Gravel tire rolling resistance tested

[JoninSweden]

Here the only roads with the tarmac showing are the bigger roads, that you don't want to use (due to safety reasons) while training in winter. I do all my outdoor rides on smaller roads that are mostly covered with snow in some form: ice, packed snow, mushy fresh snow or any combination of those. I use the 2.25 Ice Spiker tyres with 400 spikes and you can really feel the difference in weight and rolling resistance.

I did a couple of rides on studded tyres just before the winter really started. On tarmac and with high enough pressures the tyres roll much better, but they are still heavy.

The bit of Sweden we're in is so quiet that even the big roads don't have much traffic.

The issue we've had in the last week or two is that the initial snow part melted and refroze, with fresh snow on top. It's absolutely awful to ride on, even with studs.

We've had 20cm of fresh snow overnight, so riding today is going to be entertaining!

[pancycle]

If I am looking for a good all road tire(65-70% road the rest gravel) in a size larger than 700x45mm, which would be better as a front tire, G-One RS, Pathfinder Pro, Tereno Zero(or Dry since that rolls better?) or something else? I plan to run a 47mm slick out back.

[pancycle]

If I am looking for a good all road tire(65-70% road the rest gravel) in a size larger than 700x45mm, which would be better as a front tire, G-One RS, G-One All-Round(or if i can find it the 2.25 super fast version), Pathfinder Pro, Tereno Zero(or Dry since that rolls better?), Terra Hardpack/Speed King. or something else? I plan to run a 47mm slick out back.

[Agent041]

If I am looking for a good all road tire(65-70% road the rest gravel) in a size larger than 700x45mm, which would be better as a front tire, G-One RS, Pathfinder Pro, Tereno Zero(or Dry since that rolls better?) or something else? I plan to run a 47mm slick out back.

Tufo Thundero HD would be my pick. I run 44c, but they make it also in 48c. Is probably hard to find in nternet stores, but if you buy from Tufo direct, you should get it with no problems.
https://www.bicyclerollingresistance.co ... hundero-hd

[pancycle]

Knobby than what I'm looking for in front tire. This would be for bad road and light gravel wheelset. semi-slick-ish front and slick rear(RH Hatcher Pass).

[pancycle]

double post plz delete.

[Agent041]

Knobby than what I'm looking for in front tire. This would be for bad road and light gravel wheelset. semi-slick-ish front and slick rear(RH Hatcher Pass).

I use my gravel bike also as winter road bike (with Tufo Thundero HD). I would not change it for slick tyres. It is as fast or even faster than most slick tyres. Or the diferance is marginal. When comparing it to Tufo Speedero (more slick tyre), the rolling resistance differance is marginal But you get that extra grip when off-road. My mayor plus is that with this patterns, you do not get that much spray from wet roads, as you would get with slick tyres.

[ryanw]

I've been very surprised at the CRR of the standard Thundero (48mm). Doesn't really compute at how well it rolls when you consider its design / purpose. I also love how all the Tufo (standard, haven't tested HD), ride like they're a core spun casing. They are beautifully supple, hence why I'm now stocking them. Very similar to a RH EL but with added grip and protection, albeit a fair bit heavier.

[Marin]

I also love how all the Tufo (standard, haven't tested HD),

Really? I have the Speederos, and while they're extremly fast and also surprisingly grippy offroad, I find their ride quality jarring to the extent that I took them off.

This is compared to RH EL Bon Jovies, Soma Cazaderos, Schwalbe Thunder Burts and Hutchinson Caracal Race I have on some other bikes.

[ryanw]

We could enter a life long debate on tyre pressures, but on my 4.5 (25ID) running the 48c Thunderos at 25/27 PSI, they're beautifully supple and have never felt slow or draggy on the tarmac.

I've used pretty much every RH tyre in standard and EL casings, Schwalbe, Conti, Pirelli, and a few others. Rating the Tufo at the top along with RH EL Snoqualmie Pass.

[chrisgloome]

Tried on Caracal(not race version)on my gravel bike.

Few mentions from 3 weeks of ownership:
+ Installation with floor or digital pump. So easy
+ Fast tyre on hardpack. Better than Terreno Dry 38/47 and Override 40/45, more or less the same as G-one RS in 45
+ Better corner grip than any other slicks i rode before. Override was shit in all sizes, that one is great without going down with pressure
+ Running around 25-28 PSI on the 25 IW, so comfy and no flats

- No 45/50 sizes
- Full black tyres always out of stock
- Not the best choice for my style of riding (exploring local trails, sometimes going to easy mtb trails, rocks and stones)

In general, it's a great and fast racing tyre if you racing hilly races like the one in Finland, Baltic countries or riding Strade GF or BWR SD.

[pancycle]

Hmm, the Hutchinson Caracal looks like a good option for what I'm looking for on my road leaning setup. The lack of a larger size takes it out of consideration for me. Though I do wonder what the ride & durability is like.

[kervelo]

Tried on Caracal(not race version)on my gravel bike.

Few mentions from 3 weeks of ownership:
+ Installation with floor or digital pump. So easy
+ Fast tyre on hardpack. Better than Terreno Dry 38/47 and Override 40/45, more or less the same as G-one RS in 45
+ Better corner grip than any other slicks i rode before. Override was shit in all sizes, that one is great without going down with pressure
+ Running around 25-28 PSI on the 25 IW, so comfy and no flats

- No 45/50 sizes
- Full black tyres always out of stock
- Not the best choice for my style of riding (exploring local trails, sometimes going to easy mtb trails, rocks and stones)

In general, it's a great and fast racing tyre if you racing hilly races like the one in Finland, Baltic countries or riding Strade GF or BWR SD.

Fully agree. These tyres are also a bit cheaper than many tyres, so the value for money is very good. The availability of Caracal tyres has improved too.

[Marin]

Hmm, the Hutchinson Caracal looks like a good option for what I'm looking for on my road leaning setup. The lack of a larger size takes it out of consideration for me. Though I do wonder what the ride & durability is like.

Ride quality is superb, up there with the best from Panaracer (i.e. Herse). Can't comment on durability - I have too many wheelsets and almost never puncture.

[chrisgloome]

Tried on Caracal(not race version)on my gravel bike.

Few mentions from 3 weeks of ownership:
+ Installation with floor or digital pump. So easy
+ Fast tyre on hardpack. Better than Terreno Dry 38/47 and Override 40/45, more or less the same as G-one RS in 45
+ Better corner grip than any other slicks i rode before. Override was shit in all sizes, that one is great without going down with pressure
+ Running around 25-28 PSI on the 25 IW, so comfy and no flats

- No 45/50 sizes
- Full black tyres always out of stock
- Not the best choice for my style of riding (exploring local trails, sometimes going to easy mtb trails, rocks and stones)

In general, it's a great and fast racing tyre if you racing hilly races like the one in Finland, Baltic countries or riding Strade GF or BWR SD.

Fully agree. These tyres are also a bit cheaper than many tyres, so the value for money is very good. The availability of Caracal tyres has improved too.

I'm not supported by them, but my LBS got a big stock of Hutchinson tyres in all models, so i tried all of them, around 9-10 pairs, during the last 2 years. I punctured once on the Touareg 45c tyre and it was a huge and sharp piece of glass, i plugged it and it was ridable for month after. So my expirience with Hutchinson is pretty positive, regarding the durability