For a Gravel or All-Road bike, the right tyre width depends mainly on the terrain: about 32 to 38 mm for an All-Road bike ridden mostly on the road, and about 40 to 45 mm for a Gravel bike used on tracks and trails. The maximum clearance of the frame sets the upper limit.
Width should never be judged alone. Pressure, tyre construction and terrain work together, and the figures in this guide are common ranges, not rules.
How tyre width changes the ride
Tyre width changes grip, comfort and rolling feel more than most single components. A wider tyre holds more air, so it can be run at lower pressure, which improves grip and comfort on uneven surfaces.
Indicative ranges. The frame and fork always set the real limit.
- GripLower pressure helps a tyre follow gravel, dirt and wet roads.
- ComfortMore volume absorbs vibration, which is felt most on rough tarmac and long days.
- Road feelNarrower tyres are often lighter and can feel more responsive on smooth tarmac, depending on the tyre and the rider.
- Rough roadsA road bike used on poor surfaces benefits from the widest tyre its frame accepts, often 30 mm or slightly more.
Which width for an All-Road bike?
An All-Road bike is usually ridden on tyres of about 32 to 38 mm. This range keeps the efficiency of a road bike on tarmac and absorbs rough surfaces, secondary roads and rolling tracks.
At Stajvelo, a premium bicycle brand based in Monaco, the Rocchetta is the All-Road model. One frame can lean towards the road or the trails through the choice of tyres.
All-Road
Rocchetta
- 35 mm road-focused setup
- 40 mm gravel-focused setup
- Maximum clearance: 42 mm
Which width for a Gravel bike?
A Gravel bike is usually ridden on tyres of about 40 to 50 mm. The extra volume brings the grip and comfort needed on tracks, trails and uneven surfaces, and makes long days off the tarmac less tiring.
Gravel
Roca
- Hutchinson Touareg 700x45
- Chosen for traction and comfort on gravel, dirt and mixed surfaces
Still deciding between the two categories? Our guide to Gravel and All-Road bikes explains the differences in detail.
What about electric bikes?
Tyre width matters on an electric bike for the same reasons as on any bike, and the extra weight of the motor and battery makes comfort and grip even more valuable. An electric Gravel bike is generally fitted with wide tyres to keep control on climbs and descents.
The Nomades Gravel is fitted with Hutchinson Touareg 700x45 tyres. On the road-oriented side, the Mirabeau electric road bike uses Hutchinson Blackbird Race 700x30 tyres, for speed and confidence on any road surface.
How to choose your tyre width
Four checks are enough to narrow the choice.
- Check the clearanceThe frame and fork set the maximum width. Leave room for mud, and remember that the real width can differ from the printed one depending on the rim.
- Match the terrainBe honest about the share of road and trails. Mostly road points to the lower half of the range, regular tracks to the upper half.
- Decide what matters mostSpeed on tarmac, comfort over distance, or grip on rough ground. You rarely get all three at once.
- Adjust the pressurePressure depends on your weight, the tyre, the rim and the surface. Test it in small steps.
Many riders also use tubeless tyres on Gravel and All-Road bikes, because they allow lower pressures and reduce the risk of punctures. Whether this suits you depends on your wheels and how you like to maintain the bike.
Find the right setup
Explore Stajvelo Gravel and All-Road bikes, or visit our Monaco showroom to compare the different setups.
Explore Gravel & All-RoadFrequently asked questions
Can you ride a Gravel bike on the road with wide tyres?
Yes. A Gravel bike with 40 to 45 mm tyres can be ridden on tarmac every day. It may feel slightly less responsive than on narrower tyres, mostly when accelerating and on long flat roads. Many riders accept this in exchange for comfort and the freedom to take any track. A tyre with a faster-rolling tread helps on the road.
What tyre width suits 80% road and 20% trails?
For about 80% road and 20% trails, a tyre of roughly 32 to 38 mm on an All-Road bike is a common choice. It stays efficient on tarmac and absorbs rough surfaces and rolling tracks. The exact figure depends on the frame clearance, the tread pattern and how rough the trails are.
Are wider tyres always more comfortable?
Not always. A wider tyre can run at a lower pressure, which absorbs vibration, but comfort also depends on pressure, tyre construction, rim width, rider weight and the frame. A wide tyre inflated too hard can feel harsh, and a well-chosen narrower tyre at the right pressure can be very comfortable.
What is the maximum tyre width for the Rocchetta?
The Stajvelo Rocchetta, the All-Road model in the Stajvelo range, accepts tyres up to 42 mm. Its reference build is fitted with Hutchinson Caracal Race tyres, in 35 mm for all-road use and in 40 mm for gravel use.
Which tyre width is fitted to the Roca?
The Stajvelo Roca, the Gravel model in the Stajvelo range, is fitted with Hutchinson Touareg 700x45 tyres, designed for traction and comfort on gravel, dirt and mixed surfaces.
Can you change tyre width later?
Within limits. The frame and fork set the maximum tyre clearance, and the rim width should suit the tyre. Going a few millimetres wider is often possible if the clearance allows, but check the clearance and the rim compatibility before buying new tyres. A workshop can confirm it quickly.
Ride before you decide
Tyre width changes the character of a bike more than a specification sheet can show. Visit our Monaco showroom and compare different setups.
Book a test ride