The Czech tyre manufacturer Tufo, founded in 1991 and based in Otrokovice in the east of the country, has made a name for itself with tyres for cross-country cycling in particular, so it has the know-how to design gravel tyres as well. We tried out the Thundero model, which takes on the role of all-rounder in Tufo's gravel tyre range.
Tufo Thundero, Swampero & Speedero
The Thundero should roll well on tarmac, parry gravel attacks with supple grip and also grip well on soft ground. For really wet and muddy surfaces, Tufo has the coarse-profiled Swampero model in its programme, while the Speedero with a fine profile is available for fast, dusty gravel chases. Thundero and Speedero are available in 36, 40 and 44 millimetre widths, while the mud expert Swampero is available in 36 and 44 millimetre widths.
We had the opportunity to test the Thundero in a 40 millimetre width, riding the Tubless Ready tyre on a Tubless Ready rim with a tube. Like other tubeless-ready tyres, the Tufo Thundero reveals that it is not particularly comfortable with this set-up when mounted. The space on the rim with rim tape and inner tube is getting tight, the tyre can only be mounted with a lot of tugging and pushing and we needed several attempts and a little soapy water all around the tyre base to help the tyre run true.
Once fitted, the Tufo Thundero gravel tyre is a versatile, easy-rolling and well-damped companion. We rode it with a rider weight of 75 kilograms at a pressure of 2.5 to 2.8 bar. This gives it good suspension without the risk of bottoming out too much. On tarmac, it runs pleasantly quietly, apart from a light buzzing around 20 km/h.
Best performance on fine gravel
Its wide side lugs do not tip over, but give the tyre confidence-inspiring grip in sharp bends. The tyre performs best on fine gravel, tracking precisely with good lateral grip; it inspires confidence in corners with loose gravel. Even on damp surfaces, the Thundero tyre is able to grip well thanks to its comparatively fine tread; only when mud clogs up the small lugs is the end of the road.
The profile of the Thundero is most similar to the G-One R from market leader Schwalbe, which at 480 grams (manufacturer's specification) is around 60 grams heavier than the Tufo (weighed 420 grams). The gravel tyre from the Czech Republic is also significantly cheaper in comparison, costing 48.90 euros, while Schwalbe lists the G-One R at 74.90 euros.
Technical data for the Tufo Thundero
Width: 40 mm (36, 44 mm)
Weight: 420 grammes
Tyre pressure: 2-5 bar
Price: 48.90 euros; available with black and light-coloured flank
Info: www.tufo.com
TOUR has already organised twelve Gravel bike tyres extensively tested
Thomas Musch
Publisher
