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Would you like to equip your ATV bike with a new pair of tires? Don't know how to choose them among the multiplicity of offers? Good news: we're going to help you see more clearly in this mishmash. Of capital importance, but often unsuspected, tires connect you directly to the ground and ensure your safety. They have as much to do with grip and braking as they do with mobility, performance and comfort. Overview of what you need to know to choose your ATV tires properly!
The information written on the ATV tire
There are various markings on the flanks of ATV tires. They provide information about the tire's dimensions.
The information on the tire is
Take a closer look at your tire and spot a size like 27.5 x 1.95. These numbers are expressed in inches. The first group of numbers (in this example 27.5) represents the diameter of the wheel. In mountain biking, wheel sizes for adults are 26 inches, 27.5 inches, and 29 inches. The second number (here 1.95) is the tire width, also called the tire section, and most often ranges from 1.40 to 2.60 inches.
These values are far from universal and vary from brand to brand. Fortunately, the ETRTO (European tyre and rim technical organisation) standard provides valuable additional information. The ETRTO dimension actually specifies the width of the tire and the internal diameter of the rim in millimeters. This indication printed on mountain bike tires is controlled and therefore common to all manufacturers. Definitely more convenient to find your way around!"
The components of a mountain bike tire
Mountain bike tires are made up of several components that you need to know in order to choose them properly:
- The carcass is a weave of cotton or nylon threads that are more or less flexible and affect the tire's ability to deform. The amount of thread used is expressed in TPI. Particularly flexible carcasses, characteristic of high-end tires, have a value greater than 100 TPI.
- The cap is an amalgam of rubber and chemical ingredients that encompasses the casing.
- The beads are the two hoops that hold the tire against the rim. The rigid beads are intended for extreme practices (freeride, DH, trial) while the soft beads, lighter, are found on premium tires.
- The gum ensures that the tire is waterproof, and its hardness is measured in Shore A. A high hardness, above 60A, means a rolling tire and performance. On the contrary, a soft rubber confers more grip and grip.
Tire studs
In contrast to the tires on a road bike, mountain bike tires are not smooth, but have studs of various sizes. An essential feature to provide good grip when faced with the variety of terrain traveled. The studding, like the tire section, depends on the discipline practiced as well as the type of surface surveyed.
In cross-country mountain biking, tires have little volume and thin, dense lugs, if the course is rolling, for a cross-section between 1.90 and 2.15 inches. In contrast, a rocky XC course requires more relief to maximize grip.
All-mountain, enduro, and touring mountain bike tires focus on versatility with moderate and accentuated cramping and wider and narrower sections.
Freeride and downhill riders will choose 2.35- to 2.50-inch tires with large lugs to provide optimal grip.
If you plan to ride on muddy ground, choose tires with a low stud density but pronounced. The goal is to avoid slipping in the mud.
It's a good idea to have a good grip
It is customary to equip the front and rear wheels with different tires, since they do not have the same role. The front wheel provides steering and grip in turns with large side studs. The rear wheel has aggressive tread studding to improve traction.
The type of mounting
There are several technologies available to mount a mountain bike tire:
- Tubetype tires: they are used in the classic way with an inner tube and are perfectly suited to a leisure or low commitment practice.
- Tubeless tires: they limit the risk of puncture by pinching since there is no inner tube in this assembly.
- Tubeless ready tires: more flexible and lighter than the tubeless version, they also allow a tubeless mounting provided that a preventive liquid is injected to ensure their watertightness.
Choosing your mountain bike tires: what pressure?
The dynamism of an ATV tire is related to the air pressure it contains. So, it's up to you to regulate this pressure according to your tires, your expectations and your preferred terrain.
The Presence of the tire pressure is the most important factor
The recommended pressure is usually marked on the sidewall of the tires. Generally speaking, remember that the narrower your tire is, the more air it should have. But beware of overinflation: while it improves performance, it reduces grip and comfort. Don't hesitate to deflate your tires a bit if you're looking for better grip.
Now that mountain bike tires have no secrets for you: how about finding out how to choose your mountain bike? Semi-stiff or all-suspension mountain bike, the important thing is to choose a mountain bike that fits!
