A bicycle tire is the outer portion of a wheel that houses the inflatable inner tube and makes contact with the road while riding. With different bicycle tire constructions on the market, you must consider what you plan to use your bicycle for when purchasing tires. Using incorrect tires on your bicycle can lead to an unpleasant riding experience and flat tires.
Features
Bicycle tires typically consist of bead, fabric and rubber. The composition of these parts is the main factor that to consider when comparing between tires. The bead is the steel or Kevlar hoops that set into the rim of the wheel and hold the tire in place. The fabric of the tire consists of threads layered in plies between the beads to give the wheel its shape. The more threads per inch in the fabric of the tire, the less rolling resistance it will have against the ground. The rubber of the tire coats the fabric and essentially acts as protection for the tire. Bicycle maintenance expert Sheldon Brown writes that the fabric is the most important part of the tire and the rubber is the least.
Function
The purpose of a tire is to support the bicycle so it can be propelled forward. Tires must also provide a smooth ride and reduce rolling resistance. Rolling resistance occurs at the point where the tire meets the ground and represents a loss of the energy that you are exerting on the pedals. Tires with thinner fabrics are more flexible and reduce rolling resistance by distributing the weight of the bike more evenly throughout the tire. Tires with thinner fabrics are also more susceptible to punctures. The pattern of the rubber of a tire is called the tread and has a slight effect on the amount of rolling resistance you experience.
Types
Road tires are used on bicycles that typically ride on asphalt and similar hard surfaces. These tires inflate to a high psi level and have a thin fabric to keep their rolling resistance at a minimum. Mountain tires are inflated to a lower psi and have thicker fabrics to cope with the rigors of off-road bicycle riding. The wider profile of mountain tires allows the weight of the bicycle to be distributed laterally, keeping the bike on top of soft dirt surfaces.
Size
Having a narrower front tire coupled with a wider rear tire can increase the speed of your bicycle but will reduce its overall handling. Conversely, a wider front tire increases the handling but can also increase the rolling resistance slightly. Mountain bikers may prefer a wider front tire, as it also adds to the shock-absorbing capabilities of the bike.
Considerations
Road tires are generally smooth, and mountain tires typically have a studded tread on the rubber for additional traction. While the studded rubber for traction is important, the design of this tread and direction it faces on the wheel has not been shown to have a significant benefit. If a tire has Kevlar beads, it is designed to be lighter and fold more compactly for travel. If the tire has a Kevlar belt, it is heavier and designed to prevent punctures.
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