Gravel Grinding Tires: What Do You Like?

[bentbike33]

How do I properly ensure a set of gravel tires will fit my fork/brakes?

Does the manufacturer of your fork provide a recommended max tire width spec? Some do.

[drevil]

How do I properly ensure a set of gravel tires will fit my fork/brakes?

I currently use 35mm road tires which fit fine. I was looking at Rene Herse Steliacoom TC 700C X 38, but some of you have mentioned some great tires that start at 40mm. I'd have to remove my fenders, but I'm pretty sure the 38s would fit. Not so sure about 40s.


While we're here - has anyone done this gravel race? https://www.unpavedpennsylvania.com/ I grew up near Lewisburg and I'm excited to go back and do some rides around that area so I may give it a shot this fall.

Unfortunately, I think the only surefire way to ensure that a tire fits your fork and brakes is to actually try it. As you probably know, rim width affects a mounted tire's width, and I don't think there is a standard width when manufacturers post the sizes of their tires.

You can also ask around to see if anyone has the same/similar rim to you and if they can measure the tire you're interested in if they have one. Here's another forum that is more graveling specific that even has a tire subforum: http://ridinggravel.com/forum/?p=%3Fforum%3D494958

Thanks for the link to the event!

[Sunyata]

While we're here - has anyone done this gravel race? https://www.unpavedpennsylvania.com/ I grew up near Lewisburg and I'm excited to go back and do some rides around that area so I may give it a shot this fall.

I missed the boat on this one. The race sold out rather quickly. It is on my list for next year.

I have friends who did the short course last year and had a blast. They are going back for the short course again this year.

[creadinger]

I missed the boat on this one. The race sold out rather quickly. It is on my list for next year.

Whoah! WHoops! I totally didn't realize it had already filled up. Oh well.

FWIW this race is in SW PA is still open but I will likely not be around to do it. https://www.mtdavisgravelgrinder.com/. I don't know anything about it, but I do know that Mt Davis is less like a mountain peak and more like a plateau.

[creadinger]

Does the manufacturer of your fork provide a recommended max tire width spec? Some do.

It's a custom frame/fork so not really. It's about 10 years old now too and who knows if IF keeps that sort of information around.

[bikesnick]

Any suggestions for winter tires for a gravel bike?

The main reason for wanting them is to be able to ride safer when there is an inch or so of snow.
The bike is a Specialized Diverge, currently with 700x32 Gatorskins and tubes. I do not plan to ride in deep snow or on ice, so studded tires would not be necessary.

I mainly ride on roads and paved bike trails, but would like to do more gravel, too. For the last several years I have used the Gatorskins, but never felt stable in any snow.

I have been looking at these:
Continental Top Contact Winter II Premium (700 x 37 Reflex)
Schwalbe - Marathon Plus HS440 (700 x 35)

Any comments would be appreciated. With Freezing Saddles coming up, I want to continue riding, safely.
Thanks.

[Meh]

No one plans to ride on ice - but cold mornings after a warm day happen all the time Kenda 1014 studded - cheap enough to keep around on the spare wheelset for refreeze days.

[consularrider]

Well, I sometimes actually do plan on riding on ice, but usually on my fat bike with 49NRTH Dillinger 26 x 4 studdeds. However, I've been using Marathon Winter Plus 700 x 35 studded tires on a gravel bike since 2014. Before that I used the 26 x 1.75s on my old rigid mtb commuter. I've also used Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour 700 x 35 and Donnelly/Clement X'Plor 700 x 40 in light snow.

[Steve O]

No one plans to ride on ice

Speak for yourself.

[Meh]

Speak for yourself.

Still waiting for the up and down the Potomac Strava tracks to be posted