Road Bike Tires For Gravel
06-09-15, 03:14 PM
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Road Bike Tires For Gravel
Hello. I was wondering what tires would be good to put on a road bike while riding gravel and rough roads. I have an endurance road bike that's built up with a rear rack and I'm getting fenders soon. It's really more of an endurance road bike turned into a commuter. and I use It for commuting as well. So what tire size would you recommend for some smooth grass, gravel, and off road
06-09-15, 05:18 PM
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Grass makes it a big change in what's required from my experience. Just with the morning mildew, it's VERY slippery!
But I'd look at the Conti Contact IIs or Kenda Kwick Tendrils. I don't know what clearance you have though.
But I'd look at the Conti Contact IIs or Kenda Kwick Tendrils. I don't know what clearance you have though.
06-09-15, 05:18 PM
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I've never used them, but I see ads for Panaracer Gravelking tires all the time: Panaracer: Professional Bicycle Tires| Road
06-09-15, 05:26 PM
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If you can find them, Specialized Borough CX Armadillo Elite.
120 tpi
Several puncture resistant layers
Smooth center strip for road cruising
Medium sized shoulder knobs for mild off road use.
The sport version came standard on my Tricross and it was great, but prone to the occasional puncture flat. When I got new tires I opted for the Armadillo Elite which were lighter & stronger. They have been perfect ever since.
It was recently cancelled by Specialized in favor of their more aggressively-knobbed cyclocross tires but I still see them for sale online.
120 tpi
Several puncture resistant layers
Smooth center strip for road cruising
Medium sized shoulder knobs for mild off road use.
The sport version came standard on my Tricross and it was great, but prone to the occasional puncture flat. When I got new tires I opted for the Armadillo Elite which were lighter & stronger. They have been perfect ever since.
It was recently cancelled by Specialized in favor of their more aggressively-knobbed cyclocross tires but I still see them for sale online.
Last edited by Germanicus; 06-09-15 at 05:34 PM.
06-09-15, 10:50 PM
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https://www.compasscycle.com/product...tires/26-inch/
I have used these to good effect on my hard tail MTB on both loose and compacted gravel. Pricey but a great ride.
I have used these to good effect on my hard tail MTB on both loose and compacted gravel. Pricey but a great ride.
06-10-15, 07:05 AM
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https://www.compasscycle.com/product...tires/26-inch/
I have used these to good effect on my hard tail MTB on both loose and compacted gravel. Pricey but a great ride.
I have used these to good effect on my hard tail MTB on both loose and compacted gravel. Pricey but a great ride.
Looking for tires myself for 50% hardpack, but 25% pavement, % 25% gravel. But I'm pretty set on the Conti Cyclocross Speed.
06-16-15, 07:30 AM
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If you have an endurance style road bike with short reach caliper brakes, you want a tire about 28mm wide, actual size. This is smaller than almost all tires designed as Cyclocross tires. However, there are a variety of versatile tires that are tough enough for gravel yet are not excessively heavy.
The 700x28 Panaracer Gravelking, 700x25 Michelin Pro 4 Service Course and the 700x25/28 Specialised Roubaix Pro all measure about 28mm wide.
These tires will perform well on dry, firm gravel. However, if you intend to cycle across wet grass or off-road trails, you should consider a different bike with large knobby tires.
The 700x28 Panaracer Gravelking, 700x25 Michelin Pro 4 Service Course and the 700x25/28 Specialised Roubaix Pro all measure about 28mm wide.
These tires will perform well on dry, firm gravel. However, if you intend to cycle across wet grass or off-road trails, you should consider a different bike with large knobby tires.
06-16-15, 07:47 AM
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I'd be mostly concerned with wheel strength. Unless, you are in soft, loose stuff a lot. Then cross bike is really where it's at. My cross bike gets about 3 rides a year, just to get me through that muddy, icky season. Then I'm on road bikes, 3 miles down the mountain & 2 more miles til concrete. Far less than anything they encounter on road tires at Paris Roubiax
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