The Ultimate Gravel Bike Tire Guide
How To Choose the Best Tires for Your Next Adventure
Worn out your stock tires or just looking for an upgrade? Choosing the right gravel tire can feel like the wild west but with the right know-how it can be a great way to customize your bike for all the adventures you’ve been dreaming up.
We know that gravel riders are known for seeking out the unknown and exploring off the beaten track and choosing the right gravel tire can open up a world of possibilities. Unlike road cycling, where most tires have basically the same design – gravel tires come in a variety of widths and tread patterns for all sorts of different scenarios. From file treads and semi-slicks to chunky treads for loose terrain, we’ll make sure you can find the perfect tires for you and your bike.
Not quite ready to dive into the ins and outs of tires? Check out our complete gravel bike guide below.
Table of Contents
Here's a basic summary of what the article covers. If you know exactly what part of the process you're interested in, you can click each section to jump the appropriate place on the page.
6. Our top gravel bike tire recommendations
8. FAQs
What Should You Look for in a Gravel Tire?
These factors help optimize a tire for specific terrain, whether it’s light gravel, hardpack dirt, or chunky backcountry routes. Then you'll have to decide on running your tires tubeless or tubed and what pressure to ride them at. Keep reading to learn some insights and tips that will help you select the right gravel tire and get the most out of your gravel bike setup.
1. Gravel Bike Wheel and Tire Size
Most gravel bikes come equipped with either 700C or 650B wheels so choose the tire size that matches your wheels.
If you have the option to switch up wheel sizes, our general advice is to choose 700C for speed, efficiency, and versatility or 650B for comfort, grip, and durability.
700C Gravel Bike Tires
The majority of gravel bikes come equipped with 700C wheels which is also the standard size for road bikes. In theory, 700 refers to the external diameter of the tire in millimeters but in practice that’s rarely the case due to factors like tire width and tread design. In general, we find that the bead-to-bead diameter is a more useful measurement and for 700C tires that measurement is always 622mm.
700C gravel bike tires tend to have lower rolling resistance and can roll over obstacles better than comparable width 650B tires - though the calculus changes when you consider the ability to run a wider 650B tire on some gravel bikes.
700C diameter wheels are also incredibly versatile when you consider their ability to run road tires on the same wheels. 29er mountain bikes tires also happen to be 622mm from bead-to-bead, so 700C gravel bikes with available clearance can also run compatible 29” mountain bike tires.
650B Gravel Bike Tires
What started as a more niche option for gravel bikes, 650B tires are quickly growing in popularity. Like we mentioned with 700C, you should treat 650B as more of a name then an actual measurement of tire size. The more important measurement is the bead-to-bead diameter of 650B tires which is 584mm.
The biggest benefit to 650B wheels is that on many gravel bikes it allows for wider, higher-volume tires than can be accommodated with 700C wheels. Those bigger tires mean an increase in overall comfort and grip since you can run lower pressures. The added surface area of wider tires also means more room for chunkier tread designed for gnarlier terrain.
Another feature of 650B is an increase in overall wheel strength due to shorter spoke lengths. That can be especially beneficial to bikepackers and ultra-distance racers who to take their bikes deep into the unknown and far away from support.
Though 700C offers a wider range of compatibility options, 650B does offer cross-compatibility with 27.5” mountain bike tires as they share the same 584mm bead-to-bead diameter.
2. Tubeless Gravel Tires
Tubeless tires have quickly become the option of choice for all off-pavement riding and are even carving out a place for road riders too. That’s because they offer an increase in both performance and durability with relatively few drawbacks. Tubeless tire setups not only help in minimizing pinch flats and other punctures but also decrease rolling resistance – that’s a win-win in our books.
When you’re choosing the best tire for your gravel bike, most of the tire options are designed with soft, pliable casings meant to conform to changing surface conditions for increased comfort and grip – and they’re almost all designed with tubeless setups in mind. The downside to that is gravel tires often don’t have as much puncture resistance to deal with small, sharp objects like glass and metal slivers. When run tubeless with added sealant this isn’t an issue as the sealant immediately plugs up any pinhole punctures, but with tubes installed this can mean more downtime than you might like.
The argument against tubeless setups on gravel bikes mostly comes down to maintenance and simplicity. Tubeless tires require refreshing the sealant every few months and tires need to be inflated more often. If that doesn’t sound appealing to you than tubes might be a better option. Tubed setups can also be a better option for some riders planning trips deep into unsupported territory where simplicity and ease of use is king.
3. Gravel Tire Width
Our stance? Bigger is better.
Tire width has been debated in the cycling community for as long as bicycles have had tires. For most riders, our advice is to choose the widest tires that your bike frame can accommodate. For most gravel bikes that will be somewhere in the range of 40-50mm, but some ultra-endurance gravel bikes can accommodate tires as wide as 60mm or more. We think the added comfort and grip of wider, higher volume tires more than makes up for the few grams of added weight when compared to narrower gravel tires.
There are some scenarios where we think narrower tires can be a useful choice. If you're doing a lot of road riding on your gravel bike, a narrower tire can help improve on-pavement feel and performance – especially if you’re trying to keep up with riders on road bikes.
35-40mm Tires
Closer to road tires than dedicated gravel bike tires, choose these if you plan on riding a mix with more pavement and smooth, hard-packed terrain.
40-50mm Tires
Most stock tires will fall in this range. They offer a great mix of performance, comfort, and grip.
50mm+ Tires
This is where gravel tires and mountain bike tires cross over. They can make a great option for riders who want the ultimate in grip and comfort.
4. Gravel Tire Tread Patterns
Tread patterns are where you can truly customize and find the perfect tire for you and your bike.
While tire size and width are tied to the limitations of your wheels and frame, tires treads offer the freedom to choose what works best for the riding you plan on doing. From fast, race slicks to big, chunky mud tires – there’s a tire for every scenario and rider preference.
Slick or File Treads
These tires are effectively wider versions of road tires and have no external knobs. These are a great option if you prioritize speed and comfort. Choose a slick or file-tread gravel bike tire if you plan on riding mostly pavement and hardpack, with some smoother gravel rides mixed in here and there.
Slicks are quick, efficient, and have great on-road performance. They’re also more durable and long-lasting on hard surfaces like pavement. With no external knobs, the overall tire volume is also larger than knobby tires in the same width. This added volume means slick tires are often the most supple and comfortable gravel bike tires available. Slick gravel tires can struggle in rougher, more technical terrain though – especially while cornering and braking.
Semi-Slick Treads
Semi-slick gravel tires combine a slick or file-tread centre with mid-height shoulder knobs. These are a great option for riders who prioritize speed and efficiency across a wide range of surface terrains. Choose a semi-slick gravel bike tire if you plan on mixing in an even mix of pavement and gravel rides.
Semi-slick tires are incredibly popular because they can take you right out your front door and into whatever adventure awaits. With smooth centre tracks, semi-slicks still feel quick and perform well on smoother gravel and pavement while minimizing wear. Added side knobs means semi-slick tires perform better while cornering and braking in loose gravel than their true-slick counterparts. Traction and control on looser, softer surfaces will be limited compared to more aggressive, fully knobbed tires though.
All-Rounder Treads
These tires are the jack-of-all trades in the gravel bike world. Choose these tires if you plan on riding a variety of different gravel surfaces while mixing in a few pavement rides along the way.
Usually combining shallow treads across most of the tire with a tight-packed centre track and more open, aggressive shoulder knobs. These tires offer more grip and control in a wider range of surfaces and are one of the most versatile categories of gravel bike tire.
Extreme/Mud Treads
Looking to tackle the most extreme gravel routes or even mixing in some single-track mountain bike trails? Choose these tires if you plan on exploring remote routes off the beaten track that have rough, unmaintained surfaces.
These tires share more in common with mountain bike than other gravel tires and offer the most possible grip. Taller, well spaced knobs create an open tread pattern that can dig into soft dirt, sand, or loose gravel providing grip and control in the gnarliest terrains. These tires are heavier and will slow you down on smooth, hard surfaces so avoid them if you plan on doing some road riding on your gravel bike. Pavement will also wear the soft rubber and tall knobs down quickly, so avoid it when possible to increase longevity.

5. Gravel bike tire casing
The tire casing is the woven, fabric carcass of a tire – this is what gives the tire its strength and durability. Gravel bike tires are usually made up with multiple layers of fabric to provide support and puncture protection – but the exact makeup of these layers changes from brand to brand and model to model.
Lighter, more pliable casings offer more comfort, control, and performance since they can better conform to changing surfaces and terrains. Thicker, beefier casings on the other hand, are designed to provide more puncture protection and durability.
For most gravel bike tire brands, your tire casing will be pre-determined based on the terrain your tire tread was designed for. Some tire brands, however, offer multiple casing options for every tire model, letting you further customize for your specific wants and needs.
6. Our Top Gravel Bike Tire Recommendations
Our staff and customers have racked up the gravel miles and we've used their feedback to pick some of our favourite gravel bike tires for your next adventure. We've got our top picks for mixed-surface, all-around gravel riding, and loose gravel/mud - but if you're looking for something more specific, don't hesitate to ask!
Best All-Around Gravel Tire
Maxxis Rambler
Maxxis is the most popular mountain bike tire brand for a reason – and they’ve taken that knowledge and experience to create a great all-around gravel bike tire.
The Maxxis Rambler combines loads of traction with a durable casing while still being light and efficient enough to handle a variety of gravel surfaces.
Available in 650x47B or 700C in widths from 38-50mm.
Best Mixed Surface Tire
Schwalbe G-One RS
The Schwalbe G-One RS is our top recommendations for riders looking for speed and performance.
One of our most popular tires, the G-One RS combines on-road performance and efficiency that rivals dedicated road tires with enough comfort and control to handle a variety of gravel routes. Only available in 700C with widths from 35-50mm.
If you’re looking for a bit more versatility and grip, Schwalbe’s G-One R is also a fantastic choice.
Best Tire for Loose Gravel
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S
Pirelli's Cinturato Gravel lineup has quickly become one of our favourite recommendations. Available in S (soft), M (mixed), and H (hard) to match specific terrains – Pirelli has made it easier than ever to choose the right tire for your gravel bike.
The S variant of the Cinturato Gravel was designed for the loose and muddy conditions and offers grip and control that rivals some mountain tires.
Available in 700C with widths ranging from 40-50mm.

7. Gravel bike tire pressure
Riders, bikes, and terrain come in so many shapes and sizes that we don’t believe there’s one right answer when it comes to gravel bike tire pressures. Luckily, some of our most trusted brand partners have developed calculators that can help you find the optimal pressures for your tires based on you and the terrain you plan on riding. Follow the links to three of our favourite tire pressure calculators to get started and then get out and experiment to find your perfect settings.
Silca Pro Tire Pressure Calculator
Wolf Tooth Components Tire Pressure App
Here's our recommendation for setting tire pressure on a gravel bike:
1 Use a tire pressure calculator from trusted brands like Sram, Silca, and Wolf Tooth to find your optimal starting point. | 2 Go for a ride! Make sure your test represents the terrain you'll be riding most often. Bring a hand pump and pressure gauge, if you have one. | 3 If you're feeling too much chatter, air down a tad and continue until it feels smooth yet capable and fast. | 4 If you feel sluggish on turns and pavement, air up a bit. | 5 If you have a pressure gauge, note the sweet spot. If not, check when you get home. |
Rider weight, surface type, and style of riding are all integral in choosing the perfect tire pressure, and all that is highly specific to you. Get out and experiment. As long as you're riding comfortably, confidently, and not flatting or damaging your rim, there's no wrong answer.
FAQ - Top Gravel Bike Tire Questions
Can you put gravel tires on a road bike?
Yes, you can install a gravel tire on a road bike as long as they fit within the maximum tire size recommended by your bike’s manufacturer. That generally means making sure your road bike can accommodate tires of at least 35mm in width as that’s the narrowest width most modern gravel tires come in. Installing gravel tires on a road bike is a great way to keep exploring even after the pavement ends.
Can you put gravel tires on a mountain bike?
Definitely! Gravel tires can make a mountain bike more efficient and versatile for longer rides and more pedalling – think bikepacking or commuting. 700C tires will fit 29” and 650B will fit 27.5” wheels as long as you choose a gravel tire that’s at least 15-20mm wider than your internal rim width. That means choosing at least a 40mm width gravel tire for a mountain bike wheel that has a 25mm internal rim width.
How long do gravel bike tires last?
Gravel tires can last up to 4,000 kilometers in the ideal conditions but that number is affected by terrain, tire pressure, humidity, and more. Our top tip in terms of gravel tire wear is to choose a tire designed for the terrain you ride most often - that means a slick or semi-slick tire with a more durable rubber compound for mixed surface or pavement or a knobby tire with a thick, durable casing for chunky routes with sharp rocks. Also be sure to check your tire pressure before every ride to avoid unnecessary wear.
Can road bike tires go on gravel?
Narrower road tires (less than 30mm) are not generally recommended for gravel surfaces as they don’t have the volume to provide traction or comfort. Road bike tires wider than 30mm can sometimes handle a bit of gravel in a pinch, but in general we’d recommend having at least 35mm of width to have a safe and enjoyable gravel biking experience.
How wide are gravel bike tires?
In general, most gravel bike tires available to purchase fall in the 35-50mm width range. Though they may be compatible with gravel bikes, tires narrower than 35mm are generally marketed as road tires and tires wider than 50mm are marketed as mountain bike tires.
Do my front and rear gravel tires need to match?
Choosing a different front and rear gravel tire is actually a great way to further customize your gravel setup. Some riders choose to run a chunkier, more aggressive tire in the front for more grip and control while choosing a faster, more efficient tire in the rear.
Feel like you’re ready to find the right gravel tires for your perfect bike setup?
Check out our online shop or visit us in-store to get started on your next adventure!