Glenn6870 

I’ll be doing my first organized Gravel ride in March and have a question about tire size. I have a Giant Revolt Advanced 0, and can mount up to 53mm tires. I currently have WTB Byway Road 700x40 as I ride almost exclusively on pavement. The gravel ride will be 49 miles and about 3000’ elevation. Nothing technical, just regular gravel. Would I be better served with larger more gravel focused tires? FWIW, I’m a Clydesdale ( 275lbs ). Would I notice much of a comfort difference from 40mm to 45mm? I was looking at the Kenda Alluvium GCT 700x45, which would be more a gravel tire than I have now.

Any other ideas? I want to run them tubeless and while I have heard great things about the Panaracer Gravelkings, I’ve also heard A LOT about how they are a PITA to mount tubeless.

Any input?

mstateglfr 

I just moved away from Gravel King SS 43mm tires after 3+ years of use. They have been incredibly reliable and roll fast for the surface type and mix that I ride.
...but they were an infuriating experience to mount each time I had to do it. Luckily that's like 0.0000003 of my life. But yeah, it's infuriating.


Why don't you start riding some gravel now and see how you like the tires you have? Then change tread/width/quality if you don't like something about your current setup.
Seems better to go into a purchase with actual feedback.


As for general comments...
- your tire width is very common for gravel riding. If you go wider, sure a 43-45 may help with comfort.
- tire construction, quality, and weight are very real. A 40mm tire can feel like hell and it isn't the width, it'd the thick sidewalls and hard cading. Meanwhile, that width may be great and you just need a better quality tire in that width.
- the Byway is a very general all around mixed surface tire. Not much tread and that's fine for most gravel riding where width is more important than tread. Something high quality and fast rolling will probably be better than heavy and significantly treaded, based on your description. Guessing though.

Clipped_in

I have logged thousands of miles on 40mm gravel tires. You're fine with what you have. Go have a good time!!

Koyote

I agree with all of the above. No need to shell out $$$ when you've already got good all-rounder tires on the bike.

If you do decide to move up in size, go to at least 45mm for a noticeable difference. Also, after your first event (or two) you will know whether you want smoother or knobbier tread.

Steve B.

I have the same tire in that size, they are very nice tires to ride on asphalt. They also perform very well on dirt, surprisingly grippy. If you choose to upgrade, this is a good tire,