Buyer's Guide: Bike Tires


What bike tires to choose?

Bike tires are specifically designed for the purpose and activity intended, be it on-road, off-road or a mixture of both. The choice can look huge at first, but once you know the basics your selection process is simplified greatly.

The tire buying guides linked below, are here to help you and your decision making.






Road bike tires guide

Tires are arguably the most important part of your cycling arsenal. Having a good quality frame kitted out with the right components is an important step in achieving a successful cycle ride, but all the kit in the world will never substitute the importance of being equipped with the right tire for you and your bike.

A road tire is designed specifically for riding on the road. A good road tire offers a smooth tread pattern, a balance of aerodynamics, low rolling resistance and comfort for the rider.

Click Here For Road Bike Tire Buyer's Guide



Mountain bike tires guide

A mountain bike tire is specifically designed for off road riding or trail riding. A good mountain bike tire will provide low rolling resistance, ample grip and provide a degree of cushioning that will enhance the quality of your ride.

Click Here For Mountain Bike Tire Buyer's Guide



Commuter bike tires guide

A commuter bike tire is specifically designed for commuting/road riding. The tire will need to be grippy, durable and offer the rider sufficient speed for commuting purposes. Commuter tires are usually wider than a road tire and offer a larger contact area and will provide more comfort. Wider tires can also be less prone to punctures and provide more grip.



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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