Adventure Bike Gravel Tires Reviewed
So many choices. So little time. Choosing the best gravel tire is a bit like picking the right shoes for the day. It’s all about the terrain and surfaces that are on the agenda. When talking tires for adventure riding, maximum volume and width are key considerations. Tread is important, too. But volume is directly related to overall handling (and your comfort) over the long haul on rough terrain. As long as your focus is where the pavement ends, go as wide as your frame allows. Rolling resistance plays a bigger role if you plan on long paved road miles. But the focus here is adventure riding, so let’s consider volume and traction as primary concerns, with rolling resistance as a secondary concern.
With a 100-200-mile-a-week gravel habit, I’ve put numerous tires to the test. Durability, traction, ideal surface conditions and ease of setup vary from tire to tire, but after logging tens of thousands of mixed-surface miles, there is no substitute for volume and width. Most gravel bikes will run up to a 700 x 40-45mm wide tire, and for adventurous rides, I would not recommend a gravel bike that does not fit at least a 40mm tire. Wide tires improve handling, reduce fatigue and enhance the overall ride in rough terrain. Once you ride 40+, you’ll never look back.
Our Top Gravel Bike Tire Picks
Panaracer GravelKing SK – 700×43
The beauty of the Panaracer GravelKing SK is the 43mm width option. For bikes that cannot take the extra width of a 45mm tire, the 43mm option offers a nice compromise that feels big and rides great. The Graveling SK is one of the more widely available and popular gravel tires (at least here in the PNW). It’s reasonably light for being as burly as it has proven to be. The GravelKing SK takes a beating and keeps serving up tubeless bliss. Tread durability is average. By 1000 miles, their grip is compromised, and the wear is noticeable. Tubeless setup has proven varied. One tire will go with ease; the next proves finicky. I’ll chalk the variability up to temperature differences and recommend making sure the tires are room temp or warmer versus cold garage temp when attempting to seat for the first time.
Price $49 / Weight: 490g
Teravail Cannonball – 700×42 (light and supple casing)
The Teravail Cannonball gravel tires hit a sweet spot for volume, traction and durability. You can find a more aggressive tread and a wider tire. But you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more durable and all-around gravel tire. The Cannonball rolls reasonably fast, grips well and wears as long as any tire I’ve tested, serving up rideable tread for about 1200 miles. Even though it’s considered a light and supple casing, my experience running through four Cannonballs is bomber durability. The tubeless setup has proven to be as easy as any tire I have tried, and it has a nice round profile. The biggest issue is simply finding them in stock in the 42mm width.
Price $45-75 / Weight: 520g
WTB Riddler – 700×45
At 45mm, the WTB Riddler gravel tires make a great all-around tire for rough riding. It’s probably my top pick for an adventurous front tire. At 45mm, its ability to roll over and absorb rough terrain is noticeably better than a 40mm tire. The tread is equally as capable, offering confidence in loose downhill corners. It measures in right at its advertised width. Tread durability is about average. After 800-1000 miles, their grip is compromised, and the wear is noticeable. Tubeless was a little difficult on my rims. They set and held reasonably easily, but were stubborn to get an even seat. I actually had to contact WTB, and they suggested using higher pressure to get a full, even seat. Bingo, they know their tires. They have also proven durable and have stood up to plenty of rough roads and trail riding without any unusual damage.
Price $65 / Weight 560g
WTB Vulpine – 700×40
The WTB Vulpine gravel tire rolls well. Its tread and tight center ridge make it a great choice for luxury gravel, hardpack dirt and smoother gravel riding. The rubber compound is durable and long-lasting. The Vulpine is the definition of a do-it-all tire. It rolls fast enough for pavement segments and offers enough traction for general off-road use. It’s available in 40, 42 and 45mm. Tubeless set-up was a breeze.
Price $65 / Weight: 501g
Kenda Flintridge Pro – 700×40
Named after the famed Flint Hills that make up much of the storied DK course, the Kenda Flintridge Pro is a rugged gravel tire that works well in loose, rough conditions. It measures exactly 40 mm, its official width. It’s a good choice for frames that max out at 40mm. Stout sidewalls keep it puncture and tear-resistant. Overall rolling ability rates high for a tire with a tread that handles such a wide variety of gravel surfaces. It’s available in 35, 40 and 45mm widths. Tread durability is good. They delivered solid traction for about 1,000 miles. The Tubeless setup was about average in difficulty.
Price $69 / Weight: 515g
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