Bike tyres

Choose a tyre that fits the rim and bicycle, then balance grip, rolling resistance, puncture protection, comfort and durability for the surfaces and loads you actually ride.

Road, gravel and mountain-bike tyres with distinct tread patterns on a workshop bench
Tread is visible, but diameter, width, casing and setup determine whether a tyre is compatible.
Current catalogue

Find bike tyres by size or brand

Begin with the size printed on the existing sidewall. The linked sizes below each have at least two current tyre families in this catalogue; ETRTO is the clearest way to match the wheel diameter.

20common size guides
21current tyre families
4manufacturer ranges

700C road and gravel

27.5-inch MTB and gravel

29-inch MTB

Browse by manufacturer

7 tyre families

Continental

Road, gravel and urban tyre families ranging from narrow performance options to practical commuter widths.

4 tyre families

Maxxis

Gravel and mountain-bike tyres with variant-specific casing, compound and tubeless details that must be checked carefully.

5 tyre families

Schwalbe

Road, commuting, gravel and cross-country choices with clear distinctions between tube-only and tubeless-ready versions.

5 tyre families

Vittoria

Current road, gravel and mountain-bike ranges using explicit ETRTO tables and construction-specific variants.

Compatibility

Start with the ETRTO size

The most useful starting point is the ETRTO marking on the current tyre. In a size such as 37-622, 37 is the nominal tyre width in millimetres and 622 is the tyre’s bead-seat diameter. The diameter must match the rim. The familiar labels 700C, 28-inch and 29-inch can all be associated with a 622mm bead-seat diameter, which is why the ETRTO number removes ambiguity.

Do not assume the same printed width will measure identically on every rim. Actual width changes with the tyre design and internal rim width. A wider replacement also needs clearance around the frame, fork, brakes and mudguards, including space for wheel flex, debris and any minimum clearance required by the bicycle maker.

The tyre must also be permitted for the rim’s width and construction. Hooked and hookless rims, tube-type and tubeless systems, and their permitted tyre combinations and pressures are not interchangeable assumptions. Check the current instructions from both the tyre and rim makers.

  • Match the bead-seat diameter exactly.
  • Confirm the tyre width is approved for the rim and clears the bicycle.
  • Check whether the rim and tyre are designed for a tube, tubeless use, or both.
  • Respect the lower applicable pressure limit where the tyre and rim state different maximums.
  • Recheck mudguard, brake, frame and fork clearance after inflation.
Use and surface

Choose the casing and tread for the journey

Common tyre priorities by riding type
RidingUseful characteristicsTrade-offs to examine
Urban commuting and touringDurable casing, dependable wet grip, puncture protection and a width that provides comfort under luggageHeavy protection layers can add mass and may feel less supple
Road ridingAppropriate slick or lightly patterned tread, supple casing and a width suited to the rim, clearances and road conditionsA light performance tyre may sacrifice tread life or puncture protection
Gravel and mixed surfacesVolume for rough ground, shoulder grip, a tread pattern suited to loose sections and casing protection for the routeMore aggressive tread and heavier protection can increase drag on smooth roads
Mountain bikingTread, compound and casing chosen for terrain, front or rear role, speed, impacts and braking demandsA fast dry-trail tyre may not provide the braking or mud clearance needed elsewhere
E-bike or cargo useCorrect size plus a casing and load capacity approved for the complete bicycle, speed category and intended loadAn “e-bike” label does not override rim, clearance, pressure or total-load limits

More tread is not automatically more grip. On clean tarmac, rubber compound, casing behaviour, pressure and the contact patch matter; large knobs are designed to engage loose surfaces. A tyre that excels in soft ground can feel slow and vague on the road, while a fast smooth tyre can lack control in mud.

Puncture protection also involves compromise. A thicker belt or stronger casing may reduce some penetrations and pinch damage, but can increase weight and stiffness. Match protection to the route rather than choosing solely by the number of protection layers in a product description.

Air retention

Inner tube, tubeless-ready or tubeless?

Tube type

Tyre with an inner tube

The tube must cover the tyre’s diameter and width and use a valve that suits the rim. A new tyre does not require a new tube automatically, but an old, stretched, patched or damaged tube deserves inspection.

Tubeless-ready

Convertible when every part agrees

A tubeless-ready label means the tyre is designed to be part of a suitable tubeless system. The rim, tape, valve, sealant and inflation limits must all be compatible.

Tubeless use

Maintenance does not disappear

Tubeless can seal small penetrations and allow pressure choices that suit some riding, but sealant dries, valves clog and larger cuts still need a repair or tube.

Never attempt a tubeless conversion simply because a tyre can be mounted without a tube. Use only combinations approved by the relevant manufacturers. High-pressure road tubeless and hookless systems deserve particular care because an incompatible tyre, rim or pressure can cause sudden air loss.

For current tube options, see the inner-tube comparison. Carrying a compatible spare tube can still be useful on a tubeless ride when a cut will not seal.

Setup

Tyre pressure is a range, not one universal number

The correct pressure depends on the tyre and rim limits, total system weight, tyre volume, surface, speed, riding style and whether the setup uses a tube or is tubeless. The maximum printed on a sidewall is not a target for every rider. It is also not permission to exceed a lower rim limit.

Start with the bicycle, tyre or rim maker’s guidance for the exact setup. Adjust within the permitted range in small steps. Too little pressure can allow excessive casing movement, rim strikes, pinch punctures or tyre instability. Too much can reduce comfort and grip and may exceed a component limit.

Use an accurate gauge, check pressure when the tyre is cold and inspect both tyres regularly. A slow pressure loss can indicate a puncture, valve problem, damaged rim tape or a tubeless sealant issue rather than a need to keep topping up indefinitely.

Inspection

When should a bike tyre be replaced?

Replace a tyre immediately if the casing is exposed or damaged, a bulge appears, the bead is damaged, the tyre will not seat correctly, or a cut compromises the structure. Do not place a cosmetic boot over a structural failure and continue normal riding.

Age alone does not produce one reliable replacement interval because storage, sunlight, heat, pressure, load, road debris and mileage differ. Inspect the entire circumference and sidewalls. Repeated punctures, a squared-off tread, loss of intended tread features or widespread deep cracking can indicate that replacement is due even if no single hole is dramatic.

After fitting, check that the bead line is even on both sides, the wheel turns without rubbing and any directional arrow is correct. Recheck pressure and seating before riding. If mounting requires excessive force, the bead appears damaged or you are uncertain about a hookless or tubeless combination, stop and use a qualified mechanic.

Next steps

Return to the bike parts hub, compare puncture-repair kits, or follow the guides to change a bike tyre and repair a puncture.

Current ranges

Compare the catalogued tyre families

The catalogue records manufacturer-listed sizes and construction labels, not live UK stock or prices. Specifications and market availability can change, so use the official source for the exact variant.

Current tyre families in the RideIn catalogue
TyreBrandBest suited toConstructionListed sizesSource
Grand Prix 5000A performance road tyre for riders prioritising low rolling resistance and responsive road handling.ContinentalRoadTube typeManufacturer specifications
Grand Prix 5000 S TRA tubeless-ready performance road option with variants for current road-bike widths.ContinentalRoadTubeless readyManufacturer specifications
Grand Prix 4-SeasonAn all-season road tyre intended for riders who value durability and wet-weather dependability.ContinentalRoad · CommutingTube typeManufacturer specifications
GatorskinA durable road and commuting tyre family aimed at high-mileage use.ContinentalRoad · CommutingTube typeManufacturer specifications
Terra Speed ProTectionA fast gravel tyre for firm surfaces and rides that mix tarmac with compact tracks.ContinentalGravelTubeless readyManufacturer specifications
Terra Trail ProTectionA gravel tyre with a more assertive tread for mixed and loose surfaces.ContinentalGravelTubeless readyManufacturer specifications
CONTACT UrbanAn urban and trekking tyre family covering several practical hybrid and commuter widths.ContinentalCommutingTube typeManufacturer specifications
Schwalbe OneAn all-round road tyre explicitly designed for use with an inner tube.SchwalbeRoadTube onlyManufacturer specifications
Pro One TubelessSchwalbe's high-end tubeless road tyre, requiring the maker's specified sealant and setup procedure.SchwalbeRoadTubeless easyManufacturer specifications
G-One RSA fast semi-slick gravel tyre for hard surfaces and race-focused mixed routes.SchwalbeGravelTubeless readyManufacturer specifications
Marathon PlusA puncture-protection-led touring and commuting tyre available across several 622 mm widths.SchwalbeCommutingTube typeManufacturer specifications
Racing RalphA fast rear-focused cross-country tread with multiple casing and compound options.SchwalbeCross-country MTBTubeless-ready variantsManufacturer specifications
Re-FuseA durability-focused tyre family spanning road, gravel and hybrid use.MaxxisRoad · Gravel · CommutingTubeless-ready variantsManufacturer specifications
RamblerA gravel tyre with a fast centre tread and more open shoulder blocks for variable surfaces.MaxxisGravelTubeless-ready variantsManufacturer specifications
Minion DHFA front-focused trail, enduro and downhill tread offered in several casings and compounds.MaxxisTrail MTBTubeless-ready variantsManufacturer specifications
Minion DHR IIA rear-focused trail and enduro tread that is also used on the front in some pairings.MaxxisTrail MTBTubeless-ready variantsManufacturer specifications
Corsa N.EXT Tubeless-ReadyA nylon-casing road tyre designed to combine race-inspired performance with everyday durability.VittoriaRoadTubeless readyManufacturer specifications
Rubino Tubeless-ReadyAn everyday road tyre family prioritising durability, grip and long-mileage use.VittoriaRoad · CommutingTubeless readyManufacturer specifications
Terreno T50 Mixed Gravel EnduranceA mixed-terrain gravel tyre positioned between hardpack speed and rougher-surface control.VittoriaGravelTubeless readyManufacturer specifications
Terreno XC TrailA fast hardpack cross-country tread with reinforced trail casing options.VittoriaCross-country MTBTubeless readyManufacturer specifications
Martello EnduroA dry-to-mixed enduro tread using a reinforced double-ply casing.VittoriaTrail MTBTubeless readyManufacturer specifications
Primary technical references

Check the component makers’ current instructions

Cyclist or mechanic demonstrating practical considerations for Bike Tyres by Size & Brand | Fit, Pressure & ETRTO Guide
Practical use, fit and everyday ownership should guide decisions about Bike Tyres by Size & Brand | Fit, Pressure & ETRTO Guide.
Detailed bicycle and equipment checks relevant to Bike Tyres by Size & Brand | Fit, Pressure & ETRTO Guide
Close inspection helps verify the details that matter for Bike Tyres by Size & Brand | Fit, Pressure & ETRTO Guide.