Gravel tire test 2021 16 Gravel tires for all-road and gravel use
- By sennenqshop/li>
- 1115
- 29/03/2022
16 gravel tires 2021 in the test: In our large comparison test, current gravel and all-road tires had to show how well they master the mixed demands of the road and light terrain. Here are the test results and tips on choosing the right tire (last update on October 18, 2021: Michelin).
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Video: Gravel tire test overview
https://youtu.be/z5LDXO-KF_IVideo can't be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Large gravel tire test: 15 tires for allroad and gravel (https://youtu.be/z5LDXO-KF_I)Gravel tires on test
Gravel tires, which are also called gravel, are now part of the range of all major bicycle tire manufacturers. Some even have 5 to 10 different models. If you are looking for gravel tires in online shops, you will also find other models such as wide and robust racing bike tires or particularly fast and light XC mountain bike tires, which often also fit into newer gravel bikes.
Rightly so. Because which tire and gravel tire size is right depends on what you mean by gravel (you can find tips on the right gravel tire size here). The spectrum ranges from the finest gravel to sandy, soft paths to muddy meadow paths and thick gravel surfaces. We started a (not dead serious) attempt to classify the different types and varieties of gravel with our gravel scale 50 Shades of Gravel.
Slide show: Gravel tire test 2021: 15 models for all-road and gravel use Start slide show » # Gravel tires should offer grip on a variety of surfaces off-road - we tested this on 15 models on a varied course.Go to the 50 Shades of Gravel scale
Anyone who looks at the bandwidth, which also varies from region to region, quickly realizes that clarity about the personal area of application is needed. There should almost always be one thing in common: A more or less large proportion of asphalt occurs in the tours. And even if there are more unusual types of gravel, it is mostly driven on solid surfaces on which any top layer challenges the profile. You can also cope with easy trails and slightly damp and soft soils with a good gravel tire - the right profile also decides how good it is. And it is precisely for this starting point that we have put together our gravel tire test field.
# Three test riders tackled the same test lap over asphalt, gravel paths, forest soil and a slightly rooted section of trail. # Side lugs help in cornering on Gravel - We chased each other in circles to feel the limit area. # How early the foot has to "out" for stabilization depends not only on the lugs - the rubber compound and flexibility of the carcass also play a role a role. # Gravel is never as predictable as asphalt - a wrong stone can already exceed the adhesion limit, so if in doubt it is better to drive more slowly.Requirements profile Gravel tires
Allroad tires on test
The all-road tire category doesn't really exist yet. If you “google” it, you will be referred to Gravel tires. We have therefore opened an all-road category here. For the simple reason that there are now quite a few road bikes that can accommodate tires up to 32mm or even 35mm, but no more.
# In the all-road tire category, we used a higher percentage of asphalt - that's why the rolling resistance laboratory value was weighted higher.
These can be proven all-road bikes or versatile endurance racing bikes - we have noted the tire clearance in our overview of the best endurance racing bikes 2021. If you want to tune your gravel bike for speed and maybe want to take some aerodynamic advantages with you with correspondingly specialized wheels, you will also have to look around at the narrower tire variants.
And there are many road cyclists who no longer want to be limited to smooth asphalt when planning their road bike tours. Our requirements for an all-road tire coincide with the growing pleasure of sometimes avoiding the busy road on a quiet but paved farm track or forest path, but ultimately mostly making kilometers on the road. The manufacturers were therefore asked for tires that are moved an estimated 70% on asphalt and 30% or less on hard surfaces with a loose top layer. These can be railway track cycle paths, well-paved forest paths with stones that are not too thick or simply bad side roads - more on this below in the test requirements. However, what you can't expect from all-road tires is good traction on muddy paths or soft paths or even rocky trails.
Requirements profile for all-road tires
# For such paved paths with fine gravel, the all-road tires usually generate good grip and speed.# If the ground is damp and soft - then higher lugs that are further apart are required.# We also have the braking behavior on the gravel path rated - the differences are not huge.How much does a good Gravel tire cost?
The gravel tires in the test are all between 40 and 70 euros. These are all high-quality models with a tire core made of Kevlar or other high-strength synthetic fibers. This saves weight and makes the tires foldable. Most tires in this class are priced at around 55 euros RRP.
We cannot (yet) answer whether a good gravel tire is also available for less money. However, folding tires for gravel or for all-road use are available from €25 upwards. Their carcass is often less fine-grained or the rubber compound less grippy and/or less rolling. Small consolation: the two cheaper tires in this test (Specialized Pathfinder Pro and Vittoria Terreno Dry) were among the best.
# Done - 7 hours of assembly time and a few packs of sealant gobbled up the stack of 15 gravel tires.Gravel tire weights
The test shows: Gravel tires are not lightweight, at least most of them are not. And the weight difference is huge. The Allroad tires start at 320g, which is about the weight of a road bike tire, and end at 449g. The 40 mm to 42 mm gravel tires weigh 419 g (Maxxis Rambler) to 539 g (Specialized Pathfinder Pro). You can find an overview of all weighed weights in the table.
Can you draw conclusions about the driving behavior from the weight? During our driving tests we found that the differences after starting are negligible. Lighter tires are often more sensitive off-road. But that is not a law.
# Cutting pattern - to determine the thickness of the carcass and tread, all test tires were cut open. You can take a closer look at the cut in the title pictures of the individual tests.Puncture protection and mileage on gravel tires
There is a big connection between the weight of a gravel tire and the puncture protection. A lot helps a lot is one of the findings of the laboratory tests. With the new, but also expensive G-One R, Schwalbe manages the balancing act between defect protection, weight and smooth running.
A lot of weight does not necessarily mean a lot of rubber on the tread for many kilometers of mileage. We measured the overall thickness of the tire under the tread and indicate it in the table. The value is also included in the puncture protection rating.
Which type of puncture protection is more important also depends on the area of use. Anyone who spends a lot of time on city streets and/or well-paved gravel slopes should pay attention to good resistance to punctures. On the other hand, if you don't shy away from rougher gravel slopes and like to drive at high speed, you should pay particular attention to puncture protection and a well-protected tire sidewall. Because stones can easily slit the side, which can often mean the expensive end for tubeless tires.
# Snail or fast? - The Schwalbe and Specialized laboratories determined how easily the tires roll with and without a tube - we thank you for the great support! # This is what the test stand for the "RoWi" measurement looks like - the tire runs on a smooth drum, the result is therefore not to be transferred 1:1 to Gravel.# In addition to the tire, the rim, tube or not, the pressure and the test bench also play a role - the results from the two laboratories can therefore not be directly compared with each other.rolling resistance
Judging how easily a tire rolls is usually elusive by feel. At least when it comes to differences in the single-digit watt range, that's the size that can be determined in the laboratory. There are considerable differences between the different tire models. The range for gravel tires at 23 km/h is between 15 watts tubeless and 24 watts with a tube. With the all-road tires, which we measured at 30 km/h, it ranges from 18.4 watts to 31.6 watts - both tested tubeless. That's a difference some invest in expensive aero wheels for. With the right tire choice, you can get it for very little money, because all the tires in the test cost between 40 and 70 euros.
# If you want minimal rolling resistance, you should ride tubeless - in a direct comparison, almost all gravel tires in the test roll easier than with a standard butyl tube. Although the absolute values are not directly comparable due to different test benches, the trend is also confirmed in tests in just one laboratory. # Tight finish - The top 3 all-road tires in terms of smooth running are so close together that the differences can be ignored: Schwalbe X-One Speed, the Continental Terra Speed and the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H.Incidentally, the "RoWi" measurement, as the technicians call it, is carried out on a drum with a smooth surface. The results cannot therefore be transferred 1:1 to Gravel. But the trend in the differences should also continue off-road.
Which gravel tire profile is best?
The spectrum of gravel tire profiles ranges from almost smooth, i.e. slicks, to roughly studded like a soccer shoe. One of the most exciting results of our extensive test drives was that the role of the profile is not as big as one would assume based on the optics. For classic Gravel use on roads and firm ground, you can get along well with any profile - with a slightly adapted driving style.
Trimming to personal preference is easy if you follow a few principles:
# If you drive a lot on asphalt, you will place more value on long mileage and quiet rolling. # The 6 all-road tires in the test all have a largely closed tread in the middle - but there is really a lot of rubber only on the two slicks from Panaracer and Maxxis.Ultimately, the adaptability of the tire to the surface also plays a role, i.e. whether it adapts well to bumps or whether it tends to be lifted and thrown a little off the track with every small obstacle. This is also decided by the carcass, which unfortunately does not show this property. The number of threads (tpi specification) also only provides limited information. This is because different fabric materials have different levels of flexibility. In the test, the Maxxis Rambler and the Schwalbe G-One Bite as well as the Conti Terra tires proved to be very supple, but also the thin carcasses of the WTB Byway and the WTB Expanse, which unfortunately have other disadvantages.
What air pressure is optimal in Gravel tires?
Important: How smoothly a gravel tire feels the ground depends primarily on the tire pressure. Less pressure means more smooth running and more control off the road. Both apply up to a limit. Where this is depends on the tire model and the width of the rim. In the test on rims with an internal width of 22 mm to 25 mm, this limit was not yet reached at 2.5 bar. With 2 bar we were still very safe with our tire width with some tires off the road.
The higher the proportion of road, the higher the pressure can be selected. Because on the slippery surface, the tire does not have to deform as much to roll smoothly.
Gravel tires and tubeless operation
Tubeless technology, i.e. riding without a tube, has become established on mountain bikes. And it is also becoming more and more popular on off-road gravel bikes. All 15 gravel tires in the test are tubeless-capable, recognizable by abbreviations such as "TLE" (Schwalbe), "TCS" (WTB) or "TR" for "Tubeless Ready". That means: All tires can be used in conjunction with tubeless-capable rims and sealant without a tube.
Why should someone do this? Finally, the seal must be renewed regularly (about every 2 to 3 months). The test provides one indication: When used tubeless, the Gravel tires save around 2 to 3 watts at 23 km/h, some even more - however, it must be said that the results are not 100% comparable because they come from 2 different tires laboratories. But similar magnitudes can also be detected in a laboratory.
# Tubeless installation is now usually very easy.# Most tires can be easily pumped into the rim bed.# With 2 tires, however, we had to put in a tube because we couldn't seal them in a reasonable amount of time.Last but not least, the "flexibility rule" mentioned above is an advantage. A tubeless tire adapts better to the terrain simply because less material has to be deformed because the tube is no longer needed.
In addition, the sealing milk can automatically seal small to medium-sized holes that occur on the way. In our experience, however, it does not work against cuts in the sidewall. The system can also react to deformation of the rim, which can be caused by stones, with a loss of air. As a rule, you always have to carry a spare hose with you.
Tubeless assembly in practice
Our test provides a pro-tubeless argument: Tubeless assembly – still a test of nerves 2 years ago – has become child’s play with many tires. The best in this regard can be easily inflated like a tire with a tube. Assemble, pump up, fill in sealant via the valve, done! This was the case with the models from Continental, Schwalbe, Pirelli, Vittoria and Specialized on different test rims. Some models even hold the air quite well without sealant.
However, there are also negative examples that the editors couldn't get close to, which we noted in the overview. The maximum number of 3 points was only awarded if the tire could be easily inflated with a floor pump without a compressor and then held and seated so well that you could relax and pour the sealant through the valve. Tip: In such cases, you may be able to help yourself with 2 layers of tubeless rim tape, but this can under certain circumstances jeopardize the secure fit on the rim and was therefore not part of the test.
# How well the tubeless installation works also depends on the combination of tires and rims - Schwalbe has published combinations that have been tried and tested for its tires.How well the tubeless assembly works also depends on how well the tire and rim fit together. Even if there is now an ETRTO standard for this, the manufacturing tolerances are apparently still so high that unfavorable combinations can occur, as in the test. Schwalbe has published a table, which was originally started for the wheel manufacturers, and which shows tried-and-tested tire-rim combinations (=> to the Schwalbe tubeless tire-rim combination table).
# This is how different the carcasses look in cross-section - the fabric layers at the bottom with different numbers and thicknesses of the threads are easy to recognize, and the thickness of the rubber layer also differs.# The number and resistance of the threads and the rubber are decisive features for puncture protection - resistant materials , which roll well at the same time are a challenge.# The so-called tire cores (yellow) are made of flexible and light synthetic fiber in folding tires - it is also due to them that the price level in our test field is comparatively high.# The carcasses are sealed with rubber on the inside - on some tires with particularly thin carcasses, the sealant escaped through small holes.# The manufacturers state whether the tires are designed for tubeless operation - but not all make the size as clear as Vittoria.Test gravel tires 2021: evaluation in detail
Gravel tire test results
Data and rating points to fold out| Manufacturer | Maxxis | Points | WTB | Points | Continental | Points | swallow | Points | swallow | Points | Pirelli | Points | zip | Points | Specialized | Points | Vittoria | Points | Michelin | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| model | Rambler Exo Protect | Byway TCS Light | Terra Trail | G-One R | G-One Bite Evo | Cinturato Gravel M | Tangent Course G40 | Pathfinder Pro | Terreno Dry TLR | Power Gravel | ||||||||||
| PriceRRP | €54.90 | €54.95 | €57.99 | €69.90 | €59.90 | €59.90 | €72.00 | €42.90 | €49.95 | around €35.00 to €45.00 | ||||||||||
| ETRTO measure | 40-622 | 40-622 | 40-622 | 40-622 | 40-622 | 40-622 | 40-622 | 42-622 | 40-622 | 40-622 | ||||||||||
| Width measured on rim 19c | 41.2 | 36.2 | 40.2 | 39.7 | 41.0 | 37.0 | 39.5 | 42.0 | 41.0 | 41.6 | ||||||||||
| sizes | 650b: 38, 47 / 700c: 38, 40, 45, 50 | 650b:47 / 700c: 34, 40, 44 | 650b: 30mm, 47mm / 700c: 35mm, 40mm | 700c: 40mm, 45mm | 650b: 50, 54 / 700c: 40, 45, 50 | 650b: 45, 50 / 700c: 35, 40, 45 | 700c: 40 | 650b: 47 / 700c: 32, 38, 42 | 650b: 47 / 700c: 31, 33, 37, 40 TLR & TNT | 700c: 33, 35, 40, 47 | ||||||||||
| Weight 3 pieces weighed/averaged | 419g | 3 | 464g | 2 | 460g | 2 | 485g | 1 | 420g | 3 | 531g | 0 | 495g | 1 | 539g | 0 | 492g | 1 | 485g | 1 |
| Tubeless ready | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||||||
| Recommended pressure bar | 2.5 to 4.1 | 2.1 to 4.1 | maximum 5.0 | maximum 5.0 | maximum 5.0 | 2.5 to 4.5 | 2.5 to 4.5 | 3.5 to 5.5 | 2.5 to 6 | 3.0 to 5.0 | ||||||||||
| Rolling resistance 23 km/h | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Tubeless with 2.5 bar | 18.7 watts | 3 | 23.5 watts | 1 | 21.0 watts | 2 | 15.1 watts | 5 | 16.3 watts | 4 | 18.8 watts | 3 | 21.6 watts | 2 | 16.8 watts | 4 | 20.0 watts | 3 | 16.7 watts | 4 |
| 2.5 bar hose | 20.8 watts | 2 | 24.6 watts | 0 | 20.8 watts | 2 | 20.1 watts | 2 | 15.1 watts | 5 | 21.2 watts | 2 | 23.8 watts | 1 | 17.6 watts | 4 | 23.2 watts | 1 | 17.7 watts | 4 |
| Total rolling resistance (max. 15 points) | 7.5 | 1.5 | 6 | 10.5 | 13.5 | 7.5 | 4.5 | 12 | 6 | 12 | ||||||||||
| puncture protection | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Penetration mm (3) | 375mm | 1 | 450mm | 2 | 375mm | 1 | 513mm | 3 | 475mm | 3 | 450mm | 2 | 500mm | 3 | 500mm | 3 | 438mm | 2 | 463mm | 2 |
| Puncture work (3) | 0.21 | 0 | 0.32 | 3 | 0.25 | 1 | 0.24 | 1 | 0.22 | 1 | 0.21 | 0 | 0.17 | 0 | 0.35 | 3 | 0.22 | 1 | 0.24 | 1 |
| Puncture force averaged (3) | 334 | 1 | 381 | 1 | 390 | 1 | 413 | 3 | 359 | 1 | 366 | 1 | 318 | 1 | 430 | 2 | 359 | 1 | 352 | 1 |
| puncture page(work) (3) | 0.81 | 1 | 1.9 | 3 | 0.94 | 1 | 1.7 | 2 | 1.1 | 1 | 0.85 | 1 | 0.84 | 1 | 1.94 | 3 | 1.97 | 3 | 1.09 | 1 |
| puncture side force averaged (3) | 211.5 | 0 | 359.5 | 1 | 326 | 1 | 535 | 3 | 396 | 2 | 285.5 | 1 | 259 | 1 | 370.5 | 2 | 355.5 | 1 | 284.5 | 1 |
| Thick rubber layer (measured) (5) | 3 | 1 | 3.2 | 1 | 3.4 | 2 | 3.36 | 2 | 3.44 | 2 | 4.37 | 5 | 3.55 | 1 | 4.13 | 5 | 3,275 | 1 | 3.55 | 2 |
| Total puncture protection (max. 20 points) | 4 | 4 | 11 | 11 | 7 | 7 | 14 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7 | 7 | 18 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 8th | |
| handling | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Assembly rim (max. 3 points) | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||
| Tubeless setting (max. 3 points) | Goes very easily on the rim, setting only with a compressor without a valve core | 1 | Goes on the rim very easily, requires compressor + 30 ml sealant and several attempts to get it sealed | 1 | Assembly with tire levers or by hand, set with floor pump, S-shaped imbalance VR | 2 | Goes easily on the rim, easy setting with floor pump possible | 3 | Easy to put on the rim, relaxed with a floor pump | 3 | Goes on the rim with a little force with jacks, easy to set with a floor pump, but only keeps the pressure with milk | 2 | Assembly easy with levers, set with compressor pump, only seals with milk after several attempts | 1 | Easy to assemble, easy to set up with a floor pump | 3 | Easy assembly with levers, set with floor pump | 3 | Assembly a bit more difficult with levers, setting with a floor pump | 3 |
| Total handling (max. 6 points) | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 5 | 5 | ||||||||
| driving characteristics | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Asphalt noise (1-3 points) | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||||||||||
| Comfort terrain (1-5 points) | 5 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||
| Curve grip Gravel (1-5 points) | 4 | 2 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | ||||||||||
| Brakes (1-2 points) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||
| Total driving (max. 15 points) | 12 | 7 | 13 | 11 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 13 | ||||||||||
| total points | 30.5 | 25.5 | 32 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 32.5 | 26.5 | 48 | 31 | 39 |
Allroad tire test results
Data and rating points to fold out| Manufacturer | Panaracer | Points | Pirelli | Points | Continental | Points | Maxxis | Points | swallow | Points | WTB | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| model | Gravelking Semislick Plus | Cinturato Gravel H | Terra Speed Protection | refuse | X-One Speed | expansion | ||||||
| PriceRRP | €54.95 | €59.90 | €57.90 | €69.90 | €59.90 | €49.99 | ||||||
| ETRTO measure | 35-622 | 35-622 | 35-622 | 32-622 | 33-622 | 32-622 | ||||||
| Width real (mm) on rim 19c | 36.0 | 35.1 | 35.9 | 33.0 | 32.9 | 33.2 | ||||||
| sizes | 700c: 32, 35, 40, 43 | 650b: 45, 50, 700c: 35, 45 | 700c: 35, 40 | 650b: 50, 700c: 32, 40 | 700c: 33 | 700c: 32 | ||||||
| Weight 3 pieces weighed/averaged (5) | 416g | 2 | 449g | 1 | 369g | 3 | 390g | 3 | 389g | 3 | 322g | 5 |
| Tubeless ready | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | ||||||
| Recommended pressure bar | max 5.5 | 3.5 to 5.0 | maximum 5.0 | max 5.1 | 2.8 to 4.8 | 2.4 to 5.5 | ||||||
| rolling resistance | ||||||||||||
| tube at 23 km/h(5) | 18.7 watts | 3 | 14.6 watts | 5 | 13.0 watts | 5 | 24.0 watts | 0 | 13.6 watts | 5 | 16.3 watts | 4 |
| Hose with 4.0 bar 30 km/h(5) | 26.5 watts | 1 | 20.3 watts | 4 | 18.5 watts | 5 | 32.3 watts | 0 | 19.0 watts | 5 | 22.6 watts | 3 |
| Tubeless at 30 km/h 3.5 bar (5) | 31.6 watts | 0 | 18.4 watts | 5 | 20.0 watts | 5 | 28.4 watts | 1 | 18.9 watts | 5 | 20.9 watts | 4 |
| Total rolling resistance 120% (max. 18 points) | 4.8 | 16.8 | 18 | 1.2 | 18 | 13.2 | ||||||
| puncture protection | ||||||||||||
| Penetration mm (3) | 638mm | 5 | 450mm | 2 | 438mm | 1 | 600mm | 5 | 575mm | 4 | 363mm | 0 |
| Puncture work (3) | 0.29 | 2 | 0.32 | 3 | 0.25 | 1 | 0.2 | 0 | 0.22 | 1 | 0.26 | 2 |
| Puncture force averaged (3) | 366 | 1 | 381 | 1 | 362 | 1 | 486 | 3 | 364 | 1 | 347 | 0 |
| puncture page(work) (3) | 0.88 | 1 | 1.9 | 1 | 0.76 | 1 | 0.87 | 1 | 1.2 | 2 | 1.88 | 3 |
| puncture side force averaged (3) | 326 | 2 | 359.5 | 3 | 314 | 1 | 326 | 2 | 319.5 | 1 | 303.5 | 1 |
| thick rubber layer (3) | 2.8 | 1 | 3.2 | 3 | 3.6 | 5 | 3.8 | 5 | 3.44 | 4 | 3.08 | 2 |
| Overall puncture protection by factor 80% (max. 14.4 points) | 9.6 | 10.4 | 8th | 12.8 | 10.4 | 6.4 | ||||||
| handling | ||||||||||||
| Assembly rim (3) | 3 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||||||
| Tubeless setting (3) | Goes very easily on the rim, setting only with a compressor without a valve core, sealing milk, a tire only with a tube | 0 | Easy to get onto the rim with tire levers, can be set with a standing pump and compressor chamber | 2 | Easy to get on the rim with tire levers. Set with a floor pump by simply pumping it up. | 3 | Goes very easily onto the rim, can only be set with a compressor, then sealed with milk | 1 | Easy to put on the rim with tire levers, set with a floor pump by simply pumping it up. | 3 | Goes on the rim by hand very easily. Can only be set with a compressor or on a tire with a tube | 0 |
| Total assembly (max. 6 points) | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 3 | ||||||
| driving characteristics | ||||||||||||
| Asphalt noise (1-3) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | ||||||
| Comfort terrain (1-5) | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||||||
| Cornering grip (1-5) | 2 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 5 | 3 | ||||||
| Brakes (1-2) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | ||||||
| Total driving (max. 15 points) | 7 | 9 | 14 | 9 | 12 | 10 | ||||||
| Total points (max. 58.4) | 26.4 | 41.2 | 48 | 30 | 49.4 | 37.6 |
Test conclusion: the best gravel tires of 2021
What is the best gravel tire of 2021? Of course, the answer is not as simple as the question. It is too important how and where the gravel tire should ultimately be ridden. We have therefore not identified clear test winners. Instead, there are tips for areas of focus. So that this is not misunderstood: They are also among the best gravel tires overall, because a high total score was essential for the tip.
# Low rolling resistance and high puncture protection are particularly desirable for an all-road tire - a short column for rolling resistance (light blue) and high puncture protection (dark blue) characterizes a good all-rounder. # Distribution of puncture protection and rolling resistance in Gravel tires - While the three tires at the top are close together in terms of rolling resistance, only the Specialized Pathfinder Pro and the Schwalbe G One R can also shine with extra high puncture protection.We had already pre-sorted the 2021 gravel tires into all-road and gravel models. From the outset, a different usage profile was considered for the all-road tires, with a high percentage of road use and even greater emphasis on rolling properties on smooth surfaces, as well as a different size specification so that they fit into endurance bikes. That is why we have not made any further distinctions here. The Schwalbe X-One Speed and the Continental Terra Speed share the podium here. Both tires are particularly convincing in terms of rolling resistance - we liked the Continental a little better in practice on easy terrain, the Schwalbe can offer better puncture protection.
# The Schwalbe G-One Speed is our all-road tire tip one - easy, quiet running and high puncture protection and good grip in gravel curves characterize it - but only available in CX size 33-622. # The Continental Terra Speed is our other all-road tire tip - it is one of the best in terms of smooth running and is equipped with even better off-road properties than the Schwalbe - alternatively also available in gravel bike sizes.The bottom line is that the Specialized Pathfinder Pro performs best among the 2021 gravel tires according to our specified application profile. It runs easily, is the most puncture-proof tire on test, easy to mount and surprisingly all-terrain, although it also rolls quietly on the road. In addition, it is available for a comparatively low price and is therefore a clear price-performance tip in its class - for everyone who does not pay attention to the gram. Incidentally, an alternative in times of low availability would be the Vittoria Terreno Dry, which has a similar strength profile and is also cheaper, but does not roll quite as easily.
# Price-performance tip for the Specialized Pathfinder Pro - it combines top smooth running with the highest level of puncture protection and is (in the RRP) a little cheaper.The Michelin Power Gravel also deserves a price-performance tip, which we have also tested as the first tire according to the same principle. The French gravel tire is among the best on the podium in terms of rolling resistance. Despite being a bit wider than stated, it remains quite light and runs smoothly off-road. While it's not as puncture-proof as the Pathfinder Pro, it performs better on the gravel path. The price-performance tip for higher off-road sections.
More on the topicNew WTB Vulpine Gravel tires Race genes from the XC modelMichelin Power Gravel test Smooth, fast Gravel tiresSpecialized Pathfinder Pro Test Heavy, faster & safer Gravel tiresSchwalbe X-One Speed Test The all-road boss from cyclocross?# Price- Performance tip 2 for the Michelin Power Gravel - it runs very easily, looks smooth on the gravel path and is cheap in stores (Michelin does not give an RRP).For us, the Schwalbe G-One Bite is even closer to the ideal gravel tire for ambitious use, which rolls even easier and is lighter than the Specialized Pathfinder, but not quite as puncture-proof. If you want driving dynamics off-road and smooth running on the road, this gravel all-round tip is the best choice.
# Tip All-round for the Schwalbe G-One Bite - it runs tubeless as well as with a tube very easily and is also impressive off-road - many sizes!And no other tire ran as easily in the lab as the Schwalbe G-One R in a tubeless set-up - and in practice, too, the rolling qualities of the newest model from Reichshofen were convincing all round, both on firm and loose surfaces. In addition, there is excellent puncture protection, which should not be neglected in gravel races. Therefore: Tip Race for the Schwalbe G-One R - the intended purpose works perfectly.
# "Race" tip for the Schwalbe G-One R - No one runs so easily tubeless and protects against possible defects so well and the behavior on and off the road was convincing all around with an acceptable weight.Another tip for performance-oriented Gravel riders is the Maxxis Rambler Exo Protect. With its supple Karlasse, which is a bit more prone to breakdowns, it was particularly convincing when it came to maximum cornering fun on gravel and forest floors and is one of the best smooth-running bikes . That's what the off-road tip is for.
# "Offroad" tip for the Maxxis Rambler Exo Protect - In driving practice on gravel, it created the greatest confidence and maximum comfort and is one of the top smooth-running bikes in the test.The top 3 gravel tires: smooth rolling
For the smooth-running rating, we used the rolling resistance with and without a tube (tubeless) as a basis - if you want to get the most out of smooth-running, you have to drive tubeless with most gravel tires. The rating should cover as many usage scenarios as possible.
The top 3 gravel tires: puncture protection
For the puncture protection rating, we simply used the highest number of points in the laboratory measurements as a basis - the scope of the measurements should ensure a very meaningful value.
The top 3 gravel tires: off-road handling
For the all-road tires we do not have a top 3 at this point, which is obvious with a total of 6 tires in the test. As with film festivals, there should also be a few honorable mentions for the best gravel bike tires in 2021 that may not immediately catch the eye in the point table. If you are looking for a particularly puncture-proof tire for your all-road or endurance bike, you can take a closer look at the Maxxis Refuse. On the other hand, if you are looking for a gravel tire that also offers good grip on deeper ground and generates good traction on climbs even under adverse conditions, you will be happier with the Pirelli Cinturato M than with the other gravel tires in this test field.
Unfortunately, however, it must also be said that there are a few Gravel tire models for which there are hardly any compelling purchase arguments in a direct technical comparison. And apart from tested Gravel tires, the offer on the market goes even further.
Individual tests Gravel tires 2021
We are striving for further tests in addition to the 15 models that we will ride and lab test to the same standard. The list and the table are then each updated. If you want to stay up to date, subscribe to the Rennrad-News newsletter.
What is your experience with the Gravel tires in the test?
Buy gravel tires
Here you can find a price comparison of the gravel tires we tested. If a tire is missing, it is currently not available from the retailers participating in the price comparison.
In detail: this is how the gravel tires were tested
All gravel tires were requested from the manufacturers for testing and provided free of charge. All-round gravel tires in size 40-622 or 42-622 and all-road tires in size 32-622 were in demand. If a model was not available due to the current delivery situation, we would switch to a similar size if possible.
# The tests were carried out in the Specialized (picture) and Schwalbe laboratories - here the rolling resistance is determined on a roller test bench. Due to different test stands and test rims, the values from the two laboratories are not directly comparable - we have calculated an average for the evaluation.# Tires are often not as wide as stated - the real measurement was determined in the laboratories and by us.# The exact one Pressure is important - it determines the rolling characteristics.Laboratory tests at Schwalbe and Specialized
Laboratory tests were carried out according to our specifications. The editors carried out practical tests. In order to increase the neutrality, we had the tires tested independently in the Specialized laboratory (rolling resistance, puncture side and tread, tread thickness) and in the Schwalbe laboratory, there also for puncture. Our information represents an average of both values. The test in detail: