This year, I have been running Pathfinder Pro’s 42’s exclusively…that included FNLD GRVL and Dustbowl 100 in IN (and would have included SBT GRVL…thanks, COVID). Zero issues.
last year, I ran 38’s and also had no issues, but the extra squish of the 42’s has been nice this year.
I did run Rambler 45’s with inserts for Big Sugar last year…fine for the event, but a bit too sluggish for my regular riding.
Previous to the Pathfinders, I ran Goodyear Connector Ultimates, which may still be my favorite gravel tire.
For next year, I am considering the Cinturato H’s, though…
I use the Cinturato H 40mm (measures 42mm mounted). I’m not a fan of swapping tires, so I ran the same for all races. Yes, probably faster on something smaller for some races and something bigger for others, but I can’t be bothered. I’d rather just know my tires really well and adjust from there. I’m not struggling because of my tires, I’m struggling because of my fitness!
FWIW a guy I know was giving me crap for running 50’s at the start, I gave him crap about his slicks (36’s if I had to guess). I also happened to be right next to him about 15 miles in when he double flatted.
I ran pathfinders for a short period of time - they were not too bad but as you mentioned above I had a hard time on slick up hills when “the move” was important and they simply wouldnt hold the power.
I think for long races where fast hard surges are not as important they are okay but races with a fair amount of attacking and surging on gravel they lacked.
That was my experience though… and im an idiot for asking about a full slick when I already had an experience similar and totally forgot haha.
Most of my riding here is on a groomed hardpack trail with a “kitty litter” covering (Des Plaines River Trail)…there are a fair number of turns that we can take at high speed and the center, smooth section of the Pathfinders can get a little slippy. I have found that knobs give the “kitty litter” a place “to go” vs. riding on the top of them.
the CInturato H’s seem like a good blend of tightly packed center knobs for fast rolling with increasing grip as you move to the outside.
Overall, the Pathfinders are great tires and I recommend them without hesitation. My “issue” with them is very specific to the majority of my gravel riding. They were fantastic at both FNLD GRVL and Dustbowl this year…and last year I rode the 38’s at Dustbowl and SBT and thought they were great.
I’ll also add that the 42’s perform better on the kitty litter than the 38’s…nowhere near as slippy in the turns.
Interesting, I guess I’ll probably stay with the Cinturato H’s then. I’ve ridden my 42s for just under 6k miles (all in Michigan) and I’ve only had one slow flat. I was able to plug it, then replug it, and its held and been fine all season. I really have not complaints, just always looking for free speed. I will say though, I’m now in SW Arizona for a bit and after 1 gravel ride my Cinturato’s are “seeping”. I noticed it after my first ride and when I was prepping for this morning. I see numerous wet spots down the center of the tire, granted it’s quite worn. So I’m not so sure of its durability outside of the midwest. I guest the gravel down here is sharper?
I’d give the Pathfinders a shot, personally…think they still rank as one of the fastest rolling gravel tires. Maybe ride 'em for a bit late this year / early next year and see how they work for you.
I will use the Schwalbe G-One RS 35s for the RR 100, and if I keep them on for the Barry that will likely be my gravel tire for the rest of the summer.
However, even though the “G-One RS” is an ‘upgrade’ from the “G-One R” in a number of various marketing claims and 3rd party tests, the the G-One R 40s that I have feel like the fastest rolling gravel tire I’ve ever ridden. And that includes some 35s. I find myself constantly going through the push/pull of my perception and observations of mph in varying conditions vs. what the “data” actually says.
As I’m writing this, I may have just talked myself back into putting the G-One R 40s back on for the BR. Might have to go with my gut.
Thanks guys I have now spent the last 4-hours obsessing over tires… and feel more lost then before I started haha.
I have it narrowed down to;
Cinturato H (debating between the 35 & 40)
G-One RS 35’s
Terra Speed 35’s
I have a frame “rated” for 45mm wide tires and my wide ID rims throws this off as a 38 rated tracer blew up to 44mm, so 40’s “should” be okay but my limiting factor.
Depending on what tires you choose, I’d be careful that your wide id rims don’t blow it out too much. This could put the side knobs (assuming it has side knobs) in constant contact. That will definitely be slower!
That’s why I originally purchased the very wide rims, the Cinturato H 35’s puts the edge knobs about where I want them in terms of when I want the knobs to activate with lean angle (anyone wondering why its for predictable control). Its all in testing to know which tire will work which is what makes me nervous about trying other tire shapes. The same happened with the 38 tracers, about perfect placement.
I “feel” that anything 35mm sidewall rated and a 2mm or less edge knob “should” be okay.
If you’re looking for a “one gravel tire to rule them all” I would caution against the G-One RS 35s — they measure a true 35mm on the rim, and if you recall those were the tires I was running when we met after the Little Apple race … while I had a pretty good result, those tires were WAY too narrow for that slushy stuff. I think I spent half my energy trying to keep the bike from fishtailing on straight pads with no climbs. I would use no less than 40s for that race.
If you’re just looking for BR tires and having hybrid-like tires that handle themselves pretty great on the road, then I think they’re a great choice.
EDIT: As I said before, I’m not sure that the “R” tires aren’t better than the “RS” tire … they might just be the best gravel race tire I’ve ever had
@IvyAudrain … the moto man you’re hanging with there, Robbie, who is kind of Michigan gravel royalty. He rides the lead bike for the iceman, Barry Roubaix, the Michigan Belgian Waffle Ride and all the biggest/best Michigan Gravel Race Series races out there. I’ve only spoken to him on IG and tired desperately to chase his wheel many times lol — he’s the first one to give me a shout out whenever I post a good result.
He volunteers a ton of time and is the MAN we’re all talking to at the start line. You have TRULY had a midwest gravel experience
I know a fast guy who runs a slick for Barry but really wide like 43mm maybe 50 - not sure it’s really going to be faster than a 35mm file tread tire like gravel kings. However you might actually be better on the really sandy two track on this sort of a set up.
Not a chance for melting Mann it’s muddy wet you’ll slide everywhere
My usual event buddies were all signing up and I was getting some FOMO….not 100% committed to going. Still have a potential work conflict that weekend.
$80 seemed like cheap insurance to go if I want to…
