Best gravel bike tyres 2026: The best options for every terrain

The best gravel tyres; Vittoria Terreno T30 gravel tyres
(Image credit: Will Jones)

Choosing the best gravel tyres is one of the most important decisions that we make as cyclists. Tyres are our point of contact with the ground and have an important job to do; this is especially true when it comes to gravel riding.

Gravel riding, regardless of the kind of terrain you tackle, throws up a wide range of conditions, surfaces and requirements for riders and by extension our tyres, and the choice is almost limitless these days. As gravel bike tyre clearances have increased, so too has the range of tyre sizes and formulations on offer.

Recent updates

Last updated on 18th March 2026 This guide was given a major overhaul for 2026. We removed the Rene Herse options as well as the Schwalbe G One Ultrabite, which has been superseded. Following the trend toward wider tyres, we also added a best high-volume option in the form of the Continental Dubnital and an extreme conditions option in the form of the Vittoria Terreno T90 from our recent experience with the tyre.

Best gravel bike tyres available today

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1. Best gravel tyres for dry conditions

A Schwalbe G One Allround tyre

(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)

1. Schwalbe G-One Allround

Best gravel tyre for dry conditions

Specifications

Widths: 35-57mm
Wheel sizes: 650b, 700c
Colours: Black, tanwall, reflective
Casing options: DD Raceguard, Raceguard, Super Ground
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Fast
+
Predictable tread
+
Wide range of size options

Reasons to avoid

-
Loose in hard cornering
-
No super-supple options
Buy it if

,✅ You want predictable cornering: The uniform tread and round profile mean as you lean into a corner there is no step-change when you get the shoulders involved.

Your gravel riding takes in a lot of tarmac: These roll very well on tarmac, and handle a lot like an all-road tyre when you're threading sections of gravel together.

Don't buy it if

You want to push things off road more: Whilst a good all rounder, if you plan to ride off road, more, or like challenging yourself on more technical terrain, there is a limit with the G one's and you may find yourself wishing for more grip and control.

You want lots of cornering grip: The lack of an aggressive shoulder means that if you really throw it into a corner on loose gravel they don't bite that well.

If you want a fast, dry-condition gravel tyre then I suggest you go for the Schwalbe G-One Allround. The tread is a regularly spaced array of small, circular knobs that get ever so slightly taller and more widely spaced on the shoulders. This, along with a well-rounded shape makes for a little loose, extremely quick, but ultimately very predictable summer tyre that excels on those rides that link up tarmac, broken roads, and dusty, dry trails.

The tread, compared to more or less any other tyre in this guide, is extremely simple. The only variation is extremely small in both the knob spacing and knob height, which means the tyre feels the same regardless of how hard you lean it over. If you take the tread of something like the Goodyear Connector, there is a more stepped change as you lean into a corner and get the shoulder knobs involved, but with the G-One there's no distinct switch.

Given the knobs are small and so closely spaced, I found them to be brilliant on tarmac, and the rounded profile here makes them feel like you're riding a motorbike, but the flip side to this is that they do get a little lively on looser surfaces. On hardpack, they behave well, as well as on finer, deeper gravel in the dry, but if you have any slippery mud or gravel over rock then they can come unstuck, and unlike the Challenge Gravel Grinder there are no get-out-of-jail-free side knobs.

What I also like is that they come in a great variety of widths, cater for 650b wheels still, and aren't hugely expensive. They don't come in any crazy light and supple casing options, but despite this, I never found them overly draggy; generally, they are a zippy-feeling pair of tyres.

I've tried these in 'normal' gravel widths (40mm) as well as in a whopping 2.25" width, and while the normal width had no issues with seating, the larger size had the tendency to unseat when the tyre deflated, so bring a CO2 inflator if you run the chunkier end of the spectrum.

If you want to create a formidably fast combo with a little more security in the corners, try combining one of these at the rear with a Challenge Gravel Grinder up front, where the aggressive shoulder knobs will help you avoid a front wheel washout if you really want to corner hard.

Read our in depth Schwalbe G-One Allround review here

2. Best gravel tyres for mixed conditions

A tan gravel tyre against a black raining

(Image credit: Will Jones)

2. Goodyear Connector

Best gravel tyre for mixed conditions

Specifications

Widths: 35-50mm
Wheel sizes: 650b, 700c
Colours: Black, tanwall
Casing options: 120TPI vulcanised
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Fast
+
Grippy in wide range of conditions
+
Sturdy

Reasons to avoid

-
No super-supple option
Buy it if

You want one tyre to do everything: These are fast, grippy in the wet, and can corner hard. They're durable too, so a true fit-and-forget product.

You're using 650b wheels: While the 650b wheel size is slowly being phased out, the Connector still comes in a 650b diameter.

Don't buy it if

You want a race casing: While there are plenty of width options, there is only a single, 120TPI casing option. For those of you after a light and fast option look to the Challenge Getaway instead.

You want a super sturdy tyre: A single casing option means there's no sturdy, endurance casing option either. While they are hardy, if you want something bulletproof look at other options.

There are a few products that always lift my spirits when they come fitted to a review bike. A Selle Italia SLR Superflow saddle is one of them, as is a set of Goodyear Connector gravel tyres. They truly are a Goldilocks product in my view; fast on hardpack, and they punch well above their weight in the wet too. What's more, they come in a good variety of widths and still support the dwindling 650b wheel size.

In a straight line, the centre knobs offer relatively little in the way of resistance. Forward traction is ample, and while they aren't the roundest tyres, they only really flatten off in the region of the centre tread.

This straight-line speed is complemented by a surprising grip in even muddy conditions. The knobs are small in surface area, but immediately away from the centre, they become both tall and widely spaced. When run at lower pressures, this brings them into play, and I found even in mud it was surprisingly hard to break traction under power.

In cornering, the uniform nature of the inner shoulder knobs means things are grippy and predictable, with the far edges catching all but the worst slides in a similar fashion to the Gravel Grinder shoulders.

Everything from a near-cyclocross 35mm up to a voluminous 50mm is covered, if only in a single 120TPI casing option. If you are of a mind to run an extremely supple casing then the Challenge Getaway is a markedly similar tread, but in my experience, while they are faster, under extremely hard cornering (the sort you can achieve on a tread like this) you actually want a slightly stiffer sidewall in order to stand up to the forces and stop things getting squirrely.

If you're minded to run a mixed setup then it would make a great front tyre in combination with a Gravel Grinder at the back, or run it as a rear tyre in the winter, along with something like the Vittoria Mezcal for a rapid wet weather setup.

Read our in depth Goodyear Connector review here

3. Best gravel tyres for wet conditions

A black gravel tyre against a white stone wall

(Image credit: Will Jones)

3. WTB Resolute

Best gravel tyre for wet conditions

Specifications

Widths: 42-50mm
Wheel sizes: 650b, 700c
Colours: Black, tanwall
Casing options: 60TPI, 120TPI
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Grippy, square knobs
+
A flatter profile ensures a bigger contact patch
+
Durable

Reasons to avoid

-
A little draggy compared to some
Buy it if

You want tractor-like grip: The square knobs and flat profile mean you get brilliant forward locomotion and great performance under braking too even in the muck.

Speed isn't the goal: If your wet weather riding is more about getting through it rather than setting PRs then these tyres are your friend. A little slower, but more grippy.

Don't buy it if

You like to go fast and loose: These aren't the fastest option, and if you don't mind losing grip occasionally you can find more speedy options elsewhere, like the Teravail Rutland.

You want predictable tyre rollover: The flatter profile of WTB tyres, combined with the square edge provided by the shoulder knobs, mean this isn't a tyre that rolls over as easily as rounder options.

Wet means slippy, and when you're fighting to either gain traction in the rear to maintain forward momentum or keep the front wheel on the straight and narrow then the WTB Resolute is a safe pair of hands.

In my experience, WTB tyres have a flatter profile than most other brands. Usually, this makes them a little more draggy, as a rounder profile will have a smaller contact patch, but when you want grip this larger contact patch is beneficial.

This flatter profile is squared off even more by the use of tall, buttressed side knobs, meaning there's a tractor-like quality to these tyres in the wet. They aren't going to compete with the hyper-aggressive tread of a cyclocross mud tyre like the Challenge Limus, but outside of a muddy field, those tyres make little sense.

As well as grip, both for locomotion and for cornering, wet weather tyres need to be more durable. Muddy puddles can hide sharp rocks, roots get more exposed, and often you can't see so well, meaning you're more likely to hit something hard. On the road, too, debris gets washed onto the blacktop more frequently, so having a tyre that's as durable as the Resolute is a benefit, even if there is a corresponding drop in speed to balance things out.

One final thing to consider for a winter tyre is braking traction. When things are wet, or just loose, you want a tyre that bites in effectively the reverse direction when you slam the anchors on. Here's where the square knobs come into play again. Yes, it would be faster to chamfer the leading edges, but then you'd lose out on braking ability - another area where I'd happily take the speed hit for a bit more control.

4. Best all-road tyres

A Hutchinson Caracal Allroad tyre

(Image credit: Will Jones)

4. Hutchinson Caracal Allroad

Best all-road tyre

Specifications

Widths: 35mm
Wheel sizes: 700c
Colours: Black, tanwall
Casing options: SwiftEasy casing
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Superb round profile
+
Thick tread for long life
+
Durable casing

Reasons to avoid

-
Not that supple
Buy it if

You want a bit more tyre for road rides: The 35mm Caracal feel fast like a road slick, but provides more grip and capability for when the road is rough, or you feel like exploring that gravel track or lane with ease.

You are happy with a 35mm size: A 35mm size is ideal for a road bike, and all road tyres in general. If you are looking for beefier, true gravel tyres, it might be worth looking at the G One Allround

Don't buy it if

Prefer a larger gravel tyre size: As an all-road tyre, the Caracal only comes in one 35mm size; this may leave you wanting more if you prefer a bigger-sized gravel tyre.


You want to send it off-road: If you want to test yourself off-road, look elsewhere at a more dedicated gravel option that provides more grip and durability. A larger-sized tyre will also let you run lower pressure for more grip and traction.

The Caracal All Road tyres from Hutchinson are our pick for a tyre that can blend road riding with light gravel duties and off-road excursions; in short, all-road riding.

The Caracal comes in a single 35mm size, on the larger side for a road bike, and the skinnier side for a pure gravel tyre. This is a tyre that still feels fast and exciting on the road, but it will just bring a lot more to the table, smoothing out rougher roads and lanes, adding grip, but also give you the means to head down that dirt track into the woods, or turn off to see where a gravel lane leads, for a best of both worlds option.

In short, a brilliant fit-and-forget option for all-road riding that still feels exciting and lively.

Read our in-depth Hutchinson Caracal Allroad review here

5. Best value gravel tyre

-Specialized Pathfinder Pro

(Image credit: Will Jones)

5. Specialized Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss tyres

Best value gravel tyre

Specifications

Widths: 32, 38, 42, 47mm
Wheel sizes : 700c
Colours: Black, Tan
Casing options : One - Endurant casing
Hookless compatible: Yes
Buy it if

You mix road and gravel: These tyres will roll very well on asphalt, but provide some bite off road thanks to the side knobs.


You want some good quality all-rounders for a bit of everything: For road, and a range of gravel, as long as it isn't too muddy and technical, these will be a good quality, durable option.

Don't buy it if

You want to run a tyre larger than 47mm: Riders are running 50mm+ tyres comfortably now, if you want to run bigger, check out the Continental Dubnital or Goodyear Connector.


You want to hit the rough stuff: These tyres will possibly come up short if you like pushing it off road on your gravel rides, choose something with a more aggressive tread if you want to test yourself off road.

Trickle-down economics may be a myth but trickle-down tyre tech isn't in the gravel world. The 'pro' version of the very well established Specialized Pathfinder tyre is based on the S-Works version that has several Unbound victories to its name, but with side lugs that offer a little more bite. The size of Specialized as a brand, and the fact that this is an in-house component, means you can get a great performing, do-it-all gravel tyre for a very reasonable price.

These aren't going to be the greatest option in prolonged muddy conditions, but the combination of a very fast-rolling, solid central belt and much more grippy side lugs that get progressively larger means you get a predictable handling package the further you lean them into corners. What's more, despite not being great for mud, the smaller knobs should gum up less when things get a bit sticky. If, like many of us, your gravel riding involves some road sections too, then the central belt is going to really come into its own, and they perform best overall on dreamy, dry gravel. They aren't as supple as the top-flight S-Works version, but the flip side of that is that they're more durable and less prone to punctures.

Sadly, support for 650b wheels has been discontinued, but you've got a road-like 32mm size all the way up to 47mm, which should cover most entry-level gravel bikes up to something approaching their maximum capacity, as well as many road bikes nowadays, though that's clearly not what these are aimed at.

6. Best high volume

Continental Dubnital gravel tyres

(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)

6. Continental Dubnital

Best high volume tyre

Specifications

Widths: 2.2" / 2.4"
Wheel sizes : 27.5 / 29"
Colours: Black
Casing options: Two - Trail and Race
Hookless compatible: Yes
Buy it if

You want to run a larger tyre size: The 2.2" Dubnital works out at around 55mm, and your rim inner width could affect this further.


You want a big tyre that still feels fast: In the Race/Rapid combination, these tyres feel quick, but you can have your cake and eat it thanks to the big size.

Don't buy it if

Your frame doesn't have 55mm clearance at least: Not that many gravel frames can accommodate these MTB tyres currently, check your frame clearances before buying.

The Dubnital is a relatively new cross-country MTB tyre for Continental that is designed for speed. These tyres technically replace the Race King model, which was popular with a lot of gravel riders.

The Dubnitals are available in 2.2 and 2.4" sizes, and you'll want to order the 29" version for your 700c gravel bike, that's the size that will fit. 27.5" / 650B options are covered too.

I tested these tyres in the fastest Race casing and Rapid compound variation on the Lauf Seigla, and loved the ride feel. The tyres roll very fast, and feel zippy, but offer plenty of traction and grip off-road. The large sizing also lets you run lower pressures if needed.

If you want to join the big tyre crowd and your bike has the clearance, these are a fantastic option.

Read our in depth Continental Dubnital review here

7. Best for extreme conditions

A Vittoria Terreno T90 gravel tyre

(Image credit: Tom Wieckowski)

7. Vittoria Terreno T90

Best for extreme conditions

Specifications

Widths: 40, 45mm
Wheel sizes: 700c
Colours: Black, Brown
Casing options : One - Endurance casing
Hookless compatible: Yes
Buy it if

You want to ride in muddy, wet and challenging conditions: The T90's excel when it's muddy, slick, wet and even icy. They will provide heaps of grip and clear mud well.

You prioritise off-road grip and traction: These aren't the fastest tyres on road, but ig you still want to tackle whatever you like off-road and challenge yourself, this is a great option.

Don't buy it if

Your gravel riding is fairly light: These are Vittoria's most aggressive gravel tyres. If your riding only takes in light gravel tracks and roads, they may be overkill.

Speed is your priority: These tyres aren't the fastest on the tarmac or smooth gravel surfaces; they aren't designed for all-out speed.

The Terreno T90 replaces the Terreno Wet tyre from Vittoria and uses the same tread as the outgoing model. This is Vittoria's most agressive off road tyre, built to handle anything you throw at it off-road.

The tyres are available in 40 and 45mm sizes and in both black and brown sidewall colour options, they use the Vittoria Endurance casing, and I found this to be a hardwearing one, experiencing zero flats in my entire winter test period.

If you want grip and traction in muddy, slippy and technical off-road conditions, these are the tyres for you. They performed fantastically for me all winter, and never once broke traction off-road or let me down.

If you want a tyre for the worst days or to let you ride all winter in any condition, fit some T90's.

Read our in-depth Vittoria Terreno T90 review here

Also consider

Challenge Gravel Grinder gravel tyre

(Image credit: Will Jones)
Super fast dry weather tyre but they get wild in the wet

Specifications

Widths: 33-42mm
Challenge Gravel Grinder: 700c
Casing options:: Vulcanised rubber, cotton
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Fast tread
+
Lively, but the side knobs will catch you
+
Plenty good enough on the road

Reasons to avoid

-
Fragile
-
Very expensive for general use

One of my favourite gravel tyres, and one of the oldest too. They're a tonne of fun thanks to a wicked fast file tread centre and extreme shoulder knobs taken from the Limus cyclocross mud tyre. They'll let go pretty easily in loose or wet conditions, but most of the time they'll catch you. They're not available in many widths, and it's 700c only, but to my mind, they make a near-perfect front race tyre as you can hammer it in a straight line and still corner hard with confidence.

The best gravel tyres; Vittoria Terreno T30 gravel tyres

(Image credit: Will Jones)

9. Vittoria Terreno T30

Very grippy hard pack gravel tyre with great durability

Specifications

Widths: 35-53mm
Challenge Gravel Grinder: 700c, 650b
Casing options:: Lite, adventure, endurance
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Rolls fast on hard surfaces
+
Durable rubber compound wears well and shrugs off punctures

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavier than competitors
-
Slippery when wet

Much like the Challenge Gravel Grinder, the Vittoria Terreno T30, which is the latest version of the original Terreno Dry, combines a very low profile centre tread (almost slick, in this case) with more aggressive knobs at the very edge of the shoulders. It fills the same sort of niche as the Gravel Grinder, but comes in a wider array of sizes and casing options - just be aware the 'adventure' casing isn't tubeless ready. If you like the look of this but think it looks a little too slick, then try the new Terreno T50, which is nearly identical but has more widely spaced centre knobs for greater traction.

-Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H

(Image credit: Will Jones)

10. Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H

Sturdy, stable and comfortable dry weather tyre

Specifications

Widths: 35-50mm
Challenge Gravel Grinder: 700c, 650b
Casing options:: TechWALL
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Very fast rolling once it’s going
+
Stable and surefooted at low pressures
+
Tank tough and impressively puncture-proofed
+
Workable grip when you lean it

Reasons to avoid

-
The sturdy build takes some accelerating
-
Easy to skid or spin off-road

Sitting somewhere between the all-over tread of the G-One Allround and the bipolar nature of the Gravel Grinder, the Cinturato Gravel H (for hardpack) has a gradual change from the closely spaced centre knobs to the moderate shoulder ones. A centre ground of predictability and cornering grip that, while good for a summer tyre, is sadly only available in three widths and a single casing option. 120TPI is OK, but it's not going to set the hearts of supple lovers alight.

-Continental Terra Speed

(Image credit: Will Jones)

11. Continental Terra Speed

Fast rolling and grippy mixed terrain gravel tyre

Specifications

Widths: 35-45mm
Challenge Gravel Grinder: 700c, 650b
Casing options:: Vulcanised
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Predictable grip 
+
Lightweight
+
Fast-rolling at low pressures

Reasons to avoid

-
Max 45mm size

The Continental Terra Speed is something of a hybrid between the small, round knobs of the Schwalbe G-One Allround, and the knob spacing of the outer section of the Goodyear Connector. The wider spacing of the knobs will aid mud shedding, so if you want an intermediate tyre that performs a little better in the wet then it's a good option, or think of it as a really fast rear tyre for wet conditions, as long as you're ok with the back end stepping out a bit.

-Vittoria Mezcal

(Image credit: Will Jones)

12. Vittoria Mezcal Gravel Endurance

A MTB tech and tread make for a versitile gravel tyre

Specifications

Widths: 35-66mm
Challenge Gravel Grinder: 700c, 650b
Casing options:: Endurance, XC Race, XC Trail, XC Adventure
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Surprisingly fast for a knobby tyre
+
Predictable grip
+
Tough enough for year-round use
+
Easy setup and sealing

Reasons to avoid

-
Grey sidewalls look a little odd
-
Limited size range

An XC MTB tyre that's been ported over to narrower widths for gravel uses, though if you're after a fast, grippy, go-anywhere gravel tyre and you have a gravel bike that can fit MTB tyres then the Mezcal is a great tyre for truly adventurous riding. the narrower widths aren't the most grippy in truly wet conditions, but fit it as a rear to speed up a setup and you'll be golden for all-terrain riding.

Teravail Rutland

(Image credit: Will Jones)

13. Teravail Rutland

Specifications

Widths: 35-56mm
Challenge Gravel Grinder: 700c, 650b
Casing options:: Durable, light & supple
Hookless compatible: Unknown

Reasons to buy

+
Predictable grip
+
Rolls well for a knobbly tyre
+
Plenty of tyre sizes

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricy

The Teravail Rutland has a similar tread to the WTB Resolute but with slightly smaller, more parallelogram-shaped knobs and a rounder tyre profile. They're a little more expensive, but for that you get a faster roller and more width and casing options too. If you like a tyre with a more predictable rollover into corners then go for these over the WTB option.

Challenge Strade Bianca

(Image credit: Will Jones)

14. Challenge Strade Bianca

Fantastic ride feel if you can fit them to your wheels

Specifications

Widths: 30-46mm
Challenge Gravel Grinder: 700c, 650b
Casing options:: Vulcanised rubber, cotton
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Blissful ride
+
Herringbone tread is grippy and rolls well

Reasons to avoid

-
Extremely hard to fit

A nightmare to fit, don't hold air, but absolutely beautiful to ride to the point I'm willing to go through the faff over and over with them. In the cotton-cased version, the only one worth considering here, they offer up a pillowy ride like no other and are very fast, too. Not durable, and will stain if you're using rim brakes, but if you value ride feel over all else then buy these. The herringbone tread is also pretty solid on light gravel.

Schwalbe G-One Speed

(Image credit: Will Jones)

15. Schwalbe G-One Speed

An all-road tyre with enough tread for some light dry gravel

Specifications

Widths: 30-60mm
Challenge Gravel Grinder: 700c, 650b, 20in, 12in
Casing options:: Performance, RaceGuard, Super Ground, Super Ground V-Guard
Hookless compatible: Yes

Reasons to buy

+
Enough grip to handle some light gravel
+
Still rolls well on sealed surfaces

Reasons to avoid

-
Easy to find the limit on real gravel

If you find yourself venturing onto dry gravel slightly more often, or baulk at the thought of running a full slick, then look no further. The G-One Speed from Schwalbe has been raced at Paris Roubaix and is effectively the same as the G-One Allround but with lower profile knobs. As with the Allround, the shoulder knobs are ever so slightly taller and will fare better when cornering on loose surfaces than others in this section, as well as on off-camber sections.

How to choose the best gravel tyres for you

Choosing the right gravel tyre involves more factors than choosing a road tyre. Not only do you need to consider the tread, but there's a greater variety of widths too. Do you go for a supple casing or a tough one? Do you run tyre inserts? Do you want tubeless? How much gravel are you actually doing, and how much of your time will be spent on roads? All of these factors need to be balanced, and some of them will trade off against others, but with a bit of care it's easy to drill down into what is the perfect pair of gravel tyres for you - Spoiler alert; they may not be two of the same tyre!

What gravel conditions are you riding in?

Dry gravel is, with perhaps the exception of a few masochists, what we all daydream about. Dusty trails, scorched mountain fire roads, and crisp tan lines. Dry gravel tyres prioritise speed, given that traction is less of a concern; the width is usually enough to provide ample grip. In loose conditions, they may 'let go' a bit more easily than an intermediate tyre, but they'll almost certainly be faster all things being equal. They can also be thought of as an extension of the all-road category in many ways now, so if your gravel rides involve a lot of tarmac miles then these are the tyres for you.

This is the part of the guide that's going to cater for most people, most of the time. While the Goodyear Connector is my pick, the other three options that I've highlighted offer fit-and-forget, year-round capability. They won't be the fastest in the dry, nor the most grippy in the slop, but if you want one set of tyres then these are the ones to pick from. In general, they mix a closely packed array of centre knobs and more widely spaced, taller shoulder knobs to allow them to bite into softer substrates and corners with greater confidence.

While it is perhaps not what most of us enjoy, getting your tyres right for wet, sloppy gravel (mud-heavy, slippery, generally grim) is going to make more of a difference than it well when the conditions are already dry and fast. Get it right and you can sail through slippery conditions in a serene manner. Get it wrong and you may have to walk, or worse still you may end up rubber side up in a heap on the floor. My pick when the going gets heavy is the WTB Resolute. While they do lack the outright speed, wet and wintery riding is more about just getting through it, and the flat profile and durable construction mean worry-free grip.

While it is perhaps not what most of us enjoy, getting your tyres right for wet, sloppy gravel (mud-heavy, slippery, generally grim) is going to make more of a difference than it well when the conditions are already dry and fast. Get it right and you can sail through slippery conditions in a serene manner. Get it wrong and you may have to walk, or worse still you may end up rubber side up in a heap on the floor. My pick when the going gets heavy is the WTB Resolute. While they do lack the outright speed, wet and wintery riding is more about just getting through it, and the flat profile and durable construction means worry-free grip.

While gravel is still booming, all-road is perhaps the most on-trend bike type at the moment, though it's also a rebranding of the best endurance bikes, too. Consumers are finding that having a bike that's more capable of eating up the pitted, cracked roads that we all deal with in a bit more comfort is a good thing, with little impact on performance. Throw in a bit of light gravel ability and you've got a bike that's a lot more versatile than a 'standard' road bike. With a new-ish genre comes new tyre options; all-road tyres are basically big slicks, but tend to have more textured treads to offer greater grip when things get a little bumpy.

What is the best width for gravel tyres?

Just like on the road, gravel tyres have steadily got wider and wider. Previous received wisdom would have put it at 38mm, but this was mostly down to the fact that this was about as wide as early gravel bikes could accommodate. Now, with far wider clearances, something around 45mm is probably the ideal all-purpose gravel tyre width.

Going narrower may save a bit of weight, but for most of us, the speed gains by choosing a 38c over a 40c will be minimal. What's more, if you go wider, you'll have a larger contact patch, and can therefore use a less aggressive tread pattern, and so may actually end up faster. There are many well-documented incidents of pro gravel racers running full slick tyres in wide widths, though decent bike handling is a must if you go down this route.

How supple should a gravel tyre be?

This relates to casing. A greater TPI, or threads per inch, results in a more supple tyre. This means it'll deform more easily over the road/trail surface, and therefore be faster, more grippy, and more comfortable.

At the extremes are tyres like the cotton-cased 'open tubular' tyres from Challenge, with carcasses made from actual cotton. These are wonderfully supple and fast, but correspondingly flimsy and far more prone to punctures and cut sidewalls. At the other end of the spectrum, you have tyres with casings like the 'Endurance Plus' from René Herse. More sturdy casings will mean you're less likely to go pop, but they will be slower.

The best thing is to consider what you're riding over, and how inconvenient a puncture will be. For recreational riding, a puncture is annoying, but not a day ruiner, so a middle-ground option is best. If you want the highest performance and have an appetite for risk then go super supple. It's worth noting though that many gravel racers, especially in races with sharp rocks like those found at Unbound, opt for the most durable tyres they can get their hands on, as while having slower tyres is a detriment to performance, having a puncture at any point could well put them out of the race.

Super supple tyres can feel squirmy under hard cornering, as they fold more easily under the forces, especially if you run older, narrower rims with wider tyres, so if you're really hitting corners hard, or you're running a very aggressive tread, then I suggest pairing it with a stiffer sidewall.

Finally, if you choose to run really high TPI casings you may want to run them a little harder, or with tyre inserts. The risk of cutting through the carcass if you hit them rim on a particularly hard bump is far greater than with more durable tyres. As always, everything is a trade-off.

What are the fastest gravel tyres?

Sadly there's no straight answer to this. If you use a flat, knobbly, tough casing mud tyre on dry gravel you'll be slow, but if you use a slick in the mud you'll be even slower as you'll have to walk. Tread pattern, width, and casing all come into play but so to does the tyre profile. A well-rounded tyre will have a smaller, faster contact patch but will be less grippy, though I also find rounder tyres to cover more predictably.

Generally speaking, all else being equal, a slicker tyre will be faster, but speed is about choosing the right tyre for the right conditions more than it is about any single tyre being 'the fastest'.

Can I mix gravel tyre treads?

You can, and I'd go so far as to say you should. The demands placed on front and rear tyres are different, and so choosing different options for each is wise.

The rear is more concerned with locomotion than cornering, but because more of your weight goes through the rear tyre you can usually opt for a faster, less knobbly rear than at the front. A real wheel slide is often hair-raising when it comes as a surprise, but they are far easier to control than a front wheel washout.

Up front, you want to fit something more grippy, or at least with more aggressive side knobs to avoid a washout. As less of your weight goes through the front it's less of a detriment to fit a more aggressive tread.

With these considerations, it's possible to tailor your tyre setup far more than simply fitting the same front and rear. Hell, you could even mix widths too, though this is less common.

Should I use tyre inserts for gravel?

If you regularly smash about on rocky terrain then yes, you probably should. For more normal gravel, especially with a 40c tyre or above, you shouldn't be risking hitting the rim all that often and can probably go without. I don't use them and simply opt for wider tyres if my riding is taking in anything very rough.

If you're running hookless then tyre inserts to claim to offer tyre retention benefits in the event of a catastrophic blowout, but thankfully this is not something I've been able to put to the test, and if your tyre width and rim internal width are matched up properly then the tyre really shouldn't be flying off the rim anyway, insert or otherwise.

What pressure should I run my gravel tyres at?

It depends, as always, on a number of factors, not least tyre width, system weight, and the terrain. Silca has a pretty good tyre pressure calculator, though it should be taken as a suggestion rather than gospel. In general, the more rocky and lumpy the terrain the harder you'll have to run your tyres in order to avoid hitting the rim (providing you aren't running inserts.

Higher pressures won't make you faster though, as more of your energy goes into bouncing you up and down, so don't fall into that trap.

Should I run tubeless for gravel?

In short, yes. At wider widths, the tubeless sealant is far better at sealing little holes that would otherwise leave you at the side of the road reaching for a patch kit. While I'm not convinced on road tubeless, over about 35c it makes sense to me. Make sure you get some of the best tubeless sealant though, as I have often been left frustrated and messy by using inferior goo. My pick is Stan's Race or WTB Tubeless Sealant.

Are knobbly tyres slower?

Sort of. I appreciate this isn't a clear-cut answer, and in general the answer is yes as more energy is lost to tall knobs flexing than a slick tread. Bear in mind there's a big difference between tall, widely spaced lugs such as you'd find on a true mud tyre like a Challenge Limus and the large, but shallow and closely spaced knobs ride far more like an intermediate or a semi slick than their chunky tread would suggest.

Can I run gravel tyres for cyclocross? Can I run cyclocross tyres for gravel?

Cyclocross tyres are far more specialist than their gravelly counterparts. For UCI sanctioned races they must be no wider than 33mm, which is a lot narrower than gravel tyres nowadays. They are usually cotton cased, though not always, and often prioritise traction at low pressure rather than straight line speed, and so on tarmac sections would feel extremely sluggish.

My advice is to keep the two separate, though you can use narrow gravel tyres for cyclocross races that are more lax with the rulebook.

How do we test the best gravel tyres?

Testing to find the best gravel tyres involves riding and lab testing all the top brands to find out how they ride. Testing is the backbone of the tech department at Cyclingnews, and how we test is taken seriously, so read on to find out more.

The testing for all gravel bike tyres starts with the same process. All tyres are weighed and then set up on our test wheels with sealant, before the actual fitted width is measured.

The tyres are all tested in a variety of terrain and conditions to determine how the tyres perform. Attention is paid to grip levels, comfort and rolling speed on offer, comparing these to other tyres that we have tested on our test loops.

Beyond real-world testing, we have also performed our own lab testing to find out what is the fastest gravel tyre setup. As part of our testing, we took a deep dive into the effects of different tread patterns, widths and casings to find out what makes a gravel tyre perform the best.

Written by
Will Jones
Written by
Will Jones

Testing tyres was the first thing I ever did in the cycling industry, and pulling together truly useful tyre guides is something I take seriously, given how important the right setup is to the overall ride experience, especially when it comes to riding off-road. I am constantly swapping tyres to see what works and what doesn't, always run tubeless, and as I never ride indoors it means I can really get to grips with what works in the worst conditions as well as on lovely, dry gravel.

Tom riding in the wind tunnel wearing an aero helmet
Tom Wieckowski

I've been cycling for over twenty years and have lots of experience riding and racing in the kind of conditions that put gravel tyres to the test. I've raced on the road and in cyclocross, and have tackled the Paris-Roubaix challenge and The Traka 100 gravel race. Regardless of the conditions, I head out on a range of gravel bikes and tyres regularly to test them year round.

TOPICS
Will Jones
Senior Tech Writer

Will joined the Cyclingnews team as a reviews writer in 2022, having previously written for Cyclist, BikeRadar and Advntr. He’s tried his hand at most cycling disciplines, from the standard mix of road, gravel, and mountain bike, to the more unusual like bike polo and tracklocross. He’s made his own bike frames, covered tech news from the biggest races on the planet, and published countless premium galleries thanks to his excellent photographic eye. Also, given he doesn’t ever ride indoors he’s become a real expert on foul-weather riding gear. His collection of bikes is a real smorgasbord, with everything from vintage-style steel tourers through to superlight flat bar hill climb machines.

With contributions from