BUYERS GUIDE: WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING NEW TYRES & INNER TUBES

Tyres and inner tubes are a essential parts of any bicycle. These often overlooked components can really define how your bicycle performs, behaves and grips the surface you ride on. If your tyre is old and showing signs of wear and tear it is definitely time to buy a new one. You’ll avoid frequent punctures and rediscover the full potential of your bike again.

Tyres and inner tubes have different size notations, different widths and patterns, can be made of different compounds and are offered with different tyre systems. It might feel like a jungle, but once you know the basics, choosing the right tyre is actually pretty easy. In this guide we’ll go through how to find tyres and tubes that fit your bike and riding preference and the characteristics of different types of tyres for mountain bikes, road bikes and touring & city bikes.

WHICH TYRE AND INNER TUBE FITS MY BIKE?

To find the correct tyre for your bike the most important thing to be aware of is the diameter of your wheel and the width of your rim. The diameter is the same as your wheel size, for example 26 or 29 inches. When it comes to the widths of your tyre, you can choose from various sizes as long as the width of the tyre isn’t greater than the space between your fork (and mudguards if have them). If you feel unsure, use the same width as your old tyre.

When finding the correct inner tube make sure you choose a tube that is for the correct wheel size and fit the tyre dimensions.

We've put the most common size notations in a tyre size table. Here you can look up your notation and easily convert to one of the other size notations used.

• classic notation in inches (diameter x width) : e.g. 28 x 1,25
• modern ETRTO notation in mm (width – diameter): e.g. 35 - 622
• alternative notions: e.g. 700C

CHOOSING TYRES – STEP BY STEP:

1. Look for the size notation on the sidewalls of your old tyre (e.g. 32-622).
2. Use our Tyre Size Table to convert the size notation into different tyre measurements if needed.
3. Go to tyres on our website and use the filters to select the type of tyre you want as well as the wheel size you need (in inches).
4. Tyres normally exist in different widths - make sure to choose a tyre width that will fit between your forks.

CHOOSING INNER TUBES – STEP BY STEP:

1. Look for the size notation located on the side of your tyre.
2. Use our Tyre Size Table to convert the size notation into different tyre measurements if needed.
3. Go to inner tubes and use the filters to choose the correct wheel size (in inches).
4. Choose an inner tube with the width that corresponds to your tyre.
5. Choose an inner tube with a valve that is compatible with your wheel. You can see which type of valve you need by the size of the valve hole on your rim.

There are three different types: SV: Presta valve (Also known as Sklaverand valve, French valve) – 6,5 mm AV: Schrader valve (also known as automobile valve) – 8,5 mm DV: Dunlop valve (also known as Woods valve) – 8,5 mm

WHAT TYRE PRESSURE SHOULD I RUN?

Having the correct tyre pressure will make your wheels roll better, contribute to a more comfortable ride and reduce the risk of punctures. Running a high air pressure makes the wheel roll faster, but it doesn’t absorb vibrations as well. Running a low air pressure makes the wheel roll a little slower, but increases comfort and control. On most tyres you can find a tyre pressure range on the side of the tyre. Please keep the tyre pressure in that recommended range to avoid damaging your tyres or tubes by running your pressure too low or high. We also recommend checking the tyre pressure every other week to make sure your tyre hasn’t lost too much pressure. You can easily pump your tyre to the desired pressure by using a pump that has a manometer. Tyre pressure is measured in two different ways: BAR or PSI. Most floor pumps offer both scales simultaneously.

TYRE WIDTH, TREAD PATTERN AND COMPOUND

Tyre width:

• Narrow tyres are generally run at a higher air pressure, therefore tend to roll faster and are suitable for hard and smooth surfaces.
• Wider tyres are generally run with a lower air pressure which gives more control and comfort thanks to better traction and grip. They are suitable for more uneven surfaces.
• High air volume tyres (like “plus size” and fat bike tyres) have a larger contact path which improves traction and are especially well suited for loose surfaces such as snowy and sandy terrains.

Tyre tread pattern:

Depending on the pattern on the tyre it will be good for different types of riding and different types of weather conditions.

• Mountain bikes and cyclcocross/gravel bike tyres have many different patterns to choose from, whilst road bike tyres don’t have any tread pattern.

Tyre compound:

The compound decides the softness of the rubber, which affects the rolling speed and durability of a tyre. Tyres with a durometer of 70 are considered “hard” and tend to be cheap, fast-rolling and long-lasting. Most trekking and city tyres will use this compound to last long and roll well.

Tyres with a durometer of 50 are considered “soft” and are sticky, grippy and less durable. This compound is often used for downhill mountain bikes where every bit of traction is needed and frequent tyre changes are more common. Also it is popular for wet condition tyres. You´ll find this compound use in all types of biking because of that.

Some more expensive performance tyres use multiple rubber compounds to optimise rolling speed, durability and grip.

A tyre with smaller knobs that are closely fitted together will roll faster, but offer less grip on loose or wet surface. Perfect for dry, fast-rolling conditions.		A tyre with a narrow pattern in the middle and bigger, more edged knobs on the sides is often called semi slick and combines the fast rolling for hardpack surfaces with a bit of extra grip when cornering on loose surfaces.		A tyre with bigger, often edged knobs and more space between the knobs rolls slower but offers more grip on loose or wet surfaces. Perfect for rougher and muddier conditions.

WHAT TYRE SYSTEM DO I RUN?

Tubeless tyres
Tubeless & Tubeless Ready tyres can be used without an inner tube. Those tyres use the same beaded technology as normal clinchers, but manufacturer additionally made them easy to seal and therefore they hold can hold the air without an inner tube. This system increases grip, comfort and protects better against punctures, especially pinch flats. Both, mountain bikers, cyclocross and road riders use them. In order to convert to tubeless you need a tubeless ready tyre, special rim tape, tubeless valves and tubeless sealant.				+ Minimise punctures + More grip / less air pressure needed + Light setup + faster rolling - Harder to change / setup - Need frequent air pressure checking
Tubular tyres
Tubular tyres are tyres that have the inner tube sewn into the tyre. This tyre does not hook onto the rim but is glued or taped to a rim with a special profile. They are mainly used within road racing and cyclocross racing because of their fast and smooth rolling characteristics and low weight.				+ Roll very fast and smooth + Allow very low and very high air pressures + Minimise punctures - Expensive (also requires special rims) - Harder to change - Can´t be repaired whilst out riding
Clincher tyres + inner tubes
Clinchers are traditional beaded tyres that are usually combined with an inner tube. The tyres have two strong hoops of steel or kevlar that “hook” onto the rim of the wheel, to keep it in place. Steel bead is also known as “wire bead” and is the cheaper option. Kevlar beads are also known as “folding tyres” and are lighter and fold easily.				+ Relatively cheap + Wide selection of tyres and tubes + Easy to change and repair - Puncture more easily - Slightly slower rolling

TYRES FOR MOUNTAIN BIKES

TYRES FOR ROAD BIKES

• There is one main wheel size for road bikes: 28’’
• There are two main different types of road tyres:

THE PERFECT COMPANY FOR YOUR SET OF TYRES AND INNER TUBES

Depending on the tyre system you choose, there are a few tools and equipment that will make your life easier when changing the tyres at home or on the road.

• Floor Pumps for fast and easy air pressure adjustments at home
• Mini pumps for quick repairs on the road
• Tyre levers - great helper to (dis)mount your tyre
• Puncture reparation kit when things don’t go as planned

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