Saddle Slang is sponsored by Rehook. Check out our tools, bike care and apparel

gray-vuhl teers

Gravel, Tyres

Tires with a rough tread for cycling on rough terrain.

Example usage: I'm planning to ride the gravel road, so I'll need to switch to my gravel tyres.

Most used in: Areas with gravel roads, such as rural areas and trails.

Most used by: Mountain bikers and adventure cyclists.

Popularity: 8/10

Comedy Value: 2/10

Also see: Gravel Tread Tyres, Cyclocross Tyres, Gravel-Grinder Tyres, Knobby Tyres,

Gravel Tyres: A Cyclist's Best Friend

Gravel tyres are a type of tyre designed specifically for off-road cycling. They are wider and more robust than traditional road tyres, allowing cyclists to tackle challenging terrain without risking a flat or puncture. Gravel tyres are becoming increasingly popular, with over 50% of cyclists now using them for off-road rides.

Gravel tyres are designed to provide better grip and traction on loose surfaces such as gravel, mud, and sand. They also feature larger knobs and thicker sidewalls to help protect the tyre from sharp rocks and debris. The tread pattern can vary from small knobs for better grip on muddy terrain to large knobs for better traction on loose surfaces.

Gravel tyres are available in a variety of sizes, from narrow road tyres to wider mountain bike tyres. The width of the tyre will depend on the terrain you plan to ride on. Wider tyres will provide more grip and stability on loose and rocky terrain, while narrower tyres will be better suited for faster and smoother surfaces.

Gravel tyres are a great way to take your cycling to the next level. Whether you’re tackling a challenging off-road route or just looking for an adventure, the right tyre can make all the difference. So, if you’re looking for a way to take your cycling to the next level, consider investing in a set of gravel tyres.

.

The Origin of Gravel Tyres in Cycling

Gravel tyres are a relatively new innovation in the cycling world. The term was first used in the early 2000s, with the first gravel-specific tyres appearing in 2012. The idea originated from the US, in particular from the mid-West and South, where riders were looking for tyres that could handle both tarmac and the often-rough terrain of gravel roads.

The tyres needed to be wider than typical road tyres, to provide more grip and cushioning, but also needed to be fast-rolling like a road tyre. The result was a new type of tyre designed specifically for riding on gravel.

Gravel tyres are now a common sight in the cycling world, as riders look for tyres that can handle a variety of surfaces. The popularity of gravel riding has led to a number of manufacturers producing gravel-specific tyres, as well as a range of sizes and tread patterns to suit different types of terrain.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Saddle Slang

Find definitions for all of the technical terms, slang, and acronyms used in cycling. From the different types of bikes and their components, to training techniques, racing terminology and put downs, this dictionary has it all.

Talk the Talk
1 of 3

EXCLUSIVE OFFERS AND THE LATEST UPDATES BY EMAIL

FOLLOW THE NEWSLETTER