Gravel tyres

Slick if >70% of your riding is on road or compacted tracks; semi-slick for 50/50 road-trail use; knobby for technical terrain and mud. The slick (Panaracer GravelKing Slick, WTB Byway) rolls fast on tarmac and firm tracks but lacks grip in corners on gravel or loose terrain. The semi-slick (Michelin Power Gravel, Hutchinson Overide) combines a fast centre tread with side knobs for grip in corners: the most versatile choice. The knobby (Schwalbe G-One Bite, Continental Terra Trail) bites well into dirt and stones, effective in wet weather, but less fast on the road.

Highly recommended for off-road rides, but not essential on routes that are mainly on-road.Tubeless eliminates snake bites, which are common on gravel paths, and allows you to ride at lower pressures (1.7 to 2.5 bar depending on weight) for greater comfort, grip and shock absorption. The sealant automatically seals small punctures. On routes that are mainly on tarmac, an inner tube remains an acceptable, cheaper and simpler solution. With tubeless tyres, you should top up the sealant every 4 to 6 months.

1.8 to 2.5 bar depending on the rider’s weight, the terrain and the tyre width. The lower the pressure, the better the comfort, grip and shock absorption on uneven terrain. If the pressure is too low, there is a risk of residual pinch flats (possible even with tubeless tyres on sharp obstacles) and imprecise handling. A general rule of thumb: for a 70 kg rider with 40 mm tubeless tyres, start at 2.0 bar at the rear and 1.8 bar at the front. Adjust according to how it feels. On dry roads, increase to 2.5 bar for less resistance. On wet paths or technical terrain, reduce to 1.7–1.8 bar for more grip.

This depends on the clearance specified by the frame manufacturer, which is usually indicated in the technical specifications. Recent road frames accommodate between 28 and 35 mm depending on the model. Endurance frames (Trek Domane, Specialized Roubaix) often accommodate up to 38 mm. Pure racing frames (Tarmac SL8, Émonda SLR) are generally limited to 28–32 mm. Exceeding the maximum clearance risks the tyre rubbing against the frame or fork. With disc brakes, the clearance is generally more generous than with rim brakes.

The 700c offers a smoother ride, whilst the 650b allows for wider tyres on the same frame. 700c tyres have a larger diameter (622 mm rim): they offer a smoother ride on the road, clear obstacles more easily thanks to their momentum, and are more widely available on the market. 650b tyres (584 mm rim diameter) allow you to fit tyres from 47 to 55 mm on frames that would only accept 42 mm in 700c, offering greater comfort and grip off-road. The choice is often determined by the frame. Some frames accept both sizes, allowing you to have two sets of wheels depending on the terrain.

Hutchinson Touareg, Michelin Power Gravel, Schwalbe G-One Allround and Panaracer GravelKing SK are the most popular all-round options. The Hutchinson Touareg (40 mm) is renowned for its high-performance semi-knobby tread pattern on roads and trails, its durable Hardskin casing and its tubeless-ready availability. The Michelin Power Gravel features small, highly versatile triangular knobs with low rolling resistance. The Schwalbe G-One Allround is known for its stable block pattern in all conditions. The Panaracer GravelKing SK offers excellent value for money for cyclists seeking versatility without breaking the bank.

A high TPI (threads per inch) rating (60–120 TPI) results in a more flexible and comfortable casing; puncture protection (Hardskin, Protection, Puncture Pro) reduces the risk of punctures at the cost of a slight increase in weight. TPI measures the density of the casing threads: the higher the TPI, the more flexible, comfortable and resistant to flexing the fabric is. For gravel bikepacking and long adventures, opt for tyres with reinforced protection on the sidewalls and tread (Hutchinson Hardskin, Michelin Protection). For racing and fast rides, lighter tyres with a thin casing (60 TPI) are sufficient.

Yes, this is actually a practice recommended by many experienced gravel riders. The technique involves fitting a tyre with a deeper tread pattern at the front (for better grip when cornering, on descents and when braking) and a tyre with a smoother tread at the rear (better rolling speed over the larger contact patch). For example: Hutchinson Touareg 40 mm at the front for grip, Hutchinson Overide 38 mm at the rear for efficiency. You can also vary the widths: slightly wider at the front for more volume.

3,000 to 6,000 km for a standard gravel tyre; replace when the tread is worn down to the wires or when the sidewalls show cracks. Wear depends heavily on the type of terrain: a tyre used mainly on tarmac will last longer than one used on abrasive surfaces (granite, quartz). Signs that it needs replacing: the tread is completely smooth (tread blocks gone), the carcass threads are visible, or the sidewalls are starting to crack. For tubeless tyres, also check the condition of the bead, which can become deformed over time due to repeated fitting and removal.