The tires of your touring bicycles determine the quality of ride and your travel comfort. Although similar to ordinary bicycle tires, bicycle touring tires are designed for long distance travel and avoiding flats. They also boast enhanced durability and support heavy loads.

While selecting bicycle touring tires, look for reliability, grip, performance, weight bearing capacity and strong wheels. Also, look for protection against sidewall damage and flats.

Tips for Choosing the Right Bicycle Touring Tires

Choose bicycle touring tires with a width of at least 25 millimeters. A wide tire does not slow down your pace significantly. However, too wide tires are not recommended, as they may impede the application of brakes. Good traction and grip are also desirable, as tires with higher grip enable you to ride smoothly, even on sand or water.

Look for Kevlar lining in the tires, as these are more resistant to flats compared to the ordinary ones. You can further enhance flat protection by adding Tuffy liners to your tires. These are plastic strips that can be inserted inside the tires. Also check the sidewalls of the tires.

Check the bead. A bead is the edge of a cycle tire that fits on the wheel. These are mainly of two types, non-foldable and foldable. Foldable tires are easy-to-carry and must be carried for emergency situations. Tires with foldable beads are also more expensive. Non-foldable tires consist of wire beads and are less expensive.

Compare Cost: Compare the prices of different tires and opt for one that suits your budget. Before setting out on a trip, do test ride them to check for any defects or faults. In case you experience a problem, be prompt in getting them changed.

Check the ease or difficulty in changing tires. Learn how to put on and remove the tires and repair the tubes. Carry a tool kit, tire irons, patch kits and boots during your trip so that you can repair tires in case of a breakdown.