The best road bike tires for your bike depend on the type of riding you'll be doing and the size of tire your bike and wheels require. The best road bike tires, regardless of size, are durable, have a smooth surface and are puncture-resistant. In general, but not always, a more expensive tire lasts longer and performs better than a cheaper tire.
Diameter
Nearly all new road bikes in the early 21st century come with 700c tires. 10-speed road bikes from the 1970s and 1980s have 27-inch tires; these are commonly sold as used road bikes, according to "The New York Times." Road bikes designed for shorter riders may have 650c tires. Look on the sidewall of the tire to find its diameter.
Width
REI recommends that if you are speed- or racing-oriented, get narrow width tires, which range from 18 to 23 millimeters, or mm. For riding around town or short-to-medium-distance day rides, tires in the 23- to 30-mm range are best. If you use your road bike for multiday rides, get touring tires of 32- or 35-mm width.
Style
The two major types of road bike tires are clincher, used on nearly all bikes, and tubular or tubeless, used on some racing bikes. Clinchers are easier to replace and install, while tubular tires have a lower rolling resistance, get fewer flats and cost more than clinchers, says Sierra Trading Post.
Durability
Durable tires are essential for road riding, whether you're racing, doing errands or taking a leisurely paved trail ride. If you aren't concerned about having the highest speed tires, a puncture-resistant tire incorporating a belt of strong synthetic fibers is your best choice, according to REI. If both speed and durability are important, consider getting a tubular tire. Also, check the thread count of any tire; a higher thread count means that the tire is both more supple and more durable. High performance road bike clincher tires have around 160 threads per inch, while tubular tires have up to 320 threads per inch. Also, consider the type of rubber used in the tire.
Surface
If you ride on roads, avoid tires with tread whenever possible. Expert cyclist Sheldon Brown explains that the smooth surface of a road tire is better equipped to grip the fine-grained roughness of pavement than a tire with a knobby surface or tread. In addition to the smooth surface of the tire, consider the type of rubber. Hard rubber is more durable and often more expensive, but soft rubber grips the road better and is better for riders on a budget, according to REI. Soft rubber tires are also usually easier to install on your wheel than hard rubber tires.
Member Comments
blupe April 29
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