The most important questions about tyres: What you need to know about touring tyres

This is how a tyre is constructed

The carcass is wrapped around a bead core made of steel, aramid or Kevlar. The carcass consists of textile threads. How finely they are woven can be seen from the TPI number (threads per inch).
threads per inch). Coarsely woven carcasses are heavy but stable. Lightweight and expensive racing tyres can also have finely woven carcasses up to 120 TPI. 60 TPI is considered a good compromise.

Depending on the puncture protection, the carcass is overlapped several times under the tread. A puncture protection insert can also be inserted. The tread sits on top. Closed treads roll faster and more quietly, open treads grip better in soft ground. The rubber compound is almost even more important. Soft rubber offers more traction, but rolls less smoothly and wears out more quickly. Expensive tyres often have better rubber compounds that can achieve an ideal compromise between grip and rolling resistance.

Even more interesting facts about tyres

>> TPU tubes put to the test: light and fast, but also durable?

>> Schwalbe expands tyre recycling: Turning old tyres into new ones

>> Large touring tyre test: 11 tyres from gravel to SUV in the lab and in practice

>> Wide or narrow bike tyres? Why many bikers ride with the wrong tyres

Gravel tyres: A fast alternative, even for touring riders?

Classic touring tyres score points for durability, puncture protection and, last but not least, price. Gravel tyres are often more expensive and usually wear out a little faster. However, they are more versatile due to their increased traction off-road. And: they often roll faster, especially if you are prepared to put up with the additional work involved in tubeless tyres. Most touring tyres do not offer this option. To exploit their full potential, we therefore tested gravel tyres tubeless for our tyre comparison test. With a rolling resistance of around 15 watts, the difference between a classic butyl tube and tubeless is 2 to 3 watts.

>> Sports tip for touring riders: The durable G-One Overland Pro put to the test

>> 10 gravel tyres tested: between smooth running, grip and durability

Green conscience or low price

Environmental pollution in tyre production has long been a real issue. However, Schwalbe and now also Continental are endeavouring to get these problems under control. Both manufacturers rely in part on more environmentally friendly natural rubber from fair trade cultivation. Schwalbe has been recycling inner tubes for a long time and has now has even started a tyre recycling scheme in which the soot is recovered from old tyres and can be used for new tyres. For a long time, this was associated with a loss of quality. The Green Marathon (here in the test) but shows that there is another way. A great tyre, with a fair price tag to boot. Our secret favourite!

Tubeless, inner tube or TPU?

The fact is: many touring cyclists don't even have to ask themselves the question of tubeless tyres. The vast majority of the tyres in this test are not designed to be ridden with sealant. The advantages of tubeless tyres would be: measurably less rolling resistance and better puncture protection. However, you have to change tyres about once every six months Sealing milk and a hose is required for coarse cuts such as broken glass. A mess is inevitable! It still makes sense for performance fans, but if you prefer it uncomplicated, you should continue to use a hose. By the way Modern TPU hoses (tested here) Although expensive, they are a good alternative to tubeless tyres. They save weight and roll more easily. Almost without compromising on handling and durability.