Overview
Understanding how your exercise equipment works is a vital element in a successful fitness program. If you do not have a basic understanding of your equipment, you will be less likely to notice when your gear is damaged or in need of replacement, which could lead to expensive repairs or even injury. For cyclists, a basic understanding of tires is essential.
The Basics
Although there are many different types of bicycle tires, they all share a few common characteristics. The rubber that contacts the ground is the tread, which may be completely smooth or covered with aggressive rubber tread blocks. The side of the tire, which is usually black or tan, is the sidewall. The inner circumference of the tire, the part that touches the metal wheel, is the bead. The body of the tire as a whole, which is usually composed of numerous nylon threads wrapped tightly together, is the carcass. Most bicycle tires also have a separate rubber inner tube that holds air.
Types
Varieties of bicycle tires are available to match the type of bicycle you own and the kind of riding you do. Designed for generating traction in the dirt, mountain bike tires generally have large rubber knobs on the tread. Tires ridden on the street, whether on racing bikes or laid-back cruisers, typically lack tread blocks and are known as slicks, although they may have grooves in the tread to help channel water out from under the tire.
Sizes
Bicycle tires come in different sizes, both in overall diameter and in the width of the tread. Although there is leeway in what width tire you can install on your bike, the diameter is determined by the type of bike you have. Most mountain and cruiser bikes use 26- or 29-inch diameter tires and range in width from 1.8 to 3.0 inches. Racing-style road bike tires are measured using a European system, with the diameter designated as 700C, with widths ranging from 18 to 28mm. For all types, manufacturers usually stamp the size on the sidewall like this: 26 x 2.0 or 700 x 23.
Choosing a Tire
Choosing which particular tire to use on your bicycle depends on what type of riding you usually engage in and how much money you are willing to spend. Generally, the greater the width of the tire, the more traction and cushioning it will provide. However, wider tires are heavier and require more energy to move. Another consideration is the bead material. Wire beads are inexpensive but heavier than more costly Kevlar-beaded tires. For mountain bikes, large, aggressive tread blocks generate outstanding traction in the dirt, but are loud and clumsy if used on pavement.
Flat Prevention
Flat tires are an inevitable part of cycling that interrupt your valuable workout time. Fortunately, there are several things that can be done to reduce their occurrence. Some tires have a puncture-resistant lining built into the carcass. Plastic tire liners that fit between the inside of the tire and the inner tube are another option. A different approach is to fill your tubes with special tire goo, which oozes into punctures and hardens, sealing off the hole.
About this Author
Southern California-based author Ryan Tubbs has been writing professionally since March 2010. His prior professional experience includes stints as a social worker, educator, and emergency medical technician. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from UC Riverside in 2004.
