Just keep in mind that you can’t judge rolling resistance by tread pattern. Casing design and rubber compound have a much bigger contribution. For instance the Schwalbe Thunder Burt, a mountain bike tire, has less rolling resistance than many smoother threaded tires such as the Compass Bon Jon Pass. I would guess the fastest mixed surface tire is the Schwalbe G One Speed because Schwalbe makes some of the fastest tires and the G One Speed tests very well at Bicycle Rolling Resistance.
I occasionally try other tires but the G Ones continue to be the best rolling tire for me. I like WTB resolutes when the road gets loose and muddy but they don't roll as well as the G Ones.
Well, if it has big enough knobs to make noise, its gonna be slower. The sound of the knobs rumbling is your energy loss being converted to sound.
I know the Resistance numbers on the Thunder Burt (TB) are only a few watts lower than something like the Compass tire, but it feels a lot slower on pavement. Part of that is the weight, part of that is that there is a LOT of rolling resistance in turns because of the thick side knobs - where the compass can wind like a snake without loosing much momentum.
I find the TB is great on longer straight gravel roads where it is wonderful (especially at 20-25psi) (and even better on more agressive dirt). But it is horrible on a twisty paved section, and noticeably slower just on straight flat pavement (~2mph at 20) in my experience.
I second both the G-One speed & WTB Byway, that last one is now also available in 700c 34/40/44mm widths. The WTB equivalent of Schwalbe’s Thunder Burt seems to be the Riddler which also comes in both 650b & 700c versions.
I'll try to dig up the link, but in a pretty thorough review I read the WTB Resolute got very high marks for rolling, and has enough tread to bite pretty well on all but mud.
I own Resolutes and they are easy to puncture with small diameter objects, but the punctures I've had have all sealed and been unknown to me until after-ride cleanup.
Got to throw in the Maxis Ramblers.....Rolls great on light gravel/ dirt and road. Very light tire as well. No flats in 2 years. Works decent as my CX tire unless it starts to get sloppy...
JBarney wrote:Got to throw in the Maxis Ramblers.....Rolls great on light gravel/ dirt and road. Very light tire as well. No flats in 2 years. Works decent as my CX tire unless it starts to get sloppy...
I'd like to try those, for the reasons you suggest - apparently they are fast. But there are many reports of failures - the tread seems to separate from the casing, resulting in bubbles.
By the way, this is something I've read about on the internet, and also have heard directly from my shop, which has had to do quite a few warranty claims on the Ramblers.
It seems pretty obvious to me that the fastest rolling tire for mixed surfaces is going to be one with a file/smooth tread in the center and more aggressive as you move out, similar to this Challenge Gravel Grinder.https://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/challenge-gravel-grinder-tire Then SO much more is dependent on pumping that sucker up to 55-65 PSI on the tarmac but let out 20-30 PSI when you hit the gravel. Right?
CycleDZM44 wrote:It seems pretty obvious to me that the fastest rolling tire for mixed surfaces is going to be one with a file/smooth tread in the center and more aggressive as you move out, similar to this Challenge Gravel Grinder.https://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/challenge-gravel-grinder-tire Then SO much more is dependent on pumping that sucker up to 55-65 PSI on the tarmac but let out 20-30 PSI when you hit the gravel. Right?
Sure, you could run higher pressures for pavement and lower pressures for gravel...But I would never run a tubeless tire at 55+ psi in any conditions.
CycleDZM44 wrote:It seems pretty obvious to me that the fastest rolling tire for mixed surfaces is going to be one with a file/smooth tread in the center and more aggressive as you move out, similar to this Challenge Gravel Grinder.https://www.biketiresdirect.com/product/challenge-gravel-grinder-tire Then SO much more is dependent on pumping that sucker up to 55-65 PSI on the tarmac but let out 20-30 PSI when you hit the gravel. Right?
Higher pressure rarely equates to more speed. Many many studies have disputed this 'fact' in recent years. Start with 35 psi and move up or down 5 based on your weight and riding conditions.
Higher pressure rarely equates to more speed. Many many studies have disputed this 'fact' in recent years. Start with 35 psi and move up or down 5 based on your weight and riding conditions.
My point was that at a high enough pressure the rubber will not be displaced such that you're riding on only the smooth part of the tread but with lower pressure you get more suspension, comfort and displacement of full tread on riding surface for better grip and handling. I always ride with a Park Tool mini pump and find that stopping a minute to adjust air pressure often has a huge effect on my ride experience.
I'd like to try those, for the reasons you suggest - apparently they are fast. But there are many reports of failures - the tread seems to separate from the casing, resulting in bubbles.
By the way, this is something I've read about on the internet, and also have heard directly from my shop, which has had to do quite a few warranty claims on the Ramblers.
Interesting….I have been running the EXO version w 1,700 off road miles total between 4 tires. No issues yet. I weigh 165 but do ride them pretty aggressive.
So here is my ? and sorry but I didn't want to start a new thread. I have 3 confirmed rides/races for the new year already. The first one Mississippi gravel race series and I am doing the ride on Jan 26th Camp Shelby ride. I probably am going to do a few other rides before that but my next big ride in the Open Range April 25th out of Pratt Kansas. From what I have seen it's pretty much desert riding. I have never ridden in desert like conditions. From what I have read some people ride 700 x 44 or so tires. I have read then that helps you in the sand but slows you down some in the harp pack part of the course. Do they make a 700 x 44 tire that I guess would be puncture proof that would be fast? Clueless here in PA.
Zurichman wrote:So here is my ? and sorry but I didn't want to start a new thread. I have 3 confirmed rides/races for the new year already. The first one Mississippi gravel race series and I am doing the ride on Jan 26th Camp Shelby ride. I probably am going to do a few other rides before that but my next big ride in the Open Range April 25th out of Pratt Kansas. From what I have seen it's pretty much desert riding. I have never ridden in desert like conditions. From what I have read some people ride 700 x 44 or so tires. I have read then that helps you in the sand but slows you down some in the harp pack part of the course. Do they make a 700 x 44 tire that I guess would be puncture proof that would be fast? Clueless here in PA.
Thanks Zman
Kansas is not desert.
The Gravel King SK is offered in 700x43 (and 50), tubeless ready. The wider tires are better on softer surfaces and not really slower on clean hardpack.
No tire is truly puncture proof. A tubeless tire with a good sealant helps.
The Gravel King SK is offered in 700x43 (and 50), tubeless ready. The wider tires are better on softer surfaces and not really slower on clean hardpack.
No tire is truly puncture proof. A tubeless tire with a good sealant helps.
Shiggy it might not be desert but from the pics videos I have seen of the Open range ride it sure looks a lot different than what Northern Kansas looks like. I guess I should have said what looks like desert like conditions, It sure looks like a lot of sand to me.
