Dylan Johnson breaks down his complete tyre setup for gravel racing, explaining why Silke tire sealant is his weapon of choice and how he pairs it with Victoria tire inserts for low-pressure performance. He also shares his race-day puncture strategy, what to carry when things go wrong, and reveals why SRAM chains are notoriously slow compared to alternatives like Shimano and KMC.
Key Takeaways
- Silke tire sealant is the most puncture-resistant option on the market for race day, though it dries out quickly — start with Silke's pressure calculator and adjust ±a few PSI based on testing
- Run lower tyre pressure for better comfort and speed, but use rim inserts (like Victoria) to protect against pinch flats when pressures drop
- Skip tubes on race day if you flat — bring a Dynaplug and CO2 instead, as a tube often leads to another puncture and ends your race anyway
- SRAM makes notoriously slow chains; if you're stuck with SRAM drivetrain, run a KMC or Force-level chain instead of Red, as higher-end SRAM chains are actually slower
- Chain lubricant choice matters beyond watts — faster lubes reduce friction and extend drivetrain lifespan; wax chains like Silke's or Ceramic Speed UFO outperform traditional oils
- Consider sealant-in-CO2 products (like the BAM canister mentioned) for training rides with older sealant that may have dried out, avoiding the mess of puncture repair without fresh sealant
Expert Quotes
"I think that it's probably the most puncture resistant sealant on the market... for a race day sealant it works amazing"
"if you have to put a tube in you're gonna get another flat and your race is kind of over"
"the higher end SRAM chains the SRAM red chains seem to be slower than the SRAM Force chains"