Bicycle tires vary in design depending on the type of riding you do. You'll need to consider certain basics when selecting or repairing your bicycle tires. Maintaining your bicycle tires will ensure that you do not end up stranded on the trail or the side of the road.
What type of tires should I put on my BMX bike?
BMX bike riding takes place on terrain including dirt trails, asphalt parking lots and wooden ramps. Choose a BMX tire that corresponds with your style of riding. Flatland and ramp riders often prefer a slick tire that does not feature a protruding tread, according to the site Vital BMX. BMX park and street tires typically have a medium-sized tread that is still relatively smooth. BMX tires used for dirt jumping offer the most traction, as they feature a wider construction with a knobby tread.
What type of tires are used in mountain biking?
Mountain bike tires commonly feature a knobby tread. The size of the knobs depends on the trail surface, with small knobs for smooth surfaces. Taller knobs enable you to maintain control of your mountain bike while riding over rocks or roots in the riding path, REI notes. Tires used for riding in the mud feature knobs with wider spacing.
How much air should I put in my tires?
Bicycle tires feature a maximum and a minimum PSI number printed on the sidewall. The PSI number tells you the appropriate air pressure, measured in pounds per square inch. Consider your body weight before inflating your tires. The online site Michelin Bicycle USA advises following the maximum PSI number if you weigh close to 200 lbs. Check your tires with a pressure gauge to determine if you inflated them correctly.
Does the weight of my tire matter?
The weight of the tire becomes important if you participate in long-distance rides. The lighter the bicycle tire, the less energy it requires to propel your road bike forward. Advanced road tires do not feature the inner tubes of conventional bicycle tires. Tubeless designs are directly connected to the metallic rim, which helps to decrease the weight of the tire. Heavier models remain ideal for downhill mountain bikers as they help to keep your tires flat against the rough surface.
How do I patch my tires?
Be prepared for when jagged objects puncture the inner tube of your tires. Patch the tube to save the expense of a new tube. Lever one bead of the tire off the wheel rim using tire irons. Remove the tube and locate the puncture. Apply a small patch over the hole using the adhesive included in the kit. Inflate the tube with a bike pump to test the repair, reinstall the tube and reseat the tire rim.
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