American Classic Kimberlite gravel tyre review

The price is amazing but what is the American Classic Kimberlite gravel tyre like to ride with?

American Classic Kimberlite Tyre
(Image: © Josh Ross)

Cyclingnews Verdict

You can't have everything in a tyre and with the American Classic Kimberlite you trade weight for price and puncture protection.

Pros

  • +

    Price is two for one compared to everyone else

  • +

    Long life

  • +

    Excellent puncture protection

  • +

    Exceptional warranty

Cons

  • -

    Heavy

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American Classic entered the cycling scene in the early 80s. American road and track racer Bill Shook developed expertise in high-end aluminium and brought the brand to prominence over the next three decades, but then in 2018, after 36 years, the company disappeared from the market. 

In the fall of 2021, we covered the comeback as well as the renewed focus it brought. Today's American Classic offers a range of low-cost, high-value tyres. Sales are direct-to-consumer, through Amazon, and pricing sits close to half what you might pay for something similar from other brands. 

Josh Ross

Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes. Height: 5'9" Weight: 140 lb. Rides: Salsa Warbird, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx