How to Pick Mountain Bike Tires

Choosing mountain bike tires can be a confusing endeavor. There are hundreds of choices from many manufacturers. Tires can look vastly different from one another or nearly identical, but a slight variation in weight and width can make a huge difference in your ride.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of terrain you're going to ride on the most. If you plan to race on different types of terrain, consider buying several different tires to match the conditions.

2. Weigh yourself. The heavier you are, the wider tires you want to buy.

3. Look for smooth tires if you ride on hard surfaces. Your tires can be narrow, 1.8- to 2-inches wide, if you won't be traversing over rocks. Buy tires with some width, 2- to 2.2-inches wide, if you encounter occasional rocks on the trails.

4. Search for knobby tires if you ride on soft conditions and loose rocks. The knobs shouldn't be flimsy. For this type of terrain, you need tires that are front and back specific.

5. Find narrow tires if your treks take you through the mud. Narrow tires cut through the soft mud and find the hard surface underneath.

6. Purchase tires with a low, evenly-spaced tread pattern if you want a good all-around tire or you're a casual rider.

Tips & Warnings

• Kevlar-beaded tires are lighter and can save you some wear and tear on your bike's frame.

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