Gravel riders know the thrill of venturing off tarmac into the unknown. But there's one piece of kit that can make or break that adventure—your tyres. Choose the wrong type and you'll slip, slide, sink or struggle. Choose the right one, and every ride feels confident and smooth, whether you're skimming across gravel or grinding up rocky trails in the wet. As gravel riding evolves, the stakes are higher, but so are the options. This gravel tyres buying guide dives into the latest tyre tech and the best gravel bike tyres on the market.
Why Gravel Tyres Matter More Than You Think
It's early morning. The air is cool, and the trail is damp and slick from overnight rain. You roll out on your gravel bike on a light gravel path that quickly shifts to gnarly rocks and loose sand. Your tyres—chosen hastily and based on guesswork—start spinning and slipping. Suddenly, that beautiful route feels like a wrestling match and a danger zone. We've all been there. Tyre choice isn't just about specs. It's about ride feel, control, and safety. The wrong tread or width means less cornering grip, reduced puncture resistance and slower speeds.
Gravel tyres are the way to performance. They affect rolling resistance, comfort, and your ability to tackle variable terrain.
Gravel Riding in 2025: What's Changed?
Gravel is no longer niche. In 2025, it encompasses gravel racing, bikepacking epics, and even daily commutes. Riders are pushing boundaries—from ultra-endurance events like Unbound Gravel and SBT GRVL to the Transcontinental Race (TCR) traversing Europe. This boom has fuelled a wave of tyre innovation.
Tyres are now lighter and made of better casing materials, but still bullet-proof. Tubeless gravel tyres have become standard, offering lower tyre pressures and improved grip on rough terrain. New rubber compounds are optimised for everything from slick tread for hard-packed dirt roads to more aggressive tread for rocky or muddy conditions. Tread pattern variety has exploded, with widely spaced tread options for wet and loose gravel and semi-slick tyres for dry, fast trails.
Terrain dictates everything. The all-rounder is dying out. Instead, riders choose specific tyres for specific terrain: light gravel, sharp rocks, wet conditions, or aggressive trails. Knowing your riding terrain and style is now essential to tyre choice.
Alexander Haenke, MTB and Gravel Product Manager at Continental Tires, notes:
"Terra Adventure is the most off-road capable of our gravel tires and offers new possibilities for riders who want to adventure further into the unknown and push their riding to the maximum."
How to Choose the Right Gravel Tyres
Four factors determine the best gravel tyres: tyre width, tread pattern, casing construction, and pressure control.
Wider tyres (40mm to 50mm) provide better stability and comfort over rough terrain, while narrower tyres (35mm to 38mm) are faster on hard-packed surfaces. The tread pattern is your grip blueprint. A tread allowing more traction with larger shoulder knobs bites into mud and loose surfaces, while slick centre treads reduce rolling resistance on smoother rides.
Casing technology impacts puncture protection and ride quality. Supple tyres with durable sidewalls balance comfort and toughness. Tubeless-ready tyres are the go-to for most gravel riders today. They allow lower pressures, better cornering grip and fewer flats—especially if you add tubeless sealant for extra protection against rocky terrain.
Best Gravel Tyres in 2025: Our Top Picks by Category
After treading a path of much research, here are my top picks:
The best overall gravel tyre is the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M. It strikes the perfect balance between rolling speed and traction, with a tread that handles gravel, loose or wet conditions, with ample grip and decent puncture protection. It's versatile enough for most riding styles.
The Continental Terra Adventure stands out for managing rough terrain and durability. Featuring a tread inspired by mountain bike tyres and Continental's Black Chilli compound, it's designed to conquer the most challenging off-road routes with excellent grip and sidewall support.
The fastest gravel tyre for racing? The Specialized Pathfinder Pro. With a slick centre tread and slightly bigger shoulder knobs, it offers very low rolling resistance and dependable cornering. In 2025, the updated Pathfinder Pro TLR version is lighter and includes additional puncture protection.
When it comes to wet-weather performance, the WTB Resolute earns its spot. Thanks to its more widely spaced tread design, this mud tyre sheds water and debris quickly, making it ideal for wet and muddy conditions with its aggressive shoulder knobs.
If you're starting and want a budget-friendly option, the Hutchinson Touareg is a solid choice. It features a fast-rolling centre line, sturdy construction and tubeless compatibility. It's well-suited for gravel and mixed terrain without sacrificing durability.
Maintenance Tips to Maximise Tyre Lifespan
Your tyres will take a beating. Good maintenance helps them last longer and perform better. Always clean your tyres after dusty or muddy rides. Store your bike in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, which eventually degrades the rubber.
For tubeless setups, check your sealant every couple of months. It can dry out or become less effective. Look for visible cuts or embedded debris. A small puncture can often be repaired with a tubeless plug kit mid-ride, or with a rubber patch if the sidewall is damaged.
Signs you need new tyres include worn tread, visible casing, frequent flats, or loss of grip on corners. Don't wait for a catastrophic failure—tyres are a wise investment in both performance and safety.
Expert Tips: Gravel Tyre Setups by Riding Style
Different riders need different setups. For long-distance adventure riders, go for wider tyres (45 mm+), with good puncture protection and a tread that sheds mud. Lower pressures improve comfort over long hours with some extra shock absorption.
Gravel racers often use 38-42mm tyres with slick or semi-slick tread for speed and control. They aim for the fastest gravel tyre with minimal rolling resistance.
Commuters and fitness riders might prioritise durability, puncture resistance, and a balance between comfort and rolling efficiency—tubeless tyres with a robust casing work best.
Ride Smoother, Faster, Smarter
Your gravel bike tyre choice is more than a gear decision—it's a commitment to your riding goals. Whether you're chasing podiums, participating in your next gravel grinder, getting lost on backroads, or just pedalling into the wind for the joy of it, the right tyres will carry you further, faster, and with more control.
Think about your terrain, your goals, and how you train. From aggressive tread patterns to slick centrelines, from tubeless gravel tyres to durable casings that can handle any rocks, there's never been a better time to upgrade.
Ride smarter, further, and trust your tyres to take you there.
