Hybrid Bicycles - Gravel Tires

I have a pair of road bike tires currently 700 x 32. In a couple weeks I am going to a place with some friends where the trails are 90% crushed gravel. Because of some size restrictions on a custom bike (my forks are very close) I want to stay with 700 x 32 or 34. Any ideas for this crushed gravel ?? Bye the way I purchased this bike used so I don't no why the forks. It rides like a champ though.

I have the Kendra Happy Medium in the 700x32 size. It measures 31.5mm wide on a 23mm wide rim. It's a very good all-around tire for gravel and covers pavement well, too.

If you can fit a larger tire, this is the one of the best;

Clement USH (the 700x35 runs small near 33mm wide): http://clementcycling.com/214/ush
60 and 120 tpi, firm center ridge and diamond-shaped side knobs

The Vittoria Adventure trail tire comes in a 700x32 and has flat protection. http://www.vittoria.com/en/product/city/#product-4669

Vittoria Cross XN Pro: http://www.vittoria.com/en/product/cyclocross/#product-118
150tpi, Highly-studded diamond tread

Clement LAX clincer: http://clementcycling.com/88/las-clincher
120 TPI, file tread, tan sidewall

Challenge Grifo XS 32 Open: http://www.challengetech.it/products/cyclocross/grifo-xs-open-020/en
260 TPI, file tread, tan sidewall

Small block tires for wet and loose conditions;

Kenda Happy Medium: http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/bicycle/cyclocross/happy-medium.aspx
120 TPI, Highly-studded diamond tread center section with knobby shoulder

Kenda Small Block 8: http://www.kendausa.com/en/home/bicycle/cyclocross/small-block-eight.aspx
120 TPI, small block tread

I've been very happy with my Vittoria Randonneur Cross tires in a 700Cx32 on our local, "limestone, granent, shallow sand" rail trails. With a nice elevated tread pattern, there's enough grip on off road surfaces but it still rolls nicely on paved road. http://www.bikesomewhere.com/ref=sample_one online at a good price. :) If that's not aggresive enough try http://www.vittoria.com/product/trekking/ Vittoria Randonneur Trail in a 700Cx35.

I also have the Kenda Happy Mediums (700x35) and have been very pleased with them. Many of the tow paths/rail trails here are fine gravel and these tires work great. I believe they come in (700X)32, 35, and 40.

I would definitely buy them again.

Yes, a little more tread and flat protection would be a good idea. In addition to the several excellent choices above you might consider Continental Country Plus. I've had good luck with them over packed dirt, gravel and brush. With narower tires like those you may be walking some if it is unpacked deep gravel.

Proper inflation is at least as important as tread design and I will be the first to admit to maxing it out at times. Over inflation can result in a rough ride where the bike seems to bounce uncontrollably from one small stone to another. This chart provides the front and rear tire pressure to deliver the recommended 15% drop in tire height when tire size and weight are considered. http://www.bikequarterly.com/images/TireDrop.pdf

Very knowledgeable responses. I thank you all
JB

Much of my gravel/dirt riding is done with slicks or very mildly-treaded tires. The key, as someone mentioned, is proper inflation. I can go as low as 40psi if it's not too rocky (and I weigh 195#).

Here are some reviews that I posted on my blog. These are larger than what you need, but they come in narrower widths.

http://www.gravelbike.com/?p=839 (Clement X'Plor MSO)
http://www.gravelbike.com/?p=253 (Kenda Happy Medium)