Choosing gravel tyres
Match width and tread to your race surface, go tubeless, and dial in pressure for grip without giving up speed.
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- HEX Gravel Tires — ENVE Composites
- G SES 4.5 — ENVE Composites
- AR40 — ENVE Composites
- G SES 6.7 Pro — ENVE Composites
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1. Width — match the terrain
Start with the course profile, not the tyre. Hard-packed fire roads reward 38-40 mm. Mixed gravel + tarmac with occasional rough sections is happiest at 42-45 mm. Rocky, sandy, or chunky doubletrack calls for 47-50 mm. Check your frame's max clearance before you buy — most modern gravel frames take 45-50 mm.
2. Tread — semi-slick wins most of the time
A fast centre strip with shoulder knobs is the all-rounder: low rolling resistance on smooth gravel and tarmac, cornering grip when it gets loose. Save full knobs for events where mud or sustained off-camber loose terrain is guaranteed.
3. Tubeless — non-negotiable for racing
Tubeless lets you drop pressure for comfort and grip without pinch flatting, and the sealant handles small punctures while you keep riding. Set them up at home weeks before the race, top up sealant 7-10 days out, and pack two tubeless plugs + one spare tube as backup.
4. Pressure — lower than you think, within reason
Lower pressure = more grip, more comfort, more rolling resistance only at the extreme. Start from the tyre maker's recommendation and adjust in small steps per ride. Your own number depends on rider and system weight, tyre width and casing, rim, tubeless setup and surface (see the table below). The tyre should grip and absorb chatter without folding in corners. Never go above the tyre or rim maximum, or below the tyre maker's minimum.
5. Race-day prep
Inspect for cuts and embedded debris a week out. Top up sealant. If conditions might be wet, drop pressure 1-2 psi. Never fit brand-new tyres on race morning — wear in a fresh set on at least one long ride first.
Tyre width by terrain
Read the course description and photos first, then pick the width your frame can clear. The same advice applies whether you call them tyres or tires.
| Terrain | Width | Tread |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth, hard-packed gravel and lots of tarmac | 35–40 mm | Slick or file tread |
| Mixed gravel with some rough or loose sections | 40–45 mm | Semi-slick centre, shoulder knobs |
| Chunky, rocky or washboard doubletrack | 45–50 mm | Semi-slick or low knobs, tougher casing |
| Mud, sand or loose climbs | 45–50 mm+ | Open, taller knobs |
Tyre pressure: starting points, not rules
There is no single correct gravel tyre pressure, so we don't publish numbers here. The right pressure depends on rider and system weight (bike, bags and kit), tyre width and casing, internal rim width, terrain and whether you run tubeless. Start from your tyre maker's recommendation, adjust in small steps using the variables below, and always stay within the limits printed on your tyre and rim.
What moves your pressure up or down
| Variable | Pressure |
|---|---|
| Heavier rider or loaded bike | Higher |
| Wider tyre | Lower |
| Wider internal rim width | Slightly lower |
| Tubes instead of tubeless | Higher (pinch-flat risk) |
| Rough, rocky or loose surface | Lower |
| Wet or muddy conditions | Slightly lower |
| Long tarmac sections | Slightly higher |
| Rear vs front | Rear a few psi higher |
Test your setup on a ride that matches your race surface. Looking for a course to suit your tyres? Browse gravel races of 50–100 km or the full list of gravel races.
Related reads:
Find a local gravel raceTrain for your first raceWhat to pack on race dayChoosing gravel tyres — FAQ
What tyre width is best for gravel racing?
For smooth or hard-packed gravel, 38-40 mm is fast and efficient. For mixed terrain, 42-45 mm is the modern sweet spot. For chunky, rocky, or sandy courses, 47-50 mm gives more comfort and grip — assuming your frame has clearance.Slick or knobby tread for gravel?
Semi-slick centres with side knobs cover most gravel races — fast on hard surfaces, grippy when you lean. Full knobs are only worth the rolling-resistance penalty on muddy, rooty, or loose courses.Should I run tubeless?
Yes for racing. Tubeless lets you run lower pressure for grip and comfort, seals small punctures automatically, and is the standard at every gravel event of note. Carry plugs and one spare tube for backup.What pressure should I run on gravel?
There is no universal number. Start with the tyre maker's recommendation, then drop in small steps until you feel the tyre 'wallow' in corners and add a little back. It depends on rider and system weight, tyre width and casing, rim width, terrain and tubeless setup; wider tyres generally take less pressure, heavier riders more, and you must always stay within the tyre and rim limits.Now find your next ride
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