Feb 11 2009
Mountain Bike Tyres
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One of the most important components on your full suspension mountain bike or your hardtail mountain bike is your tires. Most mountain bike riders look for light weight, strength and traction in a tire and many advanced riders even have multiple sets of tires for different riding conditions.
So what tire is right for your mountain bike and riding style? Mountain bike parts are not cheap and you want to make the right decision.
Tire Construction:
Consider a Kevlar bead or folding tire – A Kevlar tire weighs an estimated 60-80 grams less then a conventional none folding tire. It does not sound like much of a weight savings but multiply that number by two and then consider the rotating weight and it becomes significant. For an extra couple of pounds, in my opinion, it is worth spending the extra money.
Terrain and Tread patterns:
As an example will you be riding on the local trails that are hard packed dirt or on slick rock?
For hard packed terrain consider a narrower and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is 1.8 to 2.0 wide.
For hard packed terrain with a good mix of rocks you might want to consider a wider and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is wider then 2.0.
For loosely packed terrain consider a knobby tire. Choose a tire with a really aggressive pattern as this will help you gain maximum traction in the dirt. For muddy terrain consider a narrow tire. Narrow tires will reach the bottom of the mud and create less resistance when turning making it easier for you to move forward.
Many of the major tire manufacturers make very good tires that are great for all conditions.
Riders Body Size:
Consider your body size. If you are heavier you might want to consider a wider tire.
You can buy your tires at a bike store, order them from an online website or from an individual sell tires posted on a mountain bike classifieds website.
The information above is a rough guide on what to consider when buying new mountain bike tires. Many bikes stores that have mountain bikes for sale and bike parts can also give you their opinion.
Bike Servant is experienced with full suspension and hardtail mountain bikes, bike parts and organizing race events for mountain biking.
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