Any recommendations for a solid, but not too pricey 28c tire for a race that is mostly dirt and gravel, some pavement?
For a “road bike tire” I’d go Conti Gatorskins at moderate pressure.
For a knobbier alternative check out the Kenda Happy Medium:
http://www.gravelbike.com/?p=253
or kenda small block 8 is a good fast rolling tire (i run mine at 85+ psi no problems) but forget about it going on a road bike
x2 for gatorskins they’re unstoppable
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I like the 30 Gatorskin or the 28 Schwalbe Marathon Supreme as long as there is not too much loose gravel. If there are lots of sections with fresh gravel, I like the mentioned Kenda Happy Mediums or Small Block 8s.
I’d rather err on the side of comfortable and grippy than fast and slippery, so the Happy Mediums look great to me, but do you know about how well (or not) they fit on a road bike? They look a bit bulky.
Not 28s, so maybe this isn’t of any help, but… I have had very good luck on the gravel using the wire bead Kenda Kwick. They’re relatively low profile for a cx tire, roll pretty well on the pavement and gravel. And, they’re cheap and durable as hell. After 1000+ miles on the mountain gravel here in CO, I’ve had only one flat and there’s plenty of life left in them.
I think they are 30s if I recall correctly. Depending on how coarse the gravel is, I haven’t had much luck using road tires, even the ones designed for heavy touring. I have tried some of the Conti tires, but when the gravel gets large, I always seem to get pinch flats.
Nevermind on my earlier question about the Kenda Happy Mediums. It looks like they are 32c or larger. I’m limited to 28c max.
conti 4-seasons in a 25 up front and 28 out back do me fine on gravel/dirt roads and rail trails.
I’m currently running Gatorskins on my Frankenbike which is limited to 25f/28r max clearance.
The other hybrid-ish tire I’ve used that I liked are the Bontrager Hardcase which has some small knobs on the shoulders but rolls pretty smooth in the center on flat pavement. They really do have a hard-feeling ride quality (I think it’s the heavy puncture-resistant casing/belt) which would suck if you’re on pavement a majority of the time, but they’re super tough on unpaved roads and seem to have just the right amount of traction without being too bulky.
All dirt roads are not created equal. Is it wet, sandy, rocky, hard packed etc? The wetter the better until it turns to quicksand. I usually do not run more than a 25 on gravel in either Conti 4000s or Gatorskins. If it is more rocky, the sidewalls on the gatorskins are a plus.
However, a wider tires helps on descents. If you have some sharp climbs/descents than look at the gator skin in a 28 or a rivendell rolly poly in a 28. It is a good tire.
All dirt roads are not created equal. Is it wet, sandy, rocky, hard packed etc? The wetter the better until it turns to quicksand. I usually do not run more than a 25 on gravel in either Conti 4000s or Gatorskins. If it is more rocky, the sidewalls on the gatorskins are a plus.
However, a wider tires helps on descents. If you have some sharp climbs/descents than look at the gator skin in a 28 or a rivendell rolly poly in a 28. It is a good tire.
Thanks. This was helpful. From what I understand (never having seen or ridden D2R2), it stays relatively dry and is mostly hard packed. Climbs can be pretty steep – one kicks up to >20% – but I don’t think any of the descents are quite that abrupt although they can be sketchy). Sounds like I should check out the roly poly?
All dirt roads are not created equal. Is it wet, sandy, rocky, hard packed etc? The wetter the better until it turns to quicksand. I usually do not run more than a 25 on gravel in either Conti 4000s or Gatorskins. If it is more rocky, the sidewalls on the gatorskins are a plus.
However, a wider tires helps on descents. If you have some sharp climbs/descents than look at the gator skin in a 28 or a rivendell rolly poly in a 28. It is a good tire.
Thanks. This was helpful. From what I understand (never having seen or ridden D2R2), it stays relatively dry and is mostly hard packed. Climbs can be pretty steep – one kicks up to >20% – but I don’t think any of the descents are quite that abrupt although they can be sketchy). Sounds like I should check out the roly poly?
You should have just said D2R2. It also depends on which distance you are doing and how you’re handling skills are on dirt. Roly Poly is a good tire. If you really want to enjoy the descents, I’d go with the widest tire you can fit on the bike. I know guys who will ride D2R2 in 25 and others who’ll ride mountain bikes with slicks just to bomb the descents. But they’re sickos.
My friends and I ride the area frequently. Because of the rains, the dirt roads feel compact, fast and are in good shape. I’ll be travelling overseas so am not riding it, but a large number of my buddies are. It is a great ride and great area.
Kenda kwick is about all you’ll find in road bike size. Knobs will give you better grip, especially climbing. No question a gravel race can be done on slicks - you just won’t have as much grip.
I’m riding D2R2 also, and plan to use a set of clement PDXs set up tubeless. I use these a lot for dirt riding and light trails in my area. Do you think these will be overkill. I’ve also got a set of vittoria randoneer hyper - 32s that I could use?
Rivendell Ruffy Tuffy. no question.
http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/t104.htm
Ride 'em at about 80 psi and enjoy the smooth ride. I rode 600 miles this spring with a guy who had these on a pair of 303FC clinchers. awesome set up.