Looking for some input from my fellow gravel riders on this.
I’m currently running 700x35 panaracer gravelking SS which I’ve been relatively happy with for the past couple years. I find them fast and overall performing well. It’s when we get into looser terain that I find I’m losing traction. I’ve had the gravelking SKs (700x40) but felt bad about those riding behind me eating all the stones I’m kicking up.
What are others having success with this year?
I’d like to get back to a 40 or 42 mm tire but am a bit concerned with losing speed.
Steve, I use Vittoria Terreno Dry 38mm. They have a nominal centre tread with a knobbier tread in the outside for better traction cornering. I have tried GK SS, Conti Terra Speed and WTB Riiddlers. The Tirreno’s have been the best combination of stability, comfort, rolling resistance and wear for me.
I really love my Tufo Thunderos, have them in 44. They are available in 36, 40, 44 and 48
I had GK SS and SK before and I found them alright.. I don’t love them enough to ever purchase another pair again. I found them lacking in grip, durability and puncture protection even with tubeless setup. Also SKs are infamous for flinging stones (GravelFlings SK )
In addition to Ziyan’s recommendations, I have also heard good things about the Pathfinder Pro 2. It rolls fasts and has good cornering grip. Comes in lots of sizes including 38 and 42.
Personally, I use the terraspeeds but they dont last very long. My wishlist would be to get the tufo thunderos but they are not easy to find locally. I think the only way is to ship it from overseas. I would be curious to know whether anyone has found a local vendor.
My wishlist would be to get the tufo thunderos but they are not easy to find locally. I think the only way is to ship it from overseas. I would be curious to know whether anyone has found a local vendor.
I purchased them a few times through Bikeinn and have not been hit with tax or duty (knock on wood). Total is around $150 for a pair including shipping, the final delivery is done via Canada Post. It takes around 2 weeks for me to land my hands on them.
I know @GeoffS recently got Thunderos via a Canadian Tufo distributor so maybe he can comment on that.
I’ve also heard very good things across the board about the pathfinders, for what that’s worth. Interesting to hear all the chat about the thunderos and that there’s a good online option!
How long do the terra speeds last on the front wheel? Can you get a season out of them?
I have a GK slick (35mm)on my front tire but I think it needs replacing soon. I get little drops of sealant on the tire when it’s been sitting for a day or 2. But it holds air fine.
My rear tire is a good year ultimate connector in 40mm. It also needs replacing as the centre tread is almost gone, but I have a 2nd one in good shape to put on. The rear tire is almost 2 seasons old.
Continental Terra Speeds. The price is right ($90ish for 1) and they’re fast but don’t have the longest life. I’ve used a couple pairs between 40 and 45mm and have no complaints.
Schwalbe G-One RS - could be an interesting option as they’re a slick in the centre but have tread on the sides.
I’ve got a set of Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss on my Kona (47x650B). They have a narrow raised strip up the middle that I presume is the main contact on hard surfaces like pavement and small treads alongside that that get ‘engaged’ in softer stuff.
For the kind of riding we do around here they seem quite good. They roll well on pavement and harder packed gravel and still have grip in softer dirt or looser gravel. They are not ideal in really sloppy mud as that centre strip has zero grip – the bike sort of ends up hunting for the off-centre part of the tire for grip.
I like them (I have a replacement pair to go on this summer) but I haven’t really ridden any of the competitors to compare.
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