Rolling Resistance vs Aero Drag
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Rolling Resistance vs Aero Drag between Gravel and XC Tires
I was deciding on getting some Gravelking SK/SS+ tires in 700x43 for my gravel bike, but since my bike can fit full 29er tires I saw that I could run the 29x2.2 Conti RaceKing Protection tires, and they have less rolling resistance than the SK/SS.
I guess the only other thing would be that the larger tires might take longer to accelerate, and might have more drag. Not sure if I’m thinking about this the right way, but I’m curious to know where the middle ground would be when choosing between these tires?
I guess the only other thing would be that the larger tires might take longer to accelerate, and might have more drag. Not sure if I’m thinking about this the right way, but I’m curious to know where the middle ground would be when choosing between these tires?
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I would choose the widest tires I need for the terrain. Unless you are a top-tier gravel racer, I'm not sure that aero effects trump any other concerns when it comes to tires.
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Okay so I’ll add a bit more info: I’m looking at a 60/40 road/off road ratio for my setup. Trying to optimize for speed/efficiency while not giving up too much comfort. Since I can’t afford a second wheelset for primarily off-road, I can’t do a full slick.
Again, I was thinking the RaceKing would actually be better on the road because of lower rolling resistance. I just didn’t know if there were any other factors that I should consider (I think the measured weights had a minimal difference compared to the 43mm SK+/SS+).
Again, I was thinking the RaceKing would actually be better on the road because of lower rolling resistance. I just didn’t know if there were any other factors that I should consider (I think the measured weights had a minimal difference compared to the 43mm SK+/SS+).
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I don't know about rolling resistance but that tread on the Conti will be very unpleasant on the road. Is the GK you are considering an SK or SS?
Last edited by shelbyfv; 05-26-21 at 01:48 PM.
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Well, MTB tires don't do great on the road. When I'm going straight on a MUP at <15mph, they are fine. But they feel draggy over 20mph (undoubtably aero is becomming an issue too). They don't corner well on pavement, and certainly are slow in the curves - because of the squared off tread profile and side lugs.
For me, it really matters what my speed and target PSI are. If I'm doing a long steady ride and want lower PSI, bigger tires are fine. If I want the crisp handling of higher PSI, and I'm doing a ride where I'll be sprinting, or fast road work, no. For fast gravel rides (paceline, sprinting), generally the biggest the best.
Low rolling resistance on a drum is different from the type of riding I do - unless I'm just riding in a straight line (MUP style).
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For me, it really matters what my speed and target PSI are. If I'm doing a long steady ride and want lower PSI, bigger tires are fine. If I want the crisp handling of higher PSI, and I'm doing a ride where I'll be sprinting, or fast road work, no. For fast gravel rides (paceline, sprinting), generally the biggest the best.
Low rolling resistance on a drum is different from the type of riding I do - unless I'm just riding in a straight line (MUP style).
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#7
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I was deciding on getting some Gravelking SK/SS+ tires in 700x43 for my gravel bike, but since my bike can fit full 29er tires I saw that I could run the 29x2.2 Conti RaceKing Protection tires, and they have less rolling resistance than the SK/SS.
I guess the only other thing would be that the larger tires might take longer to accelerate, and might have more drag. Not sure if I’m thinking about this the right way, but I’m curious to know where the middle ground would be when choosing between these tires?
I guess the only other thing would be that the larger tires might take longer to accelerate, and might have more drag. Not sure if I’m thinking about this the right way, but I’m curious to know where the middle ground would be when choosing between these tires?
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@DarKris - what did you get?
Its really tough for me to conceptualize and accept the 2.2 knobby Race King having less rolling resistance than what I ride- Gravel King SS(normal, not plus version).
For 60% road, I would have no interest in those knobs, especially since I really dont need those knobs to enjoy my gravel roads either.
Its really tough for me to conceptualize and accept the 2.2 knobby Race King having less rolling resistance than what I ride- Gravel King SS(normal, not plus version).
For 60% road, I would have no interest in those knobs, especially since I really dont need those knobs to enjoy my gravel roads either.
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I got the race kings, tried them, and sold them after getting the Gravelking SK 50mm. The SKs have a better balanced feel to them and roll just as well IMO. Plus since I’m now running a sus fork I really don’t care too much about aero on this bike
For the size the Race Kings rolled deceptively fast, but not enough for me to want to run them for mostly pavement and hero gravel
For the size the Race Kings rolled deceptively fast, but not enough for me to want to run them for mostly pavement and hero gravel