Do you love your gravel bike but find yourself riding on asphalt more and more? Would you like to improve your efficiency on the road without buying a second bike?
Good news: sometimes all you need to do is change your tires to completely rediscover your gravel bike!
ONE BIKE, TWO WAYS TO RIDE!
Gravel bikes are known for their versatility. With their wide and often knobby tires, they allow you to go from asphalt to dirt roads without thinking twice.
But if you mainly ride on the road, those knobs are not always necessary.
By replacing your gravel tires with smoother models designed for asphalt, you can enjoy:
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Better efficiency on the road, depending on the tires you choose.
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A quieter ride.
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A ride that feels closer to that of a road bike.
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A bike that is still just as versatile, since you can simply put gravel tires back on to hit the trails again!
Your gravel bike remains a gravel bike, but it adapts to your needs!
WHICH TIRES TO CHOOSE FOR ROAD RIDING?
It all depends on how you ride. Here are a few models to discover at Routes&Roads.
1. CONTINENTAL GATORSKIN 700 × 32C — FOR RIDING ON ASPHALT
Do you use your gravel bike to commute, go on long road rides, or rack up the miles?
The Continental Gatorskin 700 × 32C is an interesting option thanks to its asphalt-friendly tread and puncture-resistant design.
It is particularly suitable for cyclists who prioritize durability and reliability.
👉 Discover the Continental Gatorskin 700 × 32C
2. CONTINENTAL GRAND PRIX — FOR MORE SPORTY RIDES
Want to get back to the feel of a road bike?
The Continental Grand Prix, available in 700 × 28C, among other sizes, is designed for asphalt rides, offering a good balance between efficiency and grip.
It is an option to consider if your wheels are compatible with this width.
👉 Discover the Continental Grand Prix
3. SCHWALBE G-ONE ALLROUND — TO KEEP THE GRAVEL SPIRIT
Do you mainly ride on the road, but sometimes like to take a forest path or gravel track?
The Schwalbe G-One Allround, available in several widths such as 35, 38, and 40 mm, offers an interesting compromise.
Its small knobs maintain versatility without having to choose a tire designed for highly technical terrain.
👉 Discover the Schwalbe G-One Allround
4. KENDA ALLUVIUM PRO 700 × 40C — FOR MIXED TERRAIN
Do you regularly alternate between paved roads and trails?
The Kenda Alluvium Pro is a versatile gravel tire with a semi-slick profile and Tubeless Ready construction.
It maintains the off-road character of a gravel bike while remaining comfortable on paved sections.
👉 Discover the Kenda Alluvium Pro
DO YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE NARROWER TIRES?
Not necessarily!
You might think that a 28 mm tire will always be faster than a 35 or 40 mm tire. In reality, the quality of the rubber, the tire construction, pressure, and road conditions matter a great deal.
For many cyclists, a smooth 32 to 35 mm tire can offer an excellent balance between efficiency and comfort.
However, keep in mind that not all widths are compatible with all rims. Before changing your tires, you must check your wheel dimensions, internal rim width, and manufacturer recommendations.
WHAT IF YOU HAD TWO SETS OF WHEELS?
For those who often alternate between road and gravel, there is another solution: have two sets of wheels.
🚴 One set fitted with smooth tires for road rides.
🌲 Another with gravel tires for trails and weekend adventures.
It is convenient for changing terrain without having to remove the tires every time!
You simply need to make sure that the wheels, axles, brake rotors, and drivetrain are compatible.
NEED ADVICE? VISIT ROUTES&ROADS!
Our team can help you choose tires suited to your wheels, riding style, and routes, and then install them in our workshop.
📍 Routes&Roads — 14 Place de Rungis, 75013 Paris
A gravel bike for the trails, a gravel bike for the road… Why choose when you can have both? 😉
