Front Tyre Choice for UK Conditions/Style Gravel

Equipment
1

Need a new front tyre in 45mm (max size from the manufacturer specs) for UK gravel (read grassy lanes, fire roads and everything in between, none of the long open gravel you get in the states. My A event of the year (here) this should show some of the terrain I ride on.

It’s a toss-up between the two options above. I’m currently running the SK on both front/rear in 38mm (as that’s what I could get at short notice), and other than wanting a bit wider, I’m happy with the grip and avoiding mega mud if needed.

The bike is used for about 60/40 on-road/off-road for exploring the woods, long days out, bike-packing, and when I don’t want to ride a rim-braked bike with 60mm deep wheels. Leaning towards sticking with SK again, but wondered what other UK (and UK style conditions) thought of the new X1 tyres.

2

FWIW my bike came with the SKs in 38mm, I was really struggling in wet/muddy/grassy/slidy conditions and switched to the Cinturato Gravel M in 40mm (I don’t have clearance for 45mm in muddy conditions and they don’t come in 42mm) and they’ve been great for the UK conditions you describe. Have also run the H version during summer, they’re great when it’s dry and roll really nicely on the road, just don’t work well when the trails get wet and muddy again.

3

I’ve got the Gravel S version which is great for roads and the bridleways & canals up here in North West England. Not sure yet about the gloopy mud we get but nothing I’ve tried thats any good in the mud is acceptable for the 80% of time we spend not in it.

4

Ive got WTB Raddlers on my gravel bike. I did have Specialized Pathfinders, great fast tyres but a little too slippery for my handling skills, so I put the Raddlers on as I’d used them on a previous gravel bike and been very happy.

5

Cinturato Gravel M 40mm here in the Peak District, works well on rough limestone gravel.

6

Think I’ll go for the X1, but now I’m not sure about width!

If you listen to Dylan Johnson wider the better but most folk seem to run 40s, I don’t race, so comfort prob should win either way. Just the on road performance to think about as well as messing about off road.

Plenty to ponder, and I’ve got a month before the events so no rush.

8

FWIW, I had the GravelKing tires in the 45mm width, but they actually measured 48mm, so they rubbed my chainstays.

9

Oh… I guess I should measure the space either side of the 38mm I have currently before ordering. Good thing I was being indecisive!

10

45mm fitted fine. Annoyingly the R version is a light cream and my existing rear is darker than which being particular grates a bit.

Might have to skip getting a bit more life out at replace sooner!

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