So, instead of buying a "Gravel" bike, I wondered can I get some more confidence inducing tyres to ride my defy around on "gravel". By this i mean paths made of those tiny stones such as canal tow paths.
Its currently running on Lithion 25's without much more clearance and would remain mainly used on road so... Is there a 25mm I can use?
I don't think it'd make a lot of difference tbh. The main thing is the size of gravel tyres, not the tread - imo.
If I were you I stick to those tyres. Pretty solid. When they die try something like Gatorskins.
Pretty solid
Yes I like them, but for gravel...?
I think 30's are as narrow as you can get, but the whole idea is wider? Plus your inquisitive side will take you more off the beaten track and then your gonna get cloggrd up.
Edited......
I've had Schwalbe Marathon plus on since Oct, They are useless on gravel, There's a pattern on them that make wet weather road riding more confidence inspiring but i went off piste the other day to cut a ride short in the rain and i was all over the place.
I;ve used Kenda Small Block 8's in the past as well as Some Racing Ralphs and they were Ok on gravel, on fire road paths and in mud,
If you can stick to Canal type tow paths as oposed to beach paths the Marathon Plus From Scwalbe or something like the Panaracer Pasela PT< "With Skin sidewalls" would suffice, still mud clearance issues though.
There's a reason 'gravel bikes' have bigger tyres, at 25mm there's bugger all to play with, a few more tread sipes isn't going to make much/any difference.
Panaracer Gravel king 26mm (or 23 eek!) or Pasela 25mm is about all I can offer...
I would agree that volume is probably the biggest factor. If you could squeeze 28s in..?
Hmmm. I probably "need" to buy that GT Grade in the classfieds...
Doubt 28's will fit, sorry. You may be stuck with 25's.. I tried some LGG 28's on my R5 and they didn't fit 😐
But, but your Defy might just have that extra space in the fork crown.. measure it with the 25's on now.. if you've got 5mm between tyre and crown you may just get them in, but then theres no room for the crud..
I Would, I doubt you will regret it, I'm not 100% sure but i think i can run up to 45 on my CX'er.
Currently on 32's and they are nice and comfy, I'll prob put Knobblys back on in the spring for the Bridleways and tow paths but for now i'm happy ish on the road.