What Your Tires Will Face
Michigan gravel roads
Gravel roads across lower Michigan. Relatively flat to rolling terrain with moderate elevation overall.
TECHNICAL: MODERATE (2/5)
- Relatively flat Michigan terrain
- Rolling sections
- Rural Michigan scenery
- State crossing (Lake Huron to Lake Michigan)
- Ultra-distance challenge
Best Tires for Coast to Coast
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Recommended: 38mm — $54.99Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
For Coast to Coast: 32.0W rolling resistance (fast for a knobby), $54.99 MSRP, 380g per tire (38mm). Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
Strengths
- Fast rolling center
- Strong cornering grip
- Good puncture protection
Trade-offs
- Side knobs wear unevenly
- Not ideal in deep mud
- Limited sizes
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Recommended: 40mm — $79.99Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
For Coast to Coast: 33.5W rolling resistance (fast for a knobby), $79.99 MSRP, 420g per tire (40mm). Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
Strengths
- Graphene compound grip
- Versatile tread
- Good in variable conditions
Trade-offs
- Jack of all trades
- Moderate puncture protection
- Not the best in any single condition
Continental Terra Trail
Recommended: 40mm — $74.99The do-everything gravel tire. Fast enough to race, tough enough to survive.
For Coast to Coast: 33.5W rolling resistance (fast for a knobby), $74.99 MSRP, 450g per tire (40mm). The do-everything gravel tire. Fast enough to race, tough enough to survive.
Strengths
- Excellent puncture protection
- Versatile across conditions
- Durable
Trade-offs
- Heavier than file treads
- Not the fastest on smooth surfaces
- Slower in deep mud
Front: Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass (44mm) — Rear: Specialized Pathfinder Pro (38mm)
Faster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
Pressure Recommendations (38mm)
| Rider Weight | Dry | Mixed | Wet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 140-160 lbs | 36-40 psi | 33-37 psi | 31-35 psi |
| 160-180 lbs | 39-43 psi | 36-40 psi | 34-38 psi |
| 180-200 lbs | 42-46 psi | 39-43 psi | 37-41 psi |
| 200+ lbs | 45-49 psi | 42-46 psi | 40-44 psi |
All pressures assume tubeless setup with 21-25mm internal width rims. Wider rims allow 2-3 PSI lower. Add 5-8 psi for tubes. Pressures are starting points — fine-tune during training rides on similar surfaces.
Race-Day Tire Setup
Tubeless
Recommended
Tubeless provides better comfort and puncture protection, even on smoother courses.
Sealant
50-70ml
Standard amount should work fine for this course.
Spare Strategy
Carry a tube and tire plugs. Standard repair kit should handle most issues.
Pre-Race Break-In
Mount tires 2-3 days before race day. Ride at least 30 minutes to seat the bead, check for sealant leaks, and verify tire pressure holds overnight.
Plan B Tires
Vittoria Terreno Wet (40mm) — $79.99
Wet-condition weapon. Graphene compound grips when surfaces get slick. Review →
Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass (44mm) — $89.00
Supple luxury. Ultra-comfortable ride with surprisingly low rolling resistance. Review →
GET YOUR RACE DAY SETUP CARD
Tire picks, pressure chart, sealant amounts, and tubeless tips — customized for Coast to Coast. Print it and tape it to your stem.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.