Best 650b gravel tyres

For riding in the lakes.  Nothing too gnarr I have a mountain bike for that. But a tyre that is good for say Lawson Park, Tilberthwaite or around Kentmere for example.  A bit muddy, and some sharp rocky sections. But 50% of the riding is on road. I have Halo GXC 650b x 47 on at the mo (2 for a tenner at Ribble) and they’re pretty sketchy.

WTB sendero 47mm great for sketchy trails and mud, roll surprisingly well too

The tyres tried, all nominally 47mm 650b

terravail rutland

Possibly the best on the road. Great off road in the dry. Some ability in the wet. But they come up really small. If in could fit the next size up i might have them on all the time

Terrano dry. Good grip in the dry. Better in the slop than you might expect, but obviously not great. Big volume and supportive side walls makes them amazing on rough stuff. They don’t role as well as you might expect

Wtb sondero. Middle of the pack size wise. Pretty good in the wet stuff. Role better than you might expect. Much better value than the Teravail tyres. I think the sealant had to seal the odd bit of side wall but it wasn’t really an issue

So for your use I’d say Sondero. Unless you are happy to comprise on mud then it’s the Terrano dry. The Rutlands are just too small for rocks IMHO

Mezcals

WTB Venture?

Hate the sendero after it washed out on me at light speed…on gravel.

the Onza Canis is way better if you want an XC tyre for gravel.

Challenge Getaway – mine cope with apple/aubergine size boulders and some 2-3” deep mud with no issues .

I like the Rutlands. They cope well for (almost all of) my riding. I was using – and liked – Nano 40s when I was using 700c wheels and the Rutland was the closest I could find in a 650.

I fancy the Senderos for sloppier conditions but really can’t be arsed changing tyres and wouldn’t want them when it’s drier.

I have a set of new Terreno Dry that I took off my Topstone before riding it. They just look too sketchy for the sort of mixed conditions I experience. If you’re interested, PM me.

Pirelli Cinturato’s. Got mine relatively cheap from Merlin, but seem a lot pricier these days. Great all round tyres IMHo. Might try Mezcals next, after getting good use out of a pair on the rigid 29er

does anyone use different front and back tyres?

Yes I have Pirelli Cinturato on the front 47mm wide. On the back I have WTB Resolute 42mm on the back. Different sizes due to clearance issues on the back. However I prefer the extra volume, grip/tread on the front to prevent washout.

does anyone use different front and back tyres?

Currently got cinturato m on the front and H on the rear replacing the worn out resolutes, resolutes will go back on in autumn

It’s a difficult choice. It strikes me that a gravel bike is both a rubbish road bike and a poor mountain bike. But somehow compelling in its mediocrity!  I have two sets of wheels 700c with 40 Gravelkings and 650b with 46mm  halo Gxc. Even this is a compromise as I’d like some faster road tyres and some grippier off road ones. Thanks for all the advice but I’ve still No idea what to buy next!!

I’ve just fitted a continental cross king to the front and a race king on the rear of my 650b surly for the same type of riding as you describe. Usually run wtb byways.

Not had chance to use them yet, but they are both meant to be fast rolling tyres

I have been using Schwalbe Racing Ralph’s 2.25.Fit them if you have the clearance.Been using them on the road commute in January where it can be a bit icy.

Great off road with low rolling resistance but still can cope with mud.

Thanks,

Max.