44c or 40c tires for upcoming gravel race
08-06-21, 05:51 AM
#1
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44c or 40c tires for upcoming gravel race
Hi everyone, I'll be partaking in a gravel race in Colorado and I wanted to ask about tire size. I am currently riding on 700x44c tires and have been thinking of going to a 40c for more speed. Many people have been saying that their recommended tire size for this race is 38c. However, Im not sure if I want to go that small. I have ridden all tire sizes before but never raced. The race is SBT gravel and I'm not sure if I should fork out the money for a brand new set of rubber or not.
08-06-21, 05:54 AM
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First, note that we have a subforum for cyclocross and gravel riding. You would get better responses there, perhaps.
Second, depending on the specific tires, 44 mm may be just as fast as 40 mm. It will certainly be slightly plusher and offer slightly better traction. I would stick with what I’ve got if I were you.
Sorry to break it to you, but if this is your first gravel race, you are probably not going to win. Go out, ride hard, have fun, and your equipment choices will evolve.
Second, depending on the specific tires, 44 mm may be just as fast as 40 mm. It will certainly be slightly plusher and offer slightly better traction. I would stick with what I’ve got if I were you.
Sorry to break it to you, but if this is your first gravel race, you are probably not going to win. Go out, ride hard, have fun, and your equipment choices will evolve.
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08-06-21, 06:06 AM
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I agree with the suggestion to check the gravel and cyclocross sections.
From what I've learned from my friends who race gravel a lot - it depends. The guys I know who are really into gravel racing probably have a dozen sets of tires they swap out depending on the conditions.
From what I've learned from my friends who race gravel a lot - it depends. The guys I know who are really into gravel racing probably have a dozen sets of tires they swap out depending on the conditions.
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08-06-21, 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by topflightpro
I agree with the suggestion to check the gravel and cyclocross sections.
From what I've learned from my friends who race gravel a lot - it depends. The guys I know who are really into gravel racing probably have a dozen sets of tires they swap out depending on the conditions.
From what I've learned from my friends who race gravel a lot - it depends. The guys I know who are really into gravel racing probably have a dozen sets of tires they swap out depending on the conditions.
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08-06-21, 12:25 PM
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I'm riding on 700x38c tires - Specialized Pathfinder Pro.
They are pretty fast on the road and trail. Not as plush feeling as the 40c Maxxis Ramblers that came with my bike, but good grip even on loose, semi technical trails.
I would recommend them as a fast, durable gravel tire.
They are pretty fast on the road and trail. Not as plush feeling as the 40c Maxxis Ramblers that came with my bike, but good grip even on loose, semi technical trails.
I would recommend them as a fast, durable gravel tire.
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08-06-21, 12:28 PM
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That looks like an interesting event. Be great if you would post an after ride report in the Cyclo/Gravel section.
08-06-21, 12:48 PM
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I'll be running 38 knubbies at Steamboat, instead of my usual 32 slicks. The race website recommends either knubbies or slicks in 35.
08-06-21, 01:14 PM
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Thread moved from General to Gravelbiking
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08-06-21, 01:59 PM
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I find it difficult to judge the terrain from an elevation map, but I think you'll make up more time descending on big tires than you will save by climbing on smaller tires. That's given equivalent tires in each size.
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08-06-21, 02:16 PM
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I don't think a "what tire is the right width" question can really be answered without knowing if you intend on running tubeless or tubes. Especially when it comes to gravel riding. I refuse to go tubeless and am sometimes forced to ride my MTB because of 700x 35-38 pinch flats.
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08-06-21, 02:52 PM
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In general if there is pavement involved, I would go 38-40 tire width - - - - if no pavement on the course 40+ tire width.
08-07-21, 01:51 PM
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Depends on the tire construction. I'd rather ride a fast and light 44mm than a thick and heavy 40mm -- for anything!
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08-08-21, 04:14 PM
#13
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If it were my first race, I would want to have as much confidence as possible in my tyre choice and know their limits. Therefore, if you have been using the 44c the most, I’d stick with them.
if you picked a new tyre, I’d want to get some serious “testing” in various conditions before pushing them as hard as I can in a race environment.
in all fairness though, I’ve never been in a bike race myself either, so I’m basing this opinion on my experiences in other sports I have been involved in.
if you picked a new tyre, I’d want to get some serious “testing” in various conditions before pushing them as hard as I can in a race environment.
in all fairness though, I’ve never been in a bike race myself either, so I’m basing this opinion on my experiences in other sports I have been involved in.
08-08-21, 07:34 PM
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As mentioned- depends on the tires you are considering. I would want a medium-fast rolling 44mm instead of a slow rolling 40mm.
08-12-21, 10:12 AM
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44 definately (unless there is a lot of pavement). Heck, I have some light weigh 50mm gravel tires that feel like cheater tires compared to 40mm. Really, no downside to them unless I'm spending a lot of time over 20mph-paved.
08-12-21, 04:43 PM
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I am not sure the distance you are riding in this race.
But looking at the elevation I can see why 38 is the tire choice. Weight!
So if you shed a lot of weight dropping from a 44 to a 40, go for it. Otherwise just ride your 44's
But looking at the elevation I can see why 38 is the tire choice. Weight!
So if you shed a lot of weight dropping from a 44 to a 40, go for it. Otherwise just ride your 44's
08-16-21, 11:41 AM
#17
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I did the 104 mile/blue route yesterday with 40mm Ramblers. I would not have wanted to be on a narrower tire. We still hit 42mph downhill and did 24mph in a pace line on pavement, but the few miles of single track and the last gravel section would have been tough on narrower tires, and there were plenty of 35 mph downhill gravel sections that a narrower tire would have been sketchy. But, I didn't win, so what do know. I averaged about 14.5mph and the pros averaged like 22. Unreal.
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