The sort of tires 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 tires. If you have the right tires for the job they will make it safer and improve your riding as well.
Tires either have an inner tube that keeps them inflated or they are tubeless, but which one sort should you choose?
Most tubeless tires have a thick side-wall that locks into a specific sealed-bed rim. These tires can take a beating over rough terrain so they are ideal for downhill, but the downside is that they are more expensive.
The advantage of an airtight seal and a low=pressure, stable performance i has to be weighed up against the high cost. Also you need a clean tire and rim to fit them, and a large pump to inflate them.
Clean conditions are usually unavailable if the tire 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 tire later. Also while small holes might be repairable, a big hole can mean the tire is completely written off as well.
Tubeless tires are heavier as well, so if you need to get quick start times and riding speeds go for a lighter tire. Tires with inner tubes are lighter and offer more flexibility. They are also available in more treads and design styles, so getting the right tire might be easier.
You can get kits now to convert a standard tire with an inner tube into a tubeless tire. They mix a latex-based filling liquid with a rubber rim strip to seal the tire and rim. You may have to top up the filler sometimes but the cost is less than buying a standard tubeless tire.
You will get most of the advantages of a tubeless tire but with a much broader choice of rims and treads, and with the only cost being the kit and filler top ups. They will also be lighter, although you might experience similar repair problems when out riding on a trail.
Whichever kind of tire you choose, it is essential to replace your tires 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 tires will make a massive difference to your riding.
Tires either have an inner tube that keeps them inflated or they are tubeless, but which one sort should you choose?
Most tubeless tires have a thick side-wall that locks into a specific sealed-bed rim. These tires can take a beating over rough terrain so they are ideal for downhill, but the downside is that they are more expensive.
The advantage of an airtight seal and a low=pressure, stable performance i has to be weighed up against the high cost. Also you need a clean tire and rim to fit them, and a large pump to inflate them.
Clean conditions are usually unavailable if the tire 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 tire later. Also while small holes might be repairable, a big hole can mean the tire is completely written off as well.
Tubeless tires are heavier as well, so if you need to get quick start times and riding speeds go for a lighter tire. Tires with inner tubes are lighter and offer more flexibility. They are also available in more treads and design styles, so getting the right tire might be easier.
You can get kits now to convert a standard tire with an inner tube into a tubeless tire. They mix a latex-based filling liquid with a rubber rim strip to seal the tire and rim. You may have to top up the filler sometimes but the cost is less than buying a standard tubeless tire.
You will get most of the advantages of a tubeless tire but with a much broader choice of rims and treads, and with the only cost being the kit and filler top ups. They will also be lighter, although you might experience similar repair problems when out riding on a trail.
Whichever kind of tire you choose, it is essential to replace your tires 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 tires will make a massive difference to your riding.
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Read more about the importance of choosing the right mountain bike tires and get tips and advice on mountain bike maintenance here.
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