How to choose road bike tires

How to choose road bike tires

Easier to install than a conventional tubularsystem, the tire offers an excellent compromise between simplicity and performance. Choosing the right tire has a direct impact on your bike's performance and comfort. Here's how to find your way around.

Standard tires

  • Wheel size, for an adult bike: 700 or 650
  • Maximum tire width for your frame/fork/wheel

Type of tire

Apart from the technologies and options that vary from brand to brand, there are two things in common: the carcass and the width.

The frame The tire carcass is made up of a braid of cords, generally in nylon. The cord density is expressed in TPI. The higher the value a the softer, more comfortable and generally lighter the tire. The average value is around 120 TPI.

There may be several widthsa for the same model. Until now, 23 was the reference size. Thinner models were said to roll better, while wider ones were said to be more comfortable. However, the latest generations of rims and tires have changed all that, and it's now the 25 and even the 28 that offer the best weight/performance/comfort ratio.

Which tires for my riding?

Generally speaking, clincher tires are recommended if you're looking for easier tire installation.

As far as the tire tread is concerned, unless you're looking for uncompromising performance, we recommend selecting a model with puncture protection or at least a tougher, more resistant version.

If you're looking for a tire for wet conditions, there are a few perfectly suited to the task. Keep in mind, however, that on dry roads they generally wear out quickly and offer less performance.

Make sure you select a tire with a width that your rim can accept and that will fit through your frame, bearing in mind that the ETRTO standard for road tires, i.e. without studs, results in the following dimensions:

  • 23c: minimum 21 mm and maximum 24 mm measured on a 15c rim
  • 25c: minimum 23 mm and maximum 26 mm measured on a 15c rim
  • 28c : mini 26 mm et 30 mm max measured on 17c rim
  • 30c : mini 28 mm et 32 mm max measured on 17c rim
  • 32c : mini 29 mm et 34 mm max measured on 17c rim
  • 35c : mini 32 mm et 37 mm max measured on 19c rim
  • (Measured at a pressure of 6 Bar)

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