CX/Gravel Tire Test: Bontrager Girona RSL GR 42

The Bontrager Girona RSL GR is an all-round semi-slick gravel tire with high puncture resistance and a high grip compound. The Girona replaces the Bontrager GR1 (read our review) that we tested in 2023, allowing us to compare the tires against each other directly.

Be warned, however, that the Girona RSL GR is a completely different tire than the GR1. If you were happy with the GR1, this is not a direct replacement. The Girona also comes from a different factory, indicating that this is just a very different tire.

The Girona RSL GR is constructed with a 220 TPI casing, and the compound is now called 'Gravel Dual Compound' instead of '60a/52a' like the old GR1. The specified weight has also significantly increased, with the Girona weighing 530 grams compared to the 430 grams of the GR1.

The available sizes are 35-622, 38-622, and 42-622, providing ample choice. All sizes are available in both black sidewalls and tan sidewalls, so any choice is possible.

Manufacturer Specifications

Manufacturer Specs
Brand	Bontrager
Model	Girona RSL GR
Year	2024
Supplied By	Bought in store
New or Used	New
Mileage	0 km
Price Range	High
Buy At
Manufacturer part number	5310862
TPI	220
Compound	Gravel Dual Compound
Bead	Folding
ETRTO	42-622
Specified Weight	530 grams
Max Air Pressure (psi)	50
Made In	Members Only
Available Sizes	35-622 (700x35c) 38-622 (700x38c) 42-622 (700x42c)

Bontrager Girona RSL GR 42 Test Results

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements

Size, Weight, and Thickness Measurements
Specified Weight	530 grams
Measured Weight	553 grams
Measured Width Casing	41 mm (un-round)
Measured Width Tread	42 mm
Measured Height	39 mm (un-round)
Measured Knob Height Center	0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	1.8 mm
Measured Total Thickness Center (excluding knobs)	3.40 mm
Measured Total Thickness Sidewall	Members Only
All size measurements are taken at low air pressure on a 17.8 mm inner width rim.

Rolling Resistance Test Results

Rolling Resistance Test Results
Inner Tube	None (30 ml sealant)
Measured Width	41 mm
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 66 psi/4.6 bar 33-35 = 60 psi/4.1 bar 36-38 = 54 psi/3.7 bar 39-42 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 43-46 = 46 psi/3.2 bar 47-50 = 42 psi/2.9 barHigh Air Pressure (50 psi / 3.4 bar)	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 55 psi/3.8 bar 33-35 = 50 psi/3.4 bar 36-38 = 45 psi/3.1 bar 39-42 = 42 psi/2.9 bar 43-46 = 38 psi/2.6 bar 47-50 = 35 psi/2.4 barMedium Air Pressure (42 psi / 2.9 bar)	Members Only
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 44 psi/3.0 bar 33-35 = 40 psi/2.8 bar 36-38 = 36 psi/2.6 bar 39-42 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 43-46 = 31 psi/2.1 bar 47-50 = 28 psi/1.9 barLow Air Pressure (33 psi / 2.3 bar)	32.0 Watts CRR: 0.00959
Rolling Resistance Real tire width in mm: 30-32 = 33 psi/2.3 bar 33-35 = 30 psi/2.1 bar 36-38 = 27 psi/1.9 bar 39-42 = 25 psi/1.7 bar 43-46 = 23 psi/1.6 bar 47-50 = 21 psi/1.4 barExtra Low Air Pressure (25 psi / 1.7 bar)	40.3 Watts CRR: 0.01208
The CX/Gravel section is a multi tire size section, air pressures have been adjusted to the measured casing width. All numbers are for a single tire at a speed of 29 km/h / 18 mph and a load of 42.5 kg / 94 lbs. Use the formula: RR (Watts) = CRR * speed (m/s) * load (N) to calculate rolling resistance at a given speed and load.

Puncture Resistance Test Results

Puncture Resistance Test Results (higher is better)
Total Puncture Score Tread	57 Points
Total Puncture Score Sidewall	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Tread Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Tread Total Tire Thickness	3.40 mm
Sidewall Puncture Force Sharp Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Puncture Force Blunt Needle	Members Only
Sidewall Total Tire Thickness	Members Only

Hard Surface Static Grip Test Results

Static Grip Test Results
Wet Grip Average	82 Points
Wet Grip Center	Members Only
Wet Grip Edge	Members Only
Measured Knob Height Center	0.0 mm
Measured Knob Height Edge	1.8 mm
Grip in points = coefficient of friction * 100 CX/Gravel grip test rim width = 23.0 mm
Wet Grip Test and Off-Road Tires (info)

Conclusion

The Girona RSL GR has its strengths, but speed is certainly not one of them. We were a bit shocked by the high rolling resistance for this type of tire. Bontrager also refers to it as "a tire for high speed," initially setting us off on the wrong foot.

There are strong points, primarily wet grip and the puncture resistance of both the tread and the sidewalls. These qualities and the tread pattern make this a tire that would look good as a touring bike tire.

If the strengths of the Girona RSL GR align with your needs, this could be a tire to consider.

RATING: 3.0 / 5
TEST VERDICT: Recommended

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