Having the right tires can make the difference between an enjoyable bike ride and one that ends in disaster. Bicycle tires have been designed with a specific terrain in mind. The size of the tire tread varies depending on the genre of cycling. Choosing the right type of tire will boost the performance of your bicycle.
Dirt Tires
Dirt tires remain ideal for mountain biking and BMX dirt jumping. The dirt tire allows you to maintain a stabilized riding stance while maneuvering around the hairpin turns of a downhill trail. Dirt tires feature a knobby tread that helps to increase the gripping ability. The tread size of the dirt tire fluctuates depending on the type of trail. Tall knobs have been designed for technical trails that feature roots and rocks. The outdoor experts at REI state that most mountain bike dirt tires have a diameter of 26 inches.
Road and Street Tires
Road tires have been designed to grip an asphalt riding terrain. Road tires feature a minimal amount of tread. According to REI, road tires commonly have a width that varies between 18 to 23 mm. The thin design of the road tire helps to decrease wind resistance as you pedal the bike forward. Street tires refer to the type of tires used by BMX street riders. According to Vital BMX, street tires feature a medium-sized thread that allows you to ride on grass as well as pavement.
Tube vs. Tubeless
Standard bike tires come equipped with an internal tube. Inflate the tubes to secure your tires around the metallic rims of your bicycle wheels. Bike tire manufacturers offer specialized tubeless tire models. Tubeless tires are directly fastened to a wheel rim that does not feature spoke holes. According to "Bike" magazine, tubeless tires can function at a lower air pressure than conventional bike tires. This helps to increase your traction on rocky terrain as well as decrease the likelihood of a puncture.
Valve Types
Tires used for mountain and BMX biking often feature Schrader air valves. The Schrader valve closely resembles the air valves found on car tires. Press down on the internal stem of the Schrader valve to inflate or deflate the internal tube. The thinner Presta valve is commonly found on high end road tires. Presta valves feature a built-in cap. Presta valves require a special bike pump attachment to aid in the inflation process.
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