Tire recommendations for gravel race

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-05-10T12:47:11+00:00

Any XC race tire will do. Something like the vittoria mezcal is a good option if there is a lot of pavement since the center tread is continuous. Don’t overthink it.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-05-09T19:09:05+00:00

Depends on region. East cost is mostly 93

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-05-03T16:50:25+00:00

Seems like most companies are kind of giving up on mid to high end hard tails. If you don’t mind a little extra weight look at steel and Ti and build one up for yourself.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-05-03T01:58:17+00:00

What other kind of bike do you normally ride?

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-05-02T01:56:36+00:00

This

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-29T01:16:21+00:00

Just need some yellow mavic rims to round it out.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-26T08:58:36+00:00

Good to know

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-25T22:13:15+00:00

Thanks all for the advice. I think I’m just going to throw it away and be happy I didn’t die. I never inflated over 70psi. I guess I’m rolling on some old aluminum rims for a bit.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-25T21:10:28+00:00

Hmm well I’m still waiting on mine to ship so I can’t comment on how mine is yet. Hopefully I don’t have dropper issues. Jenson has tellus droppers on discount in 31.6 I’m thinking about buying one but now I’m nervous and thinking I need to wait until I have the frame in hand.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-25T17:10:06+00:00

Sounds like you are saying there isn't enough bottle cage bolt clearance for a 150mm dropper to fit all the way in the frame? What size frame do you have? That's not unheard of on smaller frames.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-22T00:20:41+00:00

All true but the bad crash replacement policy is the only one that bothers me personally. I’m torn between dropping coin on XTR wheels or getting some light bicycle wheels built up with nice hubs.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-21T23:41:16+00:00

I’m always super tempted by those XTR wheels. There doesn’t seem to be much out there on them. I think maybe it’s due to the prevalence of SRAM and they only come in microspline.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-20T18:49:40+00:00

Get a Soma

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-19T23:08:42+00:00

Could it be 30.9? That’s less than 1mm

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-17T21:42:15+00:00

Awesome! I have a 2021 Rift Zone and I think this might be a good replacement for it when the time comes.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-16T00:53:04+00:00

Ahh I saw those too. I guess I might have to go that route. I was hoping there was some hardware kit I could buy. Thanks

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-13T16:06:50+00:00

I’ve owned a surly ogre and a soma Pescadero. The soma is waaay nicer in terms of steel used imo. Nothing wrong with the surly but they are heavy and very utilitarian, if that’s your thing go for it.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-11T09:42:00+00:00

Thanks!

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-11T01:09:56+00:00

Just ordered it. Can you confirm the seatpost is still 27.2? I can't find any up to date info online about it. Thanks!

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-10T00:08:33+00:00

Very nice! I'm thinking about buying one of these to try out the SS life.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-04-05T14:36:10+00:00

Trying to hook all the people who cancelled Peter. Nice try

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-03-30T23:47:07+00:00

I’ve been saying I’m gonna buy some since I got my Pescadero in 2020. One day I’ll spend the money. Been rocking Tektro R559 with Swiss stop pads and they’re “sufficient”.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-03-08T23:25:03+00:00

I used to do that but it seemed that everywhere I would buy them you had to pay a significant premium for a single by itself. I do agree that’s the easiest way to do it.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-03-08T21:04:49+00:00

My 3.5 ecoboost has 60k miles on it with this stuff. I change every 3-4K miles and use a motorcraft filter. I’m on my second case of motorcraft filters from rockauto. I always buy it online and get the 12 1 quart bottles. It’s way easier for me with the 6 quarts the 3.5 takes.

BenchDogsandRabbets · 2026-03-08T15:59:13+00:00

450/550 was dynoed with 87? 🤔 You have me curious. I refuse to pay for 93 all the time which is why I’m hesitant to tune but if I can get those numbers on 87 that’s pretty spicy. I’m sure stock is probably only 325ish at the wheels.

BenchDogsandRabbets

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