How to choose your road bike tyres?

Easier to fit than a tubular system, the tyre offers an excellent compromise between simplicity and performance. Your choice has a direct impact on the efficiency and comfort of your bike — here is how to find your way around.

Standards

Wheel size for an adult bike: 700 or 650
The maximum tyre width permitted by your frame/fork/wheel

Tyre types

Beyond the technologies and options that vary by brand, two common points can be found: the carcass and the width.

The carcass of the tyre is made up of a weave of threads, generally in nylon; thread density is expressed in TPI. The higher the value a the more supple, comfortable and generally lightweight the tyre will be. The average value is around 120 TPI.

There can be several widthsa for the same model. Until recently, 23 was the reference size. Narrower models were said to roll faster, while wider ones were claimed to be more comfortable. However, the latest generations of rims and tyres have changed the picture — it is now the 25 and even the 28 that offer the best weight/efficiency/comfort ratio.

Which tyres for my riding style?

In general, clincher tyre fitting is recommended if you want a simpler installation of your tyres.

Regarding the tyre tread, unless you are looking for uncompromising performance, we recommend selecting a model with puncture protection or at least a so-called endurance version that will offer greater resistance.

If you are looking for a tyre for wet conditions, there are a few that are perfectly suited. However, bear in mind that on dry roads they generally wear quickly and offer less efficiency.

Make sure you select a tyre of a width compatible with your rim and able to fit in your frame, noting that the ETRTO standard for road tyres — i.e. without knobs — results in the following dimensions:

23c: min 21 mm and 24 mm max measured on a 15c rim
25c: min 23 mm and 26 mm max measured on a 15c rim
28c: min 26 mm and 30 mm max measured on a 17c rim
30c: min 28 mm and 32 mm max measured on a 17c rim
32c: min 29 mm and 34 mm max measured on a 17c rim
35c: min 32 mm and 37 mm max measured on a 19c rim
(Measurements taken at a pressure of 6 Bar)

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