Bike Tire Selection
03-26-09, 02:23 AM
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Bike Tire Selection
It's pretty obvious that you can get a large number of different sizes of tires to put on a specific rim. So the question becomes how you know what you want? For me, tread type is obvious so there's no need to go there. But for size, would you want to go one way (say wider tire size for rim size) in one case versus another (matched tire size for rim size)? Like for mine, I have .45 inch difference right now on my tire size versus rim size - that's just how I got it. This is probably my next parts change on this bike.
I guess I'm asking more in terms of application - would there be certain situations you'd want a certain tire size? Would I want to go with a tire that's the rim size, or would I want something a little larger?
Also, how do you identify wear in the sidewall of a tire (which I read would be where the tires on the bike mentioned above)?
I guess I'm asking more in terms of application - would there be certain situations you'd want a certain tire size? Would I want to go with a tire that's the rim size, or would I want something a little larger?
Also, how do you identify wear in the sidewall of a tire (which I read would be where the tires on the bike mentioned above)?
03-26-09, 03:47 PM
#2
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IME trial and error is more enlightening than a rule of thumb for tire size preference. There are just too many factors in play (environment,usage,comfort,durability,weight,traction).
03-26-09, 07:33 PM
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The rule of thumb is comfort vs. speed.
Wider tires allow you to use less air pressure without pinch flatting or ruining your rim. That'll give you a more comfortable ride.
Skinnier tires have to be run with higher air pressure or they'll pinch flat and can ruin your rim. To a point (don't get me started on this issue) higher pressure = lower rolling resistance so they're faster.
Over inflating tires will blow them off of your rim. Wide tires will blow off at a lower pressure because they have more square inches for your internal pressure psi to work on.
Wider tires allow you to use less air pressure without pinch flatting or ruining your rim. That'll give you a more comfortable ride.
Skinnier tires have to be run with higher air pressure or they'll pinch flat and can ruin your rim. To a point (don't get me started on this issue) higher pressure = lower rolling resistance so they're faster.
Over inflating tires will blow them off of your rim. Wide tires will blow off at a lower pressure because they have more square inches for your internal pressure psi to work on.
03-27-09, 10:58 AM
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https://sheldonbrown.com/tire-sizing.html
https://sheldonbrown.com/tires.html
Last edited by Smooth James; 03-27-09 at 11:07 AM.
