No matter how high-end the components are, tires have the greatest impact on riding. The bicycle outer tire is a very important part of the bike, determining its basic performance. Therefore, for beginners who aren’t very familiar with it, choosing a suitable outer tire can be quite a headache. Below, we’ll explain the functions and features of several types of outer tires in detail to help you find the one that best suits your needs.
Tire Size:
For current mountain bikes, also known as MTBs, the wheel diameter is 26 inches, marked as [26X1.95 (the latter number is determined by the thickness of the outer tire)]
Tire Categories:
As the saying goes, a good horse needs a good saddle—similarly, the right outer tire can greatly enhance your riding enjoyment. When choosing a tire, since the tire is the only component that touches the ground among all bicycle parts, its requirements vary depending on the riding surface. These include grip, rolling resistance, wear resistance, puncture resistance, weight, anti-slip properties, ease of installation, handling, acceleration, braking performance, and tire noise. Below, I’ll introduce the functions and suitable terrains of several common types of outer tires in detail:
A – Off-Road Mountain Outer Tire
The A-type tire has a distinct deep-tread structure with relatively wide spacing between the treads. It is mainly used for mountain off-roading. The deep treads provide excellent grip, some shock absorption, and mud-shedding capabilities, making it a versatile all-around product among off-road tires. In simple terms, if you’re an off-road enthusiast who enjoys riding in challenging terrains, this tire is your top choice. Due to the deep treads, riding on regular roads will result in noticeable resistance, so it’s also great for riders looking to exercise or lose weight. Additionally, mountain tires are inherently very durable and puncture-resistant.
B – Casual Mountain Outer Tire
Compared to deep-tread tires, the B-type tire has much smaller treads. It’s mainly used for city outskirts, lakefront paths, or dry rural roads, handling these terrains with ease. It’s a versatile, casual mountain outer tire. If you’re a rider who mostly enjoys leisurely cycling and wants good grip, this tire is a solid option.
C – City Slick Outer Tire
At first glance, the C-type tire looks almost identical to a road bike tire. However, because of the different riding postures between mountain and road bikes, many riders prefer the comfort of mountain bikes over the speed-focused road bikes. Still, many riders crave the feeling of speed, leading to the creation of slick mountain tires. The biggest advantage of slick tires is their minimal resistance, enabling quick acceleration and allowing the bike to reach higher speeds for a thrilling ride. Slick tires prioritize speed, so their grip is nearly negligible—they’re very likely to cause falls off-road. Therefore, if you value speed and mostly ride in the city or on asphalt and cement roads, this tire is your best choice.
D – Multi-Purpose Semi-Slick Mountain Outer Tire
As the name suggests, the D-type tire combines the grip of a mountain tire with the low resistance of a slick tire, offering a balanced performance. Your choice depends on your usage—such as commuting during the week and exploring the countryside on weekends for fresh air—this tire is the top pick.
E – General-Purpose Mountain Outer Tire
The E-type tire is a more common, all-purpose option. Its design incorporates elements of both semi-slick and slick mountain tires, making it suitable for riders who encounter various terrains and conditions. These tires are also durable and easy to repair, making them a top choice for long-distance cycling. That said, personal preference still plays a major role.
F – Mountain Off-Road Outer Tire
The F-type tire is more suitable for roads with a lot of gravel. It has a wide and long tread pattern, which performs very well on small gravel. It's especially good for riding on dusty roads with lots of gravel. However, like mountain bike tires, its downside is higher resistance. Even if you sprint at full power, it’s hard to reach speeds above 45 km/h with this type of tire.
Finally, to sum up, whether an outer tire is good or not, before purchasing, be sure to first consult a technician’s advice. Then, based on your own actual situation, make your choice. This way, during your ride, both the performance of your bike and your riding enthusiasm can be fully realized.