My turn for stupid newbie question!

[Rob]

Hi,

my rear tyre is badly worn and needs replacing,on cars there's a rule about not mixing radial and cross ply.Is there an equivalent rule for bikes or can I just replace the tyre with any that fits?

Thanks,

Rob.

 

[Maz]

Hi/Welcome
Just replace with any that fits.

 

[ASC1951]

You are probably better narrowing it down a bit more. What sort of bike and what sort of cycling?

For road riding on standard 700c wheels, most people go for 700 x 23 tyres. Fatter and, unexpectedly, narrower tyres both have more rolling resistence.

Details like make, tread pattern and price depend very much on budget and personal preference. For instance, I use mid-range Michelin Pros with no tread at all, but I don't commute on my bike and I don't ride in town much. If I did I might want something a bit tougher.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Hi/Welcome
Just replace with any that fits.

Err NO.

Tyres come in different diameters depending on wheel type ie 26" 650c 700c, 27 x 1 1/4 etc.
Most also come in different widths, for example 700c racing bike tyres come in widths from about 19mm to 35mm, larger width tyres have a bigger air pocket for a softer ride. Some road-bikes won't have clearances for bigger sizes say greater than 25c. Whilst running a 25c with a 23c won't be an issue a bigger difference might do.
Suggest you buy similar size to your current tyres... Then, put the best (new) tyre on the front and swap the front to the rear, as the front tyre does all the difficult work and needs to be the most reliable.
Tyres also come in different levels of p*ncture resistance and "speed" so that may be a factor.

What do you currently run and what size?
BTW, tyres are like Marmite, one mans fave is anothers hate!
Tyres are worth spending decent money on as they can seriously affect the way a bike rides and feels.

 

[Rob]

What do you currently run and what size?
BTW, tyres are like Marmite, one mans fave is anothers hate!
Tyres are worth spending decent money on as they can seriously affect the way a bike rides and feels.

Hi
My bikes a Dawes hybrid (Kalahari) and the tyre size is 700 x 38c.Purely used for commuting,no off-road.

Rob.

 

[PrettyboyTim]

For road riding on standard 700c wheels, most people go for 700 x 23 tyres. Fatter and, unexpectedly, narrower tyres both have more rolling resistence..

700x23 seems unneccesarily thin to me, especially if you're used to 700x38. Thinner tyres will reduce the rolling resistance and wind resistance, but you've got to wonder if you really need to be that little bit faster or whether you'd rather be a bit more comfortable.

I've got 700x35 tyres. I'd probably go a bit thinner if I was to replace them but as they're Scwalbe Marathon Plusses and therefore practically puncture-proof I can't see myself doing that any time soon.

 

[ASC1951]

700x23 seems unneccesarily thin to me, especially if you're used to 700x38.

Yes, now that Rob says that it's for commuting I wouldn't go as thin as 23s. If his roads are full of the glass and shrapnel to be found in central Leeds I would certainly want at least 32s, well pumped up.

You pretty much get what you pay for with tyres, Rob, so I'm with FabFoodie in avoiding the cheap end.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Yes, now that Rob says that it's for commuting I wouldn't go as thin as 23s. If his roads are full of the glass and shrapnel to be found in central Leeds I would certainly want at least 32s, well pumped up.

You pretty much get what you pay for with tyres, Rob, so I'm with FabFoodie in avoiding the cheap end.

If the bike rims are designed for 38's they'd not work with 23's.
Rob, go with same or a size less, agree no lower than 32, there's no reason, BUT you should (for niceness only) have the same size tyre front and back.

 

[Rob]

Thanks all, I've bought the same size as the old one.
What originally confused me was the difference in treads.For some reason I got fixated with the whole car tyre thing and when I saw the different types of tread I just wondered if similar rules applied.Thankfully it seems not to apply to bikes,which makes life a bit simpler!
Thanks again,
Rob.

 

[ASC1951]

Treads are entirely a matter of personal taste for road cycling. Cars need them because of the much bigger footprint/weight ratio but on a bike you need to be doing well over 100mph before you aquaplane. I prefer completely smooth tyres because I think they look better and it's easier to spot damage, but most people seem to go for a slight tread. The wider the tyre, the more tread the manufacturers put on. Smooth tyres are definitely quicker than a heavy tread, but for commuting that doesn't really matter.

You do need tread for off-road and both the amount and the pattern do matter. I go for knobbles as a compromise, but if I rode more in mud I would want full width crossbars.