If you read everything on the internet and listen to what the bicycle industry tells you, you’d be rolling around on the largest tires that you could get your hands on. Don’t get me wrong, in some applications, larger tires are just what the doctor ordered.

Let’s talk about gravel tires. All the rage is about wider tires and lower air pressure. Wider gravel tires range from 40mm to 50mm and wider. The industry will have you believe that wider tires and lower air pressure will not slow you down. That is absolutely not true. Wider tires require less air pressure, they are more comfortable than narrow, high pressure tires. Therefore, you’ll have more energy at the end of a long ride. Narrow gravel tires may range from 32mm to 40mm. They are faster and corner better on dry loose surfaces. However, narrower tires will beat you up a bit. There is no give, they are hard and are designed to decrease rolling resistance.

Let’s talk road tires. Not too long ago, your average road tire was anywhere from 700C X 18mm to 23mm. Then a few years ago, most brands pushed 25mm tires. Honestly, there was not much difference between 23mm and 25mm. But now, 28mm and 32mm. A lot of road frames will not accommodate anything wider than a 28mm tire. The vibe on the internet is that wider road tires are better and do not increase rolling resistance. Again, not true.

Listen folks, when you lower air pressure, your tire becomes a little softer. This provides better grip and as I said your ride ends up being more comfortable as the tire is more supple. I personally have tried all sizes of road and gravel tires over many years of riding. At this time, I ride 28mm and 32mm road tires and I switch off between 35mm, 40mm and 50mm gravel tires, depending on the surface and time of year. I don’t want to even get into wheel size. That is another issue that would require way more space than this blog will allow.

There are many great brands of tires out there and unlimited tread patterns as well as tire sizes. I personally prefer Bontrager tires, but Maxxxis, Continental, Teravail, Kenda, WTB and Donnelly to name a few, are great choices as well.

What’s playing (what am I listening to while writing or what’s dancing around in my head while riding) today – Billly Joel – The Downeaster Alexa