How to Choose a Tire for Your Mountain Bike

One of the most important components on your mountain bike is your tires. They grip the ground and provide the traction you need on different surfaces. Most mountain bike riders look for light weight, strength and traction in a tire and many advanced riders even have multiple sets of tires for different riding conditions.

So what tire is right for your mountain bike and riding style? With so many different manufactures and models to choose from which one is right for you? These are not easy questions to answer so hopefully we can provide some insight to get you moving in the right direction. Mountain bike parts are not cheap and you want to make the right decision.

Tire Construction:

Consider a Kevlar bead or folding tire – A Kevlar tire weighs an estimated 60-80 grams less then a conventional none folding tire. It does not sound like much of a weight savings but multiple that number by two and then consider the rotating weight. For an extra couple of dollar, in my opinion, it is worth spending the extra money.

Terrain and Tread patterns:

Determine where you are going to ride and how you are going to use the bike. As an example will you be riding on the local trails that are hard packed dirt or on slick rock?

For hard packed terrain consider a narrower and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is 1.8 to 2.0 wide.

For hard packed terrain with a good mix of rocks you might want to consider a wider and smooth tire. As an example a tire that is wider then 2.0.

For loosely packed terrain consider a knobby tire. Choose a tire with a really aggressive pattern as this will help you gain maximum traction in the dirt. You might also want to consider tires that are designed for the front and rear of the bike.

For muddy terrain consider a narrow tire. Narrow tires will reach the bottom of the mud and create less resistance when turning making it easier for you to move forward.

For all terrain tires there are so many choices to consider. Many of the major tire manufacturers make very good tires that are great for all conditions.

Riders Body Size:

Consider your body size. If you are heavier you might want to consider a wider tire.

Where to buy:

You can buy your tires at a bike store, order them from an online website or from an individual sell tires posted on a mountain bike classifieds website.

The information above is a rough guide on what to consider when buying new mountain bike tires. Many bikes stores that have bikes for sale and bike parts can also give you their opinion. Talk to your friends and read online forums to see what other riders like and don’t like. The more information you have the better.

See you on the trail.

[affmage source="amazon" results="10"]cycle gear[/affmage]
[affmage source="overstock" results="10"]outdoor gear[/affmage]
[affmage source="cj" results="10"]bike[/affmage]

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

Mountain bike?

I’d like to get a new bike, soon. I live in a very urban area, so initially I thought a road bike would suit me best, but I will need to use it when I go camping and stuff. If I am going to need a bike for both pavement and rugged terrain, would a mountain bike be my best choice?

I know about hybrids, but I have been told by many people that they are pointless and are not really great for anything, just ok for both roads and off-road.

Nick, most cycle fanatics end up with multiple rides. most folks I know have at least 3, road bike, MTB, town beater. if you own a bike currently, maybe that one is destined to be your beater. slap some slicks on it, and clean up the drivetrain. as to your next ride, if you want to ride single-track, than your friends are right, get a mid-range MTB hardtail. if you don’t have a bike that can work as your town beater, look into getting a cheep wheel set, and put slicks on that. if you can only afford a second set of tires, and not the wheelset, thats ok, it’s just easier to work the quick release, rather than swap a tire..

[affmage source="amazon" results="10"]full suspension mountain bike[/affmage]
[affmage source="overstock" results="10"]mountain bike[/affmage]
[affmage source="cj" results="10"]mountain bike[/affmage]

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites

What’s the resale value for a Gary Fisher Mountain bike – ‘Kaitai’ model, alum – approx 14 yrs old maintained?

It was bought new in ’95. Shimano STX components. Extended handles. Presto valves. Weinmann BCX Town & Country tires (26×1.90/C139/47-559). No clips. Saddle is a little worn. Re tuneups. No accidents.

Its really hard to set a price on a used bike regardless of its condition. No matter how expensive a bike was new, a few years down the road (in your case almost 15) many of the components that could have been state of the art then… aren’t now.

Mountain bike technology has changed since it was made and many buyers are looking for some of those changes even when they buy used. There’s an old adage that says its worth exactly what someone will give you for it regardless of what you might think its worth.

My suggestion would be to go online to some of the used bike websites like www.roadbikereview.com and check out some of the listings. You may even find another just like yours listing the asking price. Even if you don’t, listings for similarly equipped 90s model bikes can be a good starting point for your initial asking price. Be realistic when it comes to your selling price and be prepared to bargain with prospective buyers.

[affmage source="amazon" results="10"]mountain bikes[/affmage]

[affmage source="cj" results="10"]mountain bikes[/affmage]

[affmage source="overstock" results="10"]Gary Fisher Mountain Bike[/affmage]

Bookmark to:

Hide Sites