The Great Tyre Debate

Image: Metzeler

 

If there's one topic that'll get a group of ADV riders yarning around a campfire, it's tyres.

Whether you’re carving up gravel roads on the weekend or commuting through city streets during the week, choosing between knobby and 50/50 tyres isn’t always straightforward.

It's the great debate, the big question that defines your ride. But as Steve says, "No single tyre will meet all your expectations," and he's spot on. Every tyre is a compromise designed for a specific purpose, and the rubber beneath you can make or break an adventure. So, this guide isn't about picking a winner. It's about breaking down the differences and giving you the straight-up facts to help you choose the perfect tyre for your next ride.

 

The Knobby Tyre: Your Off-Road Weapon

Think of a knobby tyre as a specialist tool. It’s engineered with one primary mission: to provide maximum grip and performance when the pavement ends. With tall, chunky tread blocks and wide-open spaces, it’s designed to dig, claw, and bite into soft terrain like mud, sand, and loose dirt.

A knobby is the right tool for the job if:

• Your rides are predominantly on challenging dirt tracks, deep sand, or muddy trails (think 80% off-road, 20% on-road)
• You need the absolute best traction, braking, and control in loose conditions
• You view highways as the boring commute to your real office: the dirt

The Trade-Off: That incredible off-road bite comes with specific on-road characteristics. The design that makes them brilliant in the dirt means they'll be noisier on the highway, wear more quickly on abrasive surfaces, and have a different feel in paved corners compared to a road-focused tyre.

 

The 50/50 Tyre: The Master of Versatility

The 50/50 tyre is the Swiss Army knife in your toolkit. It’s the master of the middle ground, expertly designed to handle a bit of everything. We like to call it the mullet of tyres: business on the blacktop, party in the dirt!

Its tread pattern is a clever balance - less aggressive than a knobby, but with more void and bite than a street tyre. This gives you confident performance on the highway and the capability you need for gravel roads, fire trails, and moderately challenging terrain.

A 50/50 is the right tool for the job if:

• Your adventures are a true mix of tarmac and dirt
• You need a tyre that can comfortably smash out highway kilometres on Friday, then confidently explore forest trails all weekend
• You value all-around performance and predictability across the widest range of conditions

The Trade-Off: As a master of versatility, it won’t outperform a specialist at either extreme. It won't dig in with the same tenacity as a full knobby in deep mud, nor will it provide the same level of slick-surface grip as a dedicated road tyre. It's the ultimate balance for the all-rounder.

 

Separating Fact from Fiction: Which Tyre is For You?

This is where we follow another piece of advice from the boss: "Separate fact from fiction when choosing a tyre." The best tyre on your mate's bike isn't automatically the best tyre for you.

Have an honest chat with yourself about your riding. Where did you go last weekend? What trip are you planning next month? The answer lies in the terrain you actually ride.

There’s no ‘better’ tyre here, mate - only the tyre that’s better for your adventure. Both are fantastic options, and a true adventurer knows that having the right tool for the job is the key to a great ride.

The debate truly comes alive in the community, and every rider has a go-to setup and a story to tell. We want to hear yours! What are you running and why? Let us know in the comments over on our social posts: Facebook & Instagram

 

Ready to Gear Up?

Now that you've got a handle on the great tyre debate, the next step is getting the right rubber on your rims.

Whether you've decided you're a dedicated knobby rider or a versatile 50/50 adventurer, our mates at Tyres 4 Bikes have the right set of tyres for your bike. The team will give you expert advice to match the perfect tyre to your bike and riding style.

✅ FREE fitting on loose wheels with every tyre purchase in-store at their Brisbane & Sydney locations (right next door to us!).
✅ FREE Shipping for the rest of Australia 

Head over to Tyres 4 Bikes to find your perfect set and get your bike ready to conquer every terrain!

Ride safe, legends!