The sort of tyres you choose for your bike depends on what you use it for. Mountain bikes are used for many different things over different ground, and each discipline requires different tyres. If you have the right tyres for the job they will make it safer and improve your riding as well.
Tyres come with either an inner tube to keep them inflated or they are tubeless,but the question is which kind should you use?
The majority of tubeless tyres have a thick sidewall that fits into a specific sealed-bed rim. These tyres can handle rough ground so they are perfect for downhill, but the flip side is the cost.
The advantages of an airtight seal and a stable, puncture-resistant, low-pressure performance are balanced out by the high price. You also need a clean rim and tyre to fit them, along with a big pump to inflate them.
Clean conditions are usually unavailable if the tyre has to be replaced on the trail. And even with a C02 cartridge pump you'll usually have to use an inner tube to get you home and then repair the tyre later. Also while small holes might be repairable, a big hole can mean the tyre is completely written off as well.
Tubeless tyres are also heavier, so if fast start times and riding speeds are required, pick a lighter tyre. Tyres with inner tubes are usually lighter and offer greater flexibility. They are available in more designs and tread styles, so finding the right one for your riding style might be easier as well.
You can get kits to convert tyres from an inner tube to tubeless. These work by combining a latex-based filler liquid with a rubber rim strip that seals the inside of the tyre and rim. You might have to top up the filler occassionally but it still costs less than buying a tubeless tyre.
You still get most of the low pressure advantages of a tubeless tyre but with a much bigger choice of rims and treads, and with only the initial kit cost and latex top-ups to pay for. They are also lighter although the same repair problems on the trail apply unfortunately.
Whichever kind of tyre you choose, it is essential to replace your tyres regularly. A blow out on a trail can cause injury to you or other riders or even cost you a competition. With proper maintenance and careful selection, your tyres will make a massive difference to your riding.
Tyres come with either an inner tube to keep them inflated or they are tubeless,but the question is which kind should you use?
The majority of tubeless tyres have a thick sidewall that fits into a specific sealed-bed rim. These tyres can handle rough ground so they are perfect for downhill, but the flip side is the cost.
The advantages of an airtight seal and a stable, puncture-resistant, low-pressure performance are balanced out by the high price. You also need a clean rim and tyre to fit them, along with a big pump to inflate them.
Clean conditions are usually unavailable if the tyre has to be replaced on the trail. And even with a C02 cartridge pump you'll usually have to use an inner tube to get you home and then repair the tyre later. Also while small holes might be repairable, a big hole can mean the tyre is completely written off as well.
Tubeless tyres are also heavier, so if fast start times and riding speeds are required, pick a lighter tyre. Tyres with inner tubes are usually lighter and offer greater flexibility. They are available in more designs and tread styles, so finding the right one for your riding style might be easier as well.
You can get kits to convert tyres from an inner tube to tubeless. These work by combining a latex-based filler liquid with a rubber rim strip that seals the inside of the tyre and rim. You might have to top up the filler occassionally but it still costs less than buying a tubeless tyre.
You still get most of the low pressure advantages of a tubeless tyre but with a much bigger choice of rims and treads, and with only the initial kit cost and latex top-ups to pay for. They are also lighter although the same repair problems on the trail apply unfortunately.
Whichever kind of tyre you choose, it is essential to replace your tyres regularly. A blow out on a trail can cause injury to you or other riders or even cost you a competition. With proper maintenance and careful selection, your tyres will make a massive difference to your riding.
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Get more information on mountain bike tyres and tips about mountain bike maintenance here.
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