- Most bike tires feature a bead, the raised
element around the inside edge that locks the rubber against the rim.
- Wider tires are measured in inches according to
their bead-to-bead diameter and width, for example 26 x
2.0.
- Most adult-sized bikes use 26-inch tires, though 29-
inch tires can be found on an increasing number of large-wheeled
mountain bikes.
- Road bike and other narrow
tires are referred to as 700C tires, a measure of their diameter
in millimeters; width is also listed in millimeters and ranges
from approximately 18 (fast road bikes) to 28 (more stable
touring bikes).
- Slicks are smooth tires that reduce rolling
resistance. Knobbies feature raised elements for increased
traction.
- Bike tubes use two kinds of valves. Presta valves
(pictured) are tall, skinny, and contain high pressure without
leaking air. They are common on road bikes. Schrader valves
are standard on most other bikes, the same type you’ll find
on a car tire. They very slowly leak air, usually over a period
of months.
(Photograph by iStock.)
Labels: Bicycles, Cycling, Stoves