How to Choose Bicycle Tires
Beginner's Guide to Cycling
# New Choices for Cycling # Choosing an Entry - level Bicycle # New Trends in Cycling # Low - Carbon Travel Enthusiasts # Touring Bicycles # Safe Driving and Civilized Cycling # Green and Low - Carbon Travel
Tires are an indispensable part of a bicycle and the only component that comes into contact with the ground. They directly affect the riding experience. Selecting a pair of tires that suit your riding style is extremely important.
-
Bicycle tires are classified into clincher tires (with inner tubes), tubeless tires (without inner tubes), and tubular tires.
The outer tires are marked with numbers - wheel diameter * tire width. For example: 27.5×1.5 (for mountain bikes), 700c*28mm (for road bikes). For mountain bikes, the larger the number, the wider the tire. -
Tire Sizes:
- For competitive road bikes: 23 - 25 cm. Racing tires are the narrowest, which helps reduce weight and improve aerodynamics.
- For endurance road bikes: 25 - 32 cm. These are designed for comfort.
- For adventure road bikes: 30 - 50 cm. Such tires have stronger grip, which is helpful for handling bumpy terrains.
-
Tire Pressure:
The maximum and minimum tire pressures are indicated on the side of the tire. The tire pressure needs to be adjusted according to the rider's weight and the riding environment.
On paved roads, the tire pressure can be appropriately increased to reduce rolling resistance.
For off - road riding, the tire pressure can be slightly lowered to enhance grip.
For cyclists who enjoy thrilling rides, they may prefer higher tire pressures. When riding on off - road surfaces with high tire pressure, cornering and jumping over bumps can be extremely exciting. However, if the tire pressure is too low, it is prone to cause the tire to roll over. -
Tire Tread Patterns:
Different tread patterns have different functions, and different riding scenarios determine which tread pattern should be chosen.
Smooth tires or smooth tires with drainage patterns are suitable for cement or asphalt roads, mainly for road bikes, which can achieve lower rolling resistance.
Smooth tires with drainage patterns and side teeth, or small - toothed tires with side teeth are suitable for mixed roads with small potholes or small bricks, and are suitable for mountain bikes, providing greater grip.
Large - knobbed tires are suitable for forest road off - road riding and downhill riding. The common point of these two is that the off - road intensity is relatively high, and e - assist and full - suspension bicycles are the mainstream.
Generally, the tires are relatively wide, which is to obtain stronger grip and stability on mountainous and forested terrains.
Although tires may not be eye - catching, a good pair of outer tires can make you ride faster, more comfortably, and help you corner better.