Bicycle tyres are the only contact with the ground and transmit all drive and braking forces. Anyone who has given a little thought to the optimum tyres will be rewarded with a more enjoyable tour. Buying advice for travellers.
Every bicycle tyre represents a compromise between sometimes contradictory requirements. A thick tyre is comfortable, but does not accelerate and brake as easily as a thinner, lighter tyre. Tyres with softer rubber compounds offer good adhesion, also known as grip, but are not as durable as harder tyres. Tyres with coarse lugs ride better off-road, but they have much more rolling resistance on the road. As there is no perfect solution, every cyclist should consider which characteristics are particularly important to them. More expensive tyre models tend to be better at combining as many of these contradictory attributes as possible thanks to the high level of technology used.
We have divided the 12 bicycle tyres in our tyre test into the price categories up to 20 euros, up to 35 euros and from 35 euros. A recommendable touring tyre is available for as little as 16.95 euros.
The touring tyres in the test:
Continental Tour Ride Reflex, http://www.conti-fahrradreifen.de
Continental Contact II
Continental Top Contact II
Hartje Control Pro Breaker, http://www.contec-parts.de
Kenda Profex Trekking (DIY tyre)
Maxxis Overdrive MaxxProtect, http://www.bikemarketing.com
Michelin Transworld Sprint Reflective, http://www.paul-lange.de
Schwalbe Marathon, http://www.schwalbe.de
Schwalbe Marathon Mondial
Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tour
Vredestein Perfect Trek, http://www.paul-lange.de
Vredstein Perfect 4 Seasons
