Gravel bikes are a lot of fun, and having the ability to switch between the road and trails so easily has taken cycling to the next level. Bike adventures are never going to be the same again.
Gravel bikes are known for being able to work with a very wide range of tires, and we often get asked what the best tires for a gravel bike are. Picking the perfect tire for your gravel bike is challenging because it can work with many. In this article, we’re going tell you about some of the best by discussing:
Table of contents
What Tires Do I Need For A Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes come in all shapes and sizes, and because of that, you end up with a very wide variety of tires. It depends on the riding you plan to do on your gravel bike. Generally, we find three different types of gravel bike tires. Here’s what you can expect.
Oversized Road
30c – 35c & Slick
The first type of tires you are going to come across is what we like to call oversized road tires. These are fairly slick tires with little tread on and are designed for mainly road riding and light gravel. Perfect for the gravel cyclist who doesn’t see many trails.
Gravel Tires Quick Picks
| Manufacturer/Name | Best For | MSRP | Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| WTB Exposure | Road & Light Terrain | $40 | Check Prices>>> |
| Schawlbe G One R | Best All Rounder | $70 | Check Prices>>> |
| Maxxis Ravager | Best for Offroading | $40 | Check Prices>>> |
| Vittoria Terreno | Best All Rounder (Runner Up) | $50 | Check Prices>>> |
| Challenge Strada Bianca | Best for Performance | $80 | Check Prices>>> |
Multi-Terrain
35c – 45c & Semi – Slick
Then we have multi-terrain gravel tires. These will be larger than the oversized road and also have more tread to them. They are designed to be adequate on the road but also be able to tackle challenging gravel and the odd trail.
Trail Ready
40c -50c & Knobbly
Finally, we have trail-ready tires. These are essentially mountain bike tires that are put on gravel bikes. They are ideal if you tackle very challenging trails and like using your gravel bike as a rigid drop bar mountain bike.
Related Reading: Gravel Bike Wheels: 700c vs 650b
The Best Tires For Gravel Bikes
Now it is time to start looking at our best gravel bike tires. We have selected tires for all different types of gravel riding. Enjoy!
Best For Road And Light Terrain
WTB Exposure 30 – 36c
Brand: WTB
MSRP: $40
Rating: 9/10
If you’re looking for a tire that will be excellent on the road and offers enough ability for a light trail, look no further than the Exposure. This tire from the experts at WTB is fast rolling and is for you if you are a road cyclist who wants to take the shortcut home.
The Exposure comes in many different sizes, and the larger it gets, the more tread you get on the side. It’s a tubeless-ready tire that comes in tan wall and black versions, and after thousands of miles of happy testing, we highly approve and love the tread pattern for poor weather conditions.
Key Features
- Very fast rolling
- Tubeless Ready
- Lightweight
- Fairly low rolling resistance
- 700c 30c/32c/34c/36c
- Weight 320g (32c)
Pros
- Very well priced for tubeless tires
- Smaller sizes are perfect for road and light terrain
- Long-lasting
- Easy to fit tubeless
- Great value for the price
Cons
- Not enough for the rocky trails
- Not suited to a very wide gravel rim
Bottom Line
WTB is known for making an excellent off-road tire, and the Exposure doesn’t get the credit it deserves, in our opinion. It’s a fast-rolling tire with excellent speed ability, but it has limitations on tougher trails.
Best All Rounder
Schwalbe G One RS
Brand: Schwalbe
MSRP: $70
Rating: 8/10
The Schwalbe G One is a big tire for gravel cycling, and they make many different versions. We have been lucky enough to try a few of them, but one that really is quite special is the G-One R. This tire is one of the perfect all-round gravel tires available.
The G One R comes in a 40c and a 45c, so it will be great on gravel and trails but slightly laggy on the road. You get low rolling resistance and good puncture protection with a super race carcass. They can make a difference to that epic gravel ride.
Key Features
- Made for all conditions
- Tubeless
- Fairly low rolling resistance
- 700c 40c/45c
- Weight 480g (40c)
Pros
- Fast tire made for all conditions
- Easy to mount and tubeless
- Schwalbe Quality
- Get for all-round riding
Cons
- They are expensive compared to others
- Limited sizes, in our opinion
Bottom Line
The G One R is a great tire and offers a lot of all round ability and great protection. In a perfect world, it’s ideal for many gravel riders, but it isn’t cheap if you are going to be putting a lot of miles in and wearing them down quickly.
Related Reading: 6 Best Gravel Bike Carbon Wheels
Best For Off Roading
Maxxis Ravager Tires
Brand: Maxxis
MSRP: $40
Rating: 8/10
If the first thing you do when riding your gravel bike is to hit the toughest trails you can find, then the Maxxis Ravager tires could be ideal. These are a popular choice for many gravel riders, although Maxxis do class them as a hybrid tire.
With a huge amount of knobbly tread, it’s ideal for wet and muddy conditions. The grip they can provide for a 40c tire is incredible. You won’t have a huge amount of fun on the road as they are laggy on the tarmac.
Key Features
- Lots of knobbly tread
- Tubeless and normal versions
- Fairly low rolling resistance
- 700c 40c
- Weight 546g (40c)
Pros
- Incredible off-road ability
- Great value for money
- Maxxis tires are generally hard wearing
- Tubeless-ready and normal versions
Cons
- Laggy on the road
- A heavy tire
Bottom Line
Some riders really challenge themselves on their gravel bikes off-road, and the tire makes such a huge difference. The Maxxis Ravager tires are going to give the off-road performance boost that you might need to go further, faster, and tackle tougher trails.
Best Runner Up All Rounder
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Brand: Vittoria
MSRP: $50
Rating: 8/10
Vittoria is one of the biggest tire manufacturers, and this list couldn’t be complete without a set from them thrown into the mix. One of the best gravel tires we think they offer is the Terreno Mix, and coming in at roughly $50, it’s great value for money.
What we like about the Terreno is its all round ability. With a slick center, it can be fast on the roads, but with its treaded outside, it can grip those sketchy gravel corners. It comes in three different sizes and multiple compound options, the TNT tubeless being the best, in our opinion.
Key Features
- Great for all-terrain riding
- Tubeless, flexible, and rigid versions
- Fast-rolling
- 700c 31c/33c/40c
- Weight 420g (33c)
Pros
- Excellent multi-terrain tire
- Easy to install
- A lot of different versions and sizes
- They look amazing with gray sidewall
- They are very good value for money
Cons
- Color isn’t for everyone
- Are not the most durable for longevity
Bottom Line
Although we are classing it as a runner-up, we believe it’s closely chasing the Schwalbe G-One R. It has a very similar specification but comes in slightly cheaper. You can’t go wrong with the $50 price tag, and they are going to be a lot of fun to ride.
Related Reading: Best States for Gravel Biking
Best Performance
Challenge Strada Bianca
Brand: Challenge
MSRP: $80
Rating: 9/10
Challenge makes quality tires, and the Strada Bianca gravel tire is one of their most popular. Not only are these tires very lightweight, but they perform excellently. This tire has been designed to go over cobbles, gravel, pavements, and sandy hardpack.
The Strada Bianca is an incredibly light tire compared to others that are the same size. It’s designed to keep the weight down and the rolling resistance as low as possible. It comes in a large variety of sizes, from 30c to 45c, and what is interesting about these tires is that they are handmade.
Key Features
- Great for all-terrain riding
- Tubeless, flexible, and rigid versions
- Fast-rolling
- 700c 30c/33c/36c/40c/45c
- Weight 335g (33c)
Pros
- Lightweight
- Low rolling resistance
- Lots of sizes to choose from
- Handmade
Cons
- Cost isn’t cheap
- Tan walls are very classic.
Bottom Line
The Challenge Strada Bianca tires are an excellent choice for a gravel rider. They are going to offer not just excellent performance but also a lot of comfort too. Being handmade tires, they are costly, but you get a lot for what you spend.
Gravel Bike Tires Buyers Guide
A lot of gravel riders struggle to find the right gravel bike tires for them. Here are the questions you need to be asking yourself to ensure the perfect tire for you.
What Do You Want To Spend?
When it comes to gravel bike tires, you get what you pay for. If you invest more into a tire, it will generally perform better for you, and it should last longer if looked after properly.
On Road, Off-Road, Or Mixed?
If you plan to ride on the road, consider a skinnier tire with less tread. If you’re going off-road, a wide tire with lots of tread. A mixture of both, you will need to find a compromise in between.
Will They Fit Your Bike?
Gravel bikes come in all different shapes and sizes. It’s important to check the maximum tire size you can safely fit to know what you can get away with. If you try to fit a tire that is too big, it can damage your frame. Check the bike manufacturer’s website.
Tubeless Or Tubes?
Inner tubes are the way a lot of gravel riders go but consider tubeless tires. This is where instead of using a tube, you have sealant. It means you can run lower pressure, and they can self-heal when punctured.
Brand Matters
When it comes to tires, the brand matters. If you go with a top brand such as Vittoria, Continental, Schwalbe, or Maxxis, you are more than likely spending more money, but you will get a better tire. They have much more research and development that goes into them, and you can feel that when you ride them.
FAQ’s
What Is The Best Tire Size For A Gravel Bike?
It really depends on what you want from the gravel bike itself. The tire has to be suited to the riding you are doing. For road and light gravel, a smaller tire with less knobbly tread is going to be best. If you plan on rough trails and epic off-road rides, a wider knobbly tire will be best.
Are 700c Tires Good For Gravel?
700c is the diameter of a tire which is a size generally used for gravel biking. Being larger than the 650b wheels you see on many gravel bikes, they roll over obstacles much better and work much more efficiently at higher speeds.
Are Hard Or Soft Tires Better For Gravel?
Tires with a harder compound are better for protection and can create less rolling resistance but can be quite uncomfortable. Softer compound tires have a much better ability to grip but can lack protection. For performance, softer tires will be better, reliability you will want harder tires. You can make a lot of difference to your riding from just changing the tire pressure
Better Tires, Better Biking
Thanks for taking the time to read our article. We hope you found the perfect gravel tires for your gravel bike wheels and are ready to take on the loose surfaces. The right gravel tire for you can reduce rolling resistance, give you better puncture resistance, and help you conquer the gravel roads that are in your way.
Read More: Best Gravel Bike Trails in Canada