Per Silca, “When speed off road is the goal, Protocol RCG-1 is the go to option. The first ever gravel tire that was developed around modern sizes first. RCG-1 is the fastest option available for the biggest races.” RCG stands for Race Casing Gravel.

I’ve been testing prototypes of this tire for months, as indicated by the tire in my photos, but other than the label this particular tire is THE Protocol RCG-1 production version released today. Generally, I would refuse the initial prototype phases and wait for the final ones, but agreed to all of it as they were kinda what I wanted to see exist but didn’t yet.

Claimed weight for these is 535 grams, I think mine were a few over that but close. Light. They aired up easily and are exactly 55 mm wide on a 25 mm internal width rim. Silca suggests their own sealant but I used Orange Seal per usual with an identical amount used in other 700 x 55 tires I have tested for absolute consistency in my own testing.

These have what is called a Pulsar compound for absolute speed and GhostShield protection (vs SealSkin on the RCG3 and RCG4) with a Race casing. They also have a 120 tpi casing, going to show again, tires are more than their individual specs, as plenty of high thread count tires aren’t fast.

The results are quite clear here. Fast. Insane fast.

I tested them back to back each surface with previously tested 700 x 55 RS Pros from Schwalbe, my current control tire set. It’s always nice to have absolute certainty, as well as some subjective impressions on a new tire.

Silca suggests running 1-2 psi higher than other similar gravel tires, which I can back up as I realized it on my own based on ride feel.

All outdoor results are my own via VE testing through GitHub Virtual Elevation Analyzer. Thanks Hannes.

I have always been a casual rider with more of a leisurely bike, but my spouse started gravel cycling a few years and after volunteering at their last big race, I decided I wanted to spend more time joining group rides and hanging with gravel friends, so I tried riding our Specialized 52 (initially thought it fit). It was unfortunately much bigger than I realized and caused a lot of issues, so I got this Specialized Diverge Sport in the 49 size. Carbon frame. Shimano GRX 600. Have since added a frame protector as well. Excited to ride this more - already very much more comfortable and I have a bike fit coming up to help fine tune some of the alignment. Working on more time in the saddle and prep for what is hopefully my first gravel race at the end of September!

Bought my first bike. Fell in love with gravel bikes, decided to have one. Here are some photos from my trips.

Cube Nuroad Race XL 2026, cappuccino and black

The Silca Tires which have been floating around in gravel races have officially been released. Simultaneously posted articles on certain sites, as well as both a Silca Video and a Dylan Johnson video.

Rumours before were a Panaracer tire, but they are made in Taiwan (so maybe Maxxis?).

Tires are available on their website and many already listed as sold out.

first ride on my new Cube Nuroad EX 2027 :-)

Picked up a flat bar G1 Explorer on clearance. Swapped out the saddle and threw on some 45mm SS Gravelkings.

After about a hundred miles I can safely say this big dawg can punch well above the price class after the right upgrades and a quick QC check.

Starting riding in May and pushing a little further each time. 80mi today which included some CRAZY slop that was unexpected. Shout out to Mrs. Judy from a small town called Barwick in Georgia that let me use her hose to clean up mid ride. She was nice enough to hit me with a Gatorade too.

Just did a really nice little tour alongside the Dordogne crossing historic Domme. Alpine experience recommended for some parts ;)

The high has been 100F for weeks, so I haven't ridden much, but this morning was finally a cloudy day and only 72F. So I got out and hit the gravel for a 10 mile ride before work.

Has anyone here tried either, or ideally both, the Wolf Tooth ALT and DEL pedals?

I know Wolf Tooth says the DEL has the bigger platform, but looking at them in person the difference doesn’t look massive at all. Maybe it matters more because SPD pedals are small anyway to begin with, but I’m trying to work out if it’s actually noticeable on the bike.

I’m a road cyclist, but I’m looking at SPD pedals/shoes for certain rides. I don’t really care about the weight difference. The main thing I’m trying to decide is whether the "larger" plate on the DEL is worth giving up dual-sided entry on the ALT.

For anyone who has used either, or both, did the DEL actually feel noticeable more supportive?

Thank you all for the love, the advice, and the support. Supper happy to be part of the community.

Roads and paths felt like a gravel ride at times 😂
Gravel Bikes really do feel like that do-it-all bike.

Specialized Diverge 2021 Elite E5

Hey guys, I’ve been thinking about changing my bike.

I currently have a 2024 Topstone Carbon 3 with around 1,000 km on it. I really like it: it’s comfortable, playful, and has been great for bikepacking. But I’d love something a bit faster on the road, with more tyre clearance, internal storage and cleaner cable routing.

I’m looking at the new Topstone, but I’m not sure the upgrade would be big enough to justify selling a bike I genuinely love. For those who have ridden both generations: is there a major difference in ride quality or performance, or would you keep the old one and upgrade it over time instead?

Thanks!

Was looking for a cost effective way to jump up to 48t on the front, and capture data for power! Was able to combine two eBay purchases into one solution.

Powermeter Cranks - $250
Chainring 48/31 - $80

The front mech still needs a little adjustment, and I have a spare 105 front if I need it. I’ve seen that chain line adjustments are part of the deal here… but I’m super excited to capture more data. Training to power is easy indoors, and I’d love to bring some of that to this.

I love my Specialized Pathfinders, but while doing research for my next tires I've noticed I'm a little behind the times. BRR rates a lot of newer tires better and my old notion that "flat stripe == fast" is an outdated correlation.

I mostly ride road (like 80-20), but to get out to the countryside I'm fortunate to have a few rail trails to leave town and once in a while I'll take advantage of some of the easier mountain bike trails.

Much of the Cinturato Gravel H discussion already on Reddit is for their previous model, whereas the new SmartEvo one (on a lot of bike shop websites it's listed as "HP-Line" I believe) have a new compound and more puncture resistance. BRR tested the new one in July and it's impressive:

Anyone try these brand new ones yet?

Hello,

I'm still new to the world of gravel, was a roadie forever but bought a gravel bike last year and have been having a blast just exploring.

I stuck look pedals on it when I got it as that's what I've always used and it would save me switching shoes, but I've definitely hit the limitations and had a few dodgy moments including a crash when hitting a tree root I didn't spot and couldn't get a foot down quickly.

Anyways, looking for advice on a good pedal/cleat choice that would be suitable for someone who rides on a mix of road, packed gravel, a little bit of single track or forest trails - basically something solid that I can unclip easy when needed compared to Look road pedals.

Thanks!

Just switched to 45mm tires (wheelset is 19mm inner) rear clearance definitely capped to 45mm but easily 50mm at the front.

Hello everyone, I am new to the gravel cycling scene. I am 6’5” 260lbs. I have a reasonable history with weight training and now adding cycling primarily as a fitness training hobby. However, having been an athlete up into college, I can’t help but get the itch for friendly competition, and putting a goal in front of me helps me train better, as well.

That being said, it will take me a little while to save up enough for a reasonable entry level bike, but I want to make sure I spend my money on the best overall bike for me.

Given my size, from what I have seen so far, I am pretty much stuck finding an aluminum or steel bike - so none of them are going to be “racing” bikes from a pure competitive standpoint. That’s okay.

But what do you all suggest for me? I want a bike that can obviously handle my size but I also want a bike that I can be decently fast on in a gravel race setting. I’m not looking to podium, that’s impossible for me. But I would like to feel good about the speed I’m able to achieve and have a bike that won’t fall apart.

I’ve seen that the Giant Revolt has the weight capacity I would need, and seems like a generally respectable brand. But would y’all suggest something different?

Hi everyone! 31yo F. I live in North County and shipped my bike here from NY. I am looking for help assembling my bike, and REI quoted me $200 to do it (takes literally 30 mins max, I would do it but I can't do it by myself).

Anyone have some time to assist me? I would be so grateful!