Ultradynamico Cava Gravel Tire Review
Words and Photos by Eric Meier
“Hey, what do you think about those tires?” This has become the question I hear most on my rides lately. My bike is not an off-the-shelf ride, so I’m used to comments, just not about my tires. The follow-up goes something like, “So, is it a serious tire?” Which I get… coming from a brand called Ultradynamico with tires named after after wines does make you wonder. I’m happy to report that yes, the company is real and these tires are no joke.
Currently Ultradynamico offer two models: the Rosé and the Cava. The Rosé is suited for wet or loose conditions where the more aggressive tread pattern can provide some extra grip. The Cava (which I’ll talk more about) is smooth tire for fast conditions. Each comes in three levels: Race, Brevet, and Robusto. Race and Brevet tires have the same weight, but different tread compounds; the race being a softer compound, the Brevet a higher mileage compound which should translate to longer wear. Casings are the same so “feel” should be similar. The Robusto is 50g heavier, and provides better protection and durability while sacrificing some feel. Each are available in 650b x 47.99 only, but they have been hinting at 700c versions coming in the future.
While I have both the Rosé and Cava, we’ll focus on the Cava here. The setup is on my Breadwinner G-Road with Astral Wanderlust rims laced to Chris King hubs. On pavement I run the air pressure at 29 psi front and 31 psi rear, on gravel I’ve run them down to 23 psi front and 25 psi rear.
On pavement the Cavas are as smooth as any tire I’ve every run. The tread can be a bit buzzy and in corners the pattern and compound grip well enough, but not with the same confidence as a smoother tire like the WTB Horizon or Rene Herse Switchback Hill. But it’s when you get off road that this tire comes to life. Drop that pressure down, and rip! I recently rode portions of the Mid South Gravel route which consists of sections of packed gravel, freshly laid loose gravel, hard pack rutted clay, sand, and a little mud. The Cava excelled no matter the surface. They floated over loose gravel; while the bike squirmed, the Cavas found grip and gave me confidence. They stayed on top of sand and never bogged down. This is a very supple tire, and so far durability has not been an issue. They have felt as though they have gone through a break in period and become more supple as the miles have added up.
Overall, I love these tires and they will be my go-to for dry conditions this coming season. I also love what Patrick and Benedict are doing with their passion for tires, love of the sport and colorful personalities. Keep putting out quality products with the same attitude and I’ll forever ride with you.
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