Bicycle Tyres Explained:

Everything you need to know about bicycle tyres:

EMC repairs punctures & worn tyres in Bedford.

Tyres are crucial components of a bicycle's performance and safety. Without a good tyre, its no use having loads of power as you’ll slip, its no good having great brakes as they wheel won’t grip the road

. It’s very important to have them changed when the treads have worn beyond their limits. The pattern is functional, they displace the water from underneath the wheel so that the rubber makes contact with the ground and not a layer of water.

MountainBike tyres are tyres commonly between 2.0 and 2.8inches wide and run at pressures between 30 and 45psi. The treads are nobbly, designed to grapple lose surfaces and rugged inclines/declines.

Hybrid tyres are a combination of road and mountain bike tires, designed for riding on both paved and unpaved roads. They tend to range between 40 and 80psi.

Touring tyres are designed for long-distance cycling and are more durable than other types of tires, while fat tires are extra-wide and designed for riding on sand, snow, or other soft surfaces.

Road tyres are designed to be as light, ridged and as efficient as possible. They tend to function between pressures of 80 and 130psi

When choosing bicycle tires, it's important to consider factors such as tire size, tread pattern, and tire pressure to ensure they are compatible with your bike and riding style. Bear in mind there are many dimentions that must match your wheel and your frame width.

Bikes can get punctures in several ways:

Sharp objects: The most common cause of bike punctures is sharp objects, such as thorns, glass, or metal objects, that puncture the tire and inner tube. These objects can be found on roads, trails, or even in your garage or home.

Pinched inner tubes: A pinch flat occurs when the inner tube is pinched between the rim and the tire when hitting an obstacle like a pothole or a curb. This type of flat usually occurs on low tire pressure.

Wear and tear: Over time, the tire and inner tube can wear down and become thinner, making them more susceptible to punctures. This can be accelerated by riding on rough terrain or underinflated tires. Valve seals do perish over time, causing slow air leaks.

Improper installation: If the tire or inner tube is not installed correctly, it can cause a puncture or flat. This can occur if the tire is not seated properly on the rim or if the valve is damaged.

Rim damage: If the rim is damaged or has sharp edges, it can cause the tire or inner tube to puncture. This can occur if the rim is bent or if there are sharp burrs or edges on the rim.

To reduce the risk of getting a puncture, it's important to regularly check your tires for damage or wear, keep your tires properly inflated, and avoid riding over sharp objects. You can also use puncture-resistant tires or tire liners, which are designed to reduce the risk of punctures. If you do get a puncture, it's important to repair or replace the inner tube as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the tire and rim.

RIGHT: EMC Setting up Tubeless with tape and compressor

Tubeless tires are a relatively new innovation in the cycling world that have gained popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional tires, which require an inner tube to hold air, tubeless tires are designed to seal against the rim of the wheel, creating an airtight seal that eliminates the need for an inner tube.

The advantages of tubeless tires include:

Reduced risk of punctures: Without an inner tube, there is no risk of pinch flats, and the sealant inside the tire can seal small punctures before they cause a flat.

Better cornering and handling: With lower tire pressures, tubeless tires conform better to the terrain, providing better cornering and handling.

Improved ride quality: The lack of an inner tube and the ability to run lower pressures results in a smoother ride with reduced vibration and shock.

However, tubeless tires require specific rims and valves, and may be more difficult to install than traditional tires. Additionally, they may require maintenance, such as adding sealant periodically to ensure a good seal.