Maxxis
I've been running Ramblers for a few years now and highly recommend them. I used a set of 40c EXO tires f/r for a couple years and am now on a 45c EXO front and 40c Silk Shield in the rear to get a little more "suspension" in the front and flat resistance in back. The lighter EXO model is a little more fragile, but they're light at around 375 grams, so a good tire for race days or lighter riders. The 45c is a good amount larger in volume than the 40c, and can be run several PSI lower. Ramblers roll decently on pavement, and don't feel like they give up a ton of watts over a smaller/smoother tire. And more importantly they have a consistent amount of grip when leaned over - the side knobs don't feel too squirmy on pavement, like WTB Nanos can, for comparison. On gravel these are in their element, and they can handle some trail use too, within reason.
I got these tires to ride my MTB on long gravel rides. Knobby tires have great traction & durability, but their weight and rolling resistance isn't ideal for gravel rides. I weighed these tires at 550 gr each in 47-650 size (1.85" wide). That's 250-350 grams lighter than knobbies. I run them tubeless and they fit perfectly, though did require a compressor to seat and seal.
Previously I ran Schwalbe G-One Allrounds but they got so many flats I had to try something else.
Kudos to BikeTiresDirect for having them in stock, at a good price, and amazingly fast shipping.
Maxxis quality. Best in loose over hard conditions, ie desert or dry hardpack, with lesser traction in forest duff or wet conditions (it does pack up in mud). But light weight and fast, much faster than usual front DHF or rear DHR2. Does 85% in corners and braking of those tires without the weight or tradeoff in speed. Holds its own in rock gardens and has decent durability. When sipes wear down, traction goes with it. Most use it for rear paired with a DHF, but if you want to fly, one in the front will serve you well for speed. Loose over hard is its specialty.
