Mountain Bike Slick Tyres
Tips for Choosing the Right Bicycle Tyre
Frames, handlebars and other components get a lot of attention from riders, reviewers and manufacturers, but we can’t forget about what makes it all possible – tyres. Having the right tyre for the right situation is vital if you’re serious about having a successful, enjoyable and safe ride.
What Differentiates Tyres?
Tyres are separated into different categories based on three main factors; tread, width and size (diameter).
Tyre Tread
Tyre tread, also referred to as the track of a tyre, is the actual rubber that makes contact with the road, ground or whatever it is you’re riding on. Different patterns of tread are used to create more or less traction, as the rider’s needs dictate. Tread wears down over time, making it necessary to replace your tyres. When you need to replace tyres depends on how much you use them, what kind of riding you’re into and many other factors. If you’re concerned that your tyres might need replacement but aren’t sure, check with your bike shop. Tyres with worn down tread that are pushed past the time they needed to be replaced can greatly decrease your performance and even be dangerous to ride on.
Tread comes in a variety of forms for bicycles. Here are the main ones:
Slick: The level of tread on a slick tyre is minimal. They are used primarily to ride on surfaces where you want to maximize your grip and handling but not sacrifice speed. You’ll often see slick tyres used on pavement, ramps and other smooth surfaces.
Knobby or Jagged: These kinds of tyres have unique patterns of tread that are very prominent. They are used to help the tyre grip rough terrain, like you would commonly see off road. By having tyres that dig into the dirt and grip better, you can more easily control the entire ride and make the moves you need to.
Mixed: Some tyres are made with minimum tread in the middle and jagged tread on the outside. Obviously, this kind of tyre is meant for someone who enjoys riding both on and off road. You won’t get the best that either of the pure tread versions have to offer but what you lose there you will gain in versatility.
Tyre Width
Tyre width is measured in inches or millimeters and is linked to how much pressure your tyre needs to support you and the style of riding you are doing, the amount of frame clearance you have and the size of your bike’s rim. Most tyre and bike manufacturers try to find an optimal mix of these factors to provide a superior ride. Generally speaking, the wider the tyre, the rougher or more challenging the terrain is. Most road bikes have widths of about 23mm while tyre made for tougher conditions like riding in the snow can easily have a tyre width double that.
Tyre Size
When people talk about tyre size, they are referring usually to the diameter of the bike’s wheel. A well-known example is the 29er class of mountain bikes. The whole category and style of riding is named after the diameter of the 29″ tyre. BMX bikes are also commonly known by the size of their wheels. You’ll often see model XYZ 24″ and XYZ 26″ on a companies line up. Wheel diameter is also linked closely to wheel width. Here are common combinations of tyre size and width:
BMX: 20″ x 1.95″
Mountain Bike: 26″ x 1.95″
Road Bikes: 700 x 23 cm
So What Tyre Do You Need?
The tyre you need for your bike depends on several factors. The most important being the style of riding you’re doing. If you try and do road racing on big knobby tyres made for mountain bikes, you’ll cross the finish line but I guarantee you it won’t be first. Having the right tool for the job is important if you want to get the best results, and cycle tyres are no exception.
Slick treaded tyres are best for road bikes, BMX bikes, cruisers and any sort of on road riding. Knobby tyres are usually used for mountain bike riding, winter and snow riding and any other sort of tough terrain conditions. Mixed treaded tyres are great for hybrid bikes where you do some off road and some on road riding.
Not only do you need to consider the style of riding you’re doing, but you also need the correct bike setup for your riding style. Just because you want to do more off road riding, it doesn’t mean you can just go out and buy a bigger tyre with a knobbier tread. If your frame isn’t large enough to support the tyre, you’re going to be wasting money and time.
About the Author
Riding the Heaphy Track with a recumbent trike
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