Selecting the best gravel bike tyres in 2026 has become even more complex, once again fuelling conversation at many a cafe stop. 2025 was the year that gravel truly converged with mountain bikes as a large proportion of 'Gravel Pros' adopted super wide 50mm plus tyres, thanks to the ongoing increasing wide tyre clearance offered on the best gravel bikes and even drop bars on MTBs.
What this means is not only is there a wealth of the best gravel tyres out there to choose from, but for many, there is now a select group of the best MTB tyres that could be used for gravel.
The Quick List
The G-One Overland is great as a fit-and-forget tyre. Despite its lugs, it rolls pretty quickly, and they provide impressive grip in looser conditions, only getting a little overwhelmed when things get very muddy.
Replacing the G-One RS in this guide wasn't a decision I took lightly. However, the Caracal Race from Hutchinson, truly is a 5-star tyre. It replaces the RS not just on performance, but on durability and value.
Providing the confidence I’m more accustomed to on a mountain bike, the Schwalbe G-One RX Pro has grip for days, to the point that you will struggle to get it to let go, even if you want it to.
Where the Goodyear Peak excels is on those rides where the terrain is constantly changing, offering grip regardless of the surface, without compromising on rolling resistance of durability.
The Panaracer GravelKing SK has quickly become a benchmark tyre for gravel bikes. It offers decent rolling resistance while still providing good grip when the road turns to dirt. However, this is not a tyre for muddy conditions.
The Peyote from Vittoria, encourages speed, offers decent handling in a variety of conditions, and has a simple setup, of the seven MTB tyres we have tested for gravel so far the Vittoria stands well above the rest.
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Grippy, quick and well-priced, the Touareg inspires confidence off-road in dry to medium conditions. The shallow centre tread rolls well, and the side lugs provide good traction when cornering, but the weight was rather more than claimed by Hutchinson.
A more then capable tyre the Panaracer GravelKing X1 offers speed, reasonable grip on a range of surfaces, value and excellent durability. It's also one that has a very wide range of available sizes to cater to most needs and clearances.
With spaced, square knobs, the Resolute TCS SG2 works in softer conditions than many gravel tyres, so if mud or loam is a regular feature of your rides then these are worth considering. There is decent puncture protection too, thanks to a nylon insert in the casing.
Best gravel bike tyres: our top-rated from testing
Best all-round gravel tyre
Schwalbe G-One Overland gravel tyre
Schwalbe’s G-One Overland is designed for gravel riders, commuters and e-bikers alike - especially for those riders who combine asphalt, gravel and a bit of dirt all in one ride, as the Overland strikes an excellent balance between off-road grip, on-road speed and all-around robustness.
The Overland has a fairly aggressive tread for an all-rounder, with quite high profile, elongated lugs on the outside for cornering grip and a tighter, horizontal centre tread with a little bit of bite, but also some swiftness. We found these tyres to be pleasantly quick for knobby tyres, whilst also impressing with their uphill bite and cornering grip on both gravel and dirt.
Underneath, Schwalbe’s Super Ground carcass, taken from the Racing Ralph mountain bike tyre, is there to deliver three-layer puncture protection - we didn’t experience any air leaks, punctures or even any visible scrapes or cuts during the testing period, and so in our experience, the tyres stand up well to off-road use.
Read our full Schwalbe G-One Overland tyre review
Best fast gravel tyre
The Caracal Race is part of a triptych of tyres under the Caracal umbrella. The aforementioned, which I tested in 45mm. There is also a ‘standard’ suffixless version that utilises Hutchinson's highly regarded HardSkin casing and is also available in 40 & 45mm. To complete the set, there is also the Caracal Allroad, a narrower 35mm version with the same construction as the race.
Utilising a high TPI (threads per inch) of 127, Hutchinson's new SwiftEasy casing overlaps many layers to create a puncture-resistant, airtight seal. The result is a claimed 10% reduction in rolling resistance and “Supreme Comfort and Deformation Capability”.
All this 'new' is only half the story. It's the Mach Thread 3.0 rubber, which first appeared on the Blackbird Road tyres that really bring these tyres to life, and put Hutchinson up there amongst the fastest gravel tyres in the market. This is largely my takeaway from over 500km on the Caracal. They are just incredibly fast on a wide variety of surfaces and in most conditions. Thankfully, Hutchinson has managed all this while maintaining decent grip and handling. In fact, the grip is superb given how much of the tyre is largely slick.
If you're not convinced Hutchinson could produce a tyre better than Schwalbe, then maybe this will settle it. The Caracal Race comes in at a hefty 25% cheaper than the G-One RS, meaning a total saving of around £40 across two tyres.
Read our full Hutchinson Caracal Race gravel tyre review
Best for loose surfaces
Maybe it's the size of the G-One RX Pro (50mm), or maybe Schwalbe has done something truly special with this tyre, but it just floats across any surface you put in front of it. Its low weight (615g/1.35lbs, which is pretty light for a 50mm tyre) and casing certainly contribute to making this tyre feel incredibly fast, nimble, and supple for its size.
Tested in the quieter neighbourhoods and parks around Seattle, I found it hard to find a surface on which the RX Pro would break free. It builds confidence that would normally be reserved for tyres in mountain bike sizes and thread patterns. Even on paved or hard-packed surfaces, you can really lean the tyre with very little squirm or fear.
Not everyone needs or wants 50mm tyres, nor do many have the clearance for such a size. If you have a bike with sufficient clearance, I highly recommend trying the Schwalbe G-One RX Pro, It is an excellent example of how good gravel tyres can be.
Read our full Schwalbe G-One RX Pro gravel bike tyres review
Best for mixed terrain
Goodyear Peak Tubeless Complete Gravel Tire
Goodyear's Peak gravel tyre uses their tubeless complete technology to help with easy tubeless setup and excellent air retention, and in our review, they certainly lived up to expectations. They went on to the rims without tyre levers, yet inflated instantly and rarely needed topping up with air.
They worked very well in the relatively well-drained and grippy conditions of the Peak District, providing good traction and comfort (thanks in part to their 45mm width). Durability seemed reasonable too, despite the generally rocky terrain. On road they worked fine, albeit not as well as a slicker tyre, of course, and light mud was also dealt with well. Wetter conditions and slippy roots or rocks might not suit the durable rubber and small knobs quite as well, but that is a trade-off we'd be happy to make in most circumstances.
Read our full Goodyear Peak Tubeless Complete Gravel tyre review
Best for dry conditions
After being a little cautious with my tyre pressures, having not ridden on anything as knobbly as the GravelKing for a while and starting around 35 psi, I was surprised by just how fast the Panaracers were. This prompted me to lower them to 30 psi, which, although it felt no different in terms of rolling resistance, resulted in a considerably more comfortable ride and better grip.
There's a defined limit to the GravelKing's abilities, though, and that's once you hit any kind of mud. That lovely shape and tread that offer such good grip and low rolling resistance on harder surfaces fill up quickly and fail to shed very fast. This means you often find yourself riding a tyre with zero tread and squirming around in the hope of making it to hard ground as soon as possible.
That shouldn't detract from how good this tyre can be, mainly when used in the right conditions. That certainly is the Surrey Hills. If I were heading to Unbound or a similar event, I would certainly consider fitting the Panaracers. This performance comes at quite a keen price, which is always welcome.
Read our full Panaracer GravelKing SK gravel bike tyres review
Best MTB tyre for gravel
The Peyote XC Race is one of the newest XC MTB tyres to hit the market, which sees it be offered in a gravel-friendly 29 x 2.25" (55mm), and it stormed to the top of our list of the best MTB tyres for gravel.
What sets the Vittoria Peyote apart from the others, specifically its closest rival, Aspen ST, is a better balance of a fast centre tread, quick-rolling rubber, and genuinely effective side knobs. This is just some of what the Peyote can do, though. I could wax lyrical in a full-length review about all the minor details; however, what really stood out to me in testing of the last 12 months was how confidently it 'bites' just when you need it to. In gravel racing, traction is always on a knife-edge: too little, and the tyre won’t hook up, sliding unpredictably through corners and forcing either crashes or caution. Too many and oversized knobs increase drag and rolling resistance.
A good rider can, of course, manage this constant balancing act, which is largely why these riders will be at the front. What the Peyote does is just make finding that balance so much simpler. Which, for the large majority of gravel riders, will largely just mean less pre-ride faff. For those looking for extra speed and traction so they can focus on the physical effort, the Peyote is the gold standard.
Read about all the best MTB Tyres for gravel, Logan put through their paces in 12 months of testing.
Best budget gravel tyre
Hutchinson Touareg gravel bike tyre
Hutchinson's Touareg gravel bike tyres have a shallow chevron-style tread down the middle, with intermediate knobs on the shoulders. Larger still, there is a more widely spaced tread next to the sidewalls.
On review, when replacing a set of lightly treaded Schwalbe G-One tyres, we immediately felt more confident on more technical and steep terrain, and these tyres really excelled on dusty, dry and chalky surfaces. They're definitely more for off-road-oriented riders seeking to tip the road/off-road balance in favour of trails, but if you're riding in wet and muddy conditions, you might want something with more aggressive tread.
They retail at £33 / $64.99, although the claimed weight was some 80g heavier than we measured in our review.
Read our full Hutchinson Touareg gravel bike tyres review
Best for durability
While the X1 may look very similar to the standard GravelKing or the more aggressive SK version, it is designed to improve rolling resistance on what many gravel riders go to tyre. Largely, the construction will be familiar to many, with Panaracers ZSG compound, TuffTex casing and 120 TPI structure.
I had heard mixed things about fitting the Panaracers, from losing and not retaining pressure, to some giving up completely without ever even getting them seated. My honest experience was pretty similar to most of the best gravel tyres. While I tried with a track pump just for the purpose of the test, I did run out of steam, still with two flat tyres. However, the valve was removed and the compressor, which is how I fit most tyres, and there was very little fuss from the Panaracers.
To put the X1S to the test, I took them to the Graean Cymru Gravel World Gravel Series UCI race. The course has a great mix of surface events with everything from tarmac, loose shale and muddy singletrack. After some pressure faffing, I settled on 30psi front and rear, which seemed to offer good all-round performance without affecting cornering or rolling resistance. The X1S seemed to really excel when hitting loose surfaces like the shale roads found in the Graean. This enabled me to get back on after losing some significant time to the front in the tough muddy singletrack when the shoulder just didn't have the bite some of the other had with their 29er tyres.
Offering decent speed, a balance of good grip across multiple surfaces and great durability, the Panaracers aren't light. However, given their durability during testing and the lack of punctures, I'll take that overall as a lighter, less durable and more puncture-prone alternative.
Read our full Panaracer GravelKing X1 gravel bike tyre review
Best for mud
WTB Resolute TCS SG2 gravel bike tyre
The issues of puncture protection and weeping sidewalls have been roundly addressed in this new casing for WTB’s Resolute platform. The two-pronged attack saw the thread count increase from 60 TPI (Threads Per Inch) to 120 TPI, improving the suppleness of the carcasses and the way they deform around bumps. A nylon insert with flattened fibres protects while also keeping the weight down - only 20 grams are added over the standard version.
We liked that the tall knobs provided ample grip on loose terrain, such as loamy pine forests or sloppy singletrack, but it still rolled impressively well. The only downside of these tyres is that they're missing those trendy tan sidewalls.
Read our full WTB Resolute TCS SG2 gravel bike tyres review
How we test
Testing tyres always involves a certain degree of nuance, especially gravel tyres, as the surfaces and conditions we ride in are slightly different depending on the location. That said, here at Cycling Weekly, our experienced testers always try to provide a comprehensive review.
One thing all our testers will do during a gravel tyre test is set a mixed terrain route that is regularly repeatable and can be ridden year-round. This helps to give good comparisons, not just between tyres, but also how a tyre performs in a given condition on the same surfaces.
A large part of any tyre test is, of course, the setup. We can't guarantee this is always done exactly the same way, and we certainly aren't always using the same sealants and pumps, etc. However, each reviewer should outline what they used during the review. Where possible, some will even fit the tyre several times to different internal rim widths using various methods and sealants.
Finally, we are paying attention to the manufacturers' claims in the real world, especially regarding tyre width and weight, as these can show significant variations. Our reviews should always state the internal rim width that the tyre is fitted to and what the tyre measures as; this is called the effective size. We will also weigh the tyres ourselves before fitting and use this process to raise any discrepancies.
For more on how the team here at Cycling Weekly test the latest and greatest equipment and components for gravel bikes, visit our 'How we test' page.
How to choose the best gravel tyres
Just like Keith Bontrager's famous quip of "strong, light, cheap - pick any two," there's always an element of compromise when it comes to selecting the best gravel bike tyres for your bike.
You'll need to consider the terrain you'd like to tackle, what the conditions are like when you ride, and your riding style when it comes to weighing up the options.
That means you'll have to assess tread pattern, size, volume, durability, tubeless compatibility and puncture protection, alongside price and aesthetics when it comes to scouring the growing gravel tyre market.
What's the best gravel tyre tread pattern?
Essentially, more tread equals more grip, although at the cost of rolling resistance. The best tread for you will largely depend on the terrain and conditions. If you spend most of your time on roads or light gravel, then a fat slick or file tread may be best, whereas if you mostly enjoy singletrack or fire road bashing that pushes the limits of a gravel bike, a knobbier tyre will help keep you upright.
In the wet, taller and wider spaced knobs on the tread will add grip and help the tyre clear mud, although this can make the bike feel a bit more sluggish on the roads. Therefore, many riders have a preference for different winter and summer tyres, depending on where you live.
As an aside, when riding in wetter and muddier conditions, don't underestimate the benefits a set of gravel bike mudguards can bring. These don't give quite the same protection as a traditional set of road mudguards – which can easily get clogged with actual mud and stray branches – but they do keep the worst of the silty water off you and your bike, making riding longer distances much more enjoyable.
What gravel tyre size and volume should I look for?
The size and volume of your tyres will be limited by the amount of clearance that you have in your fork and rear triangle. Many of the latest gravel bikes offer clearance for up to 45 or 50mm, with some even wider, and they also accommodate MTB tyres, with room for up to 2.2" - 2.4" (55 - 60mm). However, this isn't always the case; some older models or even racier/all-road bikes still only offer up to 700 x 40mm.
Opting for smaller 650b wheels (if your frame is compatible) could allow you to up the volume and width of your tyres. This greater volume allows lower tyre pressures, which create a more comfortable ride and improve grip thanks to a larger contact patch on the ground. However, tyre choice nowadays for 650b is becoming limited as the industry moves away from this standard.
If you'd like to run traditional fenders in the wetter seasons, be mindful that you may need to size down your tyres to accommodate. As a rule of thumb, 10mm downsize is sufficient to fit a fender and tyre in a frame. For example, if your frame has 45mm tyre clearance, it can accommodate a 50mm-wide fender, allowing you to run a 40mm tyre under it.
Frequently asked questions about gravel tyres
How long will the best gravel tyres last?
How long your tyres will last depends largely on the compound used for the tread and sidewalls, and also the level of puncture protection (more on this later).
The compound used will be matched to the type of riding that the tyre is intended for. Cyclocross tyres, for example, tend to be softer for use on grass and mud, while more road-focused tyres will be made from a harder-wearing compound to cope with the harsher surface of the asphalt.
Just like with the soles of MTB shoes, a softer rubber will offer more grip, but will also wear more quickly.
You should think about replacing your tyres when you have significant wear on the tread (although just like old-school cyclocross riders, this can make for a good summer tyre and save you some money), or if you see bubbles of tubeless sealant coming through the sidewalls. There's nothing stopping you from putting an inner tube in the tyres at this point and using them on a townie or commuter, as long as you replace them before they become dangerously worn.
Should I run tubeless?
Almost all gravel bike tyres on the market are now tubeless-ready, although it's definitely worth double-checking before you buy. When you pick up a set of tubeless tyres, make sure to chuck some tubeless sealant in your cart too. This liquid is poured directly into the tyre, or injected through the valve (with the valve core removed) and will plug holes from thorns, staples, and glass on its own, which in the best case scenario can mean that you can carry on without even knowing that you've punctured.
You may notice the loss of air pressure between the puncture and the sealant doing its job and you will need to top up on air. In some cases, you'll need to rotate the tyre to allow the sealant to flow to the affected area for a better chance of sealing. Sealant does have its limits though, and with more serious punctures and bigger holes, a tubeless repair plug may be required.
If your sidewall has been slashed by an offending rock, you'll need to boot it and pop in an inner tube to get you home before replacing your tyre. Even though tubeless tyres rarely puncture, you should still always carry an inner tube of the right wheel size, just in case.
A common misconception is that you can't get a pinch flat while running a tubeless set-up. If you are using tyre pressures that are really low, you run the risk of doing this not to your inner tube, but to the tyre itself, especially on rocky terrain. This 'snakebite' of the tyre is costly and best avoided. Although you can either plug or internally patch the two holes, it often weakens the tyre and can cause awkward punctures toward the bead of the tyre which are tricky to fix.
Will tan sidewalls make me faster?
Last but by no means least: the looks. Tan sidewalls are incredibly popular when it comes to gravel bike tyres, although they won't be everyone's cup of tea. Many of these tyres will be available in black too, or some even with coloured treads or sidewalls.
Make sure you wash your bike regularly — probably every ride in the winter at least — to keep your components happy and your tan sidewalls looking fresh.
Keeping your bike clean also gives you the opportunity to carefully inspect your bike up close, which can help you identify any potential issues with your tyres or let you know when they need replacing. And keeping your bike cleaner will help it work better so, yes, tan sidewalls will really help you to ride faster.
Do I have to run gravel tyres tubeless?
Simple answer, is no! However, you are missing out a significant performance advantage if you don't. Running a tubeless tyre with a tube, tends to effect comfort and compliance, rolling resistance and complicates fitting. In our opinion you would be silly not to run your gravel tyres set up tubeless.
However, there is nothing stopping you running some of the best TPU inner tubes for example, to try and find a best of both worlds.
Glossary
- Casing - This is a tyre's muscles. Generally consisting of several layers of fabric, rubber and other materials. It's there to give the tyre strength, shape, and other properties such as flexibility and puncture protection. It's this body that the other thread is married to.
- TPI (threads per inch) - is the number used to measure the quality of a tyre's casing. A higher number indicates a more supple, more comfortable tyre. A lower count generally means great puncture protection.
- Bead - If the casing is the muscles of the tyre, the bead is the bones. In combination with the casing, the bead runs around the outside of the tyre, helping to give the tyre structure and shape. It can also be part of the safety structure and determine whether a tyre is tubeless compatible.
- Sidewall - this is literally the entire side of the tyre that runs around its circumference. While the sidewall itself has no real function, there are many ways to modify the tyre's construction to improve compliance, protection, or durability.
- Tread - the part of the tyre which has the most significant effect on the ride. The tread, or outer and central parts of the tyre, is the part in contact with the ground, whether tarmac or gravel. This will include any knobbles or pattenation.
- Shoulder - the area between the tread and the sidewall, is usually called the shoulder; however, it has no exact boundary. It will generally feature a construction similar to that of the top of the tyre and the tread area, and allow a transition in both tread pattern and construction to the sidewall.
- Compound - depending on the rubber in use, the compound is the makeup of this rubber. Tyres can use more than one type of rubber in their construction, even across the tread. The compound determines rolling resistance, grip and even the level of protection against punctures.
- Tubeless is what it says on the tin: a gravel tyre that has no inner tube and can be run without one. It means the tyre, when used with a compatible rim, can retain air pressure on its own, like a car tyre. The vast majority of gravel tyres are tubeless-compatible, but not always.