What Your Tires Will Face
Tierra del Fuego mountain gravel
Gravel roads through Chilean Tierra del Fuego. Extreme elevation with dramatic scenery at the end of the world.
TECHNICAL: VERY HIGH (4/5)
- Extreme mountainous (10000 feet)
- Tierra del Fuego scenery
- Extreme wind challenges
- 120-mile distance
- Regional event
Best Tires for Karukinka
Vittoria Terreno Wet
Recommended: 45mm — $79.99Wet-condition weapon. Graphene compound grips when surfaces get slick.
For Karukinka: 39.0W rolling resistance, $79.99 MSRP, 520g per tire (45mm). Wet-condition weapon. Graphene compound grips when surfaces get slick.
Strengths
- Excellent wet grip
- Good mud shedding
- Graphene compound
Trade-offs
- Slow on dry surfaces
- Moderate puncture protection
- Limited use case
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S
Recommended: 45mm — $73.99Soft-terrain specialist. Open knob pattern sheds mud and grips wet rock.
For Karukinka: $73.99 MSRP, 470g per tire (45mm). Soft-terrain specialist. Open knob pattern sheds mud and grips wet rock.
Strengths
- Excellent wet grip
- Good mud shedding
- Strong cornering
Trade-offs
- High rolling resistance
- Slow on pavement
- Wears faster on hard surfaces
Schwalbe G-One Overland
Recommended: 45mm — $69.90All-conditions adventurer. Handles mud, wet, and loose with confidence.
For Karukinka: 40.0W rolling resistance, $69.90 MSRP, 550g per tire (45mm). All-conditions adventurer. Handles mud, wet, and loose with confidence.
Strengths
- Excellent all-condition grip
- Strong puncture protection
- Good mud shedding
Trade-offs
- Slow on dry pavement
- Heavy
- Not a speed tire
Pressure Recommendations (45mm)
| Rider Weight | Dry | Mixed | Wet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 140-160 lbs | 30-34 psi | 26-30 psi | 24-28 psi |
| 160-180 lbs | 32-36 psi | 30-34 psi | 28-32 psi |
| 180-200 lbs | 36-40 psi | 32-36 psi | 30-34 psi |
| 200+ lbs | 38-42 psi | 36-40 psi | 34-38 psi |
Technical terrain: lower pressure improves grip but increases pinch flat risk. Find your balance.
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
Strongly recommended
Technical terrain and sharp surfaces make tubeless essential. Self-sealing capability is critical.
Sealant
90-120ml
Standard amount should work fine for this course.
Spare Strategy
Carry a tube and tire plugs. Technical terrain increases the chance of a sidewall cut.
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 Dry (45mm) — $79.99
Graphene-powered speed. Purpose-built for dry gravel racing. Review →
GET YOUR RACE DAY SETUP CARD
Tire picks, pressure chart, sealant amounts, and tubeless tips — customized for Karukinka. Print it and tape it to your stem.
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