Choose your bike tires

How to choose your bike tyres: grip, comfort and puncture protection

Tyres are the only part of your bike that touches the road, and they change the ride more than almost any other component. The right pair makes a city bike feel calm on wet cobbles, a road bike feel quick and a gravel bike feel sure footed on loose paths. Choosing well comes down to four things: the right size for your wheels, the right width for your riding, the level of puncture protection you need and the tread that suits your surfaces.

Read your tyre size

The size is printed on the sidewall of your current tyre. The most reliable reference is the ETRTO size, written as two numbers such as 28-622: the first is the tyre width in millimetres, the second is the rim diameter in millimetres. You will often see the same tyre labelled as 700 x 28c.

• 622 mm (700c or 28 inch): most road, city, gravel and touring bikes.
• 584 mm (650b or 27.5 inch): many gravel bikes, mountain bikes and some urban e-bikes.
• 559 mm (26 inch): older mountain bikes and some touring and cargo bikes.
• Children's bikes: from 12 to 24 inch, depending on the age and size of the child.

Always match the rim diameter exactly. The width can usually vary a little, as long as the tyre fits your frame, fork and mudguards.

Choose the right width

• 25 to 28 mm: light and fast for road bikes and sporty city riding.
• 32 to 40 mm: the comfortable all rounder for daily commuting, touring and cobbles.
• 40 to 50 mm and more: gravel, unpaved paths and loaded e-bikes, with more grip and cushioning.

A wider tyre run at a slightly lower pressure absorbs bumps better and grips more on wet roads, often without feeling slower in real riding.

Puncture protection or low weight

Reinforced city tyres add a protective layer under the tread. They weigh a little more, but they keep you riding through glass, thorns and the debris of a busy bike lane. Lighter road tyres feel livelier but are more exposed. For daily commuting, protection usually wins.

Tubeless or inner tube

Most city and urban bikes use a classic tyre with an inner tube: simple, affordable and easy to repair anywhere. Tubeless tyres, used with a tubeless ready rim and sealant, can run at lower pressure and seal small punctures on their own. They are popular on gravel and sport bikes.

Our selection by type of riding

• City and commuting: the Michelin Protek for puncture resistance, or the Michelin Dynamic Sport, also available in colours for a fixie or singlespeed. Browse all city bike tyres.
• Vintage and classic bikes: the Michelin Dynamic Classic and Michelin World Tour with tan sidewalls.
• Road: the Continental Grand Prix 5000 for speed, the Grand Prix 4 Season for all weather training and the Gatorskin for extra protection. See all road bike tyres.
• Gravel: a dedicated range of gravel bike tyres, from fast rolling to more aggressive treads.
• Electric bikes: e-bike tyres built for higher weight, speed and braking forces.
• Children's bikes: the Michelin City'J and Country'J ranges in our children's bike and BMX tyres collection.

Need tyre levers, a pump or a repair kit? Have a look at our wheel and tyre tools.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which tyre fits my bike?

Look at the sidewall of your current tyre and note the ETRTO size, for example 28-622 or 47-584. Choose a new tyre with the same rim diameter, the second number, and a width that fits your frame and mudguards.

What pressure should I use?

Stay within the minimum and maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall. Wider tyres need less pressure than narrow ones, and lighter riders can run a little lower than heavier riders or loaded e-bikes.

Can I fit wider tyres on my bike?

Often yes, within limits. Check that there are a few millimetres of clearance around the tyre at the frame, fork and mudguards. If in doubt, our team can check your bike.

Do e-bikes need special tyres?

E-bikes are heavier and accelerate harder, so tyres with reinforced casings and good puncture protection last longer and give more confidence when braking.

Can you fit my new tyres?

Yes. Bring your bike to L'Hirondelle Bike Shop in Meppel and our workshop will fit your new tyres and inner tubes.