Tyre Width
• Tyre width plays a significant role in how a bike will behave on different surfaces. The most important thing to understand is that tyre width is always dependant on the type of riding you do.
• Road Bikes have a tyre width of 23mm wide. This narrow profile is in keeping with the characteristics required for fast riding on a smooth road surface.
• Mountain Bike tyres have varying widths as there is huge variation in off road surfaces. The range of tyre widths for Mountain Bikes can be anywhere from 1.5 inches to 2.5 inches.
• Hybrid Bike tyres share a similar tyre width to both mountain bikes and road bikes depending on the specific hybrid model.
• Narrow Mountain Bike tyre widths are favoured by riders on smooth trails and are widely used for Cross Country riding. Wider tyre widths (2 inches +) are commonly used for trail riding and technical riding as this form of riding incorporates ascending and descending on technical surfaces.
• Some Hybrid bikes are based on a traditional Mountain Bike design and come with 26" wheels. Others are lightweight and based on fast road riding like a standard Road Bike and are equipped with 700cc wheels.
Tyre Diameter
• Adult road bikes tyres are measured in metric and are typically 650mm and 700mm in size.
• Mountain bike tyres are most commonly measured in inches. A traditional Mountain Bike will have 26" wheels. The latest craze hitting the Mountain Bike world is the introduction of the 29er Mountain Bike – this bike has 29" wheels and accommodates 29" size tyres for increased traction and improved cornering.
• Commuter Bikes typically use 26 inch or 700mm wheels and have tyre sizes to match as they're often based on Mountain Bike or Road Bike models.
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Road Tyres
Road Tyres, what are they?
A road tyre is a tyre designed specifically for riding on the road. The 3 main components that make up a road tyre are the:
Bead - The bead holds the tyre onto the rim and this represents the support structure to the tyre. The majority of beads are steel, but Kevlar is now becoming more and more popular on road tyres.
Fabric - Cloth fabric makes up the body of the tyre. The cloth is woven between the two tyre beads. The most popular material used is Nylon Cord.
Rubber - Once the tyre has achieved its basic shape from the cloth fabric, it is then coated with rubber to protect it from damage.
What makes a good road tyre and what are its advantages?
A good road tyre offers a smooth tread pattern, a balance of aerodynamics, low rolling resistance and comfort for the rider.
What is the recommended pressure for my tyre?
Road tyres are usually marked with a pressure range, from the minimum that will support a rider of average weight to the absolute maximum. Do not exceed the maximum when tyres are marked with a range. Otherwise consult a tyre pressure chart from the bike tyre manufacturer and make your own decision based upon the tyre section and weight supported.
How do I choose which tyre is best for me?
Road tyres are generally categorized into two distinct types, Clincher Tyres and Tubular Tyres:
Clincher Tyres
Conventional tyres used on 99% of all bicycles are "clincher" type, also known as "wire-on." They consist of an outer tyre (the "casing") with a U-shaped cross section, and a separate inner tube. The edges of the tyre hook over the edges of the rim, and air pressure holds everything in place.
Tubular Tyres
While the vast majority of cyclists use clincher type tyres for their bikes, the high end performance racing end of the market prefer to use Tubular Tyres. These tyres are mounted on special tubular specific rims and are glued on to the rims.
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Mountain Bike Tyres
Mountain Tyres, what are they?
A mountain bike tyre is specifically designed for off road riding or trail riding. The 3 main components that make up a Mountain Bike tyre are the:
Bead - The bead holds the tyre onto the rim and this represents the support structure to the tyre. Most Mountain Bike tyres come in a Kevlar or Steel Bead, with Kevlar being the lighter of the two.
Fabric - Cloth fabric makes up the body of the tyre. The cloth is woven between the two tyre beads.
Rubber - Mountain bike tyres use a variety of compounds that provide unique qualities in terms of grip, shock absorption and durability.
What makes a good mountain tyre and what are its advantages?
A good mountain bike tyre will provide low rolling resistance, ample grip and provide a degree of cushioning that will enhance the quality of your ride.
What is the recommended pressure for my tyre?
Off-road tyres are usually marked with a pressure range, from the minimum that will support a rider of average weight to the absolute maximum.
Do not exceed the maximum when tyres are marked with a range. Otherwise consult a tyre pressure chart from the bike tyre manufacturer and make your own decision based upon the tyre section and weight supported.
How do I choose which tyre is best for me?
Choosing the correct tyre depends mainly on the kind of riding you do and the trails you ride.
Mountain bike off road tyres
Tyres for off road riding are equipped with aggressive tread patterns to provide maximum control and grip across a wide variety of surfaces. They’re characterised by having a knobbly outer surface (tread) and are generally up to 2.5 inches wide.
Mountain bike slick tyres
Mountain bike slick tyres are 26 inch tyres that are primarily used for road and some light trail use. This semi-slick design reduces rolling resistance and improves both speed and safety.
Mountain bike tubeless tyres
Tubeless tyres, also referred to as UST, have the benefit of avoiding needless pinch punctures when running at low pressure. Special tyre sealants are used to improve the seal and are applied inside the tyre when installing onto the rim.
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Commuter Tyres
Road Tyres, what are they?
A Commuter Bike tyre is specifically designed for commuting/road riding. The tyre will need to be grippy, durable and offer the rider sufficient speed for commuting purposes.
Bead - Most Commuter Bike tyres come in a Kevlar or Steel Bead, with Kevlar being the lighter of the two.
Fabric - Cloth fabric makes up the body of the tyre. The cloth is woven between the two tyre beads. The most popular material used is Nylon Cord
Rubber - Synthetic coated fibres are commonly used for commuter tyres as they provide the soft rubber compound that is best for puncture resistance and grip.
What makes a good road tyre and what are its advantages?
A good Commuter tyre provides the rider with speed, grip, and puncture resistance.
What is the recommended pressure for my tyre?
Hybrid tyres are usually marked with a pressure range, from the minimum that will support a rider of average weight to the absolute maximum. Do not exceed the maximum when tyres are marked with a range. Otherwise consult a tyre pressure chart from the bike tyre manufacturer and make your own decision based upon the tyre section and weight supported.
How do I choose which tyre is best for me?
Commuter tyres are designed to meet the rigours of city/trail riding and will fit Hybrid styled bikes, they are wider than a road race tyre to offer a larger contact area with the road and will provide more comfort.
Wider tyres are less prone to punctures and will provide more grip. Within this range you can get semi slick or knobbly tyres, the semi slick tyres will be ideal for road use and the knobbly style will provide more grip for light trail use or loose surfaces such as gravel.
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Jargon Buster
Bead - The edge of the tire that holds the tire on to the rim.
Clincher tires - A tire where the bead "clinches" the rim.
Hybrid - A commuter style bike that combines elements of road and mountain bikes.
Kevlar - An aramid synthetic fiber material used for durability and flexibility in tire beads and flat protection panels.
MTB tyre - A tyre used specifically for the discipline of Mountain Biking.
Pinch flats - Flats caused when the tube is pinched between the rim and a sharp or hard object.
Psi - Pounds per square inch, a measurement of tire pressure.
Rolling resistance - Friction created when tires roll.
Tire pressure gauge - Gauge that shows tire pressure in psi measurements, used to determine proper tire inflation.
Tpi - Threads per square inch, a measurement of tire thread counts.
Tread - Patterns of rubber on tyre which make contact with surface
Tubular tires - Also known as sew-ups, these tires are used primarily for racing. Tubes are sewn inside the tire, which is then glued on to the rim.
XC - Cross Country
29er - 29 inch Mountain Bike
