gravel bike and tyres

I’ve recently made the switch to commuting on a gravel bike, covering about 13 kilometers each way along the cycle lanes. Occasionally, I’ll take the bike out for some off-road gravel riding, a concept I truly enjoy. Gravel bikes sit in a unique space between road bikes and mountain bikes, and while they may seem ambiguous, the versatility they offer with different setups is what makes them so interesting to ride.

Recently, I decided to change my tire setup. I moved from a 41c to a combination of 35c and 38c tires. I swapped out the treaded tires for a slick option, and the difference is noticeable—rolling feels faster and smoother, making for an easy and efficient commute. It’s great for the road, but I’ll need more time to see how these tires perform on gravel surfaces.

With gravel bikes, the freedom to customize your setup based on your riding needs—whether commuting, bikepacking, or gravel racing—adds a whole new layer of fun. I’m looking forward to testing the versatility of these 35c and 38c slick tires both on gravel trails and in my daily commute around Auckland.

Surly Knard 41c.

Panaracer SS Plus 35c at Back, 38c at Front