Cyclocross season is here, which means lots of riders are talking about tires. Even if you’re not in the market for tires that do well in the mud or rutted ice of a ‘cross race, you’ll still choose and ride on dozens of different tires over the years.

A cyclist's tire selection begins by identifying the primary type of terrain it will be used on: pavement, dusty / wet / smooth / technical trails, the wooden boards of a velodrome, or the mixed terrain of a ‘cross course. From there, choices differ based on the physical characteristics of the tire and how it’s mounted to the rim of a wheel. A cyclist’s preferences and personal riding style also factor in, as does wanting to ride what the pros do!

Here’s an overview:

Physical characteristics: tire width, tread pattern and tread location relative to the center of the tire, the hardness of a tire’s rubber compound (durometer), the stiffness of the sidewall or casing, built in flat protection, and more.
Mounting style of tire:
- Clincher tires are the standard tire-and-tube combo most riders are familiar with.
- Tubeless tires rely on their inflation pressure to hold the bead of the tire securely to a matching hook on the rim. Often filled with sealant to plug small punctures.
- Tubular tires (a.k.a. sew-ups) consist of a tread, glued to a casing. A tube is wrapped by the sides of the casing, and sewn-up at the bottom. The whole tire is then glued or taped to a wheel with a tubular rim. (Gluing and taping techniques vary, with some methods rumored to be closely guarded as a secret to riders’ success.)
Rider preferences / style: No one tire is the best fit for every rider, and it’s common for riders to have a favorite brand or model of tire based on their own experience. Some want the latest and greatest tires they see their favorite pros riding. Some cyclists swear by the same tire, year over year. Even pros have their preferences, and pro teams have been known to re-label tires made by another manufacturer to match the branding of their team sponsor.

The pressure a tire is inflated to can have significant impacts on how that tire performs. Rolling resistance, cornering and off-camber traction, and susceptibility to flats can be increased or decreased by changes in tire pressure. A difference of even a few psi (pounds per square inch) can significantly change how a tire rides and feels. (Pro tip: Play around with tire pressure on your cyclocross or MTB on familiar terrain, and see what differences you notice in speed, traction, and ride quality.)

If you’re getting lost in the weeds of tire selection, your local bike shop can point you in the right direction. Bring your bike in, tell a staff member what you’re looking for, and don’t be shy to ask for a lesson in how to change a flat!

Explore more:

Read: Bicycle tires – puncturing the myths

Watch: Cyclocross legend Klaas Vantornout talks about tire selection

Listen: The Tire Tutorial from the Leadville Trail 100 Podcast

Hot Air About Tires