# Gravel race tires 2024 **URL:** \ **Category:** Equipment\ **Created:** [January 27, 2024, 12:28pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356 "2024-01-27T12:28:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![RecoveryRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/recoveryrider/32/12908_2.png) [@RecoveryRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/RecoveryRider)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 2:57pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/145 "2024-04-03T14:57:19Z")
Do you run narrower tires in addition to those two? I actually have S-Works Pathfinder 42, 48 HD Thunderos and 2.1 ThunderBurts for my new Seigla. The latter two are still in packaging. But I’m debating on getting 44 HD Thunderos instead of the 48, thinking the 48s would be too closer to ThunderBurts in width. Paralysis analysis. ---
**Author:** ![GlassGears](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/glassgears/32/74444_2.png) [@GlassGears](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/GlassGears)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 3:02pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/146 "2024-04-03T15:02:51Z")
Curious what your experiences will be. I am getting a Seigla in May and am thinking those exact same tires. Would like to do the 48 Thunderos without the HD, but not sure if the HD would be better for what I am doing (BWR North Carolina), if I will need the extra protection of HD, or if just going 2.1 is the way to go. Currently on 38s with a rigid fork and feeling a little beat up after 50 miles or so of gravel. ---
**Author:** ![crandallGA](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/crandallga/32/133028_2.png) [@crandallGA](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/crandallGA)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 3:04pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/147 "2024-04-03T15:04:34Z")
I used both 38 and 42 Pathfinder Pros on the rims before - the 38s were 39-40mm and the 42s were 44-45mm. DT Swiss G540 rims. The 2.1 Thunder Burt is still a fair bit bigger and taller than the Thundero, definitely feels like a step-up wrt capability and compliance. ---
**Author:** ![AlexMartins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@AlexMartins](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AlexMartins)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 3:47pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/148 "2024-04-03T15:47:02Z")
I’m in New Brunswick, Canada. And yes, you’re right. When I passed on some sectors as you describe, there was a significant speed reduction. No float at all, hard to pedal. It looks like the 45s it is. Now have to choose one. I liked this Maxxis Reaver [Reaver - MAXXIS US](https://www.maxxis.com/us/tire/reaver/) any thoughts? ---
**Author:** ![RecoveryRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/recoveryrider/32/12908_2.png) [@RecoveryRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/RecoveryRider)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 4:37pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/149 "2024-04-03T16:37:43Z")
What do you run most of the time and/or prefer? I originally wanted one normal tire (pathfinder, thundero) and one rowdier…but now have 3 sets of tires. ---
**Author:** ![Eric\_F](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/eric_f/32/147496_2.png) [@Eric\_F](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Eric_F)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 5:14pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/150 "2024-04-03T17:14:13Z")
> [@AlexMartins](#): > > It looks like the 45s it is. Now have to choose one. I liked this Maxxis Reaver [Reaver - MAXXIS US](https://www.maxxis.com/us/tire/reaver/) any thoughts? IMO, there are better tires for both rolling efficiency and puncture protection. I know you said you aren’t concerned about speed, but losing 10W+ due to tire choice might be worth thinking about. ---
**Author:** ![AlexMartins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/35a633/32.png) [@AlexMartins](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AlexMartins)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 5:18pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/151 "2024-04-03T17:18:23Z")
I’m really not familiar with gravel tires, what would be the starting point? Pathfinder? Terra speed? ---
**Author:** ![Eric\_F](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/eric_f/32/147496_2.png) [@Eric\_F](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Eric_F)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 5:32pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/152 "2024-04-03T17:32:34Z")
The starting point is wherever you already are. A great resource for data on rolling resistance and puncture protection is [www.bicyclerollingresistance.com](http://www.bicyclerollingresistance.com). Personally, for fast-rolling tires, I really like the Tufo Thundero and Pirelli Cinturato H, but there are others that would fit the needs you’ve described, including the Pathfinder and Terra Speed. My demands are a little different, and include a fair amount of time on twisty singletrack that is sometimes mildly chunky. Cornering grip is important to me, so I run a grippy front tire with a fast rear tire. From what you’ve described, front end grip is less of a concern, so I would look to optimize rolling efficiency at both ends. ---
**Author:** ![crandallGA](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/crandallga/32/133028_2.png) [@crandallGA](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/crandallGA)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 6:57pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/153 "2024-04-03T18:57:23Z")
The Thunder Burt - and I think Super Ground is the way to go. My puncture was on Super Race apparently right outside the puncture belt. The Thundero is a fine tire and if that was all that fit it would be a good choice, since of my two gravel race bikes one is clearance limited to 42 and the other 2.1/2.2 it doesn’t fit in my situation now that I’ve tested it vs the TB. I plan to stay with Thunder Burts in the future with Rocket Ron on the front for rain events. I really wanted to try the Race King but I had such bad luck with the sidewalls and bead of Continental tires I’m abstaining from diving back into that brand. ---
**Author:** ![RecoveryRider](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/recoveryrider/32/12908_2.png) [@RecoveryRider](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/RecoveryRider)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 7:17pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/154 "2024-04-03T19:17:12Z")
Have 2x Thundero HD 700x48 in the box if anyone is looking. ---
**Author:** ![MN\_XC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ce7236/32.png) [@MN\_XC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/MN_XC)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2024, 9:25pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/156 "2024-04-03T21:25:44Z")
You might want to re-think the rain plan. I went with Racing Rays in a freak rain race and they had no more traction, however the knobs just filled in with perma-mud leaving me with 3 lb or whatever tires that had no more grip, but rolled horribly. Bonk city. Noticed the podium all stuck with their Aspens and Burts with little center tread to get caked in mud. It left me wondering if the whole concept of a ‘mud tire’ should even exist. ---
**Author:** ![AlistairSH](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/alistairsh/32/129683_2.png) [@AlistairSH](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/AlistairSH)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2024, 1:34pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/157 "2024-04-04T13:34:21Z")
> [@alexfthenakis](#): > > Maybe better to have a ‘crossover’ wheelset with 100/142 hubs and spare 110/148 end caps so they’re ‘gravel native’ but can also fit MTB. Or are the rotor/cassette actually further outboard on boost spacing? The problem with this is disc alignment and wheel dish. You can “boost” a regular 100mm front hub if it has a 6-bolt rotor. Just add 5mm to each end cap and a spacer behind the rotor. For the rear, you have to do all 6mm on the non-drive side to maintain cassette alignment, which means you have to dish the wheel slightly, which means you need 6-bolt rotor AND a hub/rim that have spoke lengths that allow the re-dish. If you have CL rotors, you don’t have options at either end (at least not that I’ve seen). I suppose you machine some sort of offset disc carrier to go from CL to 6-bolt with the right alignment, but I haven’t seen anybody make that. ---
**Author:** ![alexfthenakis](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/alexfthenakis/32/115632_2.png) [@alexfthenakis](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/alexfthenakis)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2024, 1:45pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/158 "2024-04-04T13:45:12Z")
Ah right OK thats basically what I was getting at with my comment about rotor/cassette being further outboard on boost. Thanks for confirming! ---
**Author:** ![Sisheveudysgj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e274bd/32.png) [@Sisheveudysgj](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Sisheveudysgj)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2024, 5:58pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/159 "2024-04-04T17:58:06Z")
> [@AlexMartins](#): > > I’m really not familiar with gravel tires, what would be the starting point? Pathfinder? Terra speed? Pathfinder 47, personally I’m going with the “nobody ever got fired for buying an IBM” philosophy. Effective, safe, proven choice and I don’t want to think about it more than that, though I’m sure there are better options out there. ---
**Author:** ![Eric\_F](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/eric_f/32/147496_2.png) [@Eric\_F](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Eric_F)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2024, 9:18pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/160 "2024-04-04T21:18:09Z")
> [@FrankTuna](#): > > I’m in the US and ended up ordering them from Germany. Got some hard to find Conti tires too…prices were great even with $30 shipping. Just figured I’d mention it! > > [https://r2-bike.com/TUFO-Tire-Gravel-Thundero-28-700-x-48C-black-beige](https://r2-bike.com/TUFO-Tire-Gravel-Thundero-28-700-x-48C-black-beige) I went back to pull the trigger on a pair of these, and they are out of stock. Availability…“More than 6 months”. Bummer. ---
**Author:** ![FrankTuna](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/franktuna/32/135629_2.png) [@FrankTuna](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/FrankTuna)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2024, 9:27pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/161 "2024-04-04T21:27:47Z")
> **[TUFO Tire Gravel Thundero 28" | 700 x 48C black, 39,50 €](https://r2-bike.com/TUFO-Tire-Gravel-Thundero-28-700-x-48C-black)** > > TUFO tire Gravel Thundero 28" | 700 x 48C black A universal tire for those who don't want to think about where they want to go The Thundero can do everythin Looks like they have them in black for ~$36 before shipping 🤔 ---
**Author:** ![Eric\_F](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/eric_f/32/147496_2.png) [@Eric\_F](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Eric_F)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2024, 10:08pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/162 "2024-04-04T22:08:46Z")
> [@FrankTuna](#): > > [https://r2-bike.com/TUFO-Tire-Gravel-Thundero-28-700-x-48C-black](https://r2-bike.com/TUFO-Tire-Gravel-Thundero-28-700-x-48C-black) > > Looks like they have them in black for ~$36 before shipping 🤔 Thanks! I didn’t even look at other options. EDIT: They only have 1 in stock ☹ ---
**Author:** ![FergusYL](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/fergusyl/32/80824_2.png) [@FergusYL](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/FergusYL)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2024, 12:02am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/163 "2024-04-05T00:02:50Z")
Thanks! Just ordered a pair. And @Eric_F - maybe refresh? I was able to get two without any issues. ---
**Author:** ![Eric\_F](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/trainerroad/forum/user_avatar/www.trainerroad.com/eric_f/32/147496_2.png) [@Eric\_F](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Eric_F)\ **Post date:** [April 5, 2024, 3:14am UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/164 "2024-04-05T03:14:28Z")
> [@FergusYL](#): > > And @Eric_F - maybe refresh? I was able to get two without any issues. Ordered 👍😀 ---
**Author:** ![Kipstrong](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Kipstrong](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/u/Kipstrong)\ **Post date:** [April 24, 2024, 7:05pm UTC](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356/165 "2024-04-24T19:05:49Z")
What’s the widest tyre that a Colnago G3x frame will take? Has anyone experimented with a 45 or 47? Colnago claims 42mm max but looking at the 38’s that the bike has come with I think I can go wider. Has anyone any experience with this? It’s for the Graloch event. [Previous page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356.md?page=7) [Next page](https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/gravel-race-tires-2024/90356.md?page=9)