density is given in TPI, which stands for threads per inch. A high TPI figure generally indicates a finer, more flexible carcass. However, this alone is not an indicator of quality, as additional protective layers can make a tyre heavy and stiff despite a high TPI figure.
Typical designs include:
- Lightweight racing carcass: lightweight and low rolling resistance, but less resistance to cuts and punctures
- All-round carcass: a good balance between comfort, weight and puncture protection
- reinforced carcass: additional sidewall or bead protection layers for rough terrain and bikepacking
- Endurance carcass: Designed for high mileage and reliable puncture protection
Pirelli, for example, distinguishes between the 60-TPI construction TechWALL Gravel and the 120 TPI construction ProWALL Gravel. The latter is designed to offer greater comfort and control at low pressure, whilst TechWALL focuses more on durability and versatility.
Inner tube or tubeless?
Tubeless tyres are particularly appealing for gravel riding because the system allows for lower tyre pressures. The sealant seals minor punctures whilst riding, and the inner tube cannot get trapped between the tyre and the rim.
Advantages of tubeless tyres
- lower risk of snakebites
- lower air pressures are possible
- greater comfort and traction
- Sealing milk fills small holes
- with the same tyre, rolling resistance is often slightly lower
Disadvantages of tubeless tyres
- Assembly can be tricky
- Sealing compound must be checked and replaced regularly
- It is not always possible to seal more extensive damage
- The wheel rim and tyre must be compatible
The term Tubeless-ready does not mean that the tyre is airtight without additional accessories. You’ll need a suitable rim, tubeless rim tape, a tubeless valve and sealant. In a long-distance test carried out by TOUR, it also became apparent that, despite being puncture-proof, a tubeless system can lose air every day if the seal isn’t working reliably.
A tubular tyre system therefore remains a sensible choice for cyclists who value easy fitting and low maintenance. TPU tubes can be lighter than traditional butyl tubes, but are more susceptible to fitting errors and are also more expensive.
The right tread pattern for every surface
Semi-slicks and almost smooth tread patterns
These tyres have a largely solid centre and small shoulder blocks. They roll quickly and quietly on tarmac. They also perform well on fine gravel, provided the surface is dry and firm.
Examples include the Schwalbe G-One RS, Vittoria Terreno T10, Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H, Continental Terra Competition and WTB Byway.
A versatile, high-quality profile
Small, densely spaced tread blocks offer a good compromise. They still roll easily on tarmac, but provide more lateral grip on gravel and in wet conditions than a semi-slick tyre.
Examples include the Schwalbe G-One Allround and the Continental Terra Speed. In the TOUR test, the G-One Allround proved to be a particularly fast gravel tyre with excellent road feel.
Medium-sized tunnels
A tyre with more pronounced shoulder blocks and an open centre section is designed for mixed terrain. It offers better braking and cornering grip, whilst remaining relatively fast on firm tracks.
Examples include the Schwalbe G-One R, Vittoria Terreno T50, Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M and WTB Riddler.
Off-road tyres
Tall, widely spaced tread blocks dig into loose soil, sand and mud. They improve traction and lateral grip, but increase rolling resistance, noise and weight.
Examples include the Schwalbe G-One RX, Continental Terra Adventure, Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S and Maxxis Ravager.
The tread pattern is only one part of the equation. TOUR found that rolling resistance can be influenced more by the rubber compound than by the tread pattern. In the test, even tyres with a continuous centre section did not necessarily roll the fastest.
Tyre compounds from the major manufacturers
The compound must be suited to the intended use. Soft compounds offer better grip but wear out more quickly. Hard compounds last longer and often roll more efficiently on tarmac, but may offer less performance in wet and cold conditions.
| Typical mixtures | Character | |
| Swallow | ADDIX Race; ADDIX SpeedGrip; ADDIX Green | Race pace; all-round grip; high mileage |
| Continental | BlackChili; Grip Compound | low rolling resistance; well-balanced off-road performance |
| Vittoria | Graphene Endurance; Race Formulation | Durability and puncture protection; maximum racing performance |
| Pirelli | SmartEVO GR; SpeedGRIP | Performance and wet grip; durable all-round tyre |
| Maxxis | Single; Dual; HYPR-X | sturdy, affordable; durable; low rolling resistance |
| WTB | Dual DNA; TriTec | Durability, good rolling performance; maximum grip |
Gravel tyres from the leading manufacturers
The following overview covers current model ranges available in Germany and Europe. Weights are based on manufacturers’ specifications or typical values for 700C sizes. Prices are indicative and may vary depending on the version, width, colour and retailer.
Swallow
| Model | Widths | Structure | Tubeless-ready | Weights/Prices |
| G-One RS | 35, 40, 45, 50 mm | Race Profile, Super Race, ADDIX Race | Yes | approx. 445 to 600 g, from around 49.90 euros |
| G-One R | 35, 40, 45, 50 mm | Race All-round, Super Race, ADDIX Race | Yes | approx. 460 to 600 g, from around 49.90 euros |
| G-One RX | 40, 45, 50 mm | coarser race tread pattern, Super Race, ADDIX Race | Yes | approx. 480 to 620 g, from around 49.90 euros |
| G-One All-round | 35 to 50 mm | Super Ground, ADDIX SpeedGrip | Yes | approx. 450 to 650 g, around 59.90 euros |
| G-One Bite | 40 to 50 mm | Super Ground, ADDIX SpeedGrip | Yes | 494 g at 40 mm, around 59.90 euros |
| G-One Overland | 40 to 55 mm | reinforced carcass, ADDIX Green | Yes | approx. 600 to 900 g, approx. 49.90 to 69.90 euros |
Continental
| Model | Widths | Structure | Tubeless-ready | Weights/Prices |
| Terra Speed ProTection | 35, 40, 45 mm | ProTection carcass, BlackChili | Yes | approx. 450 to 550 g, around 59.90 euros |
| Terra Trail ProTection | 40, 45, 50 mm | ProTection carcass, BlackChili | Yes | approx. 500 to 650 g, around 59.90 euros |
| Terra Hardpack ShieldWall | 50 mm (2.0") (corrected) | ShieldWall, PureGrip Compound (corrected) | Yes | approx. 530 to 600 g, around 49.90 euros |
| Terra Adventure | 45, 50, 55 mm | Trail Casing, Grip Compound | Yes | 540 g at 45 mm, 620 g at 50 mm, around 64.90 euros |
| Terra Competition | 40, 45 mm | lightweight racing design | Yes | Depending on the version, around 450 to 550 g, around 69.90 euros |
Vittoria
| Model | Widths | Structure | Tubeless-ready | Weights/Prices |
| Terreno T10 Hardpack | 35 to 50 mm | slim profile, Endurance or Race | Yes | approx. 450 to 600 g, around 55 to 80 euros |
| Terreno T30 Fine Loose | 35 to 50 mm | Fine to medium-sized studs, Endurance | Yes | approx. 480 to 620 g, around 55 to 80 euros |
| Terreno T50 Mixed | 40, 45, 50, 55 mm | Endurance casing, graphene compound | Yes | 530 g at 40 mm, 540 to 545 g at 45 mm, 590 g at 50 mm, US$81.99 |
| Terreno T60 | 40, 45 mm | coarser mixed tread pattern, Endurance | Yes | Depending on size, around 550 to 650 g, around 80 euros |
| Terreno T70 / Mezcal | 40 to 50 mm | more open tread pattern, Endurance | Yes | approx. 550 to 700 g, around 60 to 85 euros |
| Terreno PRO Race | usually 40 to 50 mm, depending on the profile | lightweight racing carcass, racing compound | Yes | approx. 450 to 600 g, premium price |
Pirelli
| Model | Widths | Structure | Tubeless-ready | Weights/Prices |
| Cinturato Gravel H | 35, 40, 45, 50 mm | TechWALL or ProWALL, SpeedGRIP or SmartEVO GR | Yes | 420 g at 35 mm, 480 g at 40 mm, approximately 59.90 to 79.90 euros |
| Cinturato Gravel M | around 40 to 50 mm | TechWALL or ProWALL, SpeedGRIP or SmartEVO GR | Yes | approx. 520 to 680 g, approx. 59.90 to 79.90 euros |
| Cinturato Gravel RC | around 40 to 50 mm | Race-oriented tyre carcass, SmartEVO GR | Yes | approx. 480 to 650 g, approx. 69.90 to 89.90 euros |
| Cinturato Gravel S | approximately 45 to 50 mm | coarse mud tread pattern, reinforced carcass | Yes | approx. 600 to 750 g, approx. 69.90 to 89.90 euros |
| Cinturato Gravel RH/RM | 40, 45, 50 mm | High-performance tyre carcass, SmartEVO GR | Yes | approx. 500 to 680 g, approx. 79.90 to 89.90 euros |
Maxxis
| Model | Widths | Structure | Tubeless-ready | Weights/Prices |
| Rambler | 38, 40, 45, 50 mm | Dual or HYPR-X, EXO or SilkShield | Yes | 422 g for 38 mm, 497 g for 40 mm, 542 to 653 g for 45 to 50 mm, approximately 65 to 75 US dollars |
| Ravager | 40, 45, 50 mm | Dual, EXO or SilkShield | Yes | 503 to 555 g at 40 mm, 606 to 686 g at 45 to 50 mm, around 72 US dollars |
| Reaver | 40, 45 mm | Single or dual, EXO, 60 or 120 TPI | Yes (TR) (corrected) | 437 to 512 g for 40 mm, 498 to 605 g for 45 mm, approximately 55 to 70 US dollars |
WTB
| Model | Widths | Structure | Tubeless-ready | Weights/Prices |
| Byway | approximately 34 to 47 mm | smooth centre, side lugs, TCS | Yes | approx. 450 to 600 g, around 55 to 70 euros |
| Riddler | approximately 37 to 45 mm | Medium-sized studs, TCS | Yes | approx. 500 to 650 g, around 60 to 75 euros |
| Venture | around 40 to 50 mm | Open all-round profile, TCS | Yes | approx. 550 to 700 g, around 60 to 75 euros |
| Resolute | 42.50 mm | evenly spaced studs, TCS | Yes | approx. 470 to 570 g, around 65 to 75 euros |
How consumers make the right choice
The decision should not be based on the brand name or the maximum width, but on the tyre’s actual intended use and overall construction:
| Scope of application | Appropriate width | Profile | Priority |
| A daily run with plenty of tarmac | 35 to 40 mm | Semi-slick or fine tread blocks | Rolling resistance and weight |
| Sporty all-round gravel riding | 40 to 45 mm | a well-rounded profile | balanced ratio |
| Fast gravel races | 40 to 45 mm | low-profile tyre | Rolling resistance and low weight |
| Coarse gravel and forest tracks | 45 to 50 mm | medium to coarse lugs | Grip, comfort and puncture protection |
| Bikepacking | 45 to 55 mm | robust all-round or trail tread pattern | Carcass, load-bearing capacity and reliability |
| Mud and soft ground | 45 to 55 mm | open, high tunnels | Self-cleaning and traction |
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief