Tyres & Inner Tubes

You rely on your bicycle tyres to operate your cycle properly. It makes sense therefore to consider your choice of tyres and inner tubes very carefully before you purchase a set.

Some of the manufacturers of road bike tyres include Michelin, Continental, Ritchey and Schwalbe. The tread patterns vary considerably; some patterns are best suited to certain conditions, but often the tread is a personal choice. Continental's Sport Contact is a very smooth tyre with a near-slick surface; this increases speed. Most mountain bike tyres have quite a knobbly tread for better grip in off-road conditions.

Some tyres have a wire inner layer for extra durability; others are specifically designed for inner city cycling and yet others have spikes for icy conditions. Some are specifically designed for triathlon conditions. There is also a choice between rigid and folding tyres.

Having a puncture is every cyclist's worst nightmare. To counter this, manufacturers have produced tyres with a very tough outer skin, which Continental calls Gatorskin; some have wire mesh inside; yet others have self-sealing inner tubes. For those times when your bicycle tyres do have a puncture, a puncture kit containing a tyre lever as well is a necessity; or you could invest in a tyre sealant. It is non-adhesive and contains micro sealing particles that instantly seal smaller punctures caused by thorns and nails. Another option is a tyre protection liner inside the tyres.

Some manufacturers also produce tyres other than black ones; white is probably the most popular alternative colour choice.