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What's sensible tyr...
 

What's sensible tyre clearance for a gravel bike?

 PJay
Posts: 5058
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[#13535554]

I have a Ragley Trig which is rated for 700x40 tyres at the back and that's what I'm currently running (Maxxis Receptors).

My main bike (which I ride rather more) is 29x2.0 and I'm finding the difference in width (which isn't huge) noticeable.

There's probably a good 4mm between the edge of the tyres & the chain stays & chain stay bridge but the Receptors have very shallow side knobs. I was wondering whether I could squeak in a 45mm tyre in (I appreciate that that will depend on design/side knobs & the foibles of different manufacturers' measuring).

Generally I don't ride muddy stuff but there's always times when I get caught out and as someone who's financially challenged I like my frames to last (I don't want to munch through the chain stays).

Generally speaking, speaking, what's a sensible amount of clearance between a tyre & chain stay?

I have a sneaky suspicion that 45mm might be pushing it (although I have come across a few 42mm tyres) so it might make more sense to stick with 40mm at the back & put a 45mm or 50mm tyre at the front (the fork has plenty of clearance).

 


 
Posted : 16/05/2026 11:55 am