Gravel Tires

Gravel tires are the workhorses among bicycle tires. In contrast to road bike tires or mountain bike tires, they are designed for a much wider range of surfaces and terrains. For this reason, they are in a sense a blend of the best features of road bike and mountain bike tires, making them the perfect choice for those who don't want to limit their ride to paved roads.

Compared to a standard road tire, gravel tires are usually wider. Usually between 30 and 45 millimetres, but sometimes gravel bikes are fitted with tires that are 50 millimetres wide. This additional width compared to road bike tires offers improved stability and traction, which is particularly advantageous on loose or unpaved surfaces such as gravel or sand.

In addition, gravel tires have a more aggressive tread than their road counterparts. This tread, which is sometimes compared to that of mountain bike tires due to its lugs, allows for better grip and control on slippery or uneven surfaces. The spectrum ranges from extra-light, speed-oriented variants covered with fine knobs, to semi-slicks - e.g. flat tread in the middle and low shoulder lugs - to rough-tread off-road tires with sidewall protection, which hardly have to hide behind their cross-country siblings. At the same time, most gravel tires are generally designed to still roll relatively efficiently on smooth surfaces.

Robust construction is another feature that sets gravel tires apart. Many models offer reinforced side walls and additional puncture protection to ensure that the tires can withstand the demands of off-road use. Most models are available as lightweight, often tubeless-capable folding tires or particularly affordable wire bead tires.

Gravel e-bike tires are usually available in 700C and 650B diameters . 700C is the traditional size for road bikes and is also often used for gravel bikes. Depending on how high the tires are built and how much tread they have, 700C gravel bike tires are also referred to as 29 inch or 29er tires. In any case, 700C tires are mounted on 28 inch wheels or rims with an outer diameter of 622 mm. 
650B is also known as 27.5 inch and makes it possible to mount wider tires, which offers more comfort and traction on rough surfaces. Gravel tires with a 650B diameter are mounted on 27.5" rims or wheels with a 584 mm outer diameter.
Gravel tires with 700C dimensions roll with ease, which is particularly beneficial on all-road endurance routes. The smaller 650B tires for gravel bikes provide noticeably more agility and manoeuvrability for moderate trail riding.

The tire width can vary greatly depending on the size of the tire and the specific requirements of the rider. Here are some common widths:

• 30 to 35 millimeters: These tires are ideal for riders who mainly ride on paved roads and well-maintained gravel paths. They offer a good balance between rolling resistance and comfort.
• 36 to 40 millimeters: These tires offer more comfort and traction on gravel and dirt roads without losing too much speed on the road.
• 41 to 50 millimeters: These tires are ideal for rough terrain and long lengths where comfort and puncture protection are weighted higher.

Most new tires for gravel bikes are tubeless-capable, i.e. they do not require an inner tube. Switching to tubeless tires not only offers a welcome weight saving and reduces rolling resistance, but also protects against annoying small punctures caused by punctures, which are sealed in a flash by the latex milk in the tire. And if major damage does occur to the tires? Then tubeless plugs are your savior in an emergency. Simply plug the affected hole from the outside and you can continue your ride without any problems.

One question we are often asked is to what extent gravel bike tires can also be ridden on a road bike. The answer here is clearly "no", because it depends on two main factors: the dimensions of your road bike rims and the geometry and dimensions of your road bike frame.

Both the width and the height of gravel tires can mean that the tire does not fit on the rim or is placed too close to the frame (or even does not fit in the rear triangle at all). However, if your rims are wide enough and your frame has enough tire clearance, nothing stands in the way of mounting.

To make it easier for you to buy your next gravel bike tires, we have summarized the most important properties of gravel bike tires here.

• Tire size: Gravel tires are typically available in the following diameters: 700c and 650B. Choosing the right size depends on your wheels and the intended use.
• Tire width: The tire width depends on the terrain. The rule of thumb is: the more comfort and grip you need, the wider the tires should be. Please note: The maximum tire width that your bike can take depends on its frame and fork construction. It is therefore advisable to read the specifications or take measurements before making a decision.
• Type of construction: tubeless or inner tube? The answer to this question depends on your preferences. Basically, a tubeless setup offers less rolling resistance, less weight and more puncture protection - a win-win-win situation off-road.
• Profile: The profile is one of the most important criteria when buying. Which tread is right for you also depends heavily on the intended use. The rougher the terrain, the more pronounced the (lug) tread should be. If, on the other hand, you mainly ride on asphalt roads and forest highways, a slightly profiled gravel coat will easily suffice.
• Puncture protection: If you ride off-road, you will inevitably encounter sharp stones and sharp edges. That's why puncture protection is particularly important for gravel bike coats. We therefore recommend that you buy high-quality gravel tires with an additional protective layer.
  Range of use: Whether you can also use a gravel tire on a road bike depends fundamentally on the dimensions of your road bike rims and the geometry and dimensions of your road bike frame.
• Brand: If you only want to replace one tire or have certain brand preferences, the brand also plays a role. In our online store, you can find gravel tires from all major tire manufacturers such as Continental, Schwalbe, Panaracer or WTB.

In the debate about specialization vs. versatility in cycling, gravel tires have definitely found their niche. With their ability to excel both on the road and off the beaten track, they represent the growing desire of us cyclists for adventure, discovery and the freedom to choose our own path.

However, this flexibility also creates diversity on the market. Accordingly, gravel e-bike tires are available for a wide variety of purposes, profiles and terrains. So which gravel coat is right for you depends largely on your favorite routes. In any case, we have a large selection of models from popular manufacturers as well as promising new products. You will also find practical accessories such as inner tubes and tubeless kits in our range.