The sort of tires you choose for your bike depends on what you use it for. Mountain bikes are used for many different things over different ground, and each discipline requires different tires. If you have the right tires for the job they will make it safer and improve your riding as well.

Tires come with either an inner tube to keep them inflated or they are tubeless,but the question is which kind should you use?

Most tubeless tires have a tough sidewall that locks into a sealed-bed rim. This kind of tires are hardy enough for rough terrain so they are good for downhill riding but they are expensive.

The benefits of an airtight seal and a durable, low pressure performance are outweighed by the cost. They also require a clean rim and tire to fit them, and a big pump to inflate them.

If a tire has to be replaced on a trail clean conditions are usually unavailable. Even with a CO2 cartridge pump you’ll probably have to use an inner tube to get you home, where you can the repair the tire. Although large holes can mean the tire has to be written off, even though small holes can often be fixed.

Tubeless tires are heavier than tires with inner tubes so if you are looking for fast start times and riding speeds choose a lighter tire. Inner tube tires also offer greater flexibility as you can get them in a wider range of design and tread styles.

You can now get kits to convert a conventional tire with an inner tube to a tubeless tire. These combine a latex-based filling liquid and a rubber rim strip to seal the inside of the tire and rim. You will probably have to top off the filler now and then, but the cost is still much less than a standard thick wall tubeless tire.

You will still get most of the benefits of a tubeless tire but with a much wider choice of treads and rims, and with only the cost of the kit and latex-based filler to pay for. They are lighter as well, but you might still get the same repair issues while on a trail.

Whatever tire you go for it is vital to replace them regularly. A blow out can cause injury and cost competitions. With the right selection and maintenance your tires will make a huge difference to your riding.

Get more advice on mountain bike tires and maintenance tips here.

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Tags: biking, cycling, mountain biking, recreation and sport, sport and lesiure, sports and recreation

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