The best gravel tires: Pro Alex Howes tests 18 models
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- Опубликовано: 25 июн 2024
- After racing at the top of the sport for more than a decade at the Tour de France and beyond, Alex Howes created his own gravel program for 2023 where he got to select his own equipment. He tested 18 different tires and did all the big events, and in this video he shares his thoughts and his favorites.
While 2023 was his first year racing solo, it certainly wasn't his first year racing gravel; Alex won SBT GRVL in 2021 and placed third at Unbound Gravel in 2019 - the same year he won the US National Road Championship.
Alex's favorite tires:
Everyday and adventure: Pirelli Cinturato RC tinyurl.com/5fy95a9z
Super-fast for events like BWR CA: Panaracer GravelKing+ tinyurl.com/b7cecutw
All-around race: Schwalbe G-One RS tinyurl.com/yfnrdf89
Here are my Top 5 gravel tires: • My Top 5 Gravel Tires
Other tires tested and discussed:
Vittoria Terreno Dry tinyurl.com/jsy277n8
Schwalbe G-One Bite tinyurl.com/368bp4cn
Vittoria Terreno Zero tinyurl.com/cdbwrcyf
Continental Terra Speed tinyurl.com/26ffcjh3
Panaracer GravelKing SK tinyurl.com/msfmvxrx
45North Gravdal Studded tinyurl.com/4zufetkx
Vittoria Mezcal III tinyurl.com/fvvws4ww
All tires at BikeTiresDirect tinyurl.com/2s3td445
ProCyclingStats: www.procyclingstats.com/rider...
Go follow Alex!
/ strava
/ alex_howes
/ alex_howes
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The Ride is supported in 2023 by:
Castelli clothing: www.castelli-cycling.com
Giro helmets: www.giro.com
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0:00 Intro
3:23 why ask Alex?
4:45 BikeTiresDirect
8:12 BWR AZ
10:00 BWR CA
13:01 The Mid South
16:14 Gravel Locos
20:53 Alex's Favorite Gravel Tires 
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Which tire is your favorite?
Specialized S-works Pathfinder Pro.
Switched to Pathfinder Pro a few months ago and I am super happy with them!
Pathfinder Pros 38 or 42 per expected road conditions; set up on two sets of wheels.
Conti Terra Speed ftw! One of the best in rolling resistance
G-One RS rear, G-One R front
What a great feature, Ben & Alex! Stoked to see this collaboration between the two of you, and happy we could be a small part of the 2023 season!
I just ordered some Schwalbe RS tires from you guys based on Alex's review!
Check out Dylan Jawson as well! Great dude and tire nerd, lifetime grand prix participant as well
Rode Pathfinder Pros most of the year but switched to Pirelli Cinturato M for Big Sugar. Was super happy with the grip and had zero punctures. Gonna ride them through the winter too.
Pathfinder s works…. Super quick on all surfaces! 👍
I quit experimenting when I tried the Pathfinder Pro (42mm) three years ago. Fast, durable and great on loose corners, at speed. I will be going to the S-works next year. I’m glad I’m not the only one skeptical of the barrel test. Just not dynamic enough to represent real world conditions. Nice conversation and video, thanks Ben!
Most people that try the S-Works pathfinders go back to the normal ones. I tried them myself and the S-Works are a lot thinner and seem to have less grip especially on loose stuff and don't really feel faster. So just be aware, they aren't necessarily an upgrade.
This is absolutely accurate. Have heard it a lot. The only advantage for S-Works is they are significantly lighter. So... if you have a super vertical course with no serious flat hazards or technical stuff.... maybe. but only maybe@@mattcolley5124
@@mattcolley5124 just switched from Pro to the Sworks and totally agree. SW feels slower and not as reactive but more comfortable
@@mattcolley5124 I’ve got an extra set of Pros if I need to switch back. Love them. My buddy rode the S-works all season and had no complaints. I’m looking forward to giving them a try as it means we’re at least enjoying Spring in MN…
I’m going back to non s-works. It rides faster but knobs it has are less pronounced do cornering is a death wish as high speed
Thank you !!! Ride Safe.. and Fast!!!
Very entertaining interview. You should have him a reoccurring guest. You guys are hilarious together.
I don't think I can afford his exorbitant rates! 😜
Was waiting for this one. Actually saved it til I could sit down and enjoy it uninterrupted
this is a very good video for choosing tires, helped a lot for me to understand what to choose!
Pathfinder Pros / S-Works for me too (42s). The Pros are pretty close to bomb-proof but is a bit of a harsh ride compared to the S-Works which is just so damn subtle and nice. In the winter months I'm riding Vittoria Mezcal though for better grip in the wet & muddy conditions
Pathfinder for me as well. Also 42s is misleading, should just call it 44.91s or 45s
Totally agree on the Schwalbe RS,,I finished unbound this year with that tire👌,and Alex is always chill😂😊
Those schwalbes came on my gravel bike and I love them too.
Received my Schwalbe g-one rs 45mm last week, i have Vittoria terreno dry 38mm on right now(very happy with them) can't wait to try them.
45mm ❤
Living in the Flint Hills, my Panaracer Gravelking SKs have all lasted several thousand miles a year so I've never felt the need to try anything else.
Thanks! BD and AH.
Specialized Pathfinder Pros all day long for me. I don't race and just want a good performing tyre that gets 90% of the job done (mix of seal and gravel). As a hobbyist nor can i be bothered swapping out tyres.
G-One RS - stupid fast, but never had much luck with them regarding durability. Always the fastest tire to wear out for me and puncture. Still loved them for their speed
Challenge Getaways - also surprisingly fast, especially at lower pressures. Can’t wait to try the XPs
Cinturato RCs - again, fast tires (and the one that has me skeptical of the RR results on the drum), durable, all-around solid tires. These tires new have such a satisfying grip to them, feels like I’m ripping the terrain every time
S-Works Pathfinder Pro - kinda surprised at how slow these can feel at times, but great overall grip and durability. Only used them for about a month, but I can see myself using them again
Agree on the G-One RS. They definitely have a shorter life span than a number of tires. On that note though, Schwalbe has an awesome (and I believe, one of a kind) tire recycling program.
@@alexhowes6192 first time hearing about it, I’ll check it out. Thanks Alex!
CX bike is gravel/everyday outdoor bike so tires depend on the days plans. So 38-40mm in the rear depending on tread side knobs with inner rim width. Front run 40-42mm no matter what tread. Did Mammoth Tuff mid September on with what I had that was in the parts box for years, no other gravel tires. Clement/Donelly MSO 40mm up front and Schwalbe G all round 40mm in rear. Worked well on tarmac, hardpack, not so much sandy stuff. When got home picked up a vittorria terrano dry 38mm and specliazed pathfinder pro 38mm for better side grip. Picked up panracer gravel king slick and maxxis refuse 32-34 depending on inner rim width for everyday all road/ hardpack dirt/ fast cx courses. Planning on picking another refuse tire when the panaracer is worn out. Maybe mud use as well, SoCal notorious slick sticky adobe clay mud. Doing more gravel races next year so will see what works best. CX mixed/ mud tires are the Clement MXP. Still use tubes as one disc brake wheelset of the ease of use.
Great conversation. I learned that i should be riding the schwalbe more often. My default is s-works pathfinder.
Why would you choose a brand that clearly subcontracts any other companies for batches of tires instead a 50B company with 30,000 employees. Don’t die on the sworks hill. It’s exclusively incoherent offerings. Expert versions is always better
@@ignaciosevil2157Well, just got a pair of pathfinder pros for 55$ so I guess it’s a fair price. Next ones will probably be proper Pirellis… unless the company without middlemen will keep selling tires for more.
Really cool vid Guys, make some more, very good info and it really helps us good ol homeboys too!
Right on. Thanks!
Alex, you're awesome.
This is a great episode. Great info.
You guys are funny, entertaining.
Alex - “ Panic Swap ! I’m gonna get dropped. “
I'm the same with puncture repairs. Stans dart with Orange seal endurance sealant. I use the Schwalbe G one bite 45mm.
“You should take out a life insurance policy before riding” is one of the funniest things I’ve heard in a long time!
I am not a lawyer or an insurance salesman 🙂
But then picked it up as a favourite….
Another vote for the Tufo Thunderos. The 44mm version is a great sweet spot between comfort, speed, and traction
I love the Tufo Thundero. Fast and more thread then most
ordered them in 622-40. hope my bike will fit them)
Funny you should mention those... I've got them on my bike right now! 😂 So far, so good
Thundero’s ftw!
This was awesome Ben, thanks for posting this. Love the detailed discussion. Was there a reason he didn't test any Maxxis tires, or did he test them and they didn't perform well?
Rode the Refuse and Rambler. Both are super solid and tough. Just never found a race where I thought they'd be, "the tire"
Alex is cool and hysterical at the same time
This was a very interesting video, thanks Ben and Alex! I am curious to hear more about inserts. Use for specific races or specific tires only? As a non racer, they have never been on my radar, but am curious what the racers are choosing and why?
Insightful and playful conversation about tires for gravel events, thanks, Ben and Alex. And if the bigger 50ish tires are the secret sauce, we have confirmation that, yes, gravel bikes are '90s mountain bikes, maybe. And I just recently purchased a fully rigid Specialized Rockhopper Ultra, a big thanks to a local charity thrift store, and I'm presently considering how I'm going to modify it for gravel events. And that might be a fun feature, Ben, the best 26" tires for gravel. I'll be rockin' flats and 26s and cantis and a plated 3x with some modern components and flared drop bars. Or maybe I'll go 2x. Then again, I could always go full campus bike with 1x. And I grin. Cosmic to have these options and considerations and variations and personal expressions.
Trying a lot of Gravel tires and for myself I made choice Specialized Pathfinder Pro 700x42c. This tires have the best rolling, smooth on gravel terrain.
I sure am learning lots about all of this, thanks to your videos, Ben. And I totally understand understand the quick-access, taped-on tire plugs. But can't there be a cleaner option such as a fold-out pouch of ready-to-use strips and darts prepared and organized by the rider?
Love this guys, my favorites are fast allroad tire conti terraspeed best all around gravel kings sk 45mm Pirelli M better in wetter conditions like 45mm and 27.5 2.8” bontrager XR3
What inserts did you use?
I have only run the specialized rhombus pro 47 tires on my Crux... They seem to be fast rolling and have grip. Would recommend having a try
I'm not normally a Specialized fan, but the Pathfinders are dang good tires.
Agreed on the Pathfinders!
44mm WTB Raddler is my fav..but I lean more toward chunky fire roads and want the bite and knobby's for grip..its a set it forget it tire
Panaracer GK Semi-Slick, rolls really well on road but has bite on the shoulders 👌
I’ve been riding Vittoria Mezcal, Barzo and Terreno on 25mm ID rims for about four years. The Terrenos were the loosest, the Mezcals were fastest (my theory is the raised center tread). Next year I will be using Pirellis on 23mm ID rims. Initially the RCs seem like a good mix of features (raised center, MTB-style side knobs, hookless compatible, chunk-resistant). Glad to hear Alex had good experience with them.
Why are you going narrower?
Please try the Soma Cazaderos in the 700x50. Such a great daily driver.
Briliant work Ben & Alex, easily the best tyre review video I’ve seen. The real world review, based on actual race or training experience over the long term, is far and away better than the ubiquitous short test ride/review of a new tyre.
The only discussion missing was re: 700c vs 650b - the latter being better for running wider 47-50mm tyres.
I’m currently riding Vittoria Terreno Dry 47mm 650b and Schwalbe G-One R 40mm 700c, on my two bikes. They are both excellent tyres and clear favourites, lighter and more supple than most.
I’m also about to try (the big brand missing from your review) Maxxis Velocita 40mm as gravel slicks on the 700c wheels for training rides mixing it up between road and gravel over summer down here in Australia. (I too have always found GravelKing’s a bit loose fitting and I won’t use them).
Perhaps next race I’ll try the Schwalbe G-One RS, depending on the terrain.
I don't have a ton of experience with 650b. One (pre-gravel) year I did the Paris-Roubaix sportif on a Bokeh with 650b 50mm tires. Super plush on the cobbles, and some folks were jokingly calling me a cheater. But pretty heavy and slow on the pavement.
Velocita is a ripper. I just put the new Maxxis Reaver on a Scarab for test. Curious to see how that one goes.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
Interesting discussion, which 50mm 650b tyres did you use? …Most 650b tyres are slightly heavier, however 650b wheels are also lighter. EG: the Vittoria Terreno Dry’s - I use in size 650bx47mm = 550g. They are only 35g (a sip of a water bottle) heavier than the 700cx40mm = 515g that Alex was using.
Compared to your favourites, Schwalbe G-One RS 700x40mm = 445g, the 650bx47mm are 100g heavier, however I’d hazard a guess that 650b rims are at least 100g lighter than the equivalent 700c rim. So even the rolling weight difference across all is negligible.
The Maxxis Reavers look good too (and they are 10g lighter than the Schwalbes, but not as slick in the centre) …I’d be surprised if the Schwalbe's don't still win out.
Wider tyres can feel slower psychologically, but at the right pressures, are they? …It would be interesting to do a real world comparo between 650b and 700c slicks and semi-slick’s around a circuit.
Certainly some 650b tyres are actually slower, EG I made the mistake of trying Maxxis Re-Fuse 650bx47mm which are 600g, only 60tpi, and they really are slow and heavy! ...But that also means they are good training tyres! @@TheRidewithBenDelaney
👍
Gravelking SS lasts 3x as long as the slicks but a bear to mount as discussed, WTB Resolute fast supple and mud-shedding but puncture-prone, may try Conti Terra Speed next for the compound
if it is muddy with PB clay : one rule and that is put a small tyres into a big frame.
only time I did that I put 35s into a 52mm frame and it went swimingly.
a belted rohloff or pinion would help too, but I'd imagine it is just too ineficient for a pro, even if it runs at peak during the whole race vs a derailleur that gradually cakes itself.
I love my pathfinders, still on my first set. They last a while I’m finding out. But they need better cornering grip I think, maybe I should drop my pressure more.
Specialized Pathfinder Pros (no need to spend for the S-Works if you’re not pro), but of course, the only sponsor conflict for Alex.
Specialized Pathfinder Pro. Best tire I've ever ridden.
I used to ride the Terreno Dry but I got tired of swapping them out every eight rides because the center wore out! Thanks, Alex. You have the charisma of a well cooked cabbage.
I wanted to hear more about this take on the Mezcals. It's also worth mentioning the Terreno Dry first started out as an XC race tire before coming out in cross & then gravel sizes. Do you think you can test out the Continental Terra HardPack please?
Yeah, a few tires were either XC or CX initially. I hope to get on some Contis soon.
That be cool, thanks@@TheRidewithBenDelaney
What up Ben and anyone who sees this, what’s the lightest 29er out? I’ll mainly running it on the road. I’ll be riding the crazy steep roads in northern bali and looking for a tire that doesn’t need to be bulletproof nor have proper knobs for off-road riding. If i do hit some trails they’ll be very tame. I also plan on running lightweight tubes, don’t want to mess with a tubeless setup. Thanks in advance for the help. If possible a foldable tires as well.
This is absolutely aFRICKENmazing!
Alex should have done the interview in his fantastic Belgium trainer accent 😂
Next time…
If you do this feature again it would be helpful if when you pick up a tire or point at a tire you call it by name. It’s too hard to tell from the video what each of the tires your holding is.
Shoot. Sorry about that. And thanks for the feedback.
Trying out Goodyear Connect atm but so far S Works Pathfinders are hard to beat
Ooooo nice. Want to give those a go as well
Pathfinder pro……….. best gravel tire ever made. Perfect for all roads.
Nice calling out the usual flaws in asking a pro. A nice interview and vibe 👍
Great video This just made me laugh.
Those gravel king slicks are so nice until it's even slightly rough or wet haha. Had mine for about 3 months and they had like 12+ holes per tyre (all luckily sealed). Would never run em with tubes.
IMO, Panaracer Gravel King and it's fast, minimalist concept is the (initial) standard. plus, the tan walls look awesome.
that wheel/tire package on Morton's Cannondale at 25:33 is funky, was that what he was on at the starting line?
That was Lachlan's bike at the finish of Unbound this year. I grabbed the bike from his master mechanic Tom Hopper.
The best tires are generally the the ones with the tread pattern that meets the needs of more than 70 percent of your ride. Or the ones that provide the best qualifies that matter most on the route. This makes selection totally objective. A great tire one place may not work well some place else or a scenario. Finding your best tire is trial and error.
Love your content Ben. Alex rocks. Does anyone know of a website where you can enter your bicycle and it will tell you how wide you can go?
Thanks. I'd suggest just going to the site of the brand you have to find tire clearance.
Have a 100 mile fondo 60/40 in Sierra Nevada foothills, any tire recommendation?
Using the Terra Speed in 45c but they’re getting threadbare, looking at RH Mannastash Ridge or Cinturato M in 45? Maybe the Rutlands?
Google maps looks like farm trails and old broken roads, maybe some crushed gravel fire trails.
I’ve used the Pathfinders in 38, but always found them sketchy on fast corners and wet, and it has been rainy lately.
I was going to recommend Pathfinders until I saw your comment at the end. 😁 I love the G-One RS, too. A wee bite more grip in the center but still fast on pavement, and then hearty shoulders lugs.
I recently just got the Continental terra speed 40C, by far my fave gravel so far
Awesome for those gravel roads on the smoother side. Faaaaast
great video! Very informative. My most recurrent doubt though, when it comes to tyres reviews, is durability. The best gravel tyres are usually expensive and I wonder what's the most durable and fast, at the same time, tyre.
Pathfinder Pro, I would say. Not the absolute most durable, but pretty darn reliable while also being quick. You just can’t have the absolute best in both categories simultaneously.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney thanks for the help! I've been searching for good tyres since I use a touring/trekking bike, the Canyon Pathlite 6 (which I love) and I am a sucker for wider slick tyres than usual, and for typical road, save the GP5000, almost none are35mm. But I found the perfect tyres for the Canyon Pathlite 6, and the very hilly terrain here --also very rainy weather.
The Continental Contact Urban (great rolling resistance, best ever wet grip, okay price, huge range of width to choose from, from 25mm to 50mm and great puncture protection) and the Continental Grand Prix Urban (which are as fast as the GP5000, light, not that expensive, 35mm wide, super wet grip), which combined with the 36T 10-51T (1x12) gearing of my Pathlite 6 are ideal for my bike where I live. I'll probably go with the Contact Urban 'cos of fine puncture protection whilst having an excellent rolling resistance according to reviews:
www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews/continental-contact-urban
Grand Prix Urban review:
www.bicyclerollingresistance.com/tour-reviews/continental-grand-prix-urban
I am glad to see the same uncertainty as me 😅
What would you recommend for a first time Unbound rider? Looking for something with sidewall in 47-59ish. Riding Lauf w/ suspension fork (leaf springs)
Pathfinder Pro in 46 could be good, or Schwalbe G-One Overland in 50.
I don't really like Specialized bikes but the Pathfinder Pro are the best gravel tires ever. No flats at Unbound, Big Sugar or 8,000 other miles this year for me and numerous events.
Given the company's politics throughout the years, I was hesitant to try the tires.... About 2500 miles so far and they've been awesome
That's a hearty endorsement! 👍
Does anyone run tubular? And why do I never see Challenge tires in these comparisons?
Swapped my G-One RS tires for the new Maxxis Reaver 40c tires. I wanted just a little more traction on the climbs and these tires delivered. Only one long ride in but I can already say that they are fast and confidence inspiring. What are your thoughts @bendelany?
Cool. I just mounted a set a couple days ago (GRX 12spd build with @alexeyandavery coming up!) but have not yet ridden them. They could well be the sweet spot of fast and light and grippy.
If nothing else, they look good. Curious about the durability but one guy that got a couple of flats isn't exactly a large case study.
And I added Vittoria Air-Liner Gravel inserts (47g each) to the Reaver set-up. At 437g, total weight is about the same as the G-One RS.
120tpi + gravel inserts = a super comfy ride with traction for days.
Keep the content coming gents’ @theridewithbendelaney, @alexhowes6192
Appreciate all that you do!
Thunder Burt Super Ground 2.1! Very fast, very comfortable and very stable. Perfect tire for Big Sugar and Unbound imo. Try them out! Interested to hear what you think.
I probably would have tried them if they fit! Raced those at both Sea Otter and Leadville (in the rear). Fast and supple. Bit rowdy on the front though. Call me crazy but I wish they made them in a 2.4 🤩
@@alexhowes6192 Have you tried them in 27.5x2.1" for (rough) gravel? Also they do make them in 29x2.35" for your MTB setup.
What about the Pirelli Scorpion RC xc tire? Comes in 2.2 and 2.4 for the front. Paired with a 50mm Gravel M(faster than the RC in the flats) or RC in the back it be a great combo. @@alexhowes6192
Sounded like Alex was pretty positive about the pathfinders, I wonder if we’ll see some black sharpie paaffinderz next year 😂
Nah. Life is too short to be stuck on one tire
I found the Vittorio terrano dry really good for dry conditions and tar and the pirelli centura medium for wet .Panaracer is nor for me anymore .Too many problems with flats and cuts
You have to come to the Cobbler in Bakersfield Ca
I know! Been wanting to get out there for years. I am a big fan of Sam and his productions - and food. 😁
Holy cow, this could have been 5 min long....
Thanks Alex and Ben. Regarding Orange Seal, i find it impossible to clean out of tires. Maybe i am not refreshing soon enough and the stuff is just adhering to the rubber? Any tips with that product and removing it?
You'll often get a little build up. If the tire sits for a while and you get a big ol' booger, usually you can peel that out with your fingers.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney thanks Ben. The leftover sealant I'm trying to remove is a thinner film that coats almost the entirety of the inner tire. It's hard to grab and breaks off in very small pieces. Argh!
@@michaelhotten752 A tip I’ve seen for this (but luckily haven’t had to deal with yet) is a large pencil eraser. Might be worth a shot.
+1 let the tire dry a bit and use a pencil eraser to remove the booger film.
What about the studded tires? When do you use those?
Next week 🥶
To bad you can’t wait longer 😅Here in Oslo, Norway the studded tires are already on. Winter cycling is brutal 🌧️🥶 are the 45nrth any good? I am running the Schwalbe ones. Slowest tires around 😂
fast course with little to medium flat hazards, Conti Terra Speed in 45mm or that Schwalbe G-One RS in 45mm (thinks SBT.) Flat hazards? (like Unbound) Pathfinder Pro in 45. Those tires are going to cover 95 percent of the serious races.
Very respectable and responsible choices 👍
Mother of God, please compare the GK Slick + with Schwalbe RS rolling resistance. Schwalbe is a whole 8W faster and You're telling me "Schwa;be is a bit slower" damn - a lot of placebo. I rode both of them - the Plus versions of GK is freaking slow.
It don’t get it - what was the all time favorite?
I would have liked to hear about rene herse..
Have heard a ton of good things but I've never tried them. Unfortunately BTD does not carry them. I think (don't quote me here) they're direct to consumer only?
They're made by Panaracer and (to my knowledge) very similar to the gravelking lineup... although they offer some thinner casing options.
Challenge Getaways are insanely fast and comfortable. Unfortunately they max at 40mm.
Agreed. I also found them to be on the smaller side of 40mm (mine measured 38mm on wide rims)
9:01 out of context!
Wished they regulate the chainring sizes for gravel, pros are using time trial chainring sizes💀
Ever checked the rolling resistance? You are picking the Terreno Dry and Gravelking over the Cinturato for "speed" when the Pirelli is the fastest of them all even on tarmac... We can clearly see how much placebo there is involved...
Pathfinder pro 40, becomes 42 with 40 psi. Fast on tarmac, great grip on gravel.
? might want to check on that...
@@alexhowes6192yeah it’s 38, becomes 40 with 40 psi pressure.
@@alexhowes6192are you the Alex that was interviewed?
Conti Terra Speed, Rene Herse SP, Rambler, GK...wish I could find a pair of 700x40 g-one RS in the USA??? take my $ please
I currently have a bet with friend at Schwalbe - if they get them back in stock by Thanksgiving, I'll do a gravel event on a ridiculous bike of his choosing; if not, he'll have to do his first gravel event.
Solid wager.
Not tested any Tufos?
Tufo makes gravel tires? Who knew?
Tufo’s were good for me till they suddenly weren’t
Second that - Tufo has been making some sick gravel tyres recently
Literally have them on my bike right now! Off season showed up though and I haven't put many miles on them yet. Hold that thought!
@@alexhowes6192 were they the HD version they are a tougher Tufo , my Tufo suffered a side wall breach on Sunday up till then they were great
Alex, it is hard to understand you. Maybe a mic issue. Kinda mumbly
"nasty downhill in BWR CA" - Raptor Ridge ?
The one from 2022 on the far end of the course that spit you out in a long sandy flat. I don’t remember the actual name or the Marckx name.
I love content like this, but I always have to remember, content providers are only ever unbiased to the degree of who pays their bills. Alex is a bike tires direct supported rider so yea, he can pick and choose anything he wants THAT THEY SELL. Will not hear a peep about pathfinder pro's because they cannot provide them. Same with Ben. Now I'm not saying that Schwalbes, Pirellis, Contis etc are not as good as or better, just that we will never "really" know what tire these guys prefer. They are still sponsored.
I think the theory behind his choices is the real meat of this stew.
You bring up an excellent point. It's always good to know who is paying the bills. And that is why Alex is an interesting one, as most riders of high caliber have a single tire sponsor. You're mistaken about my situation, though. I can talk about whatever tires and bikes I want, however I want. That's the whole point of my channel.
I am sponsored by Giro for helmets, Castelli for clothing, and Feedback Sports for stands and tools, and I list these in every single video description. I don't pretend to do group reviews for those three categories, as that would be disingenuous. These annual sponsors plus occasional sponsors like PERC Coffee allow me to to run the other categories wide open. I very intentionally do not accept sponsorship for tires or bikes.
Here are my Top 5 Gravel Tires - with Specialized as #2: ruclips.net/video/P9Grj-Dndtk/видео.html
Thanks for bringing up this topic!
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I apologize for the error about you and tires. I love your content and thought I heard you say BTD helps you as well. My mistake. Thank you for replying. As I said I think the mindset of Alex and his reasons and thought processes are the golden nuggets.
No need to apologize!@@danielsekera3525 I am happy that you brought this up! I did say that they're good folks in Oregon, and the tire links here go to BTD. I appreciate the dialogue and the chance to clarify here. Cheers.
Jfc, just clearly state which tire you’re talking about/holding, instead of just holding something and saying “these guys” or showing an unlabeled pic whatever. It’s literally the point of this video, be more intentional about the info.
Fair point. Thanks for the feedback.
lol the cough cry! been there
If you ain't cough cryin' you ain't living'
Should have gone the full hog and interviewed Lachy - Alex is occasionally coherent and has been known to complete a sentence.
I don't know, I don't know!!!
I see studded tires there, I ride all winter in Michigan on snow packed roads, I don't use studded tires, I don't need them, the Specialized Sawtooth tires must be made from Octopi.. no need for studded tires..
Alex said he tried them a couple of times but more as a novelty. And he lives way up in Nederland, where it's pretty snowy in the winter.
17000!!!???
He's slowing down in his old age.
this would be great if cut into shorter videos on several subjects. I love the banter but its hard to keep my attention.
Cool. Thank you for the feedback. 👍
robbed me 35 min entertaining fella
Tufo Swampero
you need Dylan Johnson up in here
7:53 I had no clue gravel events end up in gay orgies. Makes sense why gravel is being promoted so much.
35 minute ramble, should have been a tight 15 minutes..
I appreciate Alex's opinions, but I really would have enojoyed this video a lot more if it had been edited down to 10-11 minutes.
Fair. Thanks for the feedback.
No. Same length or longer. More detailed discussion.
@@TheRidewithBenDelaney I actually liked it more with the wider range of chat than just a tight top 5 tyre run through 👍