City bike and e-bike tyres

Puncture-resistant belt: the commuter's choice

For those who ride every day, a puncture means delays and a bike to push. City tyres slip under the tread with a protection belt that varies in thickness. The Schwalbe Marathon Plus takes this idea further with a layer of elastic rubber several millimetres thick, which stops shards of glass and nails, at the cost of increased weight. The Continental Ride Tour and the Schwalbe Classic Marathon find a compromise between protection, weight, and performance. The Tannus Shield insert, placed between the tube and the tyre, adds an extra barrier.

The rest of the wheel

Wheels, tyres, and braking are also varied:

• Wheels.
• Inner tube.
• Rim brakes.
• Disc brakes.
• Pumps and Accessories.

Everything in this area is gathered on the wheels, tyres and brakes page.

Reflective sides and tyres for electric bikes

Reflective sides, like on the Continental Ride Tour in twenty-inch size, create a luminous circle in car headlights and make the cyclist visible from the side at intersections, where the bike's lights may not reach. For an electric bike, which is heavier and generally faster, choose a tyre declared compatible by the manufacturer, with a reinforced casing, such as the Schwalbe Energizer Plus Tour, designed for electric assistance. The Delta Cruiser, with a classic profile, and the Vittoria City are often used on traditional city bikes.

ETRTO size and old French sizing

The size of a tyre is read on the sidewall according to the ETRTO standard: the width in millimetres, followed by the diameter at the bead. Six hundred twenty-two corresponds to the twenty-eight inch wheels of adult city bikes, also noted as seven hundred, and four hundred six for the twenty-inch wheels of folding bikes and children's bikes. Some older city bikes use the French size six hundred fifty A, which is five hundred ninety millimetres at the bead, not to be confused with six hundred fifty B. The Deli tyre from the selection complies with this size. The width must finally remain compatible with the rim and mudguards.

Good deals

Good deals can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, and Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.

Frequently asked questions

What tyre to use on a city electric bike?

You should choose a tyre that the manufacturer states is compatible, with a reinforced casing and a puncture-resistant belt, capable of handling the weight and torque of the motor. A width of forty to fifty millimetres adds comfort and grip on cobblestones.

What pressure for a city bike tyre?

Inflate within the range indicated on the sidewall, usually towards the higher end for a loaded or electric bike. Under-inflated tyres wear out quickly, slow progress, and can puncture by pinch: a check every two weeks is sufficient.

How to avoid punctures in the city?

A tyre with a thick belt, properly inflated, eliminates most punctures. You should also inspect the tread from time to time to remove any embedded glass or flint before they penetrate the casing.

Is a wide tyre more comfortable in the city?

Yes, a tyre of forty to fifty millimetres rolls at lower pressure and absorbs cobblestones, curbs, and potholes. However, you should check the clearance in the frame and under the mudguards before changing size.

When to change a city bike tyre?

When the tread becomes flat and smooth, reveals the protection belt or has deep cuts. Cracks on the sides, caused by age and sunlight, also justify a replacement, even if the tyre has seen little use.