How to choose gravel tyres

Match width and tread to the terrain, go tubeless, and dial in pressure for grip without giving up speed.

Match width and tread to your race surface, go tubeless, and dial in pressure for grip without giving up speed.

How to Choose Gravel Tyres (Width, Tread & Pressure Guide)

How to choose gravel tyres for racing: matching width to terrain, picking tread pattern, going tubeless, and finding the right pressure for grip without sacrificing speed.

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.

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.

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.

Start with the tyre maker's recommendation, then drop in small steps until you feel the tyre 'wallow' in corners and add 2-3 psi back. As a rough starting point: 28-32 psi for 40 mm tyres on a 70 kg rider; bigger tyres take less pressure, bigger riders take more.

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.

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

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.