The world of gravel riding is constantly evolving. What started as a discipline built around mixed-surface exploration has grown into a universe that includes gravel racing, multi-day adventures, bikepacking, and increasingly technical routes.
With this evolution, rider needs have changed too. More and more riders are looking for wide gravel tires, capable of delivering greater comfort, control and confidence compared to traditional standards.
To meet this demand, Vittoria expands its Gravel Endurance Range with new 700×50c and 700×55c (29x2.0” and 29x2.25”) sizes across the Terreno T10, Terreno T30, Terreno T50, and Terreno T70 models.
WHY CHOOSE WIDER GRAVEL TIRES?
While 40mm and 45mm gravel tires remain the benchmark for many riders and in certain conditions still deliver the best performance, wider gravel tire widths in the 50mm and 55mm range are increasingly being adopted for racing, adventure, and bikepacking. When it comes to choosing the right gravel tire size, a wider profile delivers:
- a larger contact patch with the ground
- better traction on loose and uneven surfaces
- more stability on technical descents
- the ability to run lower gravel tire pressure
- greater comfort over long distances
GRAVEL RACING: MORE GRIP, MORE CONTROL
In gravel racing, there's a growing trend toward wider tires and in some cases, even MTB tires. On rough terrain, rocky sections, and technical courses, a larger contact patch increases confidence and bike control. Gravel tire pressure also plays a key role: lower pressure helps absorb vibrations and maintain control when the surface gets unpredictable.
It's true that wider Gravel tyres mean extra weight, but on average, the difference between sizes is around 70g, a small trade-off for the benefits gained.
BIKEPACKING AND MULTI-DAY ADVENTURES
When tackling bike touring or bikepacking trips, comfort becomes essential. Bags, gear, and added weight change how the bike behaves. A larger gravel tires help manage heavier loads, improving stability and comfort over long days in the saddle. Being able to adjust pressure to match the terrain also means riders can tackle paved roads and remote gravel routes with greater confidence.
The growing adoption of wide gravel tires is also driven by the evolution of modern gravel frames. More and more manufacturers are designing bikes with generous tire clearance, allowing riders to run wider tires without compromising performance — and to tailor their setup to their riding style, from fast gravel races to extreme off-road adventures.
GRAVEL VS. MTB TIRES: OPTIMIZED ROLLING EFFICIENCY
Gravel-specific tread patterns — like Terreno T10, Terreno T30, Terreno T50, and Terreno T70 — are designed specifically for gravel terrain, delivering superior efficiency compared to traditional MTB tread designs built for a different purpose.
With the introduction of the new 700×50c and 700×55c sizes, the Vittoria Gravel Endurance Range now covers the full spectrum of gravel riding — from fast, competitive racing to fully self-sufficient bikepacking adventures. From smooth tarmac to the most remote trails.
Because every rider should be able to choose the setup that matches their ambitions, with the confidence to ride farther, longer, and with more control on any terrain.
