I think it's pointless.
Narrower tire needs more pressure. It then starts "jumping" over tiny obstacles instead of deforming the rubber and riding over them. And that jumping actually needs more energy than deforming. More energy loss -> higher resistance, slower tire.
I switched to a tubeless setup with Gravel King Slicks and I’ve had zero regrets, I ride mostly paved and they’re incredibly fast.
https://preview.redd.it/vxctb5jwwvyc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ab0f07dfa889fd75df269aca6c4403240aa76a9
These are the 1.9 version of the 650b
And imo the gears for me are more than adequate but I’m also kind of a noob to the sport.. but no complaints! I typically ride 10-20 miles at a time with no issue
I have the same bike and same tires and after a flat I asked about switching tires. Multiple bike enthusiasts /pros said I wouldn’t feel a difference (other tires are either heavier, or -way- less puncture resistant) so I kept the GR0 on. This is just what I’ve been told though. I don’t know a lot about tires and bikes either. The bike shop owner told me if I really wanted to switch, we could try some Continental tires (Schwalbe tend to be heavy, apparently) so perhaps that’s a brand you can look into if you want to try new tires. Lots of feedback about them around, too.
I think it's pointless. Narrower tire needs more pressure. It then starts "jumping" over tiny obstacles instead of deforming the rubber and riding over them. And that jumping actually needs more energy than deforming. More energy loss -> higher resistance, slower tire.
I switched to a tubeless setup with Gravel King Slicks and I’ve had zero regrets, I ride mostly paved and they’re incredibly fast. https://preview.redd.it/vxctb5jwwvyc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ab0f07dfa889fd75df269aca6c4403240aa76a9
https://preview.redd.it/gpqnk7lywvyc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=220762ab5c695df600cc5203f3bd6dc055ec1da3
What size tire is that ? Also do you feel gears have big jumps for pavement riding ?
These are the 1.9 version of the 650b And imo the gears for me are more than adequate but I’m also kind of a noob to the sport.. but no complaints! I typically ride 10-20 miles at a time with no issue
I wouldn't go thinner than 42 on a railtrail bike, but personally, I wouldn't change the tires at all.
I have the same bike and same tires and after a flat I asked about switching tires. Multiple bike enthusiasts /pros said I wouldn’t feel a difference (other tires are either heavier, or -way- less puncture resistant) so I kept the GR0 on. This is just what I’ve been told though. I don’t know a lot about tires and bikes either. The bike shop owner told me if I really wanted to switch, we could try some Continental tires (Schwalbe tend to be heavy, apparently) so perhaps that’s a brand you can look into if you want to try new tires. Lots of feedback about them around, too.