THE ULTIMATE GRAVEL TIRE GUIDE

IF THERE'S ONE UNASSAILABLE TRUTH ABOUT GRAVEL TIRES, it is that no tire is ever perfect for the entirety of a ride.

- MATT PHILLIPS

 

 

Gravel roads and trail conditions can vary, so choosing which tire to use is often a compromise. For general gravel riding, pick the tire that's best suited for most of the rides you undertake. If you're racing, select a tire that offers the greatest benefits on the terrain that covers the largest share of that particular course.

HOW TO PICK GRAVEL TIRES →

Bicycling editors evaluated tires in three general categories: knobby, mixed, and slick. These are tires we've ridden and recommend. We're showing three options in each category, so you have choices based on your brand preferences and the shop you frequent.

Nerd out on these tech details and use them to guide you toward the ideal tire for your riding. If you simply want to know what gravel tire to buy, we'll tell you that, too.

TEST TIP One counterintuitive bit of advice: Slicks are often the best choice for dealing with sticky "peanut butter" mud. In these conditions, knobs only provide more surface area for mud to cling to, effectively turning your knobbies into slicks wrapped with a ton of super-heavy mud. Slicks in muddy conditions often pick up less mud. And slicks can be more easily scraped clean with a stick or wooden paint stirrer.-M.P.

Most of these tires come in several widths. We suggest about 40mm for most gravel riding. This width offers a good blend of comfort, traction, and weight-and it fits into most gravel bikes, with good mud and debris clearance. You can size up for more comfort, float, or traction. Or size down for less weight and to get a more connected feel to the road.