Bicycle tires

Looking for new wheels? Before you buy a bicycle, find out what type you need. Different terrains call for different bike tires. Many people who buy a standard mountain bike actually ride in an urban setting, making the deep treads typical of a mountain tire hard to use on pavement.

Construction

Clincher tires - Nearly all conventional bicycles use clincher tires. They consist of an inner tube and an outer tire. The tires hook over the edges of the bicycle rim, and air pressure keeps everything in place. Cloth fabric is the main type of material, reinforced with steel, Kevlar or folded cloth beads on the edges of the tire. The tire is coated with rubber for protection.

Tubular tires - Less common than they used to be, tubular tires are mainly used for racing or high performance biking. The tire is sewn together with the inner tube, and glued to the rim.

Tire Types

Road tires - If you mainly commute to work on your bike, and take paved streets, your bike should have road tires. They are narrow and have no tread, so they glide smoothly along the surface of the street. People often assume that without a tread, it is easier to slip. This is not true, because the road itself is quite rough (as most people know when they fall and scrape their knee!) However, it is hard to convince people of this, so most manufacturers will have a decorative tread to help market their product. When it’s raining, things will be more slippery regardless of the tread on the wheels. However, a slight tread will help reduce water splashing up your back by throwing it to the side.

Mountain tires – Off-road bikes use wider tires with deeper treads. The greater width improves traction, cushioning and strength, but at the expense of greater resistance to the ground (which makes it more difficult to ride on a smooth surface.) Treads on the tires hook onto irregular and rocky surfaces, and dig into soft surfaces, improving the grip.

Touring/Hybrid Tires – Generally a slightly wider road tire, with a tread to help repel water. The tread is not designed to help grip in off-road terrain. It’s a good compromise for the urban commuter who is not always on the road. A Continental Town and Country tire is a good example.

 

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