Howdy. I recently got my first gravel bike, a Salsa Journeyman Claris 650 with drop bars. I love being able to ride single track, but on longer rides I'm wishing the stock tires (WTB Nano 27.5 x 2.1″ Comps) were more road-worthy (my buddy says i sound like a Mac truck coming up behind him).
I realize it's a tradeoff, but can anyone recommend me a 650b tire that's good (or at least better) on the pavement but can still get a 250lb rider up a rock/dirt singletrack and down again?
Rene Herse Juniper Ridge 48mm will be faster on the road, quieter, and with more grip up/down. They are a bit narrower than a 2.1 though.
A Thunder Burt 2.1 in the rear will roll faster and be a bit quieter, but I wouldn't know if the knob height would give you enough grip climbing over that.
If a TB did give enough grip and control, then you could do the same in the front, or a Rocket Ron 2.1 Addix Speed (red stripe) in the front.
If you think a TB wouldn't have enough knob height, then consider a 2.1 Continental Race King Protection in the rear. That rolls a little faster in the rear than a TB.
