Tyre Choice and Pressures for UK Gravel
Tyres matter more on gravel than they do on road. They're your suspension, your grip, and the difference between floating over rough ground or feeling every rock and rut. Getting tyre choice and pressure right transforms how your bike rides.
Tyre Width: What Works
35-40mm: Fast rolling, good for smoother gravel and mixed road/gravel routes. Less comfort on rough terrain. 40-45mm: The sweet spot for most UK gravel riding. Comfortable, versatile, and handles everything from tarmac to muddy bridleways. 45mm+: Maximum comfort and grip on rough terrain. Slower on smooth sections, but worth it for technical routes or bikepacking.
**Ribble recommendation: Start with 40-42mm tyres. They handle most UK gravel well.
Tread Pattern
- Light file tread: Fast on dry hard pack and road. Limited grip in mud.
- Medium tread: Versatile. Rolls reasonably fast, grips well on loose gravel, sheds mud. What most UK riders need.
- Aggressive tread: Maximum grip in mud and loose conditions. Slower on hard pack.
Tubeless or Tubes?
- Tubeless advantages: Run 5-10 psi lower, fewer punctures, better grip and comfort.
- Tubes advantages: Simple setup, reliable, easier to fix on the trail.
- Ribble recommendation: Go tubeless if your wheels support it. The performance benefits are worth it.
Tyre Pressure Guide Use this chart as a starting point, then adjust based on how the bike feels.
Tyres matter more on gravel than they do on road. They're your suspension, your grip, and the difference between floating over rough ground or feeling every rock and rut. Getting tyre choice and pressure right transforms how your bike rides.
Tyre Width: What Works
35-40mm: Fast rolling, good for smoother gravel and mixed road/gravel routes. Less comfort on rough terrain. 40-45mm: The sweet spot for most UK gravel riding. Comfortable, versatile, and handles everything from tarmac to muddy bridleways. 45mm+: Maximum comfort and grip on rough terrain. Slower on smooth sections, but worth it for technical routes or bikepacking.
**Ribble recommendation: Start with 40-42mm tyres. They handle most UK gravel well.
Tread Pattern
- Light file tread: Fast on dry hard pack and road. Limited grip in mud.
- Medium tread: Versatile. Rolls reasonably fast, grips well on loose gravel, sheds mud. What most UK riders need.
- Aggressive tread: Maximum grip in mud and loose conditions. Slower on hard pack.
Tubeless or Tubes?
- Tubeless advantages: Run 5-10 psi lower, fewer punctures, better grip and comfort.
- Tubes advantages: Simple setup, reliable, easier to fix on the trail.
- Ribble recommendation: Go tubeless if your wheels support it. The performance benefits are worth it.
Tyre Pressure Guide Use this chart as a starting point, then adjust based on how the bike feels
FAQ's
What tyre width is best for UK gravel riding?
For most UK gravel riding, 40–42 mm tyres are the sweet spot, balancing comfort, grip and rolling speed on hardpack, loose gravel and wet trails. Narrower tyres feel faster on roads but lose comfort and control off road, while wider tyres suit rougher terrain and heavier riders.
How does tyre pressure affect gravel bike performance?
Tyre pressure directly affects grip, comfort and control. Lower pressures improve traction and smooth rough surfaces, while higher pressures roll faster on firm ground. In UK conditions, running pressures too high reduces grip and makes the ride harsher on wet or loose terrain.
Should I run tubeless tyres on a gravel bike?
Yes. Tubeless tyres are strongly recommended for a gravel bike. They allow lower pressures without pinch flats, improve comfort and reduce punctures from small cuts and thorns. In UK conditions, tubeless boosts grip and reliability more than outright speed.
How do I find the right gravel tyre pressure for my weight?
Use a pressure guide based on rider weight and tyre width, then fine tune your gravel tyre pressure. If the bike feels harsh or skips over bumps, reduce pressure slightly. If it feels vague or squirmy, add a little back. One or two PSI can make a noticeable difference.
Do tread patterns matter for UK gravel riding?
Yes. Tread patterns matter for UK gravel riding. Light tread works well on hardpack and in dry conditions, while more aggressive tread improves grip on loose gravel and wet mud. Many UK riders pick versatile tread that rolls on roads yet still bites for year-round riding.
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