Tyres and tubes

How to choose the right tire

How to find the equivalence of my tire

Tires are one of the most essential parts of our bicycle; they are responsible for keeping us glued to the ground, cushioning us from small road imperfections, and providing comfort and ride quality.

Tires are the only contact points between the bicycle and the ground, for that very reason, in a way, they are your feet while you are on the bicycle; therefore, it is necessary to choose a tire that perfectly adapts to your needs, whether urban use, MTB, road, hybrid, cargo-bike...

Below we will explain each measurement in detail and their equivalences.

Measurements

There are three ways to measure tires.

-ETRTO system

-English system (inches)

-French system

In the image, we can observe that we have the following indications:

35-584 (650x35B – 26x11/2)

-The 35-584 indication refers to the ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation).

-The 650x35B indication refers to the French measurement system.

-The 26x11/2 indication refers to the inch measurement system.

We will focus on the ETRTO system as it is much simpler.

ETRTO

First, the width is expressed, which can vary from 20 to 60; it is generally a two-digit number (AA). In special cases, the width can be larger or smaller. Afterward, the rim diameter or internal tire diameter is expressed, which is generally a three-digit number (DDD), such as 559 or 622. The standard expression would be as follows:

AA-DDD

An example would be: 37-622, with 37 being the tire width and 622 the internal tire diameter (in this case 622mm)

Advantages of ETRTO

•Measurement in millimeters, therefore the measurement is very precise.

•Very simple measurement system, only two very distinct measurements.

•The measurement of the tire's internal diameter is the same as the rim's diameter.

Which tire should you choose?

For good advice, it is necessary to know what the bicycle will be used for and what the environment you usually move in is.

Tires for classic bicycles are designed primarily for an urban environment (asphalt), but they are resistant enough to ride on paved paths, dirt roads... as long as they are not mountain bike trails.

Rim width

This measurement is the distance between the two walls of the rim. Keep in mind that the rim width should not be greater than the tire width we have chosen, that is, if we have a 30mm wide rim, we cannot mount a 28mm tire; we need to mount a 30mm or larger tire (always referring to ETRTO system measurements).

Sporadic use on unpaved terrain

For this type of use, a section between 28 and 32mm (ETRTO) is recommended, because considering that our main environment will be paved terrain, we need the minimum section to offer the least possible friction, but enough so that we do not get a flat tire as soon as we enter unpaved terrain.

Mixed or cargo use

If we are going to be this type of user, it will not matter to us if we go on a dirt road or ride through the best-paved city; therefore, we will need a tire with a section between 32 and 40mm (ETRTO) with the lowest possible friction. This type of tire is also recommended for bicycles that are more heavily loaded than usual or even for those equipped with a child seat.

Strictly urban use

This environment is probably the most favorable for avoiding punctures, due to moving on paved ground, it also ensures ride quality and few bumps. For this type of use, a section between 23 and 25 mm (ETRTO) is recommended, as the narrower the section, the less friction we offer, and it will be easier for us to pedal.

Tire clearance

Tire clearance is the distance between the rear stays or the width of the fork. The tire width cannot be greater than the distance between the rear stays on both sides, because otherwise the tire would get stuck and the wheel could not turn. Conclusion: the tire cannot be wider than the tire clearance; for example, if I have a bicycle with a tire clearance of 31mm, I could not mount a 31mm or larger tire, because the wheel would be braked. I would have to mount a tire with a maximum section of 30mm.

Keep in mind that tire clearance decreases when mudguards are installed.

Tire tread

The tire tread can also vary according to the environment and the user's needs.

Slick or tire without tread: Strictly urban use and in cities with little rain, it offers very good grip on dry surfaces and low friction.

Semi-slick or tire with light tread: Urban or semi-urban use, for rainy cities, with a lot of dust, or sporadic use on unpaved paths. It offers good grip on paved terrain (wet or dry), and decent grip on unpaved terrain.

Tire with tread: This type of tire is the most versatile; it adapts to all the conditions of your environment and offers good grip in all conditions suitable for a classic bike.

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Collection: Tyres and tubes