Road tyres

How to choose road bike tyres

The tyre is the only point of contact with the road: it has a greater impact on performance, comfort and safety than most components. Continental, Michelin, Vittoria and Hutchinson cover both training and racing.

Which tyre width should you choose?

• 25 mm : the versatile standard, a good balance between weight and aerodynamics.
• 28 mm : the current benchmark, offering better comfort and often lower rolling resistance on imperfect surfaces.
• 30 to 32 mm : increasingly common on endurance bikes and rough roads.
• Check the available clearance in your frame and fork before fitting wider tyres.

Tubetype, tubeless ready or tubular?

• Tubetype (with inner tube) : the easiest to fit and repair.
• Tubeless ready : no pinch flats, lower pressure possible, sealant plugs small punctures — requires a compatible rim.
• Tubular tyre : reserved for racing, on a specific rim.

Performance or durability?

• Speed priority : supple high-TPI casing, minimal reinforcement, a light and responsive but more fragile tyre.
• Durability priority : endurance or all-season ranges, reinforced puncture-protection belt, ideal for winter and long-distance riding.
• Pressure matters as much as the tyre: if overinflated, a wide tyre loses all its benefits.

To find out more: How to choose road bike tyres

See also: Road inner tubes · Road tubular tyres · Tubeless kits and valves