I’ve run different tires F and R on my gravel bike several times over the years from Maxxis Ravager/Rambler to Renee Herse knobbies/semi slicks. Sometimes it’s the best move. But I run Pathfinders almost all the time.
You’re going to have to compromise somewhere, or everywhere. Anyone who says they can keep up on fast road group rides on 50/55 is either is super strong or their group rides aren’t that quick, at least that is my experience. On the road, anything over a 40 is going to be a compromise. Climbing is gonna feel draggy, fast corners you’ll probably start understeering (or feeling like it). Off road, you said it’s mostly tech so not high speed and also dry. You could infer that this means you don’t need a lot of shoulder lugs. Only you can decide what you want to prioritise. If it’s an increase in road speed like you say, then you want something with a slick centre, you also want to stay closer to 40/45 than 50/55 if you live anywhere with high speed cornering and something with solid shoulders that won’t fold or get squirrelly. Just my experience but I think you can generally define brands as follows; conti - fast, somewhat low mileage and middling puncture protection. Vittoria - slower, heavier and same puncture protection. Schwalbe - fast, slippery on wet rocks and roots, low puncture protection. Rene herse - overrated in general. Maxxis and specialised I haven’t really bothered with. Your results may vary and you need to work out what your prioritising and where you are prepared to compromise.
1 Like
I tried the Pirelli Cinturato tires and liked the ride but they weren’t tough enough for the gravel I ride. Have found the 40mm Panaracer Gravel King X1 to be good on pavement and indestructible on dry rough roads and rocky rooty single track.
2 Likes