How to Choose Tires for Gravel and Road Riding
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- Опубликовано: 15 апр 2023
- Choosing tires might seem daunting, but it's not actually that hard. Check out the four criteria I pay attention to in order to make the right tire choice for every training ride or race.
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I'm 53 and only road mtb over the past 30 years...until last year when I got into road & group riding. The switch from big cushy mtb tires to thin road tires was a bit jarring. So I was stoked when i came across an article by rh about going big on road tires, that they're just as fast if not faster than thinner tires etc. Within a week, I had switched out the stock vittoria zero pros on my new synapse for the much wider rh bon jons. Couldn't be happier or more comfortable. Made a great ride even better.
Wider is not faster, it's another lie of the industry to make people buy new tyres, new bikes because older frames and brakes won't accept wider sizes.
Wider would only be faster at the same pressure, but you can NOT inflate a 45mm at 100psi.
this needs to be shown to every single gravel forum and FB group on social media.
Hahaha, I appreciate that. And don't disagree!
THANK YOU FOR THE 650b ACKNOWLEDGMENT 🙌🏼 I’ve been arguing with coworkers about this for a few years now 😂
Thanks Ted, maybe the best overall tire breakdown on the ‘Tube!
Another important point you forgot to mention about tires on a gravel bike is that they must have tanned side walls😁
Yes. They have to have tanned walls because of dust of the roads.
No, it's cuz they have to let other riders know when they get dropped on the roads that they're on gravel tires
Love Rene Herse tires! I tend to run nobbies in front and slicks in the back. So, in turns down a hill, the front tends to stay in track better and if the rear breaks out earlier, no biggie. Although the Hurricane Ridge is 42 and the Barlow is 38, both share the same casing and the Barlow blows up to the same size as the Hurricane.
I found that with the Barlow as well, swells up to 42 mm on my 23 ID rims,
Extraordinarily useful!! Thanks, Ted!!
So much good info. Thanks! It's a lot to take in for beginners, but it helps so much.
Been using RH tires for many years now. going with the 44 Snoqualmie on my recumbent. so nice to have the extra squish since I can't stand up for the bumps; and I'm certainly not losing any speed. Just got the new custom gravel bike a month ago, 650b wheels currently running knobbies 55/48 f/r just because. working great. spent a few years on the 42 Hurricanes on my CX bike in all kinds of roads. heck, I'm even using the 26x2.3 Humptulips on my old Santa Cruz Heckler mtbike, and those have been great! The consistent cornering is wonderful.
Loved this video. Just bought my first René Herse tires (32mm) for the harsh Eastern Canadian roads😅. JD
Love it- great content Ted!
A lot of information there. Thanks for the rundown. Vermont is melting today. Take care, Al
Wow. Great video, I am 64 wish we had these type of wheels and tires when I was in my teens and 20s touring the world with panniers and 700x23. 120psi.
I hear that about tire width and pressure. I am in my 70's and have done several cross country road tours, first tour on 28 mm, second on 32 mm, third tour on 35 mm, now on 42 mm tires, ha
Thank you for the insight!
Great video! Rene is lucky to have you!
I noticed you skipped over tire pressure ?
Good luck this season!
Great insights, thanks for sharing! 🚴✨✨
Great watch. Really informative ♥💪
I just picked up an addict gravel Tunes and I put 38mm pathfinder pros . My average speed today was the same as my ride from 3 days ago on my also new Supersix evo with 32 slicks . I think I’m going to need to get a set of endurance plus Barlow passes 38mm to try out a full thick slick! Thought about the 44but that seems huge! Out here in NYC and a guy from a bike shop told me months ago that I should go thick slick and that it’s so comfortable plus you still go fast. I didn’t believe it but now that I’ve tested it I’m a changed man !!
Interesting about the thick slicks. I mostly ride extralight casings, but have several of the same slick tires in thicker endurance casings. The thicker casings seem to roll well, but are not as fun or as comfy for the riding I do
I almost cannot hear you from the background music.
Ducking needs to be tweaked.
Very comprehensive video.
I need to learn how to shop for tires. It's difficult specially online.
Glad it was helpful!
I am a big fan of Panaracer Gravel Kings on the road bike in 650x38 or 42. Compared to a 700x19/23 on a 20 year old race bike four times the volume and half the pressure. They make a bit of noise but nice combination of comfort and performance on paved or some mixed surface rides. Panaracer makes tires for many others so good quality.
Gravel Kings are great tires for the money and Panaracer makes Rene Herse tires. But the Gravel Kings use a different casing and are not as fast, supple or comfy in my experience compared to the Rene Herse offerings,
@@eddevlincycling6322 No doubt the RH tires are better but you do pay more for it. I am a heavy rider (110kg +) so durability is a consideration. That is why I am a fan of 650 for a road bike.
@@davidbee9563 Makes sense, I am a big fan of the 650 b tires as I am 5'9" with short legs, 700c wheels often seem to big for me
I'll be running Naches Pass (Endurance) on a 3,750 km tour of Europe this Spring and it will be the first time that I'm not using Schwalbe while on tour. I'm a bit nervous about that but the Naches Pass (26X1.8) is the most comfortable tire I have ever had the pleasure of riding on. Fast too! Here's hoping they last the distance with few to no flats!
Great video Ted! I've been preachin' the wider is better to anyone who will listen. : )
I use Rene Herse UMTANUM RIDGE (650x55) Endurance (nobbs) and Rene Herse BARLOW PASS (700x38) Extra Light (slick) and I love them both! Best tires on gravel bikes i ever tested. I use PIRELLI P-ZERO (30mm) with the new SpeedCore (2023) tech on my road bikes.
Love Rene Herse tires but they need more black wall options. I honestly passed on some Rene Herse because of tan wall only models. 😂
This is my daily lecture in the bike shop.
Hey Ted, I'm going to Rasputitsa, what tire should I use......I mean, you pretty much answered that question in the video, and I've actually got a pair of Juniper Ridges waiting at the post office anyhow. thanks for the video, feeling good about my decision. 🙌
I ran juniper Ridge last year at Raspu, going with the same setup this year !
I run Rene Herse 48mm Hatcher Pass slicks on my 7.2Kg, flat bar, MTB-based gravel bike. I usually run them at 25 - 28 PSI, depending on the surface of our gravel rides. This bike is fast, comfortable and reliable for recreational riding and for races like the Dirty 130 out of Wagga Wagga that had a mix of road, smooth and gnarly gravel, plus a bit of single track. I love these tires.
I love those tires as well
love my hurricane ridge but now can't wait till I get the 44 Manastash Ridge 🤙
I have been riding the Manastash Ridge since they came out. The Manastash Ridge is only slightly wider than the Hurricane Ridge (
@@eddevlincycling6322 thanks for the details! Appreciate it 🙏 Will be running my Hurricane Ridge until they’re done before getting the Manastash Ridge
Hey Ted. Great info. Thanks for making the video. I'm doing unbound XL on some 650b. Curious what you would recommend for minimal flat, minimal energy usage for the race. I'm unfamiliar with the terrain in Kansas. Thanks!! I live in Colorado and ride a lot of gnarly singletrack and chunky rocky gravel here
Thanks for the breakdown Ted. I'll be joining you on the flint hills in June for the XL so I wanted to see what you would recommend or plan to ride for something of that caliber? Any feedback is greatly appreciated; good luck out there mate🍻
Same
@@ultracookieaddict2640 Same, too!
A big slick is probably what I’d choose specifically for Unbound. But unlike a sponsored athlete, I probably won’t have tires just for that race. So I’ll probably put on a pair of Oracle Ridge for versatility
Good choice if you have the clearance, my Salsa Warbird only has a couple mm clearance with the Oracle Ridges in the rear and as Ted says, if your wheel goes out of true, you are toast. I have had good luck with an Oracle Ridge up front where I need the extra cushioning and have plenty of clearance and a Manastash Ridge in the rear, sweet setup,
@@eddevlincycling6322 my bike allows for 50. Currently have some Teravail Washburn at 47
I can fit either the Hurricane Ridges or Snoqualmies on my Aspero-5. Have the HRs in the endurance casing for softer stuff and the Snoqualmies in the extra light for harder pack/road. Running with Silca sealant. Ted - in general - what’s the minimum clearance you are looking for if it’s not exceptionally muddy?
I put the RH Hurrican Ridge 42s on my Diverge for The Last Best Ride and have kept them on since. (Nice to see you there!)
I mostly ride Midwest gravel - Minnesota / Iowa. There is a lot of big chunk farm gravel, but really there is always a wide variety in every ride out here.
I do hit stretches of road/pavement in many of my rides. Usually, about 1-4 mile stretches on average.
*Two questions:
1. Should I just keep these on or switch them up? (I guess I should ask what would be the best tire for all this midwest variable gravel, with some road)
2. I will be riding in Vermont in June, in the Middlebury / Cornwall area. What's the recommendation for that area? Or is there a tire that will work for home and Vermont? (I don't have spare wheels to easily switch.)
Thanks! Ted.
Excellent, wide-ranging video! Since you offered...I'm racing RPI Queen Stage race, what would your tire selection be? Thank you!!!
Endurance + RH tires let you get away with riding luxury tires every day. I’m a huge fan.
@Ted King I did a great Gravel Race today called Mixtape 📼 in Lakeville Massachusetts I was running 40c nubby’s
I have been using Rene tires on my gravel bike 48 for a year they are great
I use a standard on the front for better cornering and endurance for the rear
How do they ride on tarmac? Im looking for a great dirt tire that rides well on asphalt!
Eager to try SP
Great vid Ted, interesting point about the size of tire not slowing you down, Ins there more weight and slowed rolling resistance? Hmm
It has to do with suspension losses balanced against hysteric losses in the tire and the aerodynamic penalty of the wider tire. Marginal gains fans will never come around on the topic, because aero, but it’s been shown time and again that suspension losses are very important, and can dominate in many cases. But even Jan admits that above certain speeds the aerodynamics take over. It’s just that us mere humans can’t ride that fast.
This Video is highly under-rated.......I cannot more people don't give it thumbs up, it's totally legit and I appreciate the content!
Because what he is saying is not accurate?
Wider is not faster, it's another lie of the industry to make people buy new tyres, then new bikes because older frames and brakes couldn't fit wider sizes.
Wider would only be faster at the same pressure, but you can NOT inflate a 45mm at 100psi, so in reality it's always slower.
See Also Hysteresis @@DR_1_1
Great insight, Ted. None tire related question: Where are your pants and hoodie from?
New to cycling here and was wondering the same thing, looking for riding clothes with zippers that are also stretch resistant. ✌️
Juniper ridge for Rasputitsa, no brainer 🤩
Slight nitpick -- if you have tires with stiff sidewalls and lossy rubber, then wider will be slower (than otherwise equivalent narrow tires) because either there is more lossy flexing at low pressure; or at high pressure, more bouncing and dissipation in your body itself. The super supple casing is what allows wider tires to still perform very well compared to narrow.
I'm curious what slicks you'd ride on a road bike that had the ability to run say 700x60. I see Rene Herse has a 700x55 slick now, but for 100% road riding and trying to KOM a rolling segment is that going to be faster than a 32 or 38c?
Hey Ted, what would you recommend for the SBT ride?
Sawtooths are excellent ! I like them better than the pathfinders I think
I've been running Rene Herse tires since 2016ish, always buy the extralights but I seem to always have the casing wear out before the tread... is this to be expected?
A bit off Topic, what tire sizes were used in Oracle on the MTB?
Ted!!! I am coming for Big Sugar for the first time and I am doing the 50. I have a 2022 Kona Libre that I ride for gravel and it should be able to accommodate a 48 like you said. In your big sug video it kind of muffles what tire you used. Can you please specify if you would use the new Manastache or another? I am
Also wondering if I can get away with a 44 for the 50. Thank you in advance for the help! Love your videos!
If you can cram a 48 Oracle Ridge, that’ll be your friend. Manastash are a great choice too. Your BEST bet is going Endurance or Endurance Plus casing. It’s a very sharp course.
Thank you!!!
Ted - sounds like E+ for races, what version do you train on?
Hello, after watching your video I have a question. I know that studies have suggested that 40mm tyres and 50mm tyres are very similar, but I would like to know if I went for say a 40 mile ride with both tyres, would I have to put more effort into keeping the 50mm tyres going? Thank you
How does he pack 4 (or more) bikes, his indoor trainer, the kids (and all their stuff) to go cross country is what I wanna know! Respect
Great info! On a road bike, what is the effect of the additional weight of wider tires versus narrower tires? Also, does the better "traction" from wider tires mean increased friction with the road, which means increased resistance?
There is pretty good data showing that rolling resistance is as good or better with wider tires. Dylan Johnson did a good series of wind tunnel testing including looking at tire width and wind resistance: ruclips.net/video/3JJAq32SuQ8/видео.html
We've rediscovered merino, randonneur, porteur, and cyclosportif, but the Birkies just sail on and on and on...
What would you use for early season (dryish) Cyclocross in the UK 🇬🇧?!
I’ve liked my Rene Herse tires pretty well but they are a pain in the ass trying to keep air in them.
Hey Ted, Rasputitsa's coming up. Which Herse tire would you recommend for 175 lbs (of man, bike and bottles)? Thanks!
Why no mention of tubes vs tubeless? I ride 38mm Barlow’s ultralights on my Open UP for everything. So comfy and fast
Ha. Good question. Probably because I have only run tubeless since 2016 so it’s not even a consideration.
Paved = Tubes
Offroad = Tubeless
Mixed = Tubeless
I use snowquilme extra light since two years. I run them tubeless and I like the ride and the comfort but they still leaking sealnt ( panaracer, ,orange, Stan's...) From the sidewalls.
Thanks Ted! Any thoughts on running a wider tire up front and skinnier tire in back?
This not Ted, but its Ed, ha. It has worked well for me. I have run an Oracle Ridge up front where there is plenty of clearance and a Hurricane Ridge or Manastash Ridge in the rear, works great for me.
"Doing some work here in Healdsburg." Moi, en Californie: "Drinking lots of good wine." lol.
I am going to start with 42mm ultralight slicks. If I get flats, I'll move to standard. If I get still flats, I'll go to endurance. But if Monsieur Heine can ride that bloody Kansas race on ultralights...
Hi @Ted King, thanks for your explanations !
For my touring bike, even if i'm rather a road biker, there are path with no pavement so what would you advice me ? Thanks
I’m not doing any races but I do ride in groups on hilly socal so would 38 gravel king ss be too wide for the road? I know you mentioned go as wide as your bike allows but I didn’t hear mention of 38c. For reference I currently have cheap 32c on and I’m already the slowest lol. I know with my size and fitness I’m splitting hairs here but any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hey Ted! Can I run 48mm Oracle Ridges in a Supersix Evo SE frame? I currently ride the SuperX and 42mm is max in there.
Great video. Much appreciated. I couldn't see which model gravel bike you have? I've been tying myself in knots trying to decide best choice gravel bike for me. Am particularly interested in gravel style like BWR San Diego. Thank you!
Looks like Cannondale Kingpin.
@@gregmorrison7320 Thanks!
Supersix EVO SE (or maybe the Supersix EVO CX?) its definitely not the Topstone as there's no kingpin when the seat stays meet the seat tube.
@@lockodirish Yes, my mistake, I totally f'd up on that one, sorry guys.
@@gregmorrison7320 haha nbd considering he's talking gravel racing and the topstone is Cannondale's main gravel bike it was a likely choice. I didn't realize they had a gravel version of the supersix until I saw one on a group ride.
Tires for The Traka? A gravel race in Girona, there will be sharp rocks but also a lot of hard packed gravel
Legit question: I understand that wider tires are supposed to not be slower, but my mind still can't come to terms with that. I ride gravel tires, MTB tires, and fat-bike tires. One my big fattie, I feel a difference between 4" and 4.5" on flat hard-pack where the terrian is out of the question. Same for my MTB: I feel way faster on 29x2.2 than I do on 29x3.0. Is it just in my imagination?
Thanks, what about tire pressures?
Rene Hearse tires may be good however, based on reviews, they are finicky and even Jan says they were require "special" handling when mounting. Last thing I want to mess with when out riding and having tire issues is something that requires "special" handling. I want a tire that is set-and-forget.
Hi Ted - I’m going to Alaska. What tyre should I use ?
I think there are another two quite vital aspects. Tire pressure and inserts or not (I tried inserts on gravel and I am never going back).
Aren't inserts just there so you could run it for a bit when you suddenly flat and not ruin the rim or is there a performance/comfort side to it?
@@twillyspanksyourcakes not primarily, Its o bonus but main purpose is that you can run lower pressure without riscing pinch flat and you also change characteristic of tire. Its like having 1 cm wider tire for free :)
Not trying to be (particularly) contentious here. But you should try a race pace/fast road ride at 650c x 25, 28, 30, etc; simply I think you will be surprised at effort differences. Also, this is a channel built off of being a former pro and insights that the layman may not have....do some leg work out side of "studies Ive read".
Curious about what you have found with narrow 650b tires on the road. I run both 700c and 650b tires quite a bit. Smaller wheels (same brand rims and spoke counts) are always more responsive and lighter in weight. That being said, I have never used a 650b with smaller than a 40 mm tire on it, I don't think many folks use narrow tires on 650b wheelsets. My local road club is always surprised by how I stay in the middle of the pack riding 650b x 48 mm extralight slicks.....
any mud pointers after UnboundXL'23?
i.e. clearance and slicks ... hold less mud (so smaller tires w massive distance between fork/stays and tread),
You think 650b w 40c tire slicks would have worked better than 50c knobbies?
Wider tyres tend to be less aerodynamic. For gravel the benefits of wider tyres outweigh that though, and I like 30mm on my road bike.
i like rene herse tires but there’s way more to a tread pattern than just some squares. semi slick? mud? side knobs with a raised ridge? side knobs with slick center? raised ridge with no side knobs?
Small knobs deflect easily. Have a look at the best most used dh Tyres and moto tyres. Big fat evenly spaced nobs. They deflect less so less energy wasted wobbling around but still bite.
What did you run in HIco Texas Gravels LOCO'S?
You said zero about climbing, but good intro video for newbies. Rene rocks. Thanks!
Hello Ted - off to Iceland in 8 weeks for The Rift. What tyres would you recommend? Cheers …
I take it you can fit 37 gravel tyres on deep dish carbon wheels judging by your cannondale?
wondering how the manastash work on loose uphill gravel? like the Last Best Ride in Montana. Fairly new to gravel and looking for a tire with better grip on the loose up/down hill gravel of a race like this. Live in Colorado. Thanks
Do you use tire inserts?
Yup, cant watch bc of music. Damn, i would like this info.
what about stetina's paydirt gravel. manastash or snowqulamie? thx
What sealant do you use? I can’t get my Juniper Ridges to hold air.
I use Orange Seal Endurance on all my Rene Herse tires and it works well. Some of the tires with extralight casing sidewalls weep a bit and need to be topped up more often, but they all hold air with Orange Seal.
The RH website states that the Stampede Pass 32s require tubes? Are you running tubes on your road setup?
I am running mine tubeless. A wide rim is helpful here.
@@TedKing1 noted, thanks
@@TedKing1 Does this mean your 32mm really blows up more to a 33/34mm? and that you use the tire pressure calculator based on that 33/34mm width?
Riding the Gravel Locos 100 in May, thinking I'm gonna go Snoqualmie Pass
How about weight compared to wide vs narrow tires?
If you sneeze, you might produce the weight difference between a narrow and wide tire. The difference between a lot and a little sealant is greater than a narrow or wide tire. Whether you take a sip of your bottle is greater than the difference. I feel like we’ve lost the plot if we’re worried about the weight difference between a narrow and wide tire 🤷♂️
there is nothing harder in cycling than choosing your tires and most youtubers just review expensive brands that aren't even available in most places, so you are pretty much on your own
Tubeless always or not?
hello, anyone has any experience running 32 mm tires on 15 mm inner width rim (622x15) is that to fat of a tire to be safe or is it still safe?
That’s well outside the recommended envelope. I also haven’t seen a 15mm inner width rim in ages. Go ahead and upgrade your wheels. You deserve it 😂.
I just put 32mm tires on my Super Six, it is gorgeous, never will go back to 25.
32 tubeless?
Throw us a discount code?
What should I run for SBT GRVL black?
I have done stb twice - I would go slick and wide with a standard casing. We have champagne grave in Steamboat
Piggybacking off of this comment because I'm curious to the same thing: I was considering their 48, 44 or possibly 38 slick. Would love your input! 44 seemed like a good in-between
So 650b x 2.1 is as fast as 700c x40? grrrhh, I just bought a 2nd wheelset to have the choice of both...waste of money?
Do people actually have the time and effort to have a quiver of tires they change out for different events? Sounds horrible to deal with reseating/sealant/etc that often haha!!
Some of us have multiple wheelsets already setup with a quiver of both 700c and 650b tires......
@@eddevlincycling6322 that would be nice but $$$$
@@royman0 I hear that, I am retired teacher and drive a 10 year old car, but ride almost daily and have extra bike tires and wheels to play with. One must have their priorities straight, ha,
Please drop the background music, its fu¢king distracting! 😜
But thanks for the great video.
Pathfinder Pro in 47mm. You’re all welcome.
Good video. But I have to say the background music is really annoying and to loud
NOTED! And shoot. I’m sorry about that. I’ll make sure closed captions are turned on.
Agreed
@Ted King Music was not bad😊