Bike Tyre Guide | High on Bikes

The Tyre Lowdown: Why Your Choice Matters

Your tyres are the only thing between you and the road, gravel, or trail — which makes them the most important part of your setup. The right pair can mean the difference between flying up climbs or grinding through punctures, between cornering with confidence or sliding out.

The tricky part? With so many options (widths, compounds, tubed vs tubeless, slick vs knobbly), it can feel overwhelming.

That’s where High on Bikes comes in. We stock a huge range of Road, Gravel, and MTB tyres, and we’ve broken down the key things to help you pick the perfect set. Always here as well to answer your Tread and Rubber questions  … contact@highonbikes.com …

It all comes down to three main factors:

• Speed 🚀 – how fast do you want to roll?
• Grip 🛑 – how much bite do you need in corners, climbs, or wet conditions?
• Puncture Resistance 🛡 – because nobody enjoys trailside repairs.

A true all-rounder balances all three, but depending on your riding style, you might want to lean heavier on one.

Road Tyres: Smooth Speed Meets Everyday Durability

On tarmac, your tyres set the tone. Want a twitchy race weapon? Go narrower and lighter. Want to float over chip-seal all day? Go wider and more robust.

Width

• Wider (28–32mm) → More comfort, grip, and shock absorption. Perfect for endurance rides and rougher roads.
• Narrower (23–25mm) → Aero and snappy for race-day speed, but less forgiving.

Tyre Types

• Clincher (with tube) → Classic, reliable, easy to set up.
• Tubeless (TLR) → Fewer flats, lower pressures, and more grip. Perfect if you want extra comfort without losing speed.

Puncture Protection

• Max protection: Think Continental Gator Hardshell — practically bulletproof.
• Fast & light: Race tyres trade some toughness for lower weight and rolling resistance.

Grip & Tread

• Slicks = max speed on clean roads.
• Wider tyres = better control when it gets rough or wet.

Pressure

• High (80–130 psi) → Low rolling resistance, but harsher.
• Lower (with wider tyres) → More comfort and grip, with no real loss of speed.

✅ Pro tip: Always check your frame/rim clearance before going wider.

Gravel Tyres: Where Adventure Meets Control

Gravel is where tyre choice gets really fun. One weekend you’re blasting down smooth fire roads, the next you’re sliding through mud. Your setup should match the mix of terrain you ride most.

1. Terrain & Riding Style

• Mixed / All-Road → A semi-slick centre tread for speed, plus chunky side knobs for cornering control.
• Loose / Muddy → Go wide, with aggressive, spaced-out knobs for max grip.
• Fast & Firm → Slick or semi-slick tread for efficiency on hardpack and tarmac.

2. Width

• 40–42mm → The sweet spot for fast gravel — speed + comfort.
• 45mm+ → Cushier, more grip, better for rough terrain or bikepacking.
• 32mm+ (All-Road) → Road-bike friendly and good for light gravel.

3. Features That Matter

• Tread: Slick for speed, knobbly for grip, micro-knob for versatility.
• Tubeless: Run lower pressures, seal small punctures, and ditch pinch flats.
• Compound: Softer rubber = more grip, harder = more durability.

MTB Tyres: Grip, Confidence & Fun

On the trails, your tyres make or break your ride. Too skinny, and you’ll ping off rocks. Too slick, and you’ll be sliding through berms. The right combo depends on your trails, style, and conditions.

Tread & Depth

• Chunky knobs → Max grip on loose or rocky terrain.
• Smaller, ramped knobs → Faster rolling on hardpack.
• Wet / Muddy → Softer rubber + spikey tread to cut through slop.

Width & Volume

• Wider (2.4–2.6”) → More comfort, traction, and control.
• Narrower (<2.3”) → Lighter, faster, but less forgiving.

Rim Fit

Match tyre to rim width for safe handling. Too wide or too narrow throws things off.

Rubber Compounds

• Soft → Grippy and confidence-inspiring, but wears faster.
• Hard → Lasts longer and rolls faster, but less traction.

Casing (TPI)

• High TPI (e.g., 120) → Supple, light, comfy — but less durable.
• Low TPI (e.g., 60) → Stiffer, tougher, more puncture-resistant.

Tubeless Setups

• TLR = Lower pressures, more grip, fewer flats.
• Reinforced sidewalls = Extra cut protection for rocky trails.

Pressure

• Lower PSI → Bigger contact patch = more grip + comfort.
• Higher PSI → Faster rolling, but harsher and less stable.

Final Word

Choosing tyres isn’t about finding the best tyre in the world — it’s about finding the best tyre for your world. Road, gravel, or MTB, the right rubber makes every ride smoother, faster, and way more fun.

So think about your riding style, your terrain, and your priorities. Then pick the tyre that matches. Simple as that.