WTB Nano 40c?

[gkempers]

So I always thought that for tour divide you needed at least 2.1 inch tires but I read that WTB Nano 40c were claimed as the "go-to tire for Tour Divide" http://www.wtb.com/blogs/wtb/14161305-smart-dudes-speak-the-truth
This seems a bit skinny for something like the Tour Divide. I do like the idea of just using my comfy gravel bike for something that long.

[MikeC]

Depends on your goals, and need for comfort vs. desire for speed. 

I have a set of the Nano's in 2.1 and a set of the 40's.  Both are much smaller than advertised.  When I was younger I might have gambled on the 40's for the divide, but would opt for higher volume 10 times out of 10 these days. 

[JReeves]

I'm thinking that something was misunderstood in the communications with WTB.  I bet they were trying to state that the 40c version is exactly the same tread as the 2.1 inch Nano, which has been a "go to tire for the Tour Divide."
I can't say I recall many people riding on tires smaller that a 2.0 in any references to the Divide.  It also mentions "XC events"... has to be the 2.1 that they're referring to at that part of the article.

[bouldernick]

I know a few people have started on 40mm tires. Not sure how they faired. I rode Banff to Butte this year on a 2.1 front and a 43mm Bruce Gordon Rock'n Road rear (due to frame restriction) without any problems. But I'm pretty light and certainly had to pick my line carefully in some cases. Next time I'm going with 2.8" tires.