Gravel tires on road bike: A genius move or a misguided choice?
Cyclists are always looking for ways to improve their rides, whether through better gear or creative upgrades. One trend that’s generating buzz is putting gravel tires on a road bike. Is this a stroke of genius that gives you more versatility, or a misguided attempt that could compromise performance? In this article, we'll dive into what makes gravel tires special, why you might want to install them on a road bike, the pros and cons, and whether this modification is worth it.
What makes gravel bike tires stand out from road bike tires?
Gravel bike tires are designed for a mix of terrains, offering features that set them apart from traditional road bike tires. These features are what make them tempting to use on a road bike, but they come with their own considerations.
1. Tread patterns: Understanding their unique design
Gravel tires have more aggressive tread patterns compared to road tires, which are typically slick or lightly textured. The deeper tread helps grip loose surfaces like dirt, gravel, and even mud, giving you better control in off-road conditions. Depending on the brand and model, gravel tires can have semi-slick treads for versatility or fully knobby treads for more extreme off-road riding. If you're interested in exploring more about tire choices, check out our article on Everything About Tire Sizes.
2. Wider tire width: The comfort factor
One of the standout features of gravel tires is their width. Gravel tires generally range between 35mm and 50mm, significantly wider than the 23mm to 28mm widths most road bikes use. This extra width provides better stability and more comfort, especially on uneven surfaces or rough roads.
3. Higher volume, lower pressure: How it affects performance
Another key difference is the tire volume. Gravel tires have a higher volume, meaning they can be run at lower pressures than road tires. This lower pressure helps cushion bumps and vibrations from uneven surfaces, making for a smoother ride. Additionally, the lower pressure can improve grip on rough terrain, offering more control when you’re off the beaten path.
Why would you consider installing gravel tires on your road bike?
You might be asking, why would anyone want to put gravel tires on a road bike? There are actually some compelling reasons for doing so, especially if you’re looking to mix up your riding experience without buying a whole new bike.
1. Versatility on different terrains: Expanding your riding experience
If you're the kind of rider who enjoys hitting both the road and the occasional gravel path, then gravel tires on your road bike can give you the best of both worlds. Road tires are built for smooth pavement, but gravel tires will let you venture onto dirt roads, forest trails, and even light gravel paths without worrying about your tires slipping or not holding up. For more on choosing the right bike for different terrains, see our comparison of Cyclocross vs Gravel Bike: What’s Different?.
2. Increased comfort: The joy of a smoother ride
Wider tires and lower pressure mean a more comfortable ride, especially on less-than-perfect roads. If you frequently ride on cracked asphalt, cobblestone streets, or poorly maintained roads, switching to gravel tires on your road bike can absorb some of the bumps and vibrations, making for a much smoother and more enjoyable ride. If you’re considering long rides, check out our guide on How to Start Bikepacking for tips on making your journey more comfortable.
Compatibility: Essential considerations before switching to gravel tires
Before you get too excited about putting gravel tires on your road bike, it's important to check for compatibility. Not every road bike is designed to handle the wider tires and specific needs of gravel tires.
1. Frame clearance: The key factor
The most critical factor when putting gravel tires on a road bike is frame clearance. Most road bikes are designed for narrow tires, usually up to 28mm. Gravel tires, especially those 35mm or wider, may not fit into your road bike's frame without rubbing against the frame or fork. You’ll need to check the maximum tire clearance for your specific bike model to see if it can accommodate gravel tires.
2. Wheel compatibility: Ensuring a secure fit
Another thing to consider is whether your wheels can support the wider profile of gravel tires. Road bike rims are generally narrower than gravel bike rims, so you'll want to check if your wheels can handle the increased tire width. Some cyclists opt to switch to wider rims to ensure a better fit when adding gravel tires to their road bike.
3. Brake clearance: Understanding your braking system
Brakes, especially if you're using rim brakes, might also limit your ability to install gravel tires on a road bike. Rim brakes are often designed for narrower tires, while disc brakes offer more clearance and are better suited for handling wider tires. If your road bike has rim brakes, you might need to check whether they can accommodate wider tires or consider switching to disc brakes.
The pros and cons of using gravel tires on a road bike
While putting gravel tires on a road bike has its benefits, there are also some downsides to consider. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons so you can decide whether this is the right move for your bike.
1. Pros
Versatility across surfaces: One bike, multiple adventures
The primary advantage of putting gravel tires on a road bike is versatility. You’ll be able to take your road bike on a wider range of surfaces without worrying about whether your tires can handle it. Gravel tires give you the flexibility to ride on pavement, dirt roads, light trails, and more, all on the same bike.
Improved comfort: Enjoying every ride
The wider tire width and lower pressure make for a much smoother ride, especially on rough surfaces. You’ll feel fewer bumps, which can be especially helpful on long rides or uneven terrain. If comfort is a key factor for you, consider our reviews of the Cannondale Topstone Carbon and Canyon Grizl for inspiration.
Better traction: Riding with confidence
Gravel tires provide better traction than road tires, particularly on loose or uneven surfaces. This makes them a good option if you often ride on wet roads or rough terrain where road tires might struggle to maintain grip.
2. Cons
Increased rolling resistance: A trade-off to consider
One of the biggest downsides to putting gravel tires on a road bike is the increased rolling resistance. Gravel tires are designed to grip rough terrain, which means they don’t roll as smoothly or as quickly as road tires on pavement. This can make it harder to maintain speed, requiring more effort on your part, especially on long or fast rides. If you're looking for ways to optimize your bike setup, check out our article on 1x or 2x Circuit for Gravel Bikes for insights.
Heavier weight: Impact on performance
Gravel tires are generally heavier than road tires, which can add extra weight to your bike. While this might not be a huge issue for casual riders, cyclists who prioritize speed and performance will definitely notice the difference, especially on climbs or during long rides.
Reduced aerodynamics: Slowing you down
Because gravel tires are wider and often have a more aggressive tread pattern, they tend to be less aerodynamic than road tires. This can create more wind resistance, slowing you down when riding on smooth roads, which is something to keep in mind if speed is a priority for you.
What to be careful with when installing gravel tires on a road bike
While putting gravel tires on a road bike can be a great way to add versatility, there are some precautions you should take to make sure everything goes smoothly.
1. Frame clearance: Double-check before you buy
Double-check that your bike’s frame can handle the wider tires. Installing tires that are too wide for your frame can lead to rubbing, damage, and even unsafe riding conditions.
2. Adjust tire pressure: Optimize for comfort and safety
Gravel tires are often run at lower pressures than road tires, so make sure you adjust accordingly. Running too high of a pressure can reduce comfort and grip, while too low a pressure can cause pinch flats or slow you down on paved surfaces.
3. Brake alignment: Ensure proper functionality
If you’re running rim brakes, make sure they are properly aligned with the wider tires. Misaligned brakes can reduce stopping power or even cause damage to your rims or tires. Disc brakes usually offer more room for wider tires, but it’s still a good idea to check that everything is working smoothly.
Conclusion: Is it better to have both bike types for diverse riding?
When it comes to putting gravel tires on a road bike, the answer isn’t black and white. It all depends on what you’re looking for in your rides. If you want a versatile option that lets you tackle both roads and light off-road trails, adding gravel tires to your road bike can be a smart, cost-effective solution. You’ll gain comfort, traction, and the ability to ride on more diverse terrains.
However, if you prioritize speed, aerodynamics, and efficiency on the road, gravel tires might slow you down and not offer the performance you're used to. In that case, it may be worth considering having both a dedicated road bike and a gravel bike in your cycling arsenal to ensure you have the right tool for every adventure.