Why Are Gravel Bike Tyre Clearances on the Rise? Insights from Leading Bike Brands

The cycling world is no stranger to trends, but the surge in gravel bike tyre clearances over recent years has raised eyebrows and sparked conversations. Forty millimeters used to be considered a generous size until brands began to push the envelope, now reaching 57mm and beyond. In this article, we delve into why these changes are happening and gather insights from bike manufacturers like Lauf, 3T, and Ridley, who embrace this trend, alongside Specialized and Trek, who remain cautiously optimistic.

A Shift in Perspective: The Evolution of Tyre Clearances

It feels like just yesterday when a 40mm gravel bike tyre set the benchmark for width, but that quickly escalated to 45mm, then 50mm. By 2025, we’re witnessing some astonishing releases sporting clearances exceeding 57mm, capable of accommodating even cross-country mountain bike tyres on gravel bikes. Observing the array of unreleased bikes at Unbound 2025, it’s safe to say we are on the brink of a new standard. But is this shift a natural evolution or an excess?

A Brief History of Gravel Tyres

Gravel bikes have evolved significantly over the years, tracing back to events like Paris-Roubaix or early Tour de France stages—often ridden on cyclocross bikes. From the initial 30-35mm tyres popular before 2010, we’ve seen an ascent to 40-45mm and now to the current focus on 50mm and above. Notable bikes that fueled this evolution include the Salsa Warbird and the Cannondale Slate, showcasing the growing appetite for wider rubber among cyclists.

The Manufacturers Weigh In: Why the Push for 57mm Tyres?

A Revolutionary Design: Lauf’s Seigla

Lauf’s Seigla, released in April 2022, broke the traditional mould with a clearance of up to 700c x 57mm. According to Benedikt Skúlason, CEO of Lauf, this choice stems from a desire for smoother and faster rides, inspired by his experiences with rugged races like the Blue Lagoon Challenge in Iceland.

Lauf’s Seigla: A groundbreaking design for gravel, versatile terrain.
Scott Windsor / Our Media

Embracing Adventure with 3T’s Extrema Italia

Released in November 2023, the 3T Extrema Italia also features a 57mm clearance, but it boasts an aerodynamic design geared towards speed. Andrea Bortolin, product manager at 3T, notes that wider clearance is vital for high-speed adventures on rough terrain. The bike has already made waves in the competitive cycling scene, with Alex Martínez winning the 2024 Badlands race aboard it.

The 3T Extrema Italia: Merging speed with gravel capabilities.
Scott Windsor / Our Media

Ridley’s Ignite GTX: Meeting Market Demands

On the other end, Ridley‘s Ignite GTX pushes the envelope further with a staggering 58mm clearance. Bert Kenens, Ridley’s R&D manager, acknowledges the growing number of cyclists opting to convert mountain bikes for gravel riding. This adaptation is part of Ridley’s response to increasing market demand for versatile bikes.

Ridley Ignite GTX: A powerful contender for the grinding gravel rider.
Ridley

Influencing Factors Behind Wider Tyres

The Rise of 1x Drivetrains

One significant factor driving the trend towards wider tyres is the rise of 1x drivetrains—single-ring setups freeing up space previously occupied by front derailleurs. This allows for increased tyre width without compromising mechanics. As brands innovate, this transition is helping cyclists experience the full potential of wider rubber.

Manufacturers’ Testing Approaches

When manufacturers decide on specific tyre clearances, their methodologies differ. Lauf avoids linking its designs to specific tyres, relying instead on fundamental physics for wider tyre operation. Conversely, 3T’s extensive testing incorporates various tyre metrics, seeking optimal performance for rough terrains.

Are Wider Tyres Here to Stay?

A Possible Fad or Lasting Trend?

While many manufacturers are onboard the 57mm titan train, not all new entries are adopting such broad clearances. Bicycles like the Niner ORE 9 RDO and Norco Search XR still operate within the 50mm range. So, is this a transitional phase or a glimpse into the future?

Vision of the Future

Experts like Skúlason, Bortolin, and Kenens predict that the trend will continue as both comfort and performance remain top priorities in cycling. Comfort has become paramount for cyclists facing more technical and unpredictable terrains.

What Lies Ahead for Major Brands?

A Cautious Approach

Larger brands such as Specialized and Trek are treading carefully, eyeing the market shifts while gathering data on emerging trends. Trek’s global director, Jordan Roessingh, has already implied that their studies will influence future designs.

The Growing Demand for Broad Compatibility

The cycling landscape is evolving, and as rider preferences shift toward more robust models capable of tackling diverse terrains, mainstream manufacturers will have to adapt. Innovations in drivetrains and suspension are pivotal to supporting wider clearances without sacrificing performance.

The Great Debate: Gravel Bikes vs. Mountain Bikes

Cyclists often debate where the line between gravel and mountain bikes lies, especially as new models blend features. However, designers emphasize that geometry remains the distinctive trait separating gravel bikes from mountain designs.

Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead

As we look toward the horizon, the expectation for 50mm+ clearances seems to be settling in as the new normal. For brands that continue to resist the tide of larger clearances, the risk of becoming antiquated is ever-present. With the gravel bike market in flux, the trend of wider tyres will undeniably shape the future of cycling.

As we continue to witness innovations and shifts in design philosophy, one thing is sure: the discourse surrounding gravel bike tyre clearances is just beginning.

Interested in learning more about tire technology? Explore these insightful articles here and here.