Bicycle tires, inner tubes, tubulars and inserts

When choosing the right bicycle tires, not only the type of tires and tubulars plays a key role, but also specialized components, such as valves and protective inserts. Each of these elements has its own specific purpose - affecting performance, safety, and comfort while riding. Whether it's road racing, mountaineering or everyday riding, the right combination of these elements can significantly improve riding characteristics and reduce the risk of punctures or rim damage. Below you will find detailed descriptions and specifications that will help you pick the right solution for your cycling style.

Bicycle tires

The tire is the outer part that comes into contact with the surface. Its choice significantly impacts driving characteristics - grip, durability, comfort, speed, and behaviour in different conditions (dry, mud, asphalt, gravel). When choosing a tire, it is important to consider its specifications:

Specification:

Types:
- Wire bead: A classic tire with a steel bead at a lower price.
- Folding: A lighter tire with a Kevlar bead or carbon bead providing better riding characteristics but at a higher price.
- Tubeless ready: Allows riding without a tube.
Dimensions: E.g. 29 x 2.25 (diameter x width), 700x28C for road.
Intended use: Each type of tire is designed for a specific type of cycling (MTB, road, gravel...)
TPI (threads per inch): Density of the carcass fibres – higher TPI = softer and more flexible casing.
Rubber compound: Different compounds for different conditions – harder for durability, softer for grip.
Pattern (tread): Smooth for the road, aggressive for off-road (MTB, gravel).
Protective layers: E.g. against punctures (e.g. Kevlar belts, anti-puncture inserts).

Tubulars

A tubular is a type of bicycle tire where the inner tube is sewn inside the casing and the entire assembly is glued to a special rim. They are mainly used in road cycling and racing for their low weight and excellent riding characteristics. When choosing tubulars, consider the following factors:

Specification:

The inner tube is sewn into the casing and is not replaceable.
The entire tire is glued or taped to a special rim
Dimensions: E.g. 700 × 25C (outer diameter of the tire in millimetres - indicates the so-called French size for road wheels, equivalent to 622 mm ETRTO x tread width in millimetres - in this case 25 mm).
Weight: 180–300 g (depending on width and construction).
Shell material: Cotton, nylon, Kevlar or polyester.

Tire inserts

An insert (a protective foam insert or shaped ring) is placed between the rim and the tire. It serves to protect the rim and reduce the risk of a puncture with tubeless tires - especially in downhill, enduro, DH and aggressive riding. It absorbs shocks, protects the rim and allows riding with lower pressure.

Specification:

Material: Lightweight foam (EVA, polyurethane, special composites).
Use: Only with tubeless system.
Compatibility: Various sizes according to rim width and tire diameter (e.g. 27.5", 29", width 2.2–2.6").

Inner tubes

The inner tube is a rubber (or thermoplastic) tube placed between the tire and the rim, which is filled with air. In conventional tube systems, it provides the pressure and shape of the tire. The choice of inner tube affects not only the weight and rolling resistance, but also the resistance to punctures.

Specification:

Material:
- Butyl tube: Classic, durable, inexpensive.
- Latex tube: Lighter, more flexible, lower rolling resistance (but higher air permeability).
- TPU (thermoplastic) inner tubes : Ultralight inner tubes (e.g. Tubolito) – very light, compact, durable.
Dimensions: Diameter (e.g. 26", 27.5", 29", 700C), Width (e.g. 18–25 mm, 1.75–2.5").
Valve type: Presta or Schrader (see below).
Special variants: Inner tubes with puncture protection, self-sealing (with special sealant inside).

Valves

A tubeless valve is a special type of valve designed for tubeless systems that do not use a classic inner tube. The valve is installed directly into the rim and allows for the inflation of a tubeless tire and the application of sealant. It is an essential part of every tubeless system for MTB, gravel and road bikes.

Specification:

Valve type: Presta (FV – French valve) or Schrader (AV – auto valve), most often Presta.
Valve length: 35 mm, 44 mm, 55 mm, 60 mm, 80 mm (chosen according to rim height).
Rim compatibility: For tubeless-ready rims with a prepared hole (6.5 mm Presta).
Material: Aluminium (lightweight), brass (durable), steel.
Replaceable valve core: Most quality valves have a removable core for easy filling of sealant.

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