Dilldog

Sorry title should say "tire" rather than "time", cant seem to correct that, anyway...
I have a Giant Escape 3 and I'm just looking to expand its capabilities a touch. There are tons of dirt or gravel trails around here that are well traveled so there's no need for a serious dirt bike or tire, but the smooth commuter tires on the bike now are not up to the task of even compacted dirt. So I'm looking for a mellow to moderate gravel tire, im currently running 700c 38s. Decent wear is a plus, but I'm not opposed to swapping tires when I'll be riding just pavement. Also I'm hoping to stay around $50 a tire.
thanks!

Trsnrtr

I fixed the title for you.

Steve B.

I’m very happy with the tires that came on my Topstone - WTB Riddler TCS. The OEM size is 37mm and they work very well, though I also own a pair of the same tire in 45mm. Tubeless ready as well. My shop sold them to me for $45, but I think the price is closer to $50

Lindarets

I love the Vittoria Terreno dry- not the best mud tire but sheds it quickly and is smooth & fast rolling on the road with a durable casing. The Terrene Elwood has a little more rubber and a slightly lighter casing. They ride similarly- the Elwood will be better if you tend to wear out tires before cutting; the Terreno Dry is great if you live somewhere with sharper rocks and tend to get cuts.

shoota 

I'm surprised the 38s currently on there are not working to be honest. Something like a 40c Terreno Dry, Zero, or Specialized Pathfinder would do the trick.

Dilldog

The issue I have is the tires have a very broad flat patch in the center and not much for shoulder lugs. This makes me feel unstable. It may be more mental than anything ( I am not a super experienced cyclist) but I would feel better with something that has a more broken up center section and deeper shoulder lugs.

shoota 

There's nothing wrong with that. Whatever makes you enjoy the ride. There are plenty of tires out there that will satisfy your requirements. Let us know what you settle on.

Emilio700

Recommendation is to go as large as your frame/fork will accept and still have at least 5mm clearance on each side. Volume allows a better compromise between grip, rolling resistance and comfort. Smaller tires only provide low rolling resistance on smooth hardpack but compromise everything else. The bigger the tire, the less important actual tread pattern is. I run 40c Maxxis Re-Fuse at around 35psi. Not rocket fast on pavement but cushy, grippy and low rolling resistance n dirt. If a file tread freaks you out, at least try a slick or near slick center section with short tread blocks on the side.

Tall treads suck on hardpack and loose stuff. They just flex and squirm. Tall treads are for soft dirt. For hardpack you want short, wide tread blocks or a pure file tread. Again, volume is your friend.

ericzamora

I upped my Gary Fisher hybrid's 28c tires to WTB Riddler 37 TCS, and they worked great. The Riddlers get mostly positive reviews.

Then I bought a gravel bike. It came with Clement MSO 40s. (Clement is now Donnelly). They also get great reviews.

eric/fresno, ca.

Bingod

Check out the new WTB Raddlers,

caloso

Great gravel (and dry CX) tires.