I'm looking for a 32 to 36 mm tire which will be fast on the road but sturdy enough to handle "mild" gravel (aka dirt roads). These are going to be mounted onto some light carbon wheels for "spirited" road riding.
So far all I'm seeing in 2022 releases is the Continental 5000S TR (new version of the 5000 TL) that's available in 32 mm. I really wish Conti would do a TL version of their 4-Season!
I've been VERY happy with the 36 mm Strada Bianca Pro. The Getaway Pro is similar but with more tread.
If you're OK with slicks you might consider the 35 mm Conti Grand Prix Urban or Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR. BRR lists those under Tour and Road, respectively. I haven't ridden either of these but the Pirelli looks bombproof.
I have used the 35 mm Conti Urban Taraxagum. That's made of local dandelion rubber and AFAIK available only from European retailers. I'd say the SBP is faster and more comfortable.
Yah, what stu said. I find the GP5000 32mm to be an excellent tire. the OG tire was more "heavy duty" than the new ones. The OG version had thicker cords, and thicker rubber on the sides. The new ones have more "protection" on the sides, and less under the tread. Who knows.
For alternatives in larger sizes, the Gravel King Slick, semi-slick should be pretty similar. i'm gonna try the SS myself.
But yeah, that 35 mm Conti Grand Prix Urban could be close to the 4-season. Full disclosure - I rode the 4 season tubeless. It is a good riding very long lasting tire - that is about 36mm on my 22mm internal rims. Its not any faster/slower than a good gravel tire, but the GP5000 is noticeably faster (roughly 10%).
I'm riding either Compass/RH BP Extralight (38) or SOMA Supple Vitesse sturdier clones, but wondering about the Bianca Pro 36 actual width when mounted on a wide gravel rim? I need to stay under 40mm, but don't want a skinny 35 either. Thanks.
My 36 mm Strada Bianca Pro measure 38 mm wide on a 25 mm (internal) rim at 40 to 50 psi. That's with tubes but I don't think that would make much difference. If the Barlow Pass fits the SBP will fit. FWIW my SBP have been way more durable than my BP.
Stretch to 38mm? Great. I' didn't want to give up any cush compared to the BP or the more durable SOMA EX 38. I may give one a try if ever under $75 ea somewhere. Thanks.
Bike24 in Germany has the SBP tube version for 34 Euros ($39) and the HTLR version for 53 Euros ($61). Shipping to the USA is usually 20 Euros ($23) so if you're buying other stuff it's a good deal. Many European parts are around half what they cost in the USA so look around.
Just a data point... 32mm Conti 5000 TL's mounted tubeless on Roval Terra CL (25mm internal). After 400-ish miles they measure 34mm. Most important... When I'm on this wheelset the gravel bike feels as fast as my S-Works road bike.
For road and light gravel, I like the Specialized Roubaix PRO. I wanted a large road tyre rather than a small gravel tyre.The nominal width is 32mm, but on a 25mm inner width rim, they measure 34.9mm wide. I wanted something that measured 34-35 to offer a slightly wider profile than my 32mm wheels for rim strike protection. I also wanted Tubeless Compatibility. There are not many choices in this 'allroad' space. I considered the Pirelli Cintuato Velo, but the Pirelli are more heavy duty and roll a bit slower: BRR Roubaix vs CInturato Velo 35
They were available locally for AU$60, about US$42, and set up tubeless they hold air for a couple of months.
