Top 5 Gravel Bike Tyres

A good gravel tyre is versatile, durable, and tailored to the specific conditions you’ll encounter. Whether you’re racing, touring, or just exploring, choosing a tyre that balances these features will enhance your ride quality, safety, and overall cycling experience.

Good gravel tyres are versatile and durable.

A good gravel tyre is characterized by several key features that ensure optimal performance, durability, and safety across a variety of terrains. The tread pattern is crucial; it should balance grip and rolling resistance to perform well on mixed surfaces such as gravel, dirt, and pavement. Smaller, closely spaced knobs in the center reduce rolling resistance and provide a smooth ride, while larger side knobs offer better cornering grip. Durability is also essential, with puncture protection features like reinforced sidewalls, protective layers (e.g., Kevlar or Vectran), and anti-flat technologies preventing punctures and cuts. High-quality rubber compounds resist wear and tear, ensuring the tyre lasts longer even under harsh conditions.

Tubeless compatibility is another important feature, allowing the use of sealant to automatically seal small punctures and reduce the risk of flats. Running lower tyre pressures enhances comfort and grip without the risk of pinch flats, which is particularly beneficial on rough terrain. The width of the tyre plays a significant role in comfort and traction, with wider tyres (e.g., 38-45mm) providing better shock absorption and increased traction on loose surfaces. It's essential to ensure the tyre width is compatible with your bike frame and fork clearance.

The casing of the tyre should be flexible to improve ride quality by allowing the tyre to conform to the terrain better, yet strong enough to resist cuts and abrasions, which is essential for rough and rocky trails. Lightweight tyres improve acceleration and handling, although a balance must be struck to avoid sacrificing durability and puncture resistance. Lighter tyres can also make climbs easier by reducing the rotational weight.

Grip and traction are vital, with softer rubber compounds providing better grip, especially on wet or loose surfaces. Additional grip on the sidewalls can be beneficial for cornering and off-camber sections. Low rolling resistance is important for efficiency, making for a faster and more efficient ride, particularly important for longer gravel events and races. Finally, the tyre's performance in various weather conditions is crucial. Tyres designed for wet conditions typically have a more aggressive tread pattern to shed mud and maintain traction, while smoother treads are better for dry conditions, offering better speed and efficiency.

1. Schwalbe G-One Allround

Features: Versatile tread design for a range of surfaces, tubeless-ready, excellent puncture protection.
Best For: Mixed terrains, from paved roads to loose gravel.
Why It's Great: The G-One Allround offers a smooth ride on various surfaces, providing a balance of speed and grip.

2. Maxxis Rambler

Features: Dual-compound rubber, high-volume casing, tubeless-ready, aggressive side knobs for cornering.
Best For: Loose and rough gravel, as well as dirt roads.
Why It's Great: The Rambler is known for its excellent grip and durability, making it a favourite for more challenging gravel routes.

3. WTB Riddler

Features: Fast-rolling centreline tread, large outer knobs for traction, tubeless-compatible.
Best For: Hardpack and dry conditions, with some loose gravel.
Why It's Great: The Riddler balances speed and control, providing reliable performance on a variety of gravel surfaces.

4. Panaracer GravelKing SK

Features: Aggressive tread pattern, anti-flat casing, tubeless-compatible, ZSG Natural Compound for better durability.
Best For: Mixed terrain, including gravel, dirt, and rougher trails.
Why It's Great: The GravelKing SK offers great puncture resistance and traction, making it suitable for long-distance gravel rides and races.

5. Continental Terra Trail

Features: ShieldWall system for puncture protection, BlackChili compound for better grip, tubeless-ready.
Best For: Mixed and technical terrains, with a focus on off-road performance.
Why It's Great: The Terra Trail provides excellent traction and durability, making it ideal for challenging and varied gravel routes.