Bicycle tire - bike shoes

A bicycle is a maneuverable, economical, environmentally friendly transport, very useful for maintaining fitness and health. Of course, if it is expertly selected, assembled from quality blocks and parts, it will meet your needs. The most important place in the design is occupied by the wheel, the rubber component of which, as a rule, is the weakest link. How to choose tires for a bike, what factors to consider when choosing - let's figure it out in more detail.

Bicycle tire under the microscope

It is clear that the skeleton of a bicycle without rubber (puncture, burst) is not a means of transportation, but iron, which will have to be dragged to the house. This is why it is important to choose the “shoes” for your bike carefully. Bicycle tires are handling, performance of assigned tasks, behavior of the car in different conditions on different surfaces. To avoid stressful situations due to a "punctured wheel", let us study this rubber product in more detail.

Tire design

In a bicycle, a lot depends on rubber. Therefore, when choosing, the main thing is not budget, driving style, brand, but technology, materials, build quality. The tire is made from synthetic rubber and is applied in several layers to the carcass. This advanced technology is called "compound". Rubber today can be natural and artificial, natural - more durable.

The compound contains silicon. Rubber turns out to be of different hardness, you can measure it with a durometer: the higher the number, the harder the composition. Experts advise putting soft, road-sticking rubber on the front wheel, and hard and less prone to abrasion on the rear.

The product consists of three parts:

• frame;
• tread;
• bead ring (bead cable).

Base - cord

Frame - woven synthetic threads, arranged diagonally or radially in several layers, creating a solid base. Called a cord, its duty to maintain its shape and size. The density of the cord is calculated by the number of stitches of threads per inch, indicated in the characteristics (specialization) - TPI.

The higher the TPI, the less rubber in the wheel (downhill and freeride are separate indicators). TPI indirectly determines the type, weight, cost of the entire bike. Economy variants have a density from 24 to 67. TPI up to 320 - large, lighter and more expensive, racing. Road racing - 60-130 TPI. Urban ones have TPI less than 50, they are cheaper but heavier.

There are several types of tires:

• Skin-wall - TPI 44 and above: thin sidewalls, flexible, fast, but easily damaged. Side rope - Kevlar;
• Black-wall - standard, with average values;
• Gum-wall - TPI below 30, lots of rubber on the sidewalls, heavy, budget. The collar is always a steel ring.

When choosing, evaluate your requests: riding to work or in the park - Black-wall will do, active riding - you can choose Skin-wall, tourism - definitely Gum-wall.

Footprint drawing

Why is a three-dimensional drawing made on the tire? The tread pattern is responsible for traction, noise level, drainage efficiency, and affects speed performance. The protector has two zones:

• central - works directly with the coating;
• shoulder - provides grip when cornering.

Large sparse teeth have greater resistance to translational movement, better grip. Fine patterns work better on asphalt and slide on dirt. There are additional cogs (transition zone), this adds control when cornering, but reduces speed.

According to the pattern, the protector is:

• directed;
• undirected;
• asymmetric.

For different tasks and disciplines, completely different "patterns" have been developed:

• Slik (road) - practically without a pattern, for dry hard surfaces, with paths for water drainage.
• Semi-slick - central zone without a pattern with a water drainage groove, shoulder - lugs. Smooth dry roads, forest trails. Suitable for cross country.

• Racing - several rows of small holds. They wear out quickly on the asphalt.
• Urban (crossover) - high lugs, bright running track in the center. Driving on asphalt and dry primer.
• Polyvalent - powerful, maximum grip. Rough terrain, urban asphalt, parks.
• Mountain bike - aggressive protrusions "stick" to the track, speed is not their strong point. For rough terrain only, on the asphalt are erased.
• Freeride and downhill - large pattern ridges, reinforced construction. For downhill descents only. Heavy, stable.
• Mud (gravel) - the ledges are large and far from each other so that the dirt does not clog. Thin so that they sink into the mud to the main surface, where negative tread will provide traction. They put on mountain models, not for asphalt.
• Winter - soft compound and spikes to brake and turn around on icy roads.
• Tubeless folding - put on special rims (high), sealant with glue. Tubeless cycling shoes are repaired when punctured without removing them from the rim.

Collar ring

The edges of the tire are reinforced with Kevlar threads (less often aramid), in some models - steel rings (clincher). Kevlar and aramid are more expensive materials, differing in that such products can be compactly folded, they weigh less. There are no differences in the quality of skiing. The side cable is needed for a secure fit on the rim. If it is damaged, the "caprock" can be thrown away. The advantage of the steel border is that it costs half the price, the disadvantage is that the steel cable can fluff up and the wires will pierce the camera.

Tire sizes

This parameter depends on the size of the wheel. The wheel diameter in inches is always indicated in the vehicle data sheet. Traditionally, different types of bikes have diameters (in inches):

• highway driver - 27-28;
• mountain - 26;
• hybrids - 28;
• niners - 29;
• BMX - 20.

However, the width can vary. The diameter and width are indicated in inches on the side, for example 26 x 2.3.

Popular brands - quality assurance

Ranking the best bicycle tires is almost impossible. Because there are hundreds of varieties of these very bikes in wheel diameter, direction, type, season, for each model there are dozens of sizes and offers from different manufacturers. If you do not go deep into specifics (road racing, children's, winter…), but tell about the best models of leading brands is a feasible task.

Bicycle tires are made by many different companies. The Russian market has its own leaders among experienced consumers of these products. Let's listen to their opinion, study several brands of popular manufacturers.

Kenda

The most popular brand in the world. The firm is Taiwanese, with a good reputation. It produces about 20 thousand tires and 30 thousand tubes for all bicycles per day. The leader in terms of volume and sales in the cycling industry. A wide assortment of tires is here: for any type, any model of a bike, any diameter of Kend's wheel has the right footwear. The company produces special tire strips - wear indicators. There are puncture-proof rubber, tubeless tires. Reliable, high-quality material, the warranty period is fully rolled.

Kenda kwick roller

650 RUB

The fastest and most affordable. TPI - 30, weight - 430 g.K-Shield - anti-puncture layer. It is not recommended to walk on such a long hike. Suitable for hybrids, city bikes. Indicators for the winter period are good. The tread is slick, but it does not lose grip on the asphalt, it holds it confidently on slopes.

• great price;
• proved themselves worthy in winter;
• quickly installed, easily fit into the rim;
• rolls without sliding on wet asphalt, down hills;
• a dynamo track is a nice bonus.

• sides are weak, tear quickly;
• heavy because of the steel frame, which protects from glass, but not from other sharp thorns.

Kenda Kinetics

1,086 - 1,290 rubles.

Tubeless tires (mountain bike). Weight - up to 1.2 kg. Will appeal to those who are used to riding with spikes. The sole is smooth, without a pattern - the usual "spiked" rubber. The back and front ones differ in different patterns, but identical spikes. The structure perfectly passes loose soil, gravel, rocky areas. On a hard path, the technique becomes hard, and in the mud, the spikes slow down.

The wheels behave perfectly when cornering - safety is guaranteed even on gravel surfaces. The bike easily picks up speed and slows down. True, his speed is very low, on flat surfaces it is reduced by spikes. And the decent weight increases traction.

• great off-road bike shoes, the most extreme tracks will pass;
• great price;
• controllable on loosening, as on asphalt, stable;

• weighs 26-inch - almost 900 g.

Kenda kharisma

1041 RUB

Tubeless tires (on MTB) look small, weigh - 880 g. Mud tread, low-profile pattern, medium, inclined studs. Works great on hard surfaces, average on loose ground. The movement is smooth, rolls without braking with spikes. Turns fly safely. Reliable, strong.

• the price with good characteristics is pleasantly pleasing;
• walks confidently on difficult tracks;
• great option, medium size, low profile.

• weighs a lot, not suitable for cross-country.

Kenda nevegal

990 - 1,000 rubles.

There are wheels for different inches, but more reviews go for wide ones - 26 and 29 inches. TPI - 60, weight - 0.7 kg - the lightest and narrowest. Kenda Nevegal is the queen of racing on sand, clay with stones, forest paths with roots. The Stick-E tread with softened bulging blocks provides good grip and does not interfere with speed. The profile is quite flat, most of it is in contact with the track, which gives good stability. On straight sections, low spikes do not slow down the roll.

• universal - for any type of road, predictable, reliable;
• keeps steadily on turns, walks faster than many;
• help a professional, teach beginners;

• on the rise, rolls on the grass worse than on the ground, you have to push hard.

Schwalbe

The reputable German racing tire brand is considered the leading brand in Europe. Schwalbe translates as "swallow". The company deals only with bicycles - tires for road and mountain bikes. Schwalbe tires are popular for quality and pricing. Every year new items appear under this brand, quality improves. Today, Schwalbe chambers are the best at keeping air inside. Manufacturing workshops are located in Indonesia and Vietnam.

Marathon Plus Tour

2,054 - 3,500 rubles.

TPI - 50, weight - 975 g. The main advantage - SmartGuard - a layer of foam rubber from punctures, they are not afraid of spikes, glasses, buttons. Another useful and original moment is the reflectors on the side surfaces. Compound cord guarantees durability. But the most important thing is that they cope with both asphalt and off-road.

The anti-puncture layer dampens vibration in parallel, making the ride as comfortable as possible. Cyclists all over the world write rave reviews, finding no flaws in this model.

• excellent grip, while accelerating quickly and keeping speed;
• in the evening, the reflective strip looks stylish, cool, safe;
• runs softer on asphalt and gravel than any other surface.

• price.

Racing ralph

RUB 3,266 - 3,500

Tubeless for the niner - a bike with large wheels (29 inches), weight - 600 g. A very popular model - tenacious, nimble, have a lot of advantages. One of them is an improved pattern adapted to the large diameter. PSI carcass - 127 and snakeskin fabric have increased the weight by only 40 g. Flexible cord with triple compound, hard center, fine pattern, help to develop high speed. At the same time, security remains high.

Among the XC racing tires, these are the best. They will help with short runs and marathon runs. They have proven themselves well on tracks of any complexity, they do not lose grip and speed on any off-road. It would seem that the low-profile tread is less stable, but here everything is calculated and thought out: on stones and in loose snow, the bike remains predictable and manageable. By increasing the size, the manufacturer has improved the design - the shape and location of the studs helps to gently enter the turn. And the side spikes were straightened so that the bike behaved more calmly when tilting. For the same purpose, an additional studded row appeared.

• with such large wheels, this shoe gives instant acceleration;
• light, fast;
• excellent grip on all surfaces, even in rain and water.

• service life is limited, although this may be the result of merciless exploitation;
• are expensive.

Nobby nic

RUB 1,286 - 1,850

The mid-size bike has opened up new possibilities for mountain biking. The base of the Racing Ralph flex cord is triple compound. The frame is made from the most elastic rubber. A rigid strip in the center, 3 rows of spikes increase passability and increase the strength of the product.

Grippy side spikes provide total safety during fast cornering in rain. The know-how with spikes consists of cutouts: the side cutouts are half cut and the central cutouts are perpendicular. They are not often located, which makes it easier to move through the mud.

Mountain bikes are traditionally big and hard. With Nobby Nic shoes, they get a smooth ride. With all the bells and whistles, the model weighs only 495 g. A nice thing: it is quite easy to put on a wheel without a border. On the tire there is information about the direction of the pattern during installation, this is important for obtaining all sounded characteristics when riding.

• do not slip on snow, even at speed and on the rise;
• the side walls are strong, not afraid of sharp stones;
• the bike runs perfectly through mud, puddles, roots, it does not get stuck in clay, the wheels are self-cleaning;
• works perfectly on the front wheel on the most difficult trails.

• the rear wheel is less stable on loose snow;
• with a good starting speed, further the speed is not cruising due to the spikes.

Smart sam

RUB 1,250 - 1,900

Quality bicycle tires for tourism. Traditional size 26, weight 620 g. Atypical square shape helps roll and maximum grip when cornering, even in wet weather. Low weight, side cleats make cornering easy at good speed. The studs are tightly located, if you pump it up, you get an almost smooth tread, and the speed will increase. Bonus - self-cleaning rubber.

• puncture protection;
• reinforced side walls will not burst;
• walks easily on surfaces of varying complexity, universal.

• not fixed.

Continental

One of the oldest car and bicycle tire manufacturers in the world. The history of the Continental goes back to 1892! A certain assortment is produced in the best quality traditions. In European ratings, this brand takes second place, in world ratings it is always among the leaders. Known for impeccable quality, continuous product improvement.They are the pioneers of anti-slip tires and studded rubber, the creators of self-repairing tires (in case of punctures).

Sport Contact

RUB 1,720 - RUB 2,690

Sports tires 28 mm, for road, weight - 490 g. TPI - 180 (three layers). They proved to be excellent in urban conditions. The compound is soft, the grip is excellent. When tested, it confidently overcomes rails and glass in wet weather.

It is reliably known that you can roll 3500 km on it until the tread is completely erased. This is not very good wear resistance. There is puncture protection. The side cable is strong, you will have to install with physical effort.

• it is very convenient to move around the city, does not shake, does not vibrate;
• stable, reliable grip on asphalt.

• bald quickly;
• difficult to install.

Maxxis

A Taiwanese brand, quite young, but distinguished by the excellent quality of the goods produced. There are several flagships and a narrow assortment sector. Manufacturing workshops - 10 factories, all in Asia. The production is fully automated, the products incorporate modern technologies of Japanese, American and European developers.

Minion DHR II

RUB 3,285 - RUB 3,440

An updated version for downhill skiing in the mountains. Has a double layer of durable rubber on the sides, new tread and excellent grip. Size - 27, weight - 1265 g, TPI - 60. Taking into account all the characteristics, we obtain high traction force, simplified braking and cornering. Mounted on the rear wheel.

The drawing has changed dramatically. Large blocks of spines alternate with pairs of small ones, they are located closer to the center. There are more transverse grooves on the side spikes, now the bicycle sole “communicates” more closely with the surface. You can take turns at maximum speed without slowing down at all. For these tires, liquid dirt, gravel, and wet roots are not scary.

If the 2-ply cord feels heavy (with a metal edge), you can choose the Kevlar version with a single-ply coating.

• This is the best rear wheel tire for hard downhill;
• braking and acceleration indicators are beyond praise;
• there is shock protection.

• Very expensive.

Larsen TT

2 360 - 2 600 rubles.

TPI - 60, weight - 620 g, size - 26. In the updated Larsen TT model, the compound has become stiffer, this will extend the life of the cycling shoe. On gravel road they became faster. Cornering grip on mud with stones is strong enough, rolls confidently on dry surfaces, on wet grass uphill - does not slip. But liquid substances are not for them - the lateral spines are too small for confident driving on sputum. The thin sidewalls are puncture-proof. There is a shockproof margin of safety.

• stronger, will last longer;
• firmly withstood the impact on the barrel, did not burst;
• affordable price with such opportunities.

• walks too slowly on the asphalt;
• in the rain, grip is minimal, dangerous;
• weighs a lot.

Michelin

An old French company that thinks not only about technical progress, but also about social. Leads history from the beginning of the 19th century. Produces an expensive quality product and quite budget. It is one of the most recognized brands in the world. Production takes place in 18 countries - 70 factories. Their know-how is bicycle tires that are repaired in 15 minutes, radial cords. Michelin means ergonomics, all-seasonality, quality.

Protek max city

956 r

TPI - 22, weight - 750 g, size - 26. Tires of the middle price segment for driving on city streets. But they will do great with cross-country and tourist travel. Steel board, 1 mm anti-puncture layer, wide surface will create a feeling of comfortable movement. The side walls have reflective tape.

This rubber has excellent shock absorption by absorbing vibration. On a flat surface, the speed is pretty decent. Without thorns, turns easily, rather tenacious, does not slip on the surface even in wet weather.

• very convenient, economical transport, maintains health;
• budget price;
• larger tires give more confidence on the road.

• not fixed.

Seasoned Cyclist Tips

You do not need to replace tires in the absence of knowledge about certain characteristics, even if the tube is completely damaged. Entrust this business to specialists. By purchasing the specified model, you can check the quality of the rubber offered to you by the seller. The simplest quick tests are:

1. Press down on the camera and swipe it firmly across the surface: if a dark mark remains on your hand, the quality is poor.
2. Any product has tendrils left after casting. Pull the tendril: does not stretch, tears - bad rubber.
3. Carefully check that the on-board cord is straight, not damaged, the walls do not have cracks, folds, damage.

If there is no one to tell you what kind of "shoes" you need to buy an iron horse, buy exactly the one you spoiled. Rewrite all the numbers and letters on the tire, take a picture of the tread, brand.

In order to change your equipment less often, try to avoid punctures. Not everything can be foreseen, but something can be done:

1. The tire always indicates the pressure to which it needs to be inflated. Try to meet this indicator: pumped and under-pumped are more prone to punctures.
2. The easiest way is to buy rubber with protection.
3. Before inserting the tube into the tire, put a special anti-puncture tape there.
4. Buy tires with high TPI.

The bike does not have a spare wheel, so always have a repair kit or special adhesive sealant on hand. Ride for fun, test the possibilities on adrenaline tracks, lose weight on cycle tracks - a bike is useful for everyone!