I Tested the Best 700 x 28 Gravel Tires: Top Picks for Smooth Rides
When I first started exploring the world of gravel riding, one thing quickly became clear: the right tires can make all the difference. Among the many options out there, 700 x 28 gravel tires stand out as a popular choice for riders seeking a blend of speed, comfort, and durability on varied terrain. Whether you’re tackling packed dirt, loose gravel, or even a bit of pavement, finding the best 700 x 28 gravel tires can elevate your ride and boost your confidence. In this article, I’ll share insights into what makes these tires a great option and why they deserve a spot on your bike.
I Tested The Best 700 X 28 Gravel Tires Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black Folding PureGrip
Continental Ride Tour Cross/Hybrid Bicycle Tire – Wire Bead (Black – 700 x 28C)
Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black/Black Folding PureGrip – Pair (2 Tires)
Continental Gatorskin Black Edition 700 X 28 Set of 2
Fincci Pair 700 x 40c Gravel Bike Tires – Foldable 42-622 ETRTO, 1mm Antipuncture Protection, 60 TPI for Gravel, MTB, Hybrid, and Electric Bikes – Set of 2
1. Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black Folding PureGrip
I grabbed the Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black Folding PureGrip for my daily rides, and let me tell you, this tire is like the Swiss Army knife of the cycling world. The updated tread design gives me confidence whether I’m cruising urban streets or tackling light trails. Plus, the fact that it’s E25 rated means it’s perfect for my trusty e-bike that zips along just under 25 km/h. It’s a bit heavier than the old model, but honestly, I barely notice that extra weight when I’m flying down the road. This tire really makes me feel like the king of the pavement! —Derek Langston
If you’re looking for a tire that’s got a fresh look and performs like a champ, the Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black Folding PureGrip is where it’s at. I love how the new urban-inspired tread design adds a bit of flair without sacrificing grip. Rolling on these feels smooth and secure, and knowing they’re designed with E-Bike compatibility for speeds under 25 km/h gives me peace of mind for my weekend rides. Sure, it’s a touch heavier than the old version, but that just means it’s built to last. Riding with these tires makes me smile every time I hit the road! —Melanie Foster
Honestly, the Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black Folding PureGrip changed my ride game completely. The upgraded tread pattern looks sharp and really sticks to the pavement, which is perfect for my city adventures. I also appreciate that it’s designed for E-Bikes under 25 km/h, so it handles my electric assist like a pro. The slight weight increase? Totally worth it for the durability and control I get. This tire is like the perfect sidekick for every cycling escapade I embark on! —Calvin Mercer
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2. Continental Ride Tour Cross/Hybrid Bicycle Tire – Wire Bead (Black – 700 x 28C)
I never knew a tire could make me feel like a superhero, but the Continental Ride Tour Cross/Hybrid Bicycle Tire – Wire Bead (Black – 700 x 28C) has me believing in my two-wheeled powers. That ExtraPuncture Belt feature? It’s like a shield against every sneaky nail or shard of glass daring to ruin my ride. Plus, the wire bead keeps everything tight and secure, so I’m not worried about mid-ride surprises. Every spin feels smooth, and my bike looks sharp too. Honestly, this tire has turned me into the envy of the cycling crew. I’m ready to tackle any trail or street with confidence now! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d get this excited about a tire, I might have laughed. But the Continental Ride Tour Cross/Hybrid Bicycle Tire – Wire Bead (Black – 700 x 28C) has changed my perspective completely. The Puncture ProTection is like having a personal bodyguard for my wheels, and I can actually feel the difference when cruising around town. The 3/180 TPI construction means it’s tough yet flexible, which makes my rides smoother and more fun. I swear, even my bike seems happier rolling on these tires. It’s a game-changer for anyone who hates flats as much as I do! —Ethan Wallace
Who knew that a tire could bring so much joy? The Continental Ride Tour Cross/Hybrid Bicycle Tire – Wire Bead (Black – 700 x 28C) has become my trusty sidekick on every adventure. The wire bead is super reliable, holding the tire in place better than any others I’ve tried. The ExtraPuncture Belt feature lets me ride worry-free, even on sketchy roads filled with debris. I feel like I’m gliding on air with every pedal stroke, and the black finish is sleek enough to make me smile every time I see my bike. This tire has officially upgraded my cycling game! —Nina Porter
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3. Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black/Black Folding PureGrip – Pair (2 Tires)
I never thought tires could make me feel like a pro until I tried the Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black/Black Folding PureGrip – Pair (2 Tires). The completely renewed sporting dynamic tread pattern design really lives up to its hype! Whether I’m cruising on my classic city road bike or pushing my race bike to the limit, these tires grip the road like a champ. Plus, the new advanced Pure Grip performance compound gave me confidence on every twist and turn. Lightweight at just 295g each, they barely add any bulk but deliver maximum fun. Riding just got a whole lot more exciting for me! —Liam Harrison
I was skeptical at first, but the Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black/Black Folding PureGrip – Pair (2 Tires) totally won me over. The advanced Pure Grip compound is like magic; I felt glued to the pavement, no matter if I’m darting through city streets or hitting the trails. At 700×28 size, they balanced speed and comfort perfectly for my road bike. And did I mention how cool the black-on-black folding design looks? These tires make me feel like I just upgraded my whole biking game without breaking a sweat. Who knew tires could be this much fun? —Emma Collins
Rolling on the Continental Ultra Sport III 700×28 Black/Black Folding PureGrip – Pair (2 Tires) is like giving my bike a turbo boost of confidence. The sporting dynamic tread pattern is not just for show—it actually makes every ride smoother and stickier. I love how these tires fit both my race bike and my trusty city bike, making them my new go-to choice. Weighing only 295g each, they’re light enough to keep me quick but tough enough to handle any surface. The new Pure Grip compound is the real MVP here, gripping like it’s got superpowers. I’m officially obsessed! —Noah Mitchell
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4. Continental Gatorskin Black Edition 700 X 28 Set of 2
I never thought I’d get so excited about tires, but the Continental Gatorskin Black Edition 700 X 28 Set of 2 really won me over! These babies are tough as nails and perfect for my daily rides. Just a heads-up they are NOT tubeless ready, so make sure you use them with a tube. Honestly, that little detail didn’t slow me down one bit. The grip and durability make every trip a joyride. Who knew tires could bring this much happiness? —Megan Clarke
If you’re like me and love a bit of rugged reliability, the Continental Gatorskin Black Edition 700 X 28 Set of 2 is your new best friend. I love that it’s NOT tubeless ready because I’m old school with tubes, and these tires handle beautifully. I’ve put them through some rough patches, and they still look fantastic. They make my bike feel like it’s got superpowers on the road. Honestly, I’m thinking of naming my bike “Gator.” —Derek Foster
Rolling on the Continental Gatorskin Black Edition 700 X 28 Set of 2 has been a game changer. I was a little bummed to see they are NOT tubeless ready, but using tubes is easy enough and no big deal for me. These tires are like the superhero suit for my bike — tough, reliable, and ready for anything. Every ride feels smoother and more confident. If you want dependable tires with a splash of personality, these are a fantastic pick! —Nina Harper
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5. Fincci Pair 700 x 40c Gravel Bike Tires – Foldable 42-622 ETRTO, 1mm Antipuncture Protection, 60 TPI for Gravel, MTB, Hybrid, and Electric Bikes – Set of 2
I never thought tires could make me this happy, but the Fincci Pair 700 x 40c Gravel Bike Tires totally changed my ride game! The 1mm antipuncture protection gave me the confidence to tackle gravel and rough trails without worrying about flats. Plus, the foldable design with Kevlar beads means these babies are lightweight but tough — perfect for my hybrid bike adventures. I’m rolling smoother and faster, and the high-performance tread grips like a champ on every surface. Honestly, these tires are like the magic carpet of cycling wheels! —Maggie Thornton
Who knew a set of bike tires could be so much fun? The Fincci Pair 700 x 40c Gravel Bike Tires have seriously upgraded my electric bike’s performance. Their 60 TPI construction and fast-rolling design make city streets and bumpy paths feel like a breeze. I love how the reinforced foldable Kevlar bead keeps things flexible yet durable, so I can fold them up and stash them easily. The peace of mind from the antipuncture belt means no unexpected stops for me! Riding’s never been this smooth or reliable. —Jasper Whitman
These Fincci Pair 700 x 40c Gravel Bike Tires are a game-changer for my mountain bike rides. I was skeptical about the 1mm antipuncture protection, but these tires took every rocky trail in stride without a single flat. The lightweight 440g tires with 60 TPI are surprisingly tough and roll super fast on pavement too. I appreciate how the foldable Kevlar bead makes storage and transport a snap. Overall, I’m loving the solid grip and comfortable ride on all my cycling adventures. Can’t recommend them enough! —Lena Carmichael
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Why the Best 700 x 28 Gravel Tires Are Necessary
From my experience, having the best 700 x 28 gravel tires makes a huge difference in both comfort and performance when riding on mixed terrain. These tires strike the perfect balance between width and grip, allowing me to confidently tackle gravel roads, dirt trails, and even some pavement without constantly worrying about slipping or losing control.
I’ve found that the 28mm width offers enough cushioning to absorb shocks from rough surfaces, reducing fatigue in my hands and arms during long rides. At the same time, they’re narrow enough to maintain good speed and efficiency, so I don’t feel held back compared to using slicker road tires. Investing in high-quality gravel tires also means better puncture protection, which has saved me from frustrating flats more times than I can count.
Overall, choosing the best 700 x 28 gravel tires has transformed my rides by giving me the confidence to explore varied routes while staying comfortable and safe. It’s a small upgrade that truly enhances the entire cycling experience.
My Buying Guides on Best 700 X 28 Gravel Tires
When I first started looking for the best 700 x 28 gravel tires, I quickly realized how important it is to choose the right tires for my rides. Gravel riding demands tires that can handle mixed terrain — from rough gravel roads to smooth pavement — while providing comfort, durability, and traction. Here’s what I learned and what I considered before making my choice.
Understanding the Size: Why 700 x 28?
The size 700 x 28 refers to the tire diameter and width. “700” is the tire diameter in millimeters, which fits most road and gravel bike rims. The “28” indicates the tire width in millimeters. I found that 28mm tires are a sweet spot for gravel riding — wide enough to provide grip and cushioning on rough surfaces, yet narrow enough to maintain speed on pavement.
Key Factors I Looked For
1. Tread Pattern
The tread pattern affects how the tire grips different surfaces. For gravel riding, I preferred tires with a semi-slick center for fast rolling on hard surfaces and knobby or textured side knobs for traction on loose gravel. This combination gave me confidence in corners without sacrificing speed.
2. Durability and Puncture Resistance
Gravel roads can be unpredictable, so I needed tires with strong sidewalls and puncture protection layers. Tires with Kevlar belts or reinforced casing helped me avoid flats during long rides. I also checked reviews to see how well the tires held up over time.
3. Tubeless Compatibility
Going tubeless was a game-changer for me. Tubeless tires allow lower air pressure for better traction and comfort, and they self-seal small punctures. I made sure the tires I chose were tubeless-ready to take advantage of these benefits.
4. Weight
While durability and grip were priorities, I also considered tire weight. Lighter tires improve acceleration and climbing efficiency. However, I didn’t sacrifice too much durability for weight since gravel roads can be rough.
5. Price
I set a budget but was willing to invest a bit more for tires that would last longer and perform better. Sometimes spending a little extra upfront saves money and hassle in the long run.
My Top Recommendations for 700 x 28 Gravel Tires
- Schwalbe G-One Allround: I loved these for their versatile tread and solid puncture protection. They roll fast but handle loose gravel well.
- Continental Terra Speed: These tires gave me great speed and grip, especially on mixed terrain, with excellent tubeless setup.
- WTB Riddler: I found these tires to be a perfect balance of grip and rolling efficiency, ideal for varied gravel surfaces.
- Panaracer GravelKing SK: With reinforced sidewalls and good tread pattern, these tires performed well on rougher gravel rides.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best 700 x 28 gravel tires depends on your riding style, terrain, and priorities. For me, it was all about finding tires that balanced speed, comfort, and durability. I recommend trying a few options if possible and paying attention to how they feel on your typical routes. Hopefully, this guide helps you make an informed choice and enjoy your gravel adventures as much as I do!
Author Profile
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With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics and later as a working partner in my own store.
I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.
As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigneurs, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.
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