Getting Acquainted with the Components of Bike Tires

Constantly riding your bicycle will eventually wear out its rubber tyres and this means that you need to be prepared for the moment they will break down. So, before that happens, be familiar with the following aspects of the said components so you can easily get brand new ones that will suit your biking needs:

Size

To begin with, look at the sidewalls of your tyres to know their measurements, which will probably show numbers, like "700 x 23". With the given digits, the first number refers to the component's diameter and the latter indicates the width, which is both in millimetres (mm).

Width

In most cases, the type of rider that you are will help you determine the width that your bike tires must have. For instance, wider varieties that have more rolling resistance are ideal if you prefer a comfortable ride. On the other hand, narrow kinds allow you to run faster, though, they may not be as convenient to ride on compared to the former. In addition to this basic difference, the former is best used on rough roads and the latter for smooth pavements.

TPI (Threads Per Inch)

A bike tyre casing is made of cloth consisting of non-woven strands of nylon or other materials, and the more threads per inch it has, the thinner its sidewall is and the lighter the tyre will be. Typically, those with high TPI are puncture-resistant, so they are ideal for racing. Meanwhile, those with TPI count of less than 100 are durable and resistant to cuts.

Tread Compounds

How well your tyres grip the road and resist wear and tear will depend on the composition of their treads, which are normally composed of butyl rubber and the following performance additives:

1. Silica - Although this one is not recommended for riders who are training with their bicycles, mainly due to its poor heat dissipation property, it offers an incredibly good traction.

2. Carbon black - Not only is this one as sticky as its synthetic counterpart (silica), it is also more durable--ideal for resistance training use.

3. Multi-compound - The hard compound in this type's centre tread enhances durability while the softer compound on the sides provide more grip in corners.

Take note of all these details and pointers and you can select the right kind of tyres for your prized bicycle every time.