Buying Advice | The Right Tyres
Before buying bicycle tyres, you will need to check the bicycle tyre size you require and consider what style of riding you are planning on doing.
Tyre Tread Guide
Tyres have variations in width and tread patterns that allow for the different riding styles and road surfaces. This is especially true for BMX and mountain bikes as there are many variations and riding styles that can be performed. The below table should assist you in selecting the right style of tread pattern for your riding.
| Tread level and pattern | Picture | Style of Riding |
|---|---|---|
| Minimal Tread (Slick) |  |
|
| Knobby Jagged or Tread Tyres |  |
|
| Minimum tread in the middle of the tyre and a jagged tread on the out side |  |
|
Buying The Right Size
Once you have determined the style of tyre, you have to ensure that you are buying the right size for your wheel. The easiest way to do this is to read the side of the tyres that are currently on your bike which should have their dimensions written on them. Common tyre sizes are;
- BMX 20 x 1.95”
- Mountain Bike 26 x 1.95”
- Road 700 x 23 cm
The first number indicates the wheel size and the second number represents the width of the tyre.
Why Pay More for Tyres?
Knobbies
More expensive knobby tyres will have advanced tread patterns which will give even greater handling. They will also have a higher thread per inch ratio. The more threads per inch the better the tyre will perform and handle.
Slick
Paying more for slick tyres can have a number of advantages such as;
- Light weight
- Faster
- Greater tread per inch (more supple)
- Softer rubber = Greater grip / handling
- Dual Compound, with harder rubber in the centre and softer rubber on the sides will give you a bicycle tyre that is fast and durable with good grip.
