Why Tyres and Pressure Matter More Than You Think on Gravel
Posted by Trevor Barrett on
Gravel riding has a reputation for being hard work.
Loose surfaces, constant chatter, sketchy corners, surprise punctures — most riders assume that’s just part of the deal.
But here’s the truth: a huge number of “bad” gravel rides come down to two things: tired tyres and guessed tyre pressure.
That’s why we’ve paired our range of Tufo Gravel Tyres with the Xplova Mini Electric Bike Pump into one simple, ride-ready bundle.
The Most Common Gravel Mistake: Riding Old Tyres Too Long
Tyres don’t need to look bald to be past their best. Over time:
- Rubber hardens
- Casings stretch
- Sidewalls cut easier
- Tubeless tyres lose their ability to hold pressure properly
The result?
- Less grip on loose gravel
- More punctures
- A harsher, slower-feeling ride
- Confidence slowly disappearing
Fresh tyres don’t just improve grip — they make the whole bike feel right again.
Why the Tufo Thundero Works So Well on Gravel
The Tufo Thundero has been one of our best-selling gravel tyre for a reason. Riders tell us they like it because it:
- Rolls fast on hardpack and mixed surfaces
- Grips predictably when gravel gets loose
- Resists cuts and seals well when run tubeless
- Feels supple without feeling vague
It’s not a “race only” tyre, and it’s not a tractor tread either. It’s a proper all-round gravel tyre that works in real-world NZ conditions.
But even the best gravel tyre won’t perform properly at the wrong pressure.
The Other Half of the Problem: Guessing Tyre Pressure
Gravel tyres are extremely sensitive to pressure. A few PSI too high:
- Harsh ride
- Skittish cornering
- Less traction
A few PSI too low:
- Squirmy handling
- Burping sealant
- Increased puncture risk
And yet, many riders still rely on:
- CO₂ cartridges
- Floor pump guesses
- “Feels about right” logic
CO₂ is fast — but it’s not accurate, and it’s very easy to over-inflate gravel tyres.
Why an Electric Mini Pump Changes Everything
The Xplova Mini Electric Bike Pump solves that problem properly. It gives you:
- Accurate, repeatable pressure
- The ability to fine-tune PSI on the trail
- No wasted cartridges
- No guessing
- Set the pressure you want, press go, and you’re done.
It’s small enough to live in a pocket or saddle bag, and once you’ve used one, it’s very hard to go back to CO₂.
Why We Bundled These Two Together
Most gravel riders upgrade tyres or pressure tools — rarely both at the same time.
That’s a mistake.
Fresh tyres only work as intended when pressure is dialled. And accurate pressure is pointless if the tyre itself is worn out.
So we created a bundle that fixes both problems in one hit. Just select the Gravel tyre that's right for you and you'll see an option to add the Mini Pump to your order as well.
