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ADVANTAGE BICYCLE PRO SHOP ~ CYCLING TIPS |
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Choose The Right Tire Tread |
While
road-tire treads are strikingly similar, off-road tires come in so many
models it can be confusing, initially, trying to pick one out. The
key to making a successful choice of either tire type is selecting
the appropriate tire for the terrain you'll be riding.
Tires For The Road
Looking for a little added traction from a road tire? Consider getting one with
traction grooves, which some experts believe provide added control in
wet and dry conditions. (Other experts claim that road
tires are so narrow that any tread placed on them has a negligible
effect. We'll help you decide, based upon our own
experiences.) Innovative modern clincher casings can provide an
extremely lively and resilient ride, comparable to what you would
expect from a premium tubular (a type of tire used by professional
racers where the tube is actually sewn inside). A new rubber compound,
silica, is found in quite a few new upper-end road tires. Silica
improves adhesion and lowers rolling resistance without sacrificing
tread durability.
Off-Road Tires For Soft Conditions
For soft conditions, loose rock, and loose climbs, pick a fairly wide tire
with tall, broad, paddle-like knobs. It's important that the tread's
knobs have a stable base, for traction when you lean them over on
a hard surface. Tread that is overly flimsy can also lead to durability
problems. Tires for soft conditions are usually front- or rear-wheel
specific.
Off-Road Tires For Hardpack
For
hardpacked surfaces, there are tires that have closely spaced small
knobs, and sometimes no center knobs at all. They can be narrower than
soft-condition tires as well. If there are rocks strewn into your
hardpack, use a smooth but wide tire. Another key to getting a good
hardpack tire is making sure that the knob is at least twice as wide at
the base as it is tall. If it's too tall, the tire will deflect under
hard cornering loads.
Off-Road Tires For Mud
If you think you may encounter mud on a trail with few options for
avoiding it, the key is to use narrow tires with widely spaced lugs.
Wider tires will jam your frame stays and fork with mud. Narrow tires
can also penetrate through the soft mud on top and reach the harder
ground below for better traction. Choose longer knob for more grip, or
shallower knobs for lower rolling resistance where there's no mud.
We've got a wide selection of tires for any situation. Talk with us and we'll
point you in the right direction. |
Equipment Know-How
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