Mountain bike tyres explained
A mountain bike tyre is specifically designed for off road riding or trail riding. 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.
A mountain bike tyre is made up of three main components:
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.
Tyre dimensions
Width: 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. 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.
Diameter: 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 bikes this bike has 29″ wheels and accommodates 29″ size tyres for increased traction and improved cornering.
What is the recommended off-road tyre pressure?
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.
What tyre is best for you?
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. A 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.
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 tire – A tire 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 tire 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
re-blogged from wiggle.co.uk
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