If you’re into gravel riding, you’ll know that bike tyres are much more than just black rubber circles. We asked the experts at Schwalbe all about gravel tyres and why you may want to upgrade yours.
What are the origins of gravel bikes?
It was not too many years ago that the term gravel bike was virtually unheard of. Now, gravel bikes are one of the fastest growing sectors of the bicycle industry.
The sport of gravel riding and racing emerged from the mid-west of the US where riders started exploiting the endless miles of virtually traffic free gravel roads that criss-cross large areas of the mid-west.
How have gravel bikes evolved?
Gravel bikes themselves have evolved rapidly over recent years with higher levels of specification, wider ranges of gears, wider tyre clearance, suspension and e-bike versions. The increased choice and adaptability of gravel bikes reflects the demand for ever more capable bikes.
And how have gravel tyres evolved?
In respect of tyres, early gravel bikes could typically accommodate a tyre up to 35mm in width and with a relatively limited choice of tyres, it meant riders had to make do with what was available.
However, more recent gravel bikes with disc brakes will easily have clearance for 45mm or 50mm tyres, and there is now a much wider choice of tyres available allowing riders to choose the ones much better suited to their type of riding and the terrain they ride on.
How have Schwalbe developed their range?
At Schwalbe, we have always been advocates of larger volume tyres and the benefits they can provide in terms of ride comfort, grip, traction and improved rolling resistance on rougher terrain.
So, if your gravel bike is capable of taking 45mm or 50mm wide tyres then it is well worth considering upgrading to a larger volume tyre. Along with the larger number of size options, Schwalbe now offer an extensive choice of different tread patterns and construction types to suit every requirement.
What should I consider before upgrading my tyres?
Be careful not to put tyres on your gravel bike which are too big for the clearances available.
The tyres can seem fine when first fitted, but a bit of mud or a slightly out of true wheel and the tyres can soon start rubbing, permanently damaging the frame or fork of your bike.
Even flex in the rear wheel can cause tyre rub when powering uphill out of the saddle if there isn’t sufficient tyre clearance.
If you’re in doubt as to the maximum width of tyre you can fit to your bike you should seek professional help or consult the bike manufacturer.
What are some top tips for choosing new tyres?
So, having decided what size of tyre is suitable for your gravel bike, there are two main areas of consideration. Firstly, consider what type of riding you’re doing on your gravel bike. The most popular types of gravel riding include:
- Racing and performance fitness riding
- Bike packing and adventure riding
- Leisure and general fitness
- Commuting
This will dictate the type of construction of the tyre required.
Secondly, the type of terrain you’ll mostly be riding on; rough gravel tracks with rocky and muddy sections, a mix of loose gravel and smooth hard packed trail or a mix of smooth hard packed trail and surfaced path or road. This will dictate the type of tread pattern required.
What do Schwalbe recommend for performance and racing?
For racing and performance riding the Schwalbe G-ONE R (for intermediate and mixed conditions) and the G-OINE RS (for dry and hard packed conditions) offer the best performance option.
The super supple carcass construction provides low rolling resistance for the best speed and a high level of compliance to provide high levels of comfort and grip.
These tyres have proved themselves in many international gravel races, including winning the famous Unbound Gravel Race in Kansas when they were first launched.
What about more leisurely rides and bike-packing?
When it comes to bike-packing and adventure riding then the newly introduced Schwalbe G-ONE Overland and G-ONE Overland 365 (with an all-season rubber compound for improved grip in cold and wet conditions) were designed for that specific purpose.
With an intermediate tread pattern designed to offer a good compromise between on and off-road performance and a more robust carcass construction compared to the race specification versions, the G-ONE Overlands will take you on whatever adventure your imagination can devise.
From exploring unknown bridleways to a multi-day bike-packing adventure. They are also a durable option for commuters looking to mix in some off-road sections on their journey to work.
What about the rest of the Schwalbe range?
The remainder of the Schwalbe G-ONE gravel tyre range cover a wide range of use case scenarios.
The ULTRABITE has the most aggressive tread pattern in the range and provides additional levels of grip in rocky and muddy conditions.
The BITE is next in line from the ULTRABITE and sacrifices some level of off-road grip for improved rolling on hard packed trails and tarmac.
The ALLROUND was the original gravel tyre in the Schwalbe range and offers a great balance of on and off-road performance and is particularly good on dusty hard packed trails.
The SPEED performs very well on tarmac and is predominantly intended for use on the road. However, it has enough grip with its fine dimpled tread pattern to perform well on dry hard packed trails.
Can I mix and match like on my MTB?
It is also perfectly possible to mix and match different tread patterns front and rear on your bike as is commonly done with Mountain Bikes.
Having a more aggressive tread pattern on the front to provide secure braking and steering grip, whilst having a less aggressive smoother rolling tread pattern on the rear to improve rolling resistance and reduce pedalling effort is worth considering.
We hope this information has inspired you to find the perfect tyre upgrade for your gravel bike and to pursue even bigger adventures on your rides.
Explore the Schwalbe range over on halfords.com and upgrade your gravel riding experience today.
