What is Big Gravel?

The gravel scene has exploded over the past decade, evolving from backroad jaunts to full-blown off-road epics that push riders and equipment to the limit. Enter Big Gravel—a new breed of gravel riding that blurs the lines between traditional gravel, XC mountain biking, and adventure touring.

So, what exactly is Big Gravel?

At its core, Big Gravel is about going big—bigger tires, burlier terrain, and bigger days in the saddle. It’s for riders seeking the thrill of off-road exploration without the full suspension setup. It’s for those who see “minimum maintenance road” signs as an invitation, not a warning. Also for racers, bigger is faster. You want to see what the winners were riding at Unbound 2025, they were running Big Gravel tires. Speed when you need it. 

Key Features of Big Gravel:

• Tire Widths of 45mm and Beyond: Gone are the days when 38s were considered “wide.” Big Gravel demands tires like WTB’s Vulpine 45 or Vulpine S 45  or Nano 52 or Resolute 50—built to roll fast while soaking up chunky descents.
• Versatility Over Everything: Routes may include pavement, gravel roads, sand, rocks, chunky gravel like in Emporia at Unbound or Portola at Lost and Found. Big Gravel tires need to deliver grip, comfort, and durability in all conditions.

Why Big Gravel Matters

Big Gravel isn’t just a marketing term—it reflects a real shift in how and where people ride. Events like Unbound XL, Oregon Trail Gravel Grinder, and the Lost and Found have set new expectations for what gravel racing and riding can be.

And at WTB, we’re here for it.

We’ve built tires like the Nano 52, Resolute 50, Vulpine S 45, and the Vulpine 45 to meet the demands of riders chasing high-speed confidence across rough terrain. These tires are the result of years of experience riding, racing, and refining gear that’s ready for Big Gravel days. Stay tuned for more Big Gravel tires coming this spring!