The wait is finally over—that tire is back.
The 700c fat tire that could be called the prototype for the modern 29er, the BRUCE GORDON Rock’n Road Tire, has made its long-awaited return and is now back in stock with new sizes added!
In addition to the classic 43mm, a new 48mm width has been added to the lineup!
Along with the existing 43mm model, we’ve now added a 48mm width to the lineup! Of course, it is available in both 650B and 700C sizes.
When it was first released, 43mm was considered so fat that only a limited number of bikes could clear them. That’s no longer the case; today, there are even wider tires available, and I feel that this has broadened the ways we ride as well.
The tire's tread pattern, featuring small, scattered knobs, ensures a smooth ride on city streets while remaining highly effective on dry dirt and light singletrack. The generous air volume helps dampen road vibrations, while the optimized compound and Kevlar bead result in a remarkably light weight and low rolling resistance. Additionally, all models except the 700Cx43mm are tubeless-ready.
【BRUCE GORDON】 Rock’n Road Tire
Colors: Blackwall / Gumwall
Sizes: 650B x 43mm / 650B x 48mm / 700C x 43mm / 700C x 48mm
Tubeless compatible (excluding 700C x 43mm)
Price: 8,800 JPY
The 700c fat tire that became the prototype for the 29er
This tire was displayed at Bruce Gordon’s booth at the 2012 NAHBS. It had a somewhat old-fashioned look and a 700 x 43c size—which was considered fat at the time. While that size is quite standard now, I remember it being quite shocking back then.
Back in the early 80s, when everyone was riding 26-inch MTBs, some in the UK and US were already experimenting with 700c fat tires that would become the prototype for the 29er. Finnish snow tires of that era gave mountain bikers a dream—essentially acting as the blueprint for the 29er. Inspired by those, frame builder Bruce Gordon created the Rock’n Road tire.
The source of the fat tire idea:
Nokia Hakkapeliitta snow tires
Back then, Rock’n Road was created to be a cheaper, lighter alternative to imported Hakka tires.
Following Bruce's passing in June 2019, production ended much to everyone's regret. However, his protégé David has taken up his master’s mantle, and with Panaracer’s help, these tires are being produced once again, allowing us to resume domestic distribution.
The ultimate “Do It All” freedom tire
From your doorstep, through busy city streets, up hills outside of town, and tearing through dirt trails—this truly is an all-around “freedom tire” that covers every type of riding you can imagine.
Since the gravel category was established, we’ve seen so many different tread patterns emerge, and we now live in an era where we can choose tires based on various criteria, including weight and compound quality.
I’m not sure if Bruce foresaw this, but in today’s highly competitive tire market, this old-school Rock’n Road pattern actually stands out more than ever. It’s a tire that continues to teach us what “fun” is, no matter how much the times change.
“Don't overthink it—just mount them up and get out for a ride!”
I’m certain that’s what he would say.
