Your Guide to Tires and Tire Pressure

Ah, the gravel bike—an instrument of freedom in a world gone mad with tarmac and concrete. If you're gearing up for an escapade across the wild, untamed backroads, understanding tire sizes and air pressure is like tuning a vintage piano—perfect harmony is achievable but might change depending on time and place. Let’s dive into the gritty details.

Tire Sizes: The Varied Psyche of Gravel

The Wide-eyed Wanderer (45mm and Above): These are the beasts of burden, the all-terrain monsters that gobble up rough trails like a monster truck crushing cars. Think of them as the warriors of the gravel world, their bulk a testament to their ability to withstand abuse. They provide the grip and cushion you need when the road turns into a twisted mess of jagged rocks and loose sand—perfect for those days when you’re chasing the horizon, and the horizon is made of jagged gravel. The Wide-eyed Wanderers at OBED often reach for the Maxxis Rambler or the newly released Gravel King X1’s, both of which are perfect for the types of courses we see at BWR.

The Balanced Explorer (38-44mm): This is the middle ground, the compromise between speed and comfort. It’s for those who need a bit of both—who want to feel the rush of wind in their hair but also the solid assurance of control when the trail gets unruly. These tires are like a good pair of work gloves—durable, reliable, and a tad rugged, but not overly sentimental. Slotting into this durable and reliable group are the original Gravel King SS tires, with their smooth centerline paired with some shoulder lugs to keep those rugged moments under control.

The Lean, Risky Racer (32-37mm): Here’s where things can get sleek and silly. 32 & 35mm Gravel Kings are the tires for those who want to ride fast, cut through the wind, and leave the pretenders in the dust. They’re nimble, efficient, and yet a bit of a flirt with danger. Ideal for when you’re more interested in the speed of your escape than the comfort of the ride. But beware—their performance on truly rugged terrain can be a little too thrilling, as the likelihood of flats is high. These days, most would say to leave these at home, as a flat is much slower than not. While there may be courses out there where these tires could shine, most gravel events will send you into the repair kit quicker than you can say thirty-two millimeters.

Air Pressure: The Delicate Dance with Reality

High Pressure (60-80 psi for 32-37mm Tires): Crank this up if you want to experience the geyser-like spray of tire sealant all over your bike and body. It’s a hard, fast world out there, and these high pressures might come back to haunt you. Even if you tread carefully, this setting can turn a rough patch into a bone-jarring experience. It’s the choice for those who like their rides as aggressive as their spirits and their gravel as smooth as freshly laid tarmac.

Medium Pressure (30-50 psi for 38-47mm Tires): This can be the sweet spot, the place where comfort meets control and smooth meets fast. With medium pressure, you get the float you need over rocks and roots while still maintaining the speed that makes gravel riding exhilarating. It’s the equilibrium, the fine line between safety and thrill, the smooth over rough, and the preferred range for most of us at the OBED factory.

Low Pressure (20-35 psi for 48mm and Above): Let it deflate a little. Lower pressures turn your bike into a plush, forgiving ride, capable of absorbing the world’s rough edges with grace. It’s like stepping barefoot onto a golf green when the road turns nasty. However, don’t let the comfort fool you—there’s a fine line between cushy and mushy, and a serious risk of pinching out there in the wild.

In Closing: The Mad Art of Gravel Tires

Choosing the right tire size and pressure isn’t just a matter of specs—it’s a dance with the unpredictable nature of gravel. It’s about understanding the terrain you’re up against and how much reality you’re willing to confront. Whether you’re plowing through loose gravel or racing down a smooth stretch, the right setup can make the difference between a ride and a tale of madness. So get out there, experiment with your tires and pressures, choose wisely, and ride like a bat out of hell. The road is waiting, and it’s as wild as you want it to be.

*Disclaimer: All of the above writing was done under the assumption that you are riding tubeless tires with ample sealant. Tubes can be vulnerable to pinch flats and can limit your ability to run lower pressures without risking a dreaded blowout. When the road gets rough and the going gets tough, tubes can leave you feeling vulnerable—like a lone traveler in the desert with nothing but an empty CamelBak. Be sure to test out what tire pressure works best for you, raising or lowering the PSI gradually until you find the sweet spot for both you and where you like to ride.

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