Eric F 

I've been very happy with the 40c Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H/M combination I've been running, but I'm always on the lookout for something that might be a little better. Previously, I tried the Challenge Getaway Pros, but despite excellent rolling speed and sublime ride feel, I didn't like the vague handling in loose conditions, and the sidewalls were quite fragile. I returned to the Pirellis. This time, I'm trying the 40c Tufo Gravel Thundero and Swampero. For gravel, and the way I ride, I have become a big believer in mixing tread patterns for more cornering dirt grip on the front, and higher rolling efficiency on the rear. Based on data from BRR, the Tufo Thundero rolls better than the Pirellli H, and is lighter. Similarly, the Tufo Swampero has the same advantages over the Pirelli M. We're not talking about big differences in rolling resistance between them, but the combined weight savings is over 100g.

First Impressions...On pavement, I don't detect a noticeable improvement over the Pirellis (which I was always happy with), but they certainly aren't any slower. The ride quality seems a little better. They're not as supple as the handmade Challenge tires, but smother than the fairly stiff ride of the Pirellis. Due to recent rains, our dirt conditions have been excellent, and not really a challenge for finding grip, so I will reserve my judgement until I get a chance to ride them more. So far, they've been grippy and precise, very much in line with what I was getting from the Pirellis for descending fire roads and twisty singletrack. However, I have noticed a difference in the rear. When scrambling up a rocky steep kicker that I ride frequently, I had to really pay attention to how I was weighting the rear wheel to minimize tire spin with the Pirelli H. The Thundero definitely has a better bite in those conditions.

Overall, I'm impressed and have found zero faults.

More input to follow...

mstateglfr 

'Swampero'?
Pack it up and go home, the shark has been jumped with that name.



...gonna now Google this tire as it looks interesting.

t2p

have the Speedero - but have not tried them yet

Eric F 

I agree with you about the whole naming convention of the Tufo Gravel lineup. Maybe something got lost in translation from Czech…or maybe not. That said, I like the tires, so far.

I found more review info on the Thundero and Speedero. Between those two, I picked the Thundero for the rear because of the larger side knobs with essentially the same rolling efficiency.

force10

I have the Speedero and like them.

crazyravr

I have the Tufo Gravelos in 45 and 35mm and they are simply amazing tires. Highly recommend.

gevad 

“Gravelos”? Thunderos, maybe?

crazyravr

Gravelos / Thunderos lol tomato tamato

Gravel Thundero

gevad 

prj71

I just ordered some Thunderos on Friday. Should have them this week.

Eric F 

I've pushed the Tufos through a wide range of terrain, and conditions, including some pretty demanding chunky singletrack. Everything I said in my initial post has held up. The Tufos have planted themselves firmly at the top of the list for my favorite tire combination...so far.

As of now, I'm setting the Tufos aside to test drive some thicc girls... https://www.bikeforums.net/cyclocros...urt-2-1-a.html

prj71

Finally had a break in the weather here and I finally had some free time to try my new Thunderos mounted front and rear. 700 x 45. Ride consisted of chunky gravel, loose gravel (from the grader), easy gravel, gravement and some pavement. Have to say I was impressed. The tire gripped well in all the gravel conditions and on pavement rolls very fast. I might pick up a Swampero to try in the front.

Eric F 

My previous experiment with 2.1s lasted just one ride. There just wasn't enough room in the chainstays. This week I'm expecting delivery of a pair of Thundero 48s, which I will mount on my second set of wheels. Currently, I'm enjoying my Thundero/Swampero 40s, and I will use that setup for the upcoming Belgian Waffle Ride event in a couple of weeks.

prj71

I'm thinking 45 on the rear is max for me which I'm OK with. Pretty sure I could fit 48-50 on the front. Scott Addict Gravel.

nalax

I'm running 700 x 40 Speederos on a Swiss Cross Disc. Ride mostly on smooth gravel and they do well there. Mounted up easily tubeless on Belgium R Disc rims. Planning to go for a Thundero in front for a more aggressive tread.

Eric F 

The Thundero isn't going to be much difference over the Speedero. I would suggest considering a Swampero on the front if you're looking for more grip.

prj71

After the 116 mile gravel race I did this past weekend the Thunderos did everything I could ask for and they did it well. Mud, sand, packed gravel, loose gravel, 2 track fire roads littered with rocks and boulders...They handled it all.

I was considering a Swampero for the front tire, but now not I am not sure I need to. I had a two mile segment of this. Basically mud holes as shown for the majority of the length. I thought for sure that I would get dumped by the mud or have to walk the bike but the Thunderos kept gripping and I kept pedaling.

Eric F 

That's a hell of a test. 40s or 44s? A lot of what I encounter in my riding is sand-over-hardpack, and the Swampero handles it really well. That said, I haven't tried a Thundero 40 on the front, yet. I've done one ride with Thundero 48s at both ends, and had no complaints about handing in the dirt. I didn't love them on pavement, however.