2009 15 Nov

Useful Advice While Selecting The Right MTB Tire Size And Type

One of the most main parts on your mountain bike is your tires. They grip the ground and provide the traction you need on different surfaces. Also the MTB tire size is very important. Most mountain bike riders look for light weight, strength and traction in a tire and many advanced riders even have several sets of tires for various riding conditions.

So what tire is right for your mountain bike and riding style? With so many various manufactures and models to choose from which one is right for you? These are not easy questions to answer so hope we can provide some insight to get you moving in the right direction. Mountain bike parts are expensive and you want to make the right choice.

Tire Construction:

Pay attention to a Kevlar bead or folding tire – A Kevlar tire weighs an estimated 60-80 grams less then a ordinary none folding tire. For an extra couple of dollar, in my opinion, it is worth spending the extra money.

Terrain and Tread patterns:

Define where you are going to ride and how you are going to use the bike. As an example will you be driving on the local trails that are hard packed dirt or on slick rock? For heavy packed terrain choose 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 slick MTB tires. For instance a tire that is wider then 2.0.

For loosely packed region consider a knobby tire. Select a tire with a really aggressive pattern as this will help you get maximum traction in the mud . You might also want to consider tires that are created for the front and rear of the bike.

For dirty terrain consider a narrow continental MTB tire. Narrow tires will achieve the bottom of the dirt and create less resistance when turning making it easier for you to move forward.

For all region tires there are so many choices to consider. Many of the major tire manufacturers make very good tires that are good for all conditions.

You can buy your tires at a bike store, order them from an online website or from an individual selling tires posted on a mountain bike classifieds website.

The information above is a rough guide on what to notice when buying new mountain bike tires. Many bikes stores that have bikes for sale and bike parts can also share with you their point of view. Talk to your friends and read online forums to see what other riders like and don’t like. The more information you get the better.

See you on the trail.