TUFO Thundero vs Thundero HD

Which gravel tyre is right for your riding?

If there’s one upgrade that can completely change how your gravel bike feels, it’s tyres.
Not carbon wheels. Not a new drivetrain. Tyres.

At Trev’s Cycle Shop, two tyres consistently punch above their weight for Kiwi gravel riders:

• TUFO Thundero Gravel Tyre

Fast, light, and perfect for most riders. If your gravel rides look like this:

• Hardpack gravel
• Farm roads
• Rail trails
• Long endurance rides
• Events where speed matters
  

This is your tyre.

Key benefits

• Low rolling resistance: The centre tread is designed to keep speed without feeling draggy.
• Enough grip where it counts: The shoulder knobs bite when you lean the bike over — no surprise washouts.
• Lighter casing: Feels lively, accelerates quickly, and climbs well.
• Comfort at lower pressures: Tubeless setup smooths out chatter and reduces fatigue on long rides.

Best for

• Gravel events
• Mixed terrain rides
• Riders who value speed and efficiency
• Anyone who wants one tyre that “just works”

• TUFO Thundero HD Gravel Tyre

Same speed — more protection

The HD stands for Heavy Duty, and that’s exactly what you get.

Choose the Thundero HD if your gravel looks more like:

• Sharp metal chip
• Back-country gravel
• Rough forestry roads
• Bikepacking with weight
• “I’m sick of fixing punctures” riding

Key benefits

• Reinforced casing & sidewalls: Far better protection against cuts and pinch flats.
• More confidence on rough lines: You can hit sketchy sections without tip-toeing.
• Still rolls fast: It’s tougher — not slow.
• Excellent durability: Ideal for high-mileage riders or heavier loads.

SUMMARY OF KEY DIFFERENCES

Which one should you choose?

Here’s the Trev shortcut:

• Mostly smooth gravel + speed goals? → Thundero
• Rough gravel, chip seal, or bikepacking? → Thundero HD

Unsure? → Start with Thundero (most riders do)

Still stuck? Flick me a message. Tyres are one of those things where a 2-minute chat can save you months of annoyance.