Originally Posted by
chancelucky
only rule is that things should stay interesting and in the spirit of being helpful or at least fun.
Originally Posted by
Hugh Morris
where is the sweet spot for gravel tires that inevitably see some pavement too?
On the touring bike, I've settled on 47c (which is about the maximum I can comfortably fit in the frame). Those tires can handle
most "roads", float on loose gravel and dirt, and are generally quite comfortable on rough surfaces. The bike (and tires) are noticeably heavy and slow -- but that is touring (even on a local "day-trip").
On the "road bike" (with cyclocross race geometry), I prefer 32c. Some of the comfort of wider tires, but still plenty quick for most fast group rides (those that aren't out for blood, at the least). I don't mind hitting the local gravel routes on the 32's, but I'd imagine they have some real limitations in some places with rowdier trails, and especially, mud.