Gravel tires tend to fall into two camps: aggressive tread patterns that scrub speed on pavement, or slick designs that surrender traction the moment surfaces turn loose. The Zipp Goodyear XPLR Slick Tubeless aims for something more versatile—a fast-rolling center section for efficiency on hardpack and asphalt, paired with shoulder knobs that engage when you lean into corners or encounter unpredictable terrain. It's the tire equivalent of having two options without swapping rubber.

The casing construction draws on Goodyear's partnership with Zipp, combining a 120 TPI foundation with Tubeless Complete Ready technology for straightforward setup without excessive sealant wrestling. The compound uses Goodyear's Dynamic GSR formula across the tread, balancing grip and longevity rather than sacrificing one for the other. A reinforced bead-to-bead layer adds puncture protection without the weight penalty that typically accompanies flat resistance.

Width options span the practical range for gravel applications—35mm for mixed-surface riders who favor efficiency, 40mm for those prioritizing volume and comfort, and 45mm for rougher terrain where air cushion matters more than rolling speed. The 700c diameter maintains compatibility with standard gravel framesets, and the tubeless-ready construction means you're running lower pressures without the pinch flat anxiety that tubes create on rocky descents.... Read More