What is the part that you need to replace or upgrade it frequently on your bike? Of course, it’s a bike tire. Each type of tires is used for different riding conditions and purposes. However, the most popular type is gravel tires since they are more versatile and durable than others.
You might wonder what are the best gravel tires when searching thousands of products on the market or the internet. What is the best brand? What is the most suitable option?
If you cannot find the answers, let’s check my review of the top 13 best gravel tires below. You will feel much easier.
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Table of Contents
Best Gravel Tires Comparison Chart 2021
In order to give you an overview of these 13 best gravel tires, I have selected three main features of them and made this table.
What Are The Best Gravel Tires To Buy?
Depending on some significant categories, I have a list of the best gravel tires for you. Check it and find your match!
- Best Overall: Continental GatorSkin Gravel Tires
- Best for Money: Schwinn Gravel Tires
- Best for Commuting: Continental Ride Tour Gravel Tires
- Best for Pavement: WTB Slick 2.2 Gravel Tires
- Best for Racing: Continental ShieldWall Gravel Tires
- Best for Sand: Panaracer Gravel King SK Gravel Tires
- Best for Trekking: Continental Double Fighter Gravel Tires
- Best for Winter: Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Gravel Tires
- Best for Mountain Bike: Continental Grand Prix 5000 Gravel Tires
- Best Lightweight: Maxxis Ikon Gravel Tires
Top 13 Best Gravel Tires Reviews In 2021
The following thorough review of 13 best gravel tires is based on my research and experience. Also, I have summarized both pros and cons of them in the most objective way. Keep reading!
Schwinn Gravel Tires
The most attractive point about these best gravel tires 2021 is that they could fit with many sizes of the wheel. You can use them with children’s bikes or adult bikes as well. With the size from 16” x 1.95” to 27.5” x 2.10” and a clear size chart, you could choose the most suitable tires that match your bike and riding needs effortlessly.
Moreover, these gravel tires are made of very durable materials including carbon steel bead and KEVLAR bead. Both of them are high-quality and could withstand gravel roads perfectly. They are designed with different constructions but they could offer the same traction and comfort when riding.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Offer great traction
- Come in a wide range of size
- Versatile with varied style
- Affordable
Cons
- It’s too thick
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 16.3 x 12.4 x 6.4 inches |
| Weight | 1.33 pounds |
| Size | From 16-inch to 27.5-inch |
| Material | Carbon steel bead; Kevlar bead |
| Brand | Schwinn |
WTB Slick 2.2 Gravel Tires
If you’re looking for the best gravel tires for pavement, I will highly recommend these WTB Slick 2.2 Gravel Tires since they have some great features that you could not find in other products.
Firstly, they are slick tires that are faster and quieter than knobby tires. Especially when you use these tires for mountain bikes, it will make a difference. They could offer the best traction and ride smoothly on gravel roads.
Secondly, with the soft center, you will feel more comfortable and it will also help you avoid the rolling resistance. Along with that is the wire bead which makes your tires stronger and more durable.
Pros
- Suitable for mountain bikes and pavement
- Offer more control
- Light in weight
- Soft center for extra rolling efficiency
Cons
- Come at high price tag
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 29 x 3 x 29 inches |
| Weight | 19.05 ounces |
| Size | Not available |
| Material | DNA rubber |
| Brand | WTB |
Continental GatorSkin Gravel Tires
These gravel bike tyres come with very durable resistant polyester fiber which helps your bike come through objects on the road effortlessly and prevent punctures. Moreover, this high-quality material is able to be used in the worst weather conditions and rough terrains. Thanks to that, these tires could be considered as the best gravel tires for the mountain bikes.
Furthermore, they come with the ultimate sidewall technology called DuraSkin which makes them stand out of other gravel tires on the market. This feature will offer the best puncture resistance.
Another feature that you would like about these Continental GatorSkin DuraSkin Gravel Tires is that they are very light in weight (about 240 grams).
Pros
- Made in Germany
- Reduce rolling resistance with sidewall protection
- PolyX Breaker technology
- Designed for multi-functions
- High-rated by thousands of consumers
- Very durable
- Come with many sizes
- Light in weight
Cons
- Quite hard to install
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 2.36 x 2.36 x 19.69 inches |
| Weight | 10.56 ounces |
| Size | 650x23mm; 700x23mm; 700x25mm; 700x28mm; 700x32mm |
| Material | Polyamide fabric |
| Brand | Continental |
Continental Grand Prix 5000 Gravel Tires
What sets these Continental Grand Prix 5000 Gravel Tires apart from other products on the market is their special material called BlackChili Compound. With this material, your best gravel tires 650B will provide excellent grips as well as fast-rolling. These tires could offer 12% lower bearing resistance than other competitors.
In addition, if you are looking for a versatile and durable tire, this Continental Grand Prix 5000 is the way to go. It’s made for “all-around” surfaces. With the Vectran Breaker layer, these gravel tires can withstand foreign objects effortlessly. According to Continental manufacturer, these tires are improved 20% puncture resistance.
Pros
- You can ride with fast speed
- Highly puncture-resistant
- High-quality material
Cons
- Pricey
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 9.09 x 6.54 x 3.66 inches |
| Weight | 1.17 pounds |
| Size | 650Bx28; 700x23mm; 700x25mm; 700x28mm |
| Material | BlackChili Compound |
| Brand | Continental |
Schwalbe Gravel Tires
The most impressive features of these Schwalbe Gravel Tires are the greenguard protection and the reflective detail on the sidewall. Thanks to these things, you will never have to worry about punctures or your safety when cycling in the dark.
These best mountain bike tires are made of three durable layers with the greenguard in the middle. This incredible construction makes these tires durable and very hard to get flats even when you ride for a long time.
Along with that, the reflective stripe equipped on the sidewall is not only outstanding and stylish but it also enhances your visibility and safety at night time.
Pros
- Added safety with reflective stripe
- Guard protection for better puncture resistance
- Durable
- 3mm thickness
- Good price
Cons
- Quite heavy
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 20.47 x 20.47 x 3.36 inches |
| Weight | 13.44 ounces |
| Size | Multiple |
| Material | Rubber |
| Brand | Schwalbe |
Continental Ride Tour Gravel Tires
This Continental Ride Tour model is exactly a viral of the Schwalbe gravel tire when it has some similar features and construction. It also comes with a thick rubber layer under the tread area. Thanks to that, these tires are really hard to get flats.
Unlike its name, this gravel tire is not the most suitable one for touring or cyclocross bikes since it comes with a narrow profile. Thus, I will say that it might be one of the best gravel tires for the road bike. It could fit your road bike well and with a deep tread area, it’s comfortable to ride on the street.
However, it doesn’t mean you cannot use these Continental Ride Tour Gravel Tires for touring. They are very tough, tougher than any solid tires so they will offer the best puncture resistance.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Suitable for road bike and commuting
- Strong and durable
- Low rolling resistance
- Multiple sizes
Cons
- Heavier than virals
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 12 x 2 x 12 inches |
| Weight | 12.32 ounces |
| Size | 12-inch; 16-inch; 20-inch; 24-inch; 26-inch; 27-inch; 28inch |
| Material | Not available |
| Brand | Continental |
Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Gravel Tires
If you are a big fan of Continental, these Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Gravel Tires might be the best pick for you when they are the perfect combinations of the Gatorskin version and Grand Prix 4000s version.
Moreover, there are 1-pack, 2-pack, or 4-pack to choose from so you can get the most suitable one based on your purposes.
They come with a Vectran double layer which is very light in weight and durable. Also, this feature offers high puncture-protection and tear-resistance. Thanks to that, these Continental Grand Prix 4 Season Gravel Tires are known as the most long-lasting model from Continental. You can use these tires for all weathers and all terrains.
Pros
- High puncture protection
- Offer effective grip
- Durable
- Come in varied options of quantity
- Handmade in Germany
Cons
- Pricey
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 13 x 2 x 13 inches |
| Weight | 7.76 ounces |
| Size | 700x23mm; 700x25mm; 700x28mm; 700x32mm |
| Material | DuraSkin anti-tear fabric |
| Brand | Continental |
Continental ShieldWall Gravel Tires
There are four versions of tires including Race King, Cross King, Mountain King, and Trail King. Thus, depending on your own riding needs, you could choose the most suitable version.
Continental ShieldWall Gravel Tires are made of durable PureGrip compounds that not only provide the best grips but also protect your tires from getting flats. Especially, these tires come with E25 Certified ShieldWall that ensures they could work with electric bikes.
Along with that is the thick but comfortable ShieldWall system which offers great puncture protection and fast-rolling. This feature makes these Continental ShieldWall Gravel Tires ideal for racing and riding on gravel roads.
Pros
- Compatible with electric bikes
- Have size for 29-inch wheel
- Come with a wide range of style
- Ideal for racing
Cons
- You don’t have many tire size to choose
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 14.7 x 0.39 x 0.39 inches |
| Weight | 31.75 ounces (26 x 2.4 inches); 33.51 ounces (27.5 x 2.4 inches); 35.27 ounces (29 x 2.4 inches) |
| Size | 26-inch; 27.5-inch; 29-inch |
| Material | PureGrip compound |
| Brand | Continental |
Continental Contact Plus Gravel Tires
If you prefer bigger tires for your bike, these Continental Contact Plus Gravel Tires are the way you go. They come with large dimensions of 700C and five ranges of width including 28mm, 32mm, 37mm, 42mm, and 47mm.
Larger dimensions mean these items will be more stable and stronger.
Moreover, you will have a comfortable and smooth experience when riding on these tires.
Additionally, these best gravel tires are compatible with electric bikes since they are equipped with the Safety system breaker. Thanks to this feature, these tires will offer you faster rolling and save the battery of your electric bikes.
Pros
- Compatible with electric bikes
- Reflective detail for added safety
- Extra puncture belt for better durability
Cons
- Expensive
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 23.65 x 23.65 x 1.97 inches |
| Weight | 998 grams |
| Size | 26 x 1.75 inches; 27.5 x 1.6 inches; 700x28mm; 700x32mm; 700x37mm; 700x42mm; 700x47mm |
| Material | Rubber |
| Brand | Continental |
Maxxis Ikon Gravel Tires
These Maxxis Ikon Gravel Tires are designed for racing when it provides fast rolling. They are very light in weight and have several specific features to enhance speed. With a low-rolling-resistant tread construction, these tires are trusted by thousands of professionals and racers in the world.
Along with that is the 3C technology which makes these tires strong and durable enough to ride on rough surfaces but still soft in the middle for a comfortable experience. Thanks to that, your tires will last longer and offer smooth rides as well.
Pros
- Offer fast rolling for racers
- You will have excellent grips
- Very sturdy and durable
Cons
- It holds mud
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | Not available |
| Weight | 590 grams |
| Size | 27.5 x 2.2 inches; 27.5 x 2.35 inches; 29 x 2.0 inches; 29 x 2.35 inches |
| Material | 3C MaxxSpeed compound |
| Brand | Maxxis |
Continental Double Fighter Gravel Tires
These Continental Double Fighter Gravel Tires are exactly what you need for your mountain bike or long trail uses. With low rolling resistance, they are much faster and lighter in weight than knobby tires. Also, they could roll very smoothly and quietly.
They are made of high-quality material that is strong and durable enough to withstand rough terrains such as trails or gravel roads. However, if you are looking for something that could avoid 100% punctures, it might not be the most ideal pick.
Pros
- Low rolling resistance
- Offer great traction
- Comfortable to ride
- Light in weight
Cons
- Not for sand
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 27.5 x 27.5 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 3.53 ounces |
| Size | 700x37mm; 16 x 1.75 inches; 20 x 1.75 inches; 24 x 1.75 inches; 24 x 2.0 inches, 26 x 1.9 inches |
| Material | Not available |
| Brand | Continental |
Panaracer Gravel King SK Gravel Tires
Panaracer Gravel King SK model is well-known as one of the best gravel tires for sand on the market thanks to its unique tread area. They come with a unique, aggressive tread pattern that can handle sand very well. Also, these tires can roll without any slips in wet conditions.
Another attractive point of these Panaracer Gravel King SK Gravel Tires is that they come with a wide range of sizes for you to choose from. Also, the size chart that the manufacturer offers is a little bit bigger than other products on the market.
Pros
- Value pick
- Ideal for sandy rides
- Special tread pattern works perfectly on sand
- Lightweight
Cons
- It doesn’t have the best rolling resistance
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 7.05 x 6.05 x 3.05 inches |
| Weight | 11.29 ounces |
| Size | 700x32C; 700x35C; 700x38C; 700x43C |
| Material | Not available |
| Brand | Panaracer |
WTB Gravel Tires
WTB Riddler gravel tires come with an impressive and eye-catching design. They are a perfect combination of black and brown colors on the tread area and sidewall. Also, with small tread patterns, these tires could offer excellent grips.
In addition, these tires have an extra rubber layer between the airtight and riding surface. Thanks to that, you will never have to worry about punctures or flats.
Finally, with the larger size, these tires are more stable and strong in hard terrain. They could protect you from slip when your bike comes through foreign objects like rocks.
Pros
- Larger size for better stability
- Designed for versatile purposes
- Attractive outlook
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
Product specs:
| Item Dimensions | 10.1 x 6.55 x 5.5 inches |
| Weight | 15.87 ounces |
| Size | 27.5-inch; 700x37mm; 700x45mm |
| Material | Not available |
| Brand | Cyclone Bicycle |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Gravel Tires In 202
Tire Size
The first factor that you should consider before purchasing gravel tires is their size. Depending on the wheel sizes, you have to pick the right size of tires that fit your bike well. If you get a bigger or smaller size, this tire cannot do the best performance.
Generally, gravel tires come with a wide range of size to match varied bikes. The most popular size is 26 inches and 27.5 inches.
Along with that, if you want to upgrade your mountain bike, 29 inches tires are available.
Puncture resistance
Nobody wants to repair or even replace bike tires frequently. Thus, puncture resistance is a significant factor when considering a gravel tire.
There are many gravel tires on the market that come with excellent puncture-resistance design. For example, some manufactures release gravel tires with three thick layers that can avoid maximumly punctures and flats.
Rolling resistance
Rolling resistance will decide how fast your bike is. Many types of tires come with low-rolling-resistance technology with the aggressive tread design.
Also, the weight of tires will affect their rolling-resistant ability.
FAQs
What tires are best for gravel roads?
My picks are:
- Continental GatorSkin DuraSkin Gravel Tires
- Continental ShieldWall Gravel Tires
- Continental Grand Prix 5000 Gravel Tires
Can gravel puncture a tire?
No, it cannot. Generally, just sharp objects on the road can puncture our bike tires such as sharp tones, nails, glass. However, there are just small tones on gravel roads so if these gravels don’t have sharp objects, it cannot make your tires get flats.
How thick should a gravel parking pad be?
Personally, I think from 4-inch to 6-inch thickness is fine.
Can you change a tire on gravel?
You can but you shouldn’t do that. If you have a replacement and repair tools, you can change your tire anywhere. However, on gravel which is dirty and has many foreign objects, your tire might get dirty on the inside and for long-term use, it’s not good.
Is a gravel bike worth it?
Yes, it is. Gravel bike is versatile and it can handle all terrains. Moreover, it is more durable and strong than road bikes or commuting bikes. Thus, you can use it for most riding purposes.