The increasing popularity of wider road bike tyres on the road, particularly for gravel and all-road bikes, should not be overlooked by riders
In the world of cycling, a significant shift is underway as superwide road tires are gaining popularity among professionals and enthusiasts alike. From 28mm to tires beyond 50mm, these larger-volume options are becoming a go-to choice for riders seeking stability, comfort, and improved ride quality.
One example of this trend can be seen in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, where top riders are opting for 2.5-inch tires instead of the traditional lightweight 2.2-inch tires. This shift towards wider tires is also evident in the road cycling scene, with the 40mm Pirelli P Zero TLR taking center stage.
The Pirelli P Zero TLR, a future-proofed all-road tire, offers properties similar to its faster counterparts and tests similarly in rolling resistance to the brand's collection of road tires. It provides a ride quality akin to a semi-slick gravel tire, minus the knobs, but is heavier and less malleable, thanks to its Endurance Casing.
Smooth is fast because suspension drag, the loss of speed due to vibrations, bumps, or other vertical movement, factors into a bike tire's overall rolling resistance. Lab tests account for the hysteretic losses of a tire, not the suspension losses, which are the counterparts to hysteretic losses. This means that wider tires, such as the Pirelli P Zero TLR, can offer a significant efficiency gain, particularly in environments with poorly maintained roads.
However, it's important to note that aerodynamics play a role in tire selection. The 40mm Pirelli P Zero TLR is unlikely to be raced at Paris-Roubaix due to aerodynamic concerns. When the surface is hard, smooth, and predictable, a thin sidewall that reduces suspension losses is less important than a sidewall construction that fortifies enough to retain its shape while under a load through higher-speed corners.
Pairing a slick 35-45mm tire with a gravel frame may not incur a significant aerodynamic penalty. When using smaller, lower-volume tires on a gravel bike, the longer wheelbase effectively drops the center of gravity of that bike, increasing the risk of pedal strike.
The test pool consisted of eight different tires from seven different brands at five different widths. The 700c x 44mm Snoqualmie Pass model from Rene Herse was tested in both the sturdy Endurance casing and the supple Extralight casing.
Across different terrain, the 44mm tire climbed well, but was consistently slower on the downhills and flat roads. This trade-off between climbing performance and speed on smoother surfaces is a consideration for riders adopting superwide road tires.
Despite these challenges, the added volume of 44mm tires creates handling advantages off-road, where the handling demands differ. Gravel bikes, with their longer wheelbase, allow for bigger tire clearance and a more stable ride feel, making them well-suited for these (super) wide road tires.
The main target group for the newly emerging superwide road tires in the market are cyclists who prioritize stability and comfort, such as those riding on rough or uneven road surfaces, including adventure and touring cyclists. These tires suit riders seeking better handling on diverse terrains and improved ride quality.
In conclusion, the rise of superwide road tires presents an exciting development for cyclists. While they may present handling challenges on tarmac, their benefits in terms of stability, comfort, and efficiency make them a compelling choice for many riders, particularly those who frequent rough roads or off-road terrain.
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