Width Matters: 4 Reasons to Switch to 50 mm Tires (and 2 Reasons Not to)
How New Tires Can Transform Your Old Gravel Bike
Polish version below | Polska wersja poniżej
This is not a test
Initially, I wanted to write a test of the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M tires in the 700x50C version (50 mm width). However, I assume there are many such tests already, though I haven’t verified it, and I wouldn’t be able to test them objectively anyway, having to rely only on my subjective feelings. Instead, I offer you 4 reasons to put 50 mm tires on your gravel bike, and 2 reasons not to. My observations are based on hundreds of kilometers ridden on gravel, sand, and asphalt.
The genesis of the idea
I own three bikes:
Ridley Arena: a fixie, on 25 mm Continental Ultra Sport,
Bianchi Sprint: a road bike on fast FFWD carbon wheels and Pirelli P Zero 28 mm tires,
Canyon Grizl: a gravel bike, which I usually rode on fast 40 mm Continental Terra Speed tires.
Although the Ridley is an outlier, the last two bikes were fairly alike. I desired to make a change. To start, I shortened the steerer tube on the road bike and replaced the handlebar with a more aerodynamic one, which gave it an aggressive edge. The gravel bike was transformed into a bikepacking machine, designed for challenging terrain. This is why I opted for new tires.
Why 50 mm?
The choice of 50 mm wide tires may seem extreme. However, in recent years, gravel bike manufacturers have clearly defined the trend - the wider, the better. If frames and forks can fit wider tires, why not use all that’s available? That’s how I ended up choosing the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 700x50C, perhaps the most versatile gravel tires on the market today.
Arguments in favour
Months and kilometres have passed, now time for a summary of my thoughts.
For the full picture, I’ll add that my impressions are based on riding on sealant and a maximum pressure of 2 bars! This is important because tire pressure has a big impact on their behaviour and performance.
Stability
Immediately felt upon getting on the bike, this was its first characteristic. It became less “wobbly” (although it never was). This feeling persists regardless of speed and terrain. It definitely helps when you “have to” do something else while riding, like taking photos. Additionally, doing a “track stand” at traffic lights has never been so easy! ;)
Versatility
Speaking of terrain, it’s impossible not to notice that with the new tires, my Grizl has become a beast in any terrain. It’s not afraid of thick mud, rocky trails, or even deep sand! It’s hard for me to recall even one situation where I had to push the bike after losing a battle with the surface. In the past, especially when collecting squadrats, such moments were not uncommon!
Comfort
On paper, the difference between the previous 40 mm and the current 50 mm seems small. But my gravel butt has a separate opinion on this matter. Of course, it’s still not a mountain bike, and it will still shake you up on rough terrain ;-)
Traction
Wider tires mean a larger contact area with the ground, which translates into better traction. This is important in hard conditions, such as loose gravel, mud or wet leaves. Greater traction gives more confidence when cornering and braking, allowing for faster and safer riding in the field.
Arguments against
While raving about the advantages, it’s unfortunately impossible not to notice one serious drawback. So before you jump on the 50 mm bandwagon, carefully consider the following points.
Increased rolling resistance
These tires simply drag on asphalt. It’s noticeable from the first moment, and after all these rides, I know that I’ve never had such a slow tire. The rolling resistance was so pronounced that I double-checked my brake setup to ensure everything was functioning correctly. Unfortunately, you can’t win against physics. You can, however, inflate them more for asphalt, but even then the difference in performance will be noticeable.
Shoes rubbing on the tire
The second, less serious but irritating issue for me is that the high profile combined with my shoe size (45), SPD cleat setup, and bike geometry means that I can hit the wheel with my shoes when turning the handlebars hard. The situation is familiar to road or track cyclists, but it’s a bit of a novelty for me on a gravel bike. If there’s already little clearance between your shoe and the tire, be prepared for this irritating ailment.
For whom?
I hope that with the help of our patient - Pirelli Cinturato Gravel M 700x50C - I presented to you the lights and shadows of a wide tire on a gravel bike. Personally, I really grew to like these tires and even though I regret the loss of performance on the road, I know that my next tires will also have a similar width. After all, I have the road bike for asphalt madness.
Do I recommend them? Only if you answer yes to at least one of these questions!
Do you own several functional bikes?
Do you ride mainly in heavy terrain?
Do you value comfort and not focus on asphalt performance?
Or maybe you’re planning a bikepacking adventure and need reliable, versatile and comfortable tires?
If not, forget about them and choose, e.g. Continental Terra Speed 700x40C, remembering that they wear out quickly, but that’s a separate story...
Let me know what your favourite tires are in the comment section!
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