Gravel Grinders: Choosing The Right Tires For Smooth Pavement Riding

If you're a cyclist who loves the versatility and adventure that gravel biking offers, then you know that having the right tires can make all the difference. While gravel biking is all about exploring diverse terrain, the reality is that a significant portion of your ride might still be on paved surfaces. So, what are the best gravel bike tires for pavement? Well, the ideal option should offer a smooth and efficient ride on asphalt while still providing ample grip and durability for those off-road detours. Let's dive in and explore the top choices for gravel bike tires that will deliver an exceptional performance on pavement.

Hycline MTB Bike Tires & Tubes Set, 2-Pack with Tire Levers

Get back on the trail with the Hycline 2-Pack Mountain Bike Tires! This set includes two 27.5 x 2.125-inch folding replacement tires, two inner tubes, and two tire levers for quick and easy installation. The tires are made from high-quality rubber and feature an open and aggressive tread design, providing excellent grip and performance on all types of roads and riding environments. With a PSI range of 40-65, these tires are perfect for casual MTB riders looking for a smooth and quiet ride. Upgrade your mountain bike today and enjoy the benefits of superior traction, comfort, and durability offered by the Hycline 2-Pack Mountain Bike Tires Set.

Specifications	Value
Tags
Item Diameter	27.5 Inches
Brand	Hycline
Tire Type	Clincher
Item Width	2.13 Inches
Bike Type	Mountain Bike
Material	Rubber
Tread Type	Knobby
Package Contents	2 bike tires, 2 bike tubes, 2 tire levers
Quality	Sturdy, good value for money
Features	Easy to install, good grip, wear-resistant
Performance	Suitable for various riding environments
Price	$40.79

Reasons to buy:

• The package includes two bike tires, two tubes, and two tire levers, offering good value for money.
• The tires are made from high-quality rubber and nylon cord technology, making them puncture and wear-resistant.
• The open and aggressive tread design provides excellent grip and performance on various road conditions.
• The included tire levers make installation and removal quick and easy for riders of all skill levels.
• The butyl rubber inner tubes reduce vibrations and provide a smooth ride, even on rough surfaces.
• The tires are available in different sizes to fit a range of mountain bike wheel sizes.
• The tires received positive reviews for their ease of installation, fit, quality, and performance.

Reasons to avoid:

• Some customers have experienced issues with the tubes blowing during initial inflation, indicating potential quality control issues.
• The included tire levers are reportedly flimsy and prone to breaking easily.
• The tires may not be suitable for advanced mountain bikers or those seeking high-performance tires.
• The tires may not be ideal for those who primarily ride on smooth, paved surfaces, as the aggressive tread may not provide a significant advantage in those conditions.

For whom it is recommended

I would recommend the 'Hycline MTB Bike Tires & Tubes Set, 2-Pack with Tire Levers' to anyone who owns a mountain bike and is looking for a convenient and cost-effective way to replace their bike tires and tubes. This product is ideal for casual mountain bikers who ride on a variety of terrains, including pavement, gravel, and rough terrain.

The set includes two tires, two tubes, and two tire levers, providing everything needed for a quick and easy installation. The tires are made from high-quality rubber and feature an open and aggressive tread design, offering excellent grip and performance on all kinds of roads. The tubes are made from thick and durable butyl rubber, reducing vibrations and providing a smooth ride.

According to customer reviews, this product is sturdy, good value for money, and easy to install. It is suitable for weights over 200 lbs and performs well in urban environments. However, some customers have experienced issues with the included tire levers and the tubes blowing during initial inflation, so it is recommended to have additional tools and backup tubes on hand.

Overall, this product is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable set of replacement tires and tubes for their mountain bike, offering a smooth and comfortable riding experience on various terrains.

Rugged Adventure Tire

The WTB Byway is a gravel tire designed for long days of exploration on a variety of surfaces, including pavement, hard pack, and gravel. It features a smooth centerline for efficiency on pavement and diamond-shaped outer knobs for grip in the dirt. The high-volume casing provides a comfortable ride and the tire fits most gravel frames.

Reasons to buy:

• Smooth centerline for efficiency on pavement with diamond-shaped outer knobs for grip in the dirt
• High-volume casing enables a comfortable ride
• Tubeless compatibility provides reliability at a minimal weight
• Fast-rolling and lightweight with great grip
• Smooth and quiet on pavement, but can also handle dirt and gravel
• High-volume casing allows for a comfortable and stable ride on gravel
• Good all-around gravel tire

Reasons to avoid:

• Some customers have experienced leakage through the sidewalls
• Horrific performance in wet conditions
• Unpredictable when cornering hard on loose terrain
• Narrower than the specified size
• Prone to punctures and sidewall pinholes
• Wear out quickly

For whom it is recommended

The WTB Byway Tire is a versatile and durable tire suitable for various cycling activities and surfaces, including gravel, dirt, and pavement. Based on the product description and reviews, here are the types of customers to whom I would recommend this tire:

• Gravel and Adventure Cyclists: The tire is specifically designed for gravel riding and adventure road cycling. It offers a smooth and fast-rolling centerline for efficiency on pavement, while the diamond-shaped outer knobs provide grip and traction on dirt and gravel.
• Comfort-Seeking Riders: With its high-volume casing, the tire provides a comfortable and smooth ride, absorbing small bumps and vibrations from the terrain. This makes it a good choice for long-distance rides or commutes where comfort is a priority.
• Riders Seeking Versatility: The WTB Byway Tire is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including pavement, hard-packed dirt, and gravel. This makes it a versatile option for riders who want a single tire that can handle various cycling conditions and terrains.
• Tubeless Compatibility: The tire is designed to be tubeless-compatible, offering the benefits of improved puncture resistance, lower rolling resistance, and the ability to run lower tire pressures for added comfort and traction. Cyclists who prefer a tubeless setup or are considering trying it may find this tire appealing.
• Riders with Compatible Wheel Sizes: The tire is available in different sizes, including 700C and 650B. It is important to ensure that the tire size is compatible with the rider's wheel and frame setup.

It's important to note that while the WTB Byway Tire receives mostly positive reviews, some customers have experienced issues with sidewall leaks and punctures. Therefore, it may be more suitable for riders who prioritize versatility, comfort, and traction over extreme durability or those who are confident in their ability to maintain and seal their tires properly.

WTB Riddler Gravel Bike Tire, Tubeless, Folding Bead, Fast Rolling, Dual DNA

The WTB Riddler 700 x 37 Gravel Bike Tire is designed for gravel bike adventures, offering a balance of speed, traction, and durability. With a width of 37mm, it shines on dry cyclocross courses and rough gravel paths, providing enhanced traction and a smoother ride. This tubeless-ready tire features a semi-slick center tread for reduced rolling resistance and raised knobs for cornering traction. Choose between tan or black sidewalls to match your gravel bike's style.

Reasons to buy:

• The WTB Riddler is a versatile gravel bike tire, suitable for various terrain types, including gravel paths, cyclocross courses, and dirt trails.
• It offers a balance between speed and control with its semi-slick center tread, reducing rolling resistance while the outer knobs provide traction during cornering.
• The tire is available in two casing options: 60tpi for greater protection and comfort, and 120tpi for a more supple and lightweight ride, equipped with SG2 puncture protection.
• The tubeless-ready design allows for lower tire pressures, enhancing traction and reducing flats, making it a reliable choice for gravel bikepacking and off-road adventures.
• The option to choose between tan or black sidewalls allows for customization and style preferences, with the tan option being lighter weight.

Reasons to avoid:

• Some customers have reported issues with wear, punctures, and leaks, which may be a concern for those seeking a durable, long-lasting tire.
• The fit can be tight on certain rims, making installation challenging.
• The tire may be more suitable for those seeking a balance between speed and traction, rather than specialized performance in either aspect.
• The product description does not explicitly mention that the tire is tubeless-compatible, which may cause confusion or inconvenience for those seeking a tubeless-ready option.

For whom it is recommended

I would recommend the 'WTB Riddler Gravel Bike Tire, Tubeless, Folding Bead, Fast Rolling, Dual DNA' to anyone who enjoys cycling on varied terrain, such as gravel paths, bikepacking adventures, or cyclocross courses. This tire is designed for gravel bikes and offers a balance between speed, traction, and durability.

According to customer reviews, these tires perform well on both pavement and gravel surfaces, providing good grip and rolling resistance. They are also relatively easy to mount tubeless, which can improve traction and reduce flats.

However, it's important to note that some customers have reported issues with wear, punctures, and leaks. Therefore, this tire might be more suitable for those who prioritize speed, performance, and the ability to handle varied terrain, and who are willing to accept the potential for slightly higher maintenance in terms of addressing leaks and punctures.

Additionally, the customizable look with tan or black sidewalls allows riders to match their bike's style, making it a good option for those who value aesthetics as well.

Overall, I would recommend this product to gravel bike enthusiasts who prioritize speed, traction, and the ability to handle diverse terrain, while also appreciating the option to customize their bike's appearance.

WTB All-Terrain Urban Bike Tire - Smooth, Efficient, Grippy. Ideal for Commuting & Touring

The WTB All-Terrain bike tire is a versatile and durable option for cyclists looking to conquer city streets and explore beyond. With a unique tread pattern, this tire offers a smooth and efficient ride on pavement while providing excellent traction and stability on loose terrain. Available in different sizes to fit your needs, the All-Terrain tire is ideal for commuting, touring, and urban adventures.

Reasons to buy:

• Versatile performance suitable for urban, suburban, and light trail environments.
• Smooth ride on pavement with good rolling resistance, while still offering aggressive grip on loose terrain.
• Available in two sizes (26" and 700mm diameters, 32mm or 37mm widths) to fit different bike frames and rider preferences.
• Durable and puncture-resistant construction ensures long-lasting performance.
• Positive customer feedback regarding quality, traction, performance, value for money, and durability.

Reasons to avoid:

• Some customers experienced issues with sizing and fit, especially when trying to install these tires on road bikes.
• One customer mentioned that the packaging could be improved to prevent potential shipping damage.
• Another customer noted that the price had increased significantly since their first purchase, making it less competitive with similar tires.

For whom it is recommended

I would recommend the 'WTB All-Terrain Urban Bike Tire' to cyclists who are looking for a versatile and durable tire for their urban and suburban adventures. This tire is designed to handle a wide range of terrain, from smooth pavement to rough gravel, making it ideal for commuters, tourers, and urban adventurers.

The unique tread pattern of this tire provides a smooth and efficient ride on city streets and bike lanes, while still offering excellent traction and stability on loose surfaces. The tire is available in different sizes to fit different bike frames and rider preferences, and its durable construction ensures reliable performance for many miles.

Based on the reviews, this tire seems suitable for cyclists who want a good balance between performance and value. It is described as having low rolling resistance, providing good grip and traction, and being easy to install. Cyclists who ride on a mix of residential streets, coarse packed dirt, gravel, and light trails would likely benefit from the versatility and performance of this tire.

Overall, I would recommend the 'WTB All-Terrain Urban Bike Tire' to cyclists looking for an affordable, durable, and versatile tire that can handle a range of urban and suburban terrain.

WTB Byway Gravel Bike Tire, Tubeless, 60/120tpi, Black/Tan

The WTB Byway Gravel Bike Tire is perfect for those who want to explore endless gravel roads and pavement with confidence and comfort. With a smooth centerline for efficiency on pavement and diamond-shaped outer knobs for grip in the dirt, you'll be ready to take on any terrain. The high-volume casing ensures a comfortable ride, while the dual DNA rubber provides both efficiency and traction. Plus, the tubeless-compatible system offers reliability and minimal weight. So, whether you're hitting the pavement or exploring remote gravel roads, the WTB Byway Gravel Bike Tire is a great choice.

Reasons to buy:

• Smooth centerline for efficiency on pavement with diamond-shaped outer knobs for grip in the dirt.
• High-volume casing enables a comfortable ride.
• Dual DNA rubber uses a fast and efficient compound along the centerline of the tread, with a softer compound providing increased traction at the side knobs.
• Tubeless-compatible system casing provides tubeless reliability at a minimal weight.
• Good traction, quality, and smoothness.
• Roll fast and smoothly on gravel or asphalt.

Reasons to avoid:

• Some customers have experienced leakage from the sidewalls.
• Installation is disliked by some.
• There are mixed opinions on durability and size.

For whom it is recommended

The 'WTB Byway Gravel Bike Tire, Tubeless, 60/120tpi, Black/Tan' would be a good fit for cyclists who are looking for a versatile and efficient tire for their gravel or road bike. The tire is designed with a smooth centerline for efficiency on pavement and diamond-shaped outer knobs for grip on dirt and gravel. It offers a comfortable and fast ride, making it suitable for long-distance gravel adventures or commuting on mixed terrain.

Based on the reviews, this tire seems to be a good choice for those who want a smooth and fast-rolling tire that can handle a variety of surfaces. It is described as being comfortable and offering good traction, especially when used at lower pressures. However, some customers have experienced issues with leakage from the sidewalls and difficult installation, so it may not be the best choice for those who are not comfortable with tire maintenance and troubleshooting.

Overall, this tire seems to be a good option for cyclists looking for a versatile and efficient gravel tire, but it may require some extra care and attention to get the best performance and avoid issues with air leakage.

Frequently asked questions