The best gravel tyres on the market

Achieving the perfect gravel tyre is not easy. Combining grip in varying conditions with good rolling capacity is a challenge for brands that are still discovering the requirements of a discipline that covers a huge range of use, from simple rolling trails to routes more appropriate for mountain biking.

The most efficient tyres for your gravel rides

On paper, it might seem that designing a gravel tyre is as simple as extrapolating existing MTB or cyclocross models to the dimensions used for gravel. In fact, this is the philosophy that some brands apply when defining their models. Actually, the broadening of the horizons of use of gravel bikes has increased the variety of sizes available, which adds complexity to the design of tyres that have to maintain their qualities from the smallest to the most robust versions.

However, while this methodology may work well in some circumstances, the inherent versatility of gravel means that a gravel tyre has to be something more.

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It's not just enough to have bomb-proof traction when you're out in the bush. A gravel tyre also has to be designed for long distances by providing low rolling resistance on both asphalt and dirt.

Also, to strike a balance between low weight and a casing tough enough to withstand cuts and impacts when the terrain gets rough.

We have selected for you the models that best achieve that delicate balance between the different qualities that are desirable in a gravel tyre.

Pirelli Cinturato RC

The Italian brand is gradually becoming a favourite among gravel riders thanks to the good performance of its tyres. A good example is this RC version created by Pirelli to satisfy those looking for maximum efficiency in gravel competitions. These tyres are derived from the famous Scorpion mountain bike tyres and are able to combine, in an exceptional way, a tremendous rolling capacity, without renouncing to the central tread, with a good cornering grip and, best of all, in a wide range of terrains.

• Price: 70 €
• Weight: 540 g (700x40, black)
• Measurements: 700x35, 700x40, 700x45
• Versions: Sidewalls in black or classic colour
• Manufacturer's website: www.pirelli.com

Schwalbe G-One Allround Evolution Line

The G-One line of tyres from the German company offers models for almost any use we can imagine for a gravel bike. We have chosen the Allround tyres which, as the name suggests, aim for maximum versatility. Their low knobs and rounded profile provide excellent rolling capacity, while the high density of the tread provides remarkable grip. On wet terrain we have to be very careful, as the low lugs can hardly bite into the ground.

• Prce: 41.90 €
• Weight: 480 g (700x40)
• Measurements: 700x35, 700x40, 700x45, 27.5x1.50, 27.5x2.25, 29x2.25
• Manufacturer's website: www.schwalbe.com

Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H

The Italian brand's commitment to its gravel tyres has been strong. Just two models, they have just added a third, but well defined and efficient. These Cinturato Gravel H, are designed for compact and dry terrain, offering a road ride that is little different from a slick. Off-road, contrary to what it might seem, they provide remarkable cornering safety, although when stones and loose terrain appear, they lose a lot of efficiency.

• Price: 68.90 €
• Weight: 485 g (700x40, black)
• Measurements: 700x35, 700x40, 700x45, 650bx45
• Versions: Sidewalls in black or classic colour
• Manufacturer's website: www.pirelli.com

Specialized Pathfinder Pro 2Bliss Ready

The Pathfinder is undoubtedly one of the most famous racing tyres available today. You could practically say it's 3 tyres in one as the tread combines a slick centre tread for great road handling. It is supported on both sides by an area of saw-shaped lugs that add the necessary traction when we go out of the black to finally complete the set with strong side lugs that ensure a solid grip when cornering.

• Price: 50 €
• Weight: 380 g (700x38)
• Measurements: 700x38, 700x42, 650bx47
• Versions: black or tan sidwalls
• Manufacturer's website: www.specialized.com

Vittoria Terreno Dry

The tread design of the Italian brand's gravel tyre proposal for dry terrain is a curious design. The central area is composed of hexagonal lugs that fit together forming a slick configuration. However, the fact that they are independent lugs means that they have the necessary traction when we leave the asphalt. They also have robust side knobs to provide safety when cornering.

• Price: 48.95
• Weight: 700x31, 700x33, 700x35, 700x38, 650x47
• Measurements: 490 g (700x38, anthracite)
• Versions: anthracite or tan
• Manufacturer's website: www.vittoria.com

Continental Terra Speed

Versatility and speed are the hallmarks of these Terra Speed tyres from the German brand. These tyres are also suitable for dry terrain due to their low knobs, but due to their small size, the layout in different directions: elongated and in longitudinal position in the centre and more rounded and transversal as we move towards the sidewalls, they achieve a phenomenal balance between good rolling and grip, even when the terrain is looser.

• Price: 61.90 €
• Weight: 465 g (700x40)
• Measurements: 700x35, 700x40, 650bx35, 650bx40
• Versions: black or cream
• Manufacturer's website: www.continental-tires.com

WTB Riddler 700

The WTR Riddler is another of those tyres that are very reliable on a wide variety of terrain. From riding on compact trails thanks to its very low centre tread with directionally placed knobs to almost mountain bike terrain where its generous side knobs hold us on the bike when we are looking for our wildest side.

• Price: 50 €
• Weight: 481 g (700x37, carcasa 120 TPI)
• Measurements: 700x37, 700x45
• Versions: black or tan sidewalls, 60 or 120 TPI casing
• Manufacturer's website: www.wtb.com

Bontrager GR1 Team Issue

Trek, through its Bontrager brand of components and accessories, brings us some very fast gravel tyres. These GR1s, designed for dry terrain, feature a bunch of very low lugs, directionally placed close together on a rounded casing. The result is outstanding rolling performance. Despite what it might seem with such subtle lugs, the cornering grip, without being outstanding, is very crisp and predictable, although on tricky terrain we must be extremely cautious to avoid scares.

• Price: 54.99 €
• Weight: 430 g (700x40)
• Measurements: 700x35, 700x40
• Versions: black or brown sidewalls
• Manufacturer's website: www.trekbikes.com