More information would be helpful. Make & model of bike? Frame material? Rigid, front suspension, full suspension? Type of luggage: bikepacking sodt bags or racks & panniers? Tubes or tubeless?
That said, the best advice I have received online, from folks you have ridden the GDMBR, is to put rolling resistance (or lack of resistance) at the top of your selection criteria. The other bit of knowledge I have learned the hard way, do NOT judge a tire by the width printed on the sidewall. Trust the width as measured on your rims. There are a few places online to find out actual tire width. Honest reviews by individuals will often include actual tire width. Art's Cyclery lists weight and width for the tires that they sell. There are a few mountain bike tires that actually measure 2 1/8" to 2 1/4" wide. If I choose to ride my 26" wheel rigid steel mountain bike on the GDMBR, and the tires fit, I will probably pick tires that are a little wider than 2". Some of the Continental black chili tires fall into this group.
On the other hand, the Specialized Renegade Control and Fast Trak Control tires meet the #1 Criteria mentioned above: they roll fast and are relatively light weight. I have followed two riders online using this set up (Renegade 2.3 front / Fast Trak 2.1 rear) and both were pleased with the tires. The rear tires were replaced in Salida, Colorado on both bikes. The Renegades in front lasted the whole way.
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/page/?o=tS&page_id=337499&v=9ahttp://faroutwanderings.blogspot.com/2015/01/vals-tour-divide-bike-and-kit-what.htmlBottom line, based on what I know,: 1. Low rolling resistance. 2. Low weight. 3. Largest casing that fits my bike. 4. Durability.
Ps: If I pick my 700c steel frame bike for the trip, I will use the Clement X'plor MSO 40 X 700c tires that I have on the bike now. They are the largest tire I can fit on the rear. I could go with a slightly larger tire in front. If something better than the MSO comes along, I'll give it a try. At the moment, the MSO, set up tubeless, is the favorite tire of the Gravel Grinder folks. That's good enough for me.
Good luck! Keep us posted on your tire search and trip.
Wayne
