This might be a pretty contraversial post but I am setting out to answer, What tyres are best for bikepacking? I am hoping to convey this with a simple infographic but let me know if this needs some tweaking or clarification.
Introduction
But first a disclaimer; to all the bike history boffins out there, put down your titanium sporks. I know people have been cycling long distances on bikes since bikes were invented. People ride around the world on Penny Farthings (seriously, check out the journals on CrazyGuyOnABike) and you can ride (almost) anything with the bike you have (if you are determined enough)
But, some tyres are better suited for certain terrains. Also, some bikes are better on certain terrains. So, here we are trying to show what tyres are best for what conditions. For the folks who are looking to get a new bike or get some new tyres.
Very Thin and Very Fat
As you can see there is a fair bit of crossover for most terrains. But, on the extreme ends of the terrain choices there is some outliers.
Too thin tyres; although they roll fast on a hard surface will be more prone to flats. Also they will take more damage from the extra weight and long days from bikepacking. They will also make for a rougher ride as the tyre pressue needs to be higher.
Fat tyres; great for sand and snow. Basically the only option in terrain like that but they are heavy and have a lot of rolling resistance. If you are riding a long way this resistance turns into a slog.
The Goldilocks Zone
Working out what the majority of your terrain will be and choosing the tyre for the ‘majority’ of your ride is the key. There will always be comprimises whether on weight or rolling speed. But, you will have to err on the side of the hardest terrain.
For example, if your ride is 75% Road and 25% Sand, unless you are happy to hike-a-bike for 25% you will be better off getting the fatter tyre and comprimising on speed.
Flipped around if your ride is 80% Road and 20% Technical Singletrack but you feel confident on the thinner tyres or you don’t mind walking a few sections then maybe you can get away with a thinner tyre. It’s all a continuum.
What Tyre is good for New Zealand?
Well, that’s a good question. If you know the trail/trails you will primarily be riding you can certainly factor that in to your tyre choice. Knowing the variability of tyres that your bike can take will change both your bike choice or your trail choice.
Have a think what your favourite trail surface is to ride, what you are most likely to spend most of your time riding and go from there. For New Zealand I think there is two camps; the Gravel Tyres (35-45mm) on the Gravel Bikes. The Pirelli Cinturato™ Adventure 700x 40C came highly recommended.
Or my favourite setup, the hardtail mountain bike with some XC/ Trail tyres. I have no affiliations but love the WTB Ranger 29″x 2.25. They roll fast but still are grippy enough for wet technical riding (my favourite) I also find them a little sturdier for long trips.