I fitted some new tyres on my Gravel bike yesterday. After my ‘off’ a couple of weeks ago and a proper shake down on a dry, hardpacked canal towpath I decided to get some wider tyres (35 to 40mm) for a bit more comfort and grip.
I’ve been a Schwalbe fanboy for quite a while which stems from selling and riding them when I had my shop a decade ago and I’m still a fan now. Occasionally I’ve ridden Conti’s, most recently GP5000’s on my last proper road bike, my Cube C:68 Super Litening, until I sold it but recently I got convinced to try them again when the Schwalbe’s I wanted were out of stock. So I went for some more GP5000’s recently and Terra Speed 40mm this time.
So why those tyres? Well I simply googled best gravel tyres and read a range of recent reviews and they kept popping up. I took a look at the Conti website and confirmed they were intended for the type of riding I will use them for and then it was down to availability and the price which all ticked the box so I took a punt.
I have to say Conti have changed for the better since the days of wrecking my fingertips trying to fit them. The revelation for me is that with Tubeless ready rims, in theory, making that a bit harder, I’ve steered clear but I have to say, both sets of tyres have fitted really easily, so well I can roll them on with my fingers!
The other attribute I like are the transparent sidewalls which give you the dark brown, textured finish. I love that! Quite aesthetically pleasing.
I haven’t ridden the Terra’s yet but if they ride as well as the GP5000’s I should be in for a treat. I’ll report back when I’ve given them a good run out on some local trails.
Adios
PS. Am I running them Tubeless? No. Me and Tubeless have got divorced again
Nice! I had planned to fit the Terra Speeds to by gravel bike, but they were out of stock here at the time (went for Schwalbe G-One RS in the end). Will be interested in your thoughts after a few rides.
Oh and totally get those bad boys set up tubeless! 😂