"…Let's Ride"

There’s a massive amount of tires to choose from for your mountain bike. As with anything, you want to make sure you’ve got the proper equipment. The frame, gearing, and brakes are all designed for a specific sized wheel and tire, so choosing the right one is essential.

First things first… you need to know what size wheel(rim) you have. If you don’t know aready, just take a look at the rim. It will, at least it’s supposed to, have a number somewhere on it. Maybe 26in(559mm) or 700c(common on rd bikes) for example. Those are the typical standard but always check to make sure. You’ve got options from super smooth all the way through to super knobby.

 

Now… let’s talk about how to pick the right tire for you:

　

The right size

In light of what I said above about standard sizes, that is not always the “right” wheel measurement. You might be riding on a 29in rim (which converts to 622mm) which can make it very difficult to find a tire that fits.

Size is going to depend on your mountain biking wants and needs . Obviously, if you have a standard sized rim, you’ll need a standard sized tire. However, if you have multiple rims for multiple styles of riding, you’ll have a few things to consider. For example, if you’re a frequent dirt jump rider, you’ll probably be using 24in wheels (for better handling and maneuverability) and will need the appropriate sized tire to fit.

　

The right tread

Tread type depends on the type of riding you’ll be doing. If you’re just going to be riding around the park once and a while or light trail riding every other weekend, normal tread tires will do just fine. If you plan on hard-core riding or heavy duty trail riding then you’ll need more durable tires. If it’s gonna be a mix of different types of riding, then do a little research to find what’s going to be best for your needs. Multiple wheels with multiple styles of tread is also an option, although that can get a little costly.

　

The right durability

The components actually used to make the tires gives a good idea of how strong it’ll be. Some manufacturers are using PVC materials for stonger, more puncture resistant tires and some companies have even started using exotic ingredients to make the tires more sticky and more reliable.

Either way, you want to choose a quality brand. I recommend checking out some product reviews and see what people are saying. It should help in deciding which tire will be best for your type of bike and style of riding.

　

The right weight

Let’s not forget about gravity. The weight of your new tires is very important and you will feel the difference. Not only will heavier tires make it harder to pedal up steep slopes and trails, they could also make your bike harder to handle. Typically, this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. However, if you’re competing, it could vastly affect your speed and time. Also, depending on the differences, new tires can make your bikes “feel” completely different.

 

(NOTE: The wider the tire, the better the traction and the lower the PSI, the more rubber touching the ground, which in turn insures better surface grip)

 

FINAL THOUGHT:

As I always say… having the proper equipment for your mountain bike and your riding style is essential. When it comes to choosing tires… size, tread, durability, and weight are the most important things to consider. Overlooking any one of these key factors can, and will, have a great affect on your bikes handling, speed, and reliability.

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