Our picks of the best rubber for off-road adventures

01 Vittoria Terreno Dry TLR

£45 Sizes 700c x 31, 33, 35, 38mm (tested); 650b x 47mm Weight 450g (700c x 38mm)

● BILLED AS A HARDPACK tyre for dry conditions, the semi-slick, aggressively shouldered tread pattern delivers more than you’d expect with impressive grip in nearly all conditions, including rocky sections and even wet roots. On drier, smoother surfaces the really low-profile central tread offers little rolling resistance, yet when riding through muddy slop and cornering in the wet, the shoulder knobs reduce sideways slides. This TLR model is the lightweight option; after sustaining a sidewall tear on a flint bridleway I’d recommend the more robust TNT casing. Tubeless set-up is marginally tricky with a tight fit on the rim, and they run wide, the 38s inflating to 40.4mm.

02 Michelin Power

£49 Sizes 700c x 33, 35, 40 (tested), 47mm Weight 480g (40mm)

● WITH A SHALLOW, less aggressive tread pattern, these tyres are formulated to deliver grip and speed in drier conditions on hardpack, gravel and tarmac. They feature a protective layer from bead to bead, which gives great puncture protection, plus the sturdy X-Miles Compound rubber is designed to increase the tyres’ lifespan. Set-up is a doddle and, on 23mm internal rims, they measure 41.5mm at the widest point with a rounded profile. On dry hardpack and loose gravel trails, grip is plentiful, encouraging you to lean into the corners and carry more speed, plus these tyres roll fast on tarmac. When it comes to sloppy mud, they provide a surprising amount of grip on the straight.

03 Teravail Cannonball Light And Supple

£49 Sizes 700c x 35, 38, 42 (tested), 47mm; 650b x 40, 47mm Weight 450g (42mm)

● DESIGNED AS A GRAVEL-racing allrounder, with a fast-rolling centre and plenty of shoulder tread for cornering, these offer generous grip over a wide range of terrain and excellent puncture protection. Even some of the wettest weather couldn’t put a dampener on this rubber, as these tyres hook up well through slimy mud and when splashing through puddles. In drier conditions they perform very well off-road, giving oodles of confidence at speed and through corners. They’re no slouch on the road either. Tubeless set-up is easy, though it inflates just shy of 42mm. As a solid all-year option the Cannonball is hard to beat, and it comes in a ‘Durable’ version.

Katherine Moore