Gravel Tire Comparison/Recommendation/Advice?
01-12-20, 11:34 AM
#26
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I'll recommend the Hutchinson Override 700x38
Size: 700x38, about 39mm wide, about 400 grams each.
Tread pattern: minimal file tread pattern in the center, progressively larger file tread on the shoulder.
Construction: 127 tpi, flat protection included, tubeless
Performance on pavement is excellent, like most road bike tires
Performance on firm gravel is excellent with very good cornering grip on a hardpacked fine gravel
Performance on deep or soft gravel is acceptable, float and traction is sufficient due to the wide footprint and supple construction.
Durability: good so far
Ride: super smooth and plush
The tire was eventually easy to install tubeless with a standard floor pump. I did pre-fit the tire using a tube and let it take shape at 80psi for 48 hours. This allowed the tire to seat quickly and hold air with 30 ml of sealant.
The Hutchinson Override is lightweight and very fast rolling. The Override helped me nearly produce the same kind of speeds I experience on my road bike on pavement with 700x25 Rubino Pro tires. Performance on a wide range of dry surfaces is excellent. Firm gravel, dry grass, dry single-track are all traveled with speed and confidence. Soft and rutted single-lane gravel roads require focus and skill, but can be covered quickly with sufficient traction. Wet gravel and pavement are acceptably easy to travel if the rider avoids any excessive banking during turns. I avoid wet earth and grass, it's not the right tire for those conditions.
PS;
I've covered more miles and completed the 50 miles Cuba Gravel Crisis with the Override. I continue to be highly impressed with the tire. Traction, durability, reliability all continue to remain at a high level. I'm unable to break the rear tire loose on soft sandy trails, unless it's a very steep climb and I stand while mashing the pedals. Simply sitting on the saddle re-establishes traction. The front tire also maintains traction well on flatter routes. However, I'll install a knobby tire, like the WTB Riddler, on the front if I expect faster downhill sections that require urgent braking and cornering. No need to remove the Override from the rear. It rolls fast with a surplus of traction.
Size: 700x38, about 39mm wide, about 400 grams each.
Tread pattern: minimal file tread pattern in the center, progressively larger file tread on the shoulder.
Construction: 127 tpi, flat protection included, tubeless
Performance on pavement is excellent, like most road bike tires
Performance on firm gravel is excellent with very good cornering grip on a hardpacked fine gravel
Performance on deep or soft gravel is acceptable, float and traction is sufficient due to the wide footprint and supple construction.
Durability: good so far
Ride: super smooth and plush
The tire was eventually easy to install tubeless with a standard floor pump. I did pre-fit the tire using a tube and let it take shape at 80psi for 48 hours. This allowed the tire to seat quickly and hold air with 30 ml of sealant.
The Hutchinson Override is lightweight and very fast rolling. The Override helped me nearly produce the same kind of speeds I experience on my road bike on pavement with 700x25 Rubino Pro tires. Performance on a wide range of dry surfaces is excellent. Firm gravel, dry grass, dry single-track are all traveled with speed and confidence. Soft and rutted single-lane gravel roads require focus and skill, but can be covered quickly with sufficient traction. Wet gravel and pavement are acceptably easy to travel if the rider avoids any excessive banking during turns. I avoid wet earth and grass, it's not the right tire for those conditions.
PS;
I've covered more miles and completed the 50 miles Cuba Gravel Crisis with the Override. I continue to be highly impressed with the tire. Traction, durability, reliability all continue to remain at a high level. I'm unable to break the rear tire loose on soft sandy trails, unless it's a very steep climb and I stand while mashing the pedals. Simply sitting on the saddle re-establishes traction. The front tire also maintains traction well on flatter routes. However, I'll install a knobby tire, like the WTB Riddler, on the front if I expect faster downhill sections that require urgent braking and cornering. No need to remove the Override from the rear. It rolls fast with a surplus of traction.
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01-12-20, 12:32 PM
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I'm running the tubeless right now-- which purchasing was an ordeal, as sellers are frequently listing the TLR and normal versions as the same tire. The skinwall is tubed, the blackwall is TLR. I don't even know how I stumbled across them initially, but they've been very good so far. No report on longevity yet, I'm still under 1k miles.
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01-12-20, 03:15 PM
#28
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The Alpines are mounted on my mix-match Crank Brothers wheelset, which is an Iodine 3 in the front and a Cobalt 3 in the back-- which are I believe 21mm and 23mm internal, respectively. The tires @ 60psi are both right at 38mm wide.
I would have thought the 2mm of difference in width would make for one tire wider than the other, but apparently not.
I would have thought the 2mm of difference in width would make for one tire wider than the other, but apparently not.
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01-12-20, 09:51 PM
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The Alpines are mounted on my mix-match Crank Brothers wheelset, which is an Iodine 3 in the front and a Cobalt 3 in the back-- which are I believe 21mm and 23mm internal, respectively. The tires @ 60psi are both right at 38mm wide.
I would have thought the 2mm of difference in width would make for one tire wider than the other, but apparently not.
I would have thought the 2mm of difference in width would make for one tire wider than the other, but apparently not.
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01-12-20, 10:37 PM
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I'm running Clement X'Plor USH tires which feel pretty fast on pavement and have held up well on any dirt or gravel trails I've run them on. They get some really good reviews. I've got the 700x35 on Sun Inferno 23s and velocity Dyads and the shape and size are really good.
01-13-20, 08:44 AM
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Just to be clear, you have both the triggers and the g-ones? Interesting that there might not be much of a difference between them as they look pretty different to me, but I don’t really know. If they are similar, I might just go with the triggers because they are cheaper. That, and the philosophy to have slightly more tread than I need.
Hope that helps.
01-13-20, 09:30 AM
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Some context:
- I'm new to cycling and just do it casually, for the enjoyment of being outside and for some exercise.
- I'm not riding tubeless. I know it's better, yada yada, and maybe I'll change my mind later, but riders in my area aren't and don't recommend it. I'm not morally against it or anything, but don't try to convince me...
- I'm new to cycling and just do it casually, for the enjoyment of being outside and for some exercise.
- I'm not riding tubeless. I know it's better, yada yada, and maybe I'll change my mind later, but riders in my area aren't and don't recommend it. I'm not morally against it or anything, but don't try to convince me...
Tubeless tires (like the G-One) are a pain in the butt. I can’t mount them on some of my wheels, because the bead is so tight. They are heavier than they need to be (if using tubes) because they have something like an inner-tube built into them. And they tend to cost a lot more than traditional ties.
It’s always a pleasure to mount my traditional tires and be reminded how easy a tire change can be.
I love tubeless on my primary bike, but unless you are NOT a casual rider, get a lot of flats and/or are worried about pinch flats they can be too much of a hassle to be worth it.
(i.e. don't buy a tubeless tire unless you need it - they are a hassle)
01-13-20, 11:00 AM
#33
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When you move to 50/50 trail/roads, I would recommend the Rene Herse Steilacomms. Otherwise, either the Overrides or BonJon Pass will be great for ya.
01-13-20, 02:03 PM
#34
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I would add that if you are not going to be riding rough single track 700x38 will be a great tire size. Don't feel like wide is better especially if you are 80/20 road/gravel.
01-13-20, 04:39 PM
#35
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As a newbie to both cycling and this forum, I'm grateful for all the feedback and community. I went into my local bike shop this past week, and found they had a bike with Specialized Pathfinders on them, so I was able to test-drive those tires and I really liked them. No wobble from the center ridge AT ALL, and I was trying to find it. I'm planning on ordering those this week. It sounds like a perfect combination of smooth rolling on pavement and traction when you need it off pavement. I will post again once I've got them and let you guys know. I'm looking forward to them.
01-13-20, 08:54 PM
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We also love the Compass (Rene Hearse) tires for your mix of riding but they are a bit more expensive, though they have the best ride of all, like a giant tubular!. We usually only put Compass tires on bikes of more experienced riders that are willing to pay the extra.
Last edited by dwmckee; 01-13-20 at 09:00 PM.
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01-13-20, 10:23 PM
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As a newbie to both cycling and this forum, I'm grateful for all the feedback and community. I went into my local bike shop this past week, and found they had a bike with Specialized Pathfinders on them, so I was able to test-drive those tires and I really liked them. No wobble from the center ridge AT ALL, and I was trying to find it. I'm planning on ordering those this week. It sounds like a perfect combination of smooth rolling on pavement and traction when you need it off pavement. I will post again once I've got them and let you guys know. I'm looking forward to them.
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