What Your Tires Will Face
Kansas Flint Hills gravel
Gravel roads through rolling Flint Hills prairie. Moderate elevation with prairie scenery.
TECHNICAL: MODERATE (2/5)
- Moderate rolling (3500 feet)
- Flint Hills prairie scenery
- Central Kansas setting
- Multiple distances
- Regional event
Best Tires for Switchgrass
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Recommended: 38mm — $54.99Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
For Switchgrass: 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
Goodyear Connector
Recommended: 40mm — $64.99Value all-rounder. Wide width range with solid puncture protection.
For Switchgrass: 34.5W rolling resistance (fast for a knobby), $64.99 MSRP, 430g per tire (40mm). Value all-rounder. Wide width range with solid puncture protection.
Strengths
- Great value
- Wide size range
- Good puncture protection
Trade-offs
- Not the lightest
- Average grip
- Basic compound
Continental Terra Trail
Recommended: 40mm — $74.99The do-everything gravel tire. Fast enough to race, tough enough to survive.
For Switchgrass: 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: Vittoria Terreno Dry (40mm) — 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 |
Sharp surfaces: err on the higher end to prevent pinch flats and rim damage.
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
50-70ml
Use the higher end of the range. Sharp surfaces demand extra sealant.
Spare Strategy
Carry a tube, tire plugs, AND a tire boot. Sharp surfaces can cause cuts too large for sealant alone.
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 →
Vittoria Terreno Dry (40mm) — $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 Switchgrass. Print it and tape it to your stem.
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