Originally Posted by
crazyravr
I dont want to get a "real" gravel bike, not if I can get away with the Defy limitations in 35mm tire width.
So my question is, would you guys keep the stock wheelset and throw 35mm gravel (knobby) tires on it and get a second wheelset for road only? Or should I not even bother as 35mm is not enough?
it can depend on the conditions/ type of gravel etc you plan to ride on - and of course the individual (rider)
I would not recommend it - but many ride gravel on 32 mm tires (and smaller) with apparent success / little issue
if you are an ‘average’ rider riding relatively smooth or the less gnarly gravel roads - 35 mm might be fine
for me - 35 mm is a min width for gravel and similar riding ... often prefer something around 40 mm (and more) depending on the terrain
wider is generally better as the surfaces are more compromised and especially if they include larger gravel and nasty stuff (and even more so when running slick gravel tires which are basically wide road tires)
not fun riding skinny tires in thick large gravel - especially when they wheels sink down into / below the surface with rims contacting gravel
a number of good choices - just two recommendations for a 35 mm gravel tire (based on my experience) :
Panaracer GK SS (semi slick) ... the 35’s can run a tad big - so be aware ... GK SS has a relatively smooth tread (thicker and more puncture resistant than the GK slick) with rectangular side knobs
Continental Terra Speed ... the 35’s run small so they might work well for your application ...?... Terra Speeds have small knobs but are surprisingly fast on the road ...