How to choose the best gravel tires for your bike?

What are gravel tires?

Gravel riding has taken off in North America, particularly in rural areas where many unpaved roads are covered with gravel, hence the name of the sport. Gravel tires have been developed to provide increased grip and resistance on these surfaces, while maintaining high rolling efficiency to keep speed on asphalt surfaces. They represent a major innovation in the cycling industry as they allow riders to venture off the beaten track with greater confidence, comfort and speed.

What kind of gravel cyclist are you?

When selecting the best gravel tires for your needs, the most important question is: What type of terrain do you ride on the most? Identifying the surfaces you'll encounter will help determine the best Michelin tires for your needs.

You mainly ride off-road

If you come from a mountain bike background and don't do a lot of road riding, it's likely that you'll choose a gravel bike to experience more fun and speed on light gravel paths than with a mountain bike. In this case, your DNA is clearly off-road. You enjoy the feel of the terrain under your wheels and aren't afraid of the challenges nature can throw at you. The best gravel tire for you would be the Michelin Power Gravel tire. It is designed to offer excellent grip and optimum resistance on unpaved surfaces, allowing you to enjoy your off-road rides to the full.

You mainly ride on the road

On the other hand, if you are more of a road cyclist who has done little or no off-roading, but occasionally wants to get off the main roads to explore paths and trails, then your DNA is more road oriented. In this case, the Michelin Power Adventure tire would be more suited to your needs. It allows for short escapades off well-maintained roads and it is perfect for those who want a bit of adventure without sacrificing comfort and speed on the road.

You are a "bike-packing" enthusiast

If you plan to go on multi-day trips with your gravel bike and need to carry gear without sacrificing comfort and durability, we recommend:

The Michelin Power Adventure tire or The Michelin Power Gravel tire (for more rugged terrain)

For bikepacking, we recommend wider tires (40mm+), as they handle heavier loads better and reduce the need for high tire pressures, improving comfort and stability.

You are an "all-road" rider

Finally, if your riding profile is more of an "all-road" rider, i.e. somewhere between pure road and pure gravel, and you plan to fit large tires, ranging from 30-40mm, then the Michelin Power Adventure tire would also be the best choice. The DNA of these bikes is to be ridden fast all year long, whatever the conditions, with the assumption that you will encounter bad roads. The Michelin Power Adventure tire, although less specifically designed for gravel, is perfect for this purpose. It offers a good compromise between grip and rolling efficiency, allowing you to ride comfortably and fast on a variety of surfaces.

What type of bike do you ride?

Understanding tire compatibility is crucial when selecting gravel tires. While you can often switch from 50mm to 30mm tires (if your rims allow), the reverse isn't always possible due to clearance limitations.

Check your bike’s maximum tire width by referring to:

-Your bike’s manual

-Your frame specifications

-Your wheel and rim compatibility

When in doubt, visit a local bike shop for expert advice.

Once you are aware of this constraint, you can choose according to your use. If you mainly plan to ride on sporty roads, for instance during training sessions, it is better to choose a Michelin Power Adventure tire with a smaller section (30mm), similar to road tires and suitable for this use.

If you are looking for more versatility for your gravel bike, with 80% road use and 20% off-road use to have fun without too much risk of punctures, it is advisable to opt for tires with larger sections, around 40mm, which will allow you to ride with lower pressures.

The advantage of having tubeless ready tires is that you can ride more safely with lower pressures without the risk of puncturing.

The closer you get to mountain biking, the more you should opt for wider sections. For example, Michelin Power Gravel tires can be up to 47mm wide, while Michelin Power Adventure tires can be up to 48mm wide.

By lowering your pressures, you will be able to regain good grip and better adaptability of the tire to the off-road terrain you are going to cover. This combination of wider sections and lower pressures is ideal for off-roading.

How can I find out about the compatibility of the gravel tires section?

To find out the cross-sectional dimension of the tires for your bike, you can refer to the ETRTO standard which indicates the appropriate dimensions. This information is usually printed on the sidewall of the tire.

For example, the notation "40-622" indicates a 40mm section (width of the tire) and a 622mm diameter wheel.

For maximum cross-sections and wheel spacings, it is recommended that you consult your bike's manual, especially for original wheels. However, if you plan to change your wheel in order to benefit from larger cross-sections, it is essential to stay within the specified tolerance limits for your bike.

If you have any doubts or questions, it is best to visit a specialized dealer with your bike and ask for advice. An expert will be able to help you choose the right gravel tires and inform you about the specific compatibilities of your bike, so that you can enjoy a safe and pleasant riding experience.