Good, wide (700x42-45c) all-rounders

Hey, right now I use Gravelkings EXT 700x38c and I'm happy with them, but there is a lot of place for wider tires and consider something different.
Unfortunately, 38c is max for EXT and have to choose different tire.

Is should be all-round tire, but mostly for gravel - I have separate road bike for roads.
I prefer ride in dry conditions, but autumn and winter are coming, so mud is possible - but it's not super important, because I will have less and less time during week (work) and cleaning once per week, after some weekend ride, is not a big problem. If there will be a lot of mud / very wet conditions, I will not cycling
No racing but like fast rides just for fun. I will use them in DT R500 rims (22mm internal) and tubeless.

What can you recommend? I considered these tires:

• Maxxis Rambler 700x45c EXO - but many people complaint about no grip in even light mud... but maybe it's not a big deal? They are light
• Gravelkings SK 700x43c - but they can throw rocks to frame (i had this issue with 35c version) and in mud, "transform" into slick tire so fast
• Gravelkings SS 700x43c - no issue with rocks, but I think it's not best choice for wet conditions
• WTB Riddler/Raddler - but they are heavy, also used 37c wired (OEMs) with tubes and they were sluggish, wider version will be even worse, but maybe I'm wrong... maybe SG2 version is better
• WTB Resolute 700x42c - do not know them, many people said their real width is much bigger (like 44-45mm) but it's not a problem. Some people say they are nice on mud, some they are not. Also SG2 version here

What else should I consider? I'm from Poland in EU and some tires are not available (like Donnelly X'plor) or shipping cost make them completely unprofitable.

lukasamd wrote:Hey, right now I use Gravelkings EXT 700x38c and I'm happy with them, but there is a lot of place for wider tires and consider something different.
Unfortunately, 38c is max for EXT and have to choose different tire.

Is should be all-round tire, but mostly for gravel - I have separate road bike for roads.
I prefer ride in dry conditions, but autumn and winter are coming, so mud is possible - but it's not super important, because I will have less and less time during week (work) and cleaning once per week, after some weekend ride, is not a big problem. If there will be a lot of mud / very wet conditions, I will not cycling
No racing but like fast rides just for fun. I will use them in DT R500 rims (22mm internal) and tubeless.

What can you recommend? I considered these tires:

• Maxxis Rambler 700x45c EXO - but many people complaint about no grip in even light mud... but maybe it's not a big deal? They are light
• Gravelkings SK 700x43c - but they can throw rocks to frame (i had this issue with 35c version) and in mud, "transform" into slick tire so fast
• Gravelkings SS 700x43c - no issue with rocks, but I think it's not best choice for wet conditions
• WTB Riddler/Raddler - but they are heavy, also used 37c wired (OEMs) with tubes and they were sluggish, wider version will be even worse, but maybe I'm wrong... maybe SG2 version is better
• WTB Resolute 700x42c - do not know them, many people said their real width is much bigger (like 44-45mm) but it's not a problem. Some people say they are nice on mud, some they are not. Also SG2 version here

What else should I consider? I'm from Poland in EU and some tires are not available (like Donnelly X'plor) or shipping cost make them completely unprofitable.

These are very popular in my circle of associates locally and some afar.

• Rene Hearse knobby. These have different names for the widths and diameters. They are expensive but amazing for rolling on hard and pavement for the amount of off road traction and predictability. I have them in 48 mm and 55 mm. Associates have them in 38mm and 42 mm. 
• Schwalbe G-One Allaround - Also popular in my circle of associates who have them in 38 mm up to 57 mm. IMO they pack easily and they are very round - poor choice if you know how to work the sides of your tires like MTB riding.
• Challenge Strada Bianca - not treaded but some associates love them. I hold some bias knowing their US manager through volunteer work.
• Bontrager (Trek) GR1 - my total pleasant surprise of the year. Imagine a supple Schwalbe G-One Allaround competitor that costs less, doesn't pack up as fast as the Schwalbe, and has some edge and dual compound to not go all stupid and dangerous when a Schwalbe G-One Allaround or round slicks do.

I only know Riddlers in much bigger MTB size and love them as a back tire. I tested new gravel bikes with them and thought they would not be as fast on hard surfaces as some but I like the concept. GR1 are like a mini version of that concept.

There are very popular center slick with tread on sides tires such as WTB you mentioned and Specialized. IMO, I'd rather have something with more traction in center knowing how well the Schwalbe, Bontragers and R Hearse tires work.

My new bike is ridiculously light compared to my old but I'm not such a weight weenie with tires. The tread and casing to have some durability and performance will weigh more. People criticize Donnelly you mention, but my heavy MSO tires have have been durable and were great winter tires.

Like you I don't race but some of my associates and personal goals have upped my speed. Currently the GR1 are aiding the speed part, and the bike with the RH knobby tires allows far more off road capability with little road penalty.

I've never used either of these but I've read good reviews of the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M and the Schwalbe G-One R.  Both come in 45 mm and should be available in Europe.

I have ridden the Cinturato Gravel H and I like it a lot for hard surfaces.  It runs larger than 45 mm on wider rims.

Can you order the Donnelly X'plor from other EU countries? Cause  know the WC variant of Donnelly tires are made in Europe. Maybe look at Hutchinson tires?

I can recommend the Resolutes and yes they are likely to measure 43-44mm on your rims.  Since you are gravel biased and may encounter mud in the winter these should be great.  The roll well on the tarmac too, although slightly noisy.  Reasonably durable for me, and no flats set up tubeless. 

@imwjl what is Bontrager's GR1 real width? These tires are available in max. 700x40c, it will be not huge difference.

@RideWithPride In Poland, they are almost not available. From Hutchinson there is Touareq, but also, only 700x40c

lukasamd wrote:@imwjl what is Bontrager's GR1 real width? These tires are available in max. 700x40c, it will be not huge difference.

@RideWithPride In Poland, they are almost not available. From Hutchinson there is Touareq, but also, only 700x40c

 

An associate said 43 mm and some reviews stated 39 - 42 mm on 19 - 22 mm inner width rims. My Routt 45 frame is supposed to take 45 mm tires and they fill the rear well but I believe I can still fit fenders.

My X'Plor MSO are 50 mm and I've tried smaller ones on test rides. My best description might be they feel speedy beyond some in the category with more watching out for you than some speedy tires at same time not as expensive as some well regarded tires. In US everything Bontrager and Trek has a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. These are another one of a few Bontrager items I got with some reservations andI ended up liking quite a bit.

Here is my review of the WTB Venture in a 700x50. They come in smaller widths also.

Check out this post on Strava from Logan County Gravel Riders. https://strava.app.link/tanhB5WZ1jb

I have been riding the Pirelli Gravel H's for a few months; they have become a new favorite for me. However, my being in the desert means that mud is virtually nonexistent for me; hard packed road with some extended sandy stretches would be my norm. I like the ride quality and just enough grip to allow me to keep the speed up in sweepers and be able to stand on moderately steep climbs without feeling like I'm fighting the tread on the smooth parts. On my 23mm wide internal rims they are pretty much 45mm wide.

BurkC wrote:Here is my review of the WTB Venture in a 700x50. They come in smaller widths also.

Check out this post on Strava from Logan County Gravel Riders. https://strava.app.link/tanhB5WZ1jb

I see no review of these tires only pics of the tires.

Zman

Should be below the pics

Zurichman wrote:

I see no review of these tires only pics of the tires.

Zman

BurkC wrote:Should be below the pics

Not seeing it.

Zman

BurkC wrote:Should be below the pics

yup, just pictures for me too, no review.

Sorry guys. Don't know what's up

    

Thanks @Volsung

UPDATE #2: tires developed small sealant leaks though the sidewall (see last photo). They were always wet and slowly lost air. Called WTB and they said it was a defect and promptly replaced them. One of my riding buddies said he experienced the same thing with another WTB product. I still liked the tires and my 700x40 do not have this issue, but be aware if you buy them

Go here  https://www.strava.com/clubs/554402/discussion and scroll down to the discussion entitled "WTB Venture 700x50 review"