For years I was a Continental man. Then I switched to Schwalbe and I still use Schwalbe Ones on my road rig but I’m not here to share my thoughts on road tyres! I care far more about the tyres on my gravel rig,

For over a year I ran Schwalbe G-Ones, in the tubeless 40mm version. They never let me down although they wore quickly and I wouldn’t run them any other way but tubeless as they proved to be less than robust. I wanted, however, to have something with more tread. Last year’s Ol’Dirty clay fest convinced me that the light tread wasn’t going to cut it for me on the gravel.

I've landed on WTB Resolute in 42mm, again running tubeless. 40 to 45mm really feels like a sweet spot for gravel riding, offering enough float without tpo much drag. After 1500km, I’m really enjoying how they ride, They are supple. I can feel the tyre flex on low level corrugations once I'd spend some time to get the tyre pressure dialled in. Tyre pressure and running tubeless are essential to comfort, control and not walking out on long gravel rides so spend some time to experiment and get it right for you!

The tyres roll surprisingly ok on the smooth stuff or the blacktop. Don’t expect to win the sprint for the town sign but they aren’t boat anchors either. Grip is very good in the loose and dry stuff, not so awesome in heavy mud or clay where they get a little overwhelmed. Is there a tyre than can really roll fast on the smooth or dry or loose and still bite in the mud? I love the tan wall look, too!

Every bike is a gravel bike

13 of the best from a year of limited adventure

Part 3 - Downhill to the Med

Part 2 - Les Grandes Alpes

Part 1

Finally!