Before I order my next set of Conti Race Kings 29x2.0 to put on my gravel rig, are there any updates on better tires with regard to rolling resistance to date (3/25)? Note, my gravel racing will be on courses with mixed surfaces. The 2.2s is the trending size, I know, but when on pavement, the 2.0 roll faster.
How do you know the RK 2.0s roll faster on pavement? That’s the opposite result from drum testing. Not saying you are wrong, just that I’d want to be sure in that conclusion first.
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The 2.0 RaceKings are a different casing that the fast 2.2 Protections. They will not roll faster than the 2.2s and are really not a great choice.
If a 2.1 fits your bike, then consider something like the 2.1 Thunder Burt. If not, the a G-One RS will be a very fast tire in a course that is not too rough and involves pavement. G-One RX is you need a bit more traction.
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This thread will answer all your questions and then some. If you have time, the whole thing is worth a read. If you just want the very latest, I’d start a few hundred posts back and see the suggestions people are making for gravel: Is a MTB tire the fastest and best tire for Gravel racing? - #1199 by Power13
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I have not done any RR tests outside on pavement, but I’m not a huge fan of the way Conti Race Kings feel/handle when riding paved surfaces.
Per BRR the Hutchinson Caracal Race TLR 40 looks pretty good. Less than a watt slower than the 32mm Conti 5000 TR. I’m thinking of running these this year in rides/races were I am doing mixed surface and the gravel is mostly category 1 and 2
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Legit point here lazydog. Dylan Johnson, Bicycle Rolling Resistance, Wild Card Cycling, and I try to pay attention to what BWR racers are running on their bikes. It should be noted that I’m 6’3" @190ishlbs/85 kilos. Also, here is link to a similar discussion. https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.trainerroad.com/forum/t/weird-tire-selection-question-mtb-used-mostly-on-road/90493&ved=2ahUKEwjT88Sl-6mMAxU0F1kFHf4qL5IQFnoECDsQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1oWmv8Y-1n97aqeZMSmpqa
I just installed a G-One RX Pro 50mm gravel tire on my Crux. I believe it would be faster than the cheaper compound 2.0 Race King.