Road Bike Tires

Three systems

Three systems coexist on the road. The clincher, or wired tire, the most common, is easy to fix at the roadside. The tubeless, without an inner tube, with a preventative liquid, allows for lower pressures and seals small punctures. The tube, sewn around its inner tube and glued to a specific rim, is still favoured by racers for its feel and safety in case of a flat.

Other tyres

Tyres also come in:

• Gravel.
• MTB.
• City.
• Inner tubes.
• Pumps.
• Accessories.

All tyres are gathered on the tyres page.

Casing and rubber

The casing is measured in TPI, the number of threads per inch: a dense casing, with fine threads, is more flexible and faster, while a less dense casing is more robust. The rubber, often made of several mixtures, combines grip on the sides and longevity in the centre. The flexible bead, foldable, makes the tire lighter; the rigid bead is more economical.

Training or racing

The Vittoria Zaffiro, from the Italian brand founded in Turin, is a robust and economical training tire, ideal for accumulating miles in winter. Racing tires, lighter and more flexible, are reserved for fast rides and competitions. One should check the width allowed by their frame, monitor wear, and inflate before each ride.

Good deals

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

Frequently asked questions

What tyre width should I choose for my road bike?

Widths from twenty-five to twenty-eight millimetres have become the norm: more comfortable and just as fast as narrow tyres, thanks to lower pressure. Check the frame's wheel clearance and the internal width of the rim before going wider.

What pressure should I inflate a road tyre to?

The pressure depends on the cyclist's weight, the tyre's width, and the system: the wider the tyre, the lower you can go. Stick to the range indicated on the sidewall and check before each ride, as a tyre loses air in a few days.

When should I replace a road bike tyre?

Replace it when the rubber flattens in the centre, the casing shows through, or when deep cuts mark the tread. A worn tyre flats more often and has less grip in the rain, especially at the rear, which wears out the fastest.

Is the Vittoria Zaffiro suitable for everyday riding?

Yes, that's its purpose: a robust casing and durable rubber that withstand miles and rough roads. It's reserved for rides and commutes, while a lighter tyre is kept for competition days.

How to repair a puncture at the roadside?

With a clincher tyre, you remove the tyre with a lever, find the cause of the puncture, replace the inner tube and reinflate with a pump or cartridge. A tubeless often repairs itself thanks to the liquid or with a plug.