What Tyres Do You Need on Gravel Bikes?
Gravel bikes are a great way to cycle off-road. They are designed to tackle different terrain so you can ride them pretty much anywhere - in the forest, on a country trail, across gravel paths or along the beach.
So, what makes a gravel bike different to other bikes? How do you choose the ultimate gravel tyre to give you the best cycling experience?
Read on to find out the answers to these questions and to learn more about gravel bikes and the perfect tyre to buy to enhance your cycling experience.
What is a Gravel Bike?
Gravel bikes are used to ride on different terrains. They are often described as a “grab it and go” bike due to their huge versatility. They can be used for long adventure rides or bike-packing trips where riders are in the saddle for many hours.
Gravel Bike Geometry
The upright riding position offers all-day comfort and large chunky tyres give grip over uneven surfaces. Gravel bikes have disc brakes to give the rider extra control on the descent.
Gravel Bike Frames
Gravel bike frames can be made of steel or carbon but titanium gravel bike frames are by far the most popular due to the durability of the metal. Titanium bikes excel at taking the impact of the ground which makes them a smooth and incredibly comfortable ride.
Why are Tyres Important?
Tyres are a crucial part of your bike and riding experience as they are the only point of contact with the ground.
Back in 1887, John Dunlop’s son experienced constant headaches while cycling his bike on uneven roads. His father developed the pneumatic tyre which proved successful, a version of which is still used today on all bikes.
As John Dunlop Jnr discovered, the correct tyre will affect the overall comfort of your ride. It also determines how much grip you have on the road surface, especially helpful in bad weather conditions. Each bike style has a slightly different tyre.
Road Bikes
Road bikes are used on tarmac or smooth road surfaces. They are lightweight bikes engineered for speed. Road bike tyres, often known as slicks, have a smooth surface to grip tarmac. They are narrow to reduce the rolling resistance and not add weight to the overall bike
Mountain Bikes
Mountain bikers travel across extreme terrain therefore the tyres on a mountain bike need to be wide with a deep tread to give traction and stability. Mountain bike tyres are larger and heavier than road bike slicks.
Gravel Bikes
Gravel Bikes are used both on and off-road. They are in between road and mountain bike tyres with regard to size and weight. Before choosing a gravel tyre, you need to assess what type of terrain you will be riding to get the right balance of comfort, resistance and protection from punctures. Generally, they are wide and need an element of grip.
Types of Tyre
The majority of bicycle tyres are pneumatic tyres. These have an inner tube that provides an airtight barrier inside the tyre. The inner tube can be replaced relatively easily and swiftly if the tyre punctures.
Tubeless Tyres
Tubeless tyres are those without an inner tube. Air is inflated directly into the tyre and a liquid sealant is injected to stop any leaks caused by punctures. Tubeless tyres work with lower air pressure so give greater traction which is beneficial for mountain bikers.
Tubeless tyres for road bikes have been developed but the jury is out as to whether they will fully replace traditional tyres. They are less likely to puncture but if they do they are much harder and messier to change.
Tan Sidewalls
The tan sidewall tyres are a popular choice at the moment - a throwback to the 1970s era of cycling. Some say they make the tyre more supple but this is debatable, but they do provide a contrast to the black rubber which can look stylish.
Reilly Recommends Gravel & Road Tyres here