Gravel bike tire sizes are getting wider, fast. We see a lot of interest in 50+ mm tires. Some riders say bigger tires are faster. Some say it’s bunk. It partly depends on the terrain you ride. The rougher the terrain, the faster a wider tire will typically roll. It also partly depends on the harshness of your ride; a wider tire will help mask the shortcomings of your frame and fork.
The chart below shows 10 of the most popular and respected gravel bikes compared with Seven’s Rider-Ready gravel bikes. Our three gravel designs (plus our allroads) cover every kind of performance offroad riding.
Seven’s Gravel 758 is designed for 2.3″ (58 mm) mountain bike tires. This machine is a proper mountain bike with drop bars. Ideal for rough trails and rocky terrain.
Seven’s Gravel 753 has room for 53 mm (2.1″) mountain ready tires. The 753 is our riders’ current most popular balance of capability and speed.
Seven’s Gravel 743 is our classic gravel bike. It’s what most people think of when they think gravel.
Seven’s Allroads 738 is as capable as some popular gravel bikes.
Seven’s Rider-Ready gravel bikes are not warmed over mountain bikes.
Control or Fatigue?
Ironically, interest in wider tires has a lot to do with harsh riding frames of carbon or aluminum.
Do you want wider to help smooth out the ride and take the edge off, or do you want wider to give you more control at higher speeds and in more demanding conditions? If it’s the former, a Seven titanium frame is a great answer; this will provide you all the shock absorption you could want without the need for a wider tire. If it’s the latter, Seven offers more wide tire options and sizes than any other bike brand.
Whatever gravel you want to ride, Seven’s got it covered.
+++
All data was taken from the respective bike company websites.