Tyres

Excarn

Hello all,

Ok, I've recently got a Specialized FSR XC comp and have been out for many great ride already, predominantly on tarmac and loose gravel, as well as through wooded areas. Unfortunately, the last two times I've been out I've got puntures, and both times they were created by thorns. My question is about tyres.

I know there are lots of posts asking what are the best tyres, and these are all great but what I was wondering was, what makes a good tyre and what should I be looking for in a tyre? Firstly, do I need to get kevlar tyres to stop getting thorns in them, or is there a different type of tyre, and what are the draw backs of kevlar tyres?

Also, my front tyre is wider than my back, why is this, and how does this affect the bike? How do I know what tyre size my wheels/bike can take?

I know there is a lot here, and I want to understand tyres rather than just be told what make is the best tyre. So, if anyone can help me or direct me to a website which would help me learn about tyres and the differences that would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

RealMan

Excarn wrote:

Firstly, do I need to get kevlar tyres to stop getting thorns in them, or is there a different type of tyre, and what are the draw backs of kevlar tyres?

Tyres that are thicker, or contain things like kevlar, are generally tougher and thicker, so you wont get as many punctures, or tyre damage. However, obviously making something thicker makes it heavier, and it also makes the tyre less supple, so it will roll slower and grip slightly less.

Excarn wrote:

Also, my front tyre is wider than my back, why is this, and how does this affect the bike? How do I know what tyre size my wheels/bike can take?

When you're riding, if the front end washes out, you usually hit the floor hard. If the back end washes out, you can usually just correct it with some quick reactions and decent handling. So what most people do is put a bigger front tyre on, to increase grip, so they reduce front end wash outs. Also, the bigger the tyre, the softer the ride. Compare a 1.9 to a 2.5, and the 2.5 will make your bike feel like you have an extra 2 inches of suspension.

What size tyre your bike can take completely depends on your bike and fork. You might find you can fit a bigger tyre on the front then the back. You need a decent amount of room between the frame/fork and tyre. This room is known as mud clearance, and you guessed it, if its not big enough it clogs up with mud and slows the tyre, can damage the frame, and even just bring you to a dead stop. If you live somewhere that's sunny all the time, or you don't ride when its wet, then you don't have to worry about this.

As for telling what your bike can take, look at what its got on, and then look at how much room you've got, and have a guess. There's no real method to it, as all tyre companies are rubbish at measuring. You might be able to fit 2.4 mountain kings in there, and then find out you cant fit in 2.2 rubber queens.

Excarn wrote:

what makes a good tyre and what should I be looking for in a tyre?.

Several things to look for in a tyre.
Low weight, tough sidewalls, puncture resistant, good tread pattern specific to your riding, fast rolling, hard wearing, UST (if you're clever), the right size specific to your riding, and of course, price.

Excarn wrote:

I know there is a lot here, and I want to understand tyres rather than just be told what make is the best tyre. So, if anyone can help me or direct me to a website which would help me learn about tyres and the differences that would be greatly appreciated.

If you have any other questions, we can probably answer them.

supersonic

And always get folding ;-)

robertpb

Most tyres that have kevlar in them, have it in the bead as opposed to steel, generally called a foldable tyre. It makes the tyre easier to carry and it's between 50 and 90 grams lighter

Only when it states that it has puncture protection will it have a kevlar belt beneath the tread.

J55TTC

I was a bit frustrated with a recent puncture and was surprised at how thin the tyre was (the captain s-works) Ive replaced it with a the captain armadillo. Seems a much better protected tyre, will see how it lasts.

I too have 2.00 rear and 2.35 front

Excarn

Thanks guys that's really helpful, I now feel I can make a more informed choice as to what tyres to get. One thing though, what's folding?

I was thinking of going for the armadillos to, would be interested in knowing how you get on.

RealMan

Folding means the bead is made out of something that is much more flexible then the standard wire beading you get on cheap tyres. This means they're much lighter, they cant rust, and they ride better.

And, they also fold easier.

And I think specialized make lots of armadillo tyres, don't know which ones you're talking about. Although I am using a pair of their armadillo road tyres (cant remember which) and I've had 2 punctures in about 5000 miles.