Tire Selection—Overwhelmed!
#26
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: E. Bay, CA, USA
Posts: 120
Bikes: Trek 903, BMC Amp X 02, Criterion Pro Tour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Liked 40 Times
in
24 Posts
I’m surprised no one has mentioned the Schwalbe G-One RS yet. It’s well-known for its rolling speed.
A big consideration is how we ride. My need for a front tire that’s grippy in the dirt is driven by my frequent singletrack riding, and the sand-over-hardpack conditions that are typical in my area. If your demands are different, you might not need the same level of dirt traction as me.
A big consideration is how we ride. My need for a front tire that’s grippy in the dirt is driven by my frequent singletrack riding, and the sand-over-hardpack conditions that are typical in my area. If your demands are different, you might not need the same level of dirt traction as me.
No single track for me, just hard pack and gravel trails, with maybe 1/3 paved roads/trails. I don't need extreme traction, but sure-footedness on crushed and river gravel would be good.
Last edited by ACHiPo; 12-12-23 at 10:42 AM.
Likes For ACHiPo:
#27
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,046
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4996 Post(s)
Liked 8,163 Times
in
3,861 Posts
Thanks. I'd seen the Schwalbe several months ago, but forgotten about it. And I thought the Contis were expensive!
No single track for me, just hard pack and gravel trails, with maybe 1/3 paved roads/trails. I don't need extreme traction, but sure-footedness on crushed and river gravel would be good.
No single track for me, just hard pack and gravel trails, with maybe 1/3 paved roads/trails. I don't need extreme traction, but sure-footedness on crushed and river gravel would be good.
I regularly ride my gravel bike on some of the same dirt roads and singletrack that I ride my MTB. Having a front tire that gives me confident and predictable traction is important to the way I ride. For you, sharp front-end bite is probably not nearly as critical.
Enjoy the journey of finding the right tires for you.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Likes For Eric F:
#28
Dead but dreaming
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Bay Area, CA (East Bay - Contra Costa County)
Posts: 423
Bikes: 2020 Santa Cruz Stigmata, 2022 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 171 Post(s)
Liked 326 Times
in
186 Posts
Aside from the Schwalbe G-One RS mentioned there is also the Specialized Pathfinder Pro which comes in 38mm and 42mm widths, has a smooth center ridge and side knobs. It's a tire you will see on some of the winning bikes at the bigger gravel races as it rolls well and has great puncture protection though it is not the lightest tire.
I've been riding the 38mm width for a while now at about 40psi rear 36 psi front. I don't feel like I give up anything on smooth road surfaces - it's fast and provides good traction on the dirt as well. I ride everything from road to semi-technical singletrack and even some light rock gardens and these have held up really well.
I'm going to throw on some Pathfinder Pro 42's that I just got for a bit more volume, but I have been wanting to try the Schwalbe tire in the 40mm width too next year sometime just to check them out.
I've been riding the 38mm width for a while now at about 40psi rear 36 psi front. I don't feel like I give up anything on smooth road surfaces - it's fast and provides good traction on the dirt as well. I ride everything from road to semi-technical singletrack and even some light rock gardens and these have held up really well.
I'm going to throw on some Pathfinder Pro 42's that I just got for a bit more volume, but I have been wanting to try the Schwalbe tire in the 40mm width too next year sometime just to check them out.
Likes For KJ43:
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2019
Location: South Shore of Long Island
Posts: 2,806
Bikes: 2010 Carrera Volans, 2015 C-Dale Trail 2sl, 2017 Raleigh Rush Hour, 2017 Blue Proseccio, 1992 Giant Perigee, 80s Gitane Rallye Tandem
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1092 Post(s)
Liked 1,030 Times
in
726 Posts
I've used the Donnelly X'plore USH, which has been great for loaded touring of the Erie Canal and similar hardpack dirt/gravel trails, strong enough to ride around NYC without puncture issues but quick enough to be an enjoyable all around tire. It looks like they're replacing it with the Strada USH which has more of a herringbone wide tread, I'll have to check it out when my current pair wears out.
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,131
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1414 Post(s)
Liked 1,915 Times
in
1,101 Posts
on my ‘list’ - but a challenge to find at a good (cheap) price (new or used)
some of the tires we have I’ve purchased used - and some with sealant residue (from being mounted tubeless - although every time I remove the residue I say it’s the last time lol) … have not found a deal on G-One RS (yet)
Last edited by t2p; 12-13-23 at 12:00 PM.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,499
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 977 Post(s)
Liked 1,638 Times
in
1,052 Posts
Remember what ever tire you get to inspect it inside and out. Especially the bead thickness. I would suggest the Continental Ride tour...
Amazon
Amazon
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
#32
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2022
Location: USA - Southwest PA
Posts: 3,131
Bikes: Cannondale - Gary Fisher - Giant - Litespeed - Schwinn Paramount - Schwinn (lugged steel) - Trek OCLV
Mentioned: 6 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1414 Post(s)
Liked 1,915 Times
in
1,101 Posts
Aside from the Schwalbe G-One RS mentioned there is also the Specialized Pathfinder Pro which comes in 38mm and 42mm widths, has a smooth center ridge and side knobs. It's a tire you will see on some of the winning bikes at the bigger gravel races as it rolls well and has great puncture protection though it is not the lightest tire.
.
.
S Works version can be pricey - but got a used pair with sealant residue ( light brown / orange in color - might have been orange seal - much more difficult to remove than the thinner white stuff I’ve removed )
( in this case the effort was justified - paid a whopping .99 cents for the pair plus shipping .. was the only bidder )
#33
Rubber side down
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Teh Quickie Mart
Posts: 1,769
Bikes: are fun! :-)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 225 Times
in
105 Posts
I'm glad so many of you are happy with the Conti Terra Speeds. They are a nice riding and fast rolling tire, but no durability for me. I can wear out a rear tire in under 700 miles. Granted, I'm a bigger cyclist that climbs a lot.
I've been very happy with the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H. Fast rolling tire with much better durability for me than the Conti option. Not good for mud however. Great on hardpack, gravel, and pavement.
I've been very happy with the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H. Fast rolling tire with much better durability for me than the Conti option. Not good for mud however. Great on hardpack, gravel, and pavement.
Likes For Clipped_in:
#34
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: E. Bay, CA, USA
Posts: 120
Bikes: Trek 903, BMC Amp X 02, Criterion Pro Tour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Liked 40 Times
in
24 Posts
Picked up my wheels today: 700c Velocity Cliffhangers with 36h Shimano hubs and DT spokes. A bit heavier and wider (24mm) than I would prefer, but the price was right and they seem to be sturdy wheels and set up for tubeless.
My best estimate is that there is a max of 42 mm where the max tire width will be between the chain stays. I'm guessing that means I should be looking for 35 - 38 mm tires instead of 40s, narrower if I want fenders? What impact will the wider rim ID have on max tire width?
The rim outside width is a bit over 30 mm and the inside width is 25 mm to give some sense of scale. The inside width of the chain stays is 41 mm where I estimate the max tire width will be.
My best estimate is that there is a max of 42 mm where the max tire width will be between the chain stays. I'm guessing that means I should be looking for 35 - 38 mm tires instead of 40s, narrower if I want fenders? What impact will the wider rim ID have on max tire width?
The rim outside width is a bit over 30 mm and the inside width is 25 mm to give some sense of scale. The inside width of the chain stays is 41 mm where I estimate the max tire width will be.
Last edited by ACHiPo; 12-13-23 at 08:36 PM.
#35
Method to My Madness
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 3,692
Bikes: Trek FX 2, Cannondale Synapse, Cannondale CAAD4, Santa Cruz Stigmata GRX
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1967 Post(s)
Liked 1,485 Times
in
1,030 Posts
A wheel having an inner width of 25 mm is fairly wide and a tire mounted thereon may have an actual width that > its nominal width.
#36
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: E. Bay, CA, USA
Posts: 120
Bikes: Trek 903, BMC Amp X 02, Criterion Pro Tour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Liked 40 Times
in
24 Posts
Thanks. After I posted here I found a couple articles talking about rim width and its effect on tire width. It seems I should probably go for a 35 mm tire as the tire will be 1-2 mm wider on the 24 mm rim than on an 18 mm rim.
Likes For ACHiPo:
#37
Method to My Madness
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 3,692
Bikes: Trek FX 2, Cannondale Synapse, Cannondale CAAD4, Santa Cruz Stigmata GRX
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1967 Post(s)
Liked 1,485 Times
in
1,030 Posts
And you may be limited by the pictured calipers and also have to account for knobs.
Likes For SoSmellyAir:
#38
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 646
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 185 Post(s)
Liked 36 Times
in
31 Posts
If you'd be looking for something a little more on the reasonable side, I'd suggest the American Classic Aggregate. Similar tread to the Schwalbe G Ones, without the price. Decent reviews of this particular tire. American Classic Aggregate
#39
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,046
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4996 Post(s)
Liked 8,163 Times
in
3,861 Posts
With that frame color, a tan wall tire would look sharp!
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
Likes For Eric F:
#40
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: E. Bay, CA, USA
Posts: 120
Bikes: Trek 903, BMC Amp X 02, Criterion Pro Tour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Liked 40 Times
in
24 Posts
Hmmm I'm planning on black wall, but will definitely noodle on tan (or maybe transparent) sidewalls. I have a tan/honey saddle and am planning on tan bar wraps. My original plan was to strip the paint and wrap the head tube in pearl white and DT, ST, TT in blue or maroon leaving the lugs, BB, and rear triangle chrome. The scratched up paint and chrome have grown on me since getting the bike in person.
#41
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: E. Bay, CA, USA
Posts: 120
Bikes: Trek 903, BMC Amp X 02, Criterion Pro Tour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Liked 40 Times
in
24 Posts
If you'd be looking for something a little more on the reasonable side, I'd suggest the American Classic Aggregate. Similar tread to the Schwalbe G Ones, without the price. Decent reviews of this particular tire. American Classic Aggregate
#43
Sunshine
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 16,647
Bikes: '18 class built steel roadbike, '19 Fairlight Secan, '88 Schwinn Premis , Black Mountain Cycles Monstercross V4, '89 Novara Trionfo
Mentioned: 123 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 10999 Post(s)
Liked 7,527 Times
in
4,211 Posts
I have used 2 different AC tires and my current main road bike has AC tires. They are fine, but their appeal 2 years ago always the super low cost. At this point, the value just isn't there since costs have jumped up to a level where many other options sit.
Likes For mstateglfr:
Likes For ACHiPo:
#45
Habitual User
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: Altadena, CA
Posts: 8,046
Bikes: 2023 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2018 Trek Procaliber 9.9 RSL, 2018 Storck Fascenario.3 Platinum, 2003 Time VX Special Pro, 2001 Colnago VIP, 1999 Trek 9900 singlespeed, 1977 Nishiki ONP
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4996 Post(s)
Liked 8,163 Times
in
3,861 Posts
As much as I like my current Pirelli H/M combination, I'm always curious to try other things. I have pulled the trigger on 40mm Tufo Thundero and Swampero, sticking with my pattern of using different tread patterns for front and rear. BRR tests show a bit better numbers compared with the Pirellis, with similar durability scores. It also looks like it will drop 50g+ per tire. I'll post a new thread about them after I get to ride them.
__________________
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
"Swedish fish. They're protein shaped." - livedarklions
#46
Dead but dreaming
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Bay Area, CA (East Bay - Contra Costa County)
Posts: 423
Bikes: 2020 Santa Cruz Stigmata, 2022 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 171 Post(s)
Liked 326 Times
in
186 Posts
Ben Delaney talks about tires often on his YouTube channel and has a couple of videos dedicated to specifically to gravel tires including a video which has a gravel pro give his feedback on the tires. Besides being a long time product tester and bike journalist Ben races as well. Both the Pathfinder Pro and the Schwalbe G-One RS are on his list:
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,499
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 977 Post(s)
Liked 1,638 Times
in
1,052 Posts
Likes For zandoval:
#48
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: E. Bay, CA, USA
Posts: 120
Bikes: Trek 903, BMC Amp X 02, Criterion Pro Tour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Liked 40 Times
in
24 Posts
Ben Delaney talks about tires often on his YouTube channel and has a couple of videos dedicated to specifically to gravel tires including a video which has a gravel pro give his feedback on the tires. Besides being a long time product tester and bike journalist Ben races as well. Both the Pathfinder Pro and the Schwalbe G-One RS are on his list:
My Top 5 Gravel Tires
The best gravel tires: Pro Alex Howes tests 18 models
My Top 5 Gravel Tires
The best gravel tires: Pro Alex Howes tests 18 models
#49
Method to My Madness
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Orange County, California
Posts: 3,692
Bikes: Trek FX 2, Cannondale Synapse, Cannondale CAAD4, Santa Cruz Stigmata GRX
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1967 Post(s)
Liked 1,485 Times
in
1,030 Posts
Likes For SoSmellyAir:
#50
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2023
Location: E. Bay, CA, USA
Posts: 120
Bikes: Trek 903, BMC Amp X 02, Criterion Pro Tour
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 43 Post(s)
Liked 40 Times
in
24 Posts
Well, I’m traveling visiting family so have plenty of downtime to search for parts. Procrastination will be a challenge if I don’t make progress before I start traveling internationally for work again in Jan or get stuck finding the right components to complete the build.
I was stoked this morning when I found a site with all kinds of well-priced cranksets and parts, only to find the site to be a notorious scammer site.
I was stoked this morning when I found a site with all kinds of well-priced cranksets and parts, only to find the site to be a notorious scammer site.