Donnelly TiresEMP 60tpi Gravel Tire(Return to Product Page)

I wanted a slightly more narrow tire than the 40s I had. At the time I was riding a lot of paved roads. I ordered the EMP in 38 thinking that would be a nice compromise between the 40 and my old 35 cross tires. After I mounted the EMP on the wheel I checked them with a digital caliper. They measured out to be almost exactly 35mm wide.

I was a little discouraged by the true width. I loved the look and the tread pattern so I decided to overlook my disappointment.

First impression on the road was a slight whirr, but nothing overly annoying. Its actually sort of a pleasant sound, to be expected with knobbies.

Once I got my air pressure dialed in, these tires rolled like butter on the pavement. On sandy dirt roads they tossed up a little debris, but they do really well on climbs. Descents on loose gravel are loads of fun at speed.

I have also mixed in some MTB trails. With the tires aired down, I was able to keep up with friends on mountain bikes fairly well.

There was a little sliding on slippery wet roots. No surprise on tires measured at 35 mm.

I aired down to just about 40 psi before hitting the MTB trails. I weigh about 240 lbs. There were several times I felt the wheel smack a rock or a root as the tire bottomed out. I did not have any flats.

They did pack up with some Georgia red clay. I have never seen a tire that didn't. Loose top soil cleaned right off with some speed. The clay cleaned off to a point, just not as easily. My thought was the shallow knobs don't hold the mud like a MTB tire.

I have put about 100 miles on these with a mix of pavement, gravel, and trails.

I have been very happy with the EMP. They handled everything I have thrown at them exceptionally well.

Excellent gravel tire. The 700x38 handles hard-pack, loose gravel, and mud with grippy aplomb, and is still smooth rolling enough to get up to a good and efficient spin on pavement. Secure and stable cornering and descending. 10 out of 10 would ride again.

Bought set to use on my 29er Dirty Kanza Race in Emporia, Kansas. Unfortunately for me I didn't make the lottery to race this year but have put these on my mountain bike anyway. The 1.5 inch width is much quicker on the Flint Hills Nature Trail and Prairie Spirit Trail. Nice ride and much quicker than the 2 inch tires I had on before. Smooth ride but I would not suggest using in mud.