12 best road tyres

Road tires, often referred to as "tires" in the context of cycling, are a critical component for road bicycles and play a crucial role in the cycling experience. These tires are categorized under "Tires, Tires Tubes, Cycling, Outdoor Recreation, Sports Outdoors."

Here is what you need to know about road tires:

  1. Purpose:

    • Road tires are designed for use on smooth, paved surfaces, such as roads, bike paths, and city streets. They are not suitable for off-road or rugged terrain.
  2. Types:

    • There are various types of road tires available to cater to different cycling preferences, including:
      • Clincher Tires: These are the most common type of road tires. They feature a bead that "clinches" the tire onto the rim.
      • Tubular Tires: These tires are sewn around a latex tube and glued onto specially designed rims. They are commonly used in professional road racing due to their lightweight and performance advantages.
      • Tubeless Tires: Tubeless road tires can run without inner tubes, reducing the risk of punctures.They are typically used with compatible rims and require a special sealant.
  3. Size:

    • Road tires come in various sizes, with the most common size being 700c. The width can vary significantly, from ultra-narrow 20mm tires for racing to wider options, such as 25mm or 28mm, which provide better comfort and traction.
  4. Tread Pattern:

    • Road tires typically have minimal tread patterns. They are designed to provide a smooth and low-rolling resistance ride on paved surfaces.
    • Slick or semi-slick tread patterns are common for road tires, maximizing contact with the road for improved grip.
  5. Pressure:

    • The recommended tire pressure for road tires can vary depending on the tire's width, rider weight, and preferences. Generally, road tires are run at higher pressures (usually measured in PSI) for reduced rolling resistance.
  6. Durability vs. Performance:

    • There is often a trade-off between durability and performance in road tires. Thicker, more robust tires offer better puncture resistance but may sacrifice some speed and ride quality.
    • Lighter, thinner tires prioritize performance but may be more prone to punctures.
  7. Maintenance:

    • Regularly inspect road tires for signs of wear and tear. Replace them when the tread wears down or if you notice cuts, cracks, or punctures.
    • Keep tires properly inflated to maintain their performance and reduce the risk of pinch flats.
  8. Riding Conditions:

    • Consider the road conditions you typically encounter. If your routes include rough or debris-strewn roads, you may opt for tires with enhanced puncture protection.
  9. Upgrades:

    • Upgrading to high-quality road tires can significantly improve your cycling experience, offering better grip, lower rolling resistance, and enhanced comfort.

Road tires are a vital component of your road bike setup, and choosing the right ones can greatly impact your riding experience. Selecting the appropriate tire type, size, and pressure can make your road cycling more enjoyable and efficient.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best road tyres on the market
  

Faith and Other Flat Tires: Searching for God on the Rough Road of Doubt

Based on 79 reviews Check latest price

The Road To Success On Flat Tires

Road One Cavalry M/T X Mud Tire RL1360 275 55 20 LT275/55r20

Road One

Based on 65 reviews Check latest price

User questions & answers

Question: What is the difference in the rl1360 and the rl1359 27/60/20 and which tire will fit my 09 Dodge Ram
Answer: Hello, The 275/55/20 is 32" diameter tire. The 275/60/20 is 33" in diameter.
Question: What is the RL 1360 on this tire? I dont see that marking on the tire i want to replace
Answer: This is the manufacturer part number. It will not be on the tire.
Question: Is there a suggested place to go to have these mounted in the Louisville KY area
Answer: Big o tires
Question: I am looking for 295/55/20 MT
Answer: Hello, We do not have these tires in this size.

Road One Cavalry M/T Mud Tire RL1288 285 70 17 LT285/70R17, E Load Rated

Road One

Based on 189 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Roadone Cavalry M/T is designed to handle the harshest of terrains. The directional design with large tread blocks help self-clean and evacuate mud for better traction.

User questions & answers

Question: Are they white lettered or black wall
Answer: Hello, Tires have black sidewalls.
Question: What is the max psi im looking to put them on an f
Answer: These are 10 ply tires. They can hold 80psi.
Question: What is the factory warranty and can I get road hazard
Answer: Hello, Tires are designed for off road use. For this reason they only come with a manufacture defect warranty. There is no mileage rating or, road hazard warranty.
Question: Are these tires always in stock? I can only afford to buy one at a time and i need 4. So im gonna have to buy one a week
Answer: Hello, This is a stocking tire. We will continue to have them available.

Continental Ultra Sport II Bike Tire

Continental

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Ultra Sport offers all the performance and value needed for aspiring cyclists. Reliable puncture protection thanks to a robust 3/180 TPI design and ample grip and mileage thanks to the silica-based tread compound. A broad size range provides plenty of choice for the intended application: for racers, there is the 23mm UltraSport at the starting line, touring and long-distance cyclists find more comfort in the 25mm,and if frame/fork clearance permits, the 28mm offers maximum grip, comfort and puncture protection.

  • High Performance Training / Entry Level Race Tire
  • Amazing Durability due to the deeper center tread
  • Consistent, Reliable Handling - Especially on Rough Road surfaces
  • Wide range of size options available
  • Supple 180 TPI casing and great mileage form the silica-based tread compound

User questions & answers

Question: How are these tires on wet pavement
Answer: printed on the side of the tire.
Question: Is this a folding tire
Answer: Looking at the product sticker these likely have a W speed rating which is lower than Y. A W rating indicates a max speed of 168mph and the sticker says 167mph. A lot of people (and the product listing here) think Z is a speed rating but it's not. It's just something that is added to the size designation by manufacturers when the speed rating of the tire is V (149mph), W (168mph), or Y (186mph).
Question: What are people getting for mileage out of these
Answer: Tires I received and installed 4719 front, 0519 rear. New enough manufacture date that there will not be any degradation issues.
Question: Do these come in a pair? or one
Answer: 4719 front, 0519 rear for the pair I ordered.

Product features

The Continental Ultra Sport II

The Continental UltraSport II Road Tire makes a stunning impact on every training and competitive ride. Long-lasting, silica-based tread compound provides outstanding grip and holds its own over rough terrain. Robust 3/180 TPI casing offers excellent handling over variable surfaces and gives a great ride feel. Thanks to the UltraSport II, now you can train just like the pros.

Welcome to the Racing Circus

Complete with Continental's renowned silica based tread offering viscid like adhesion while maintaining excellent puncture resistance.

Duetche Tecknik

With more than 100 years’ experience in the development and production of bicycle tires, Continental holds a unique position within the industry. Continental is the only German bicycle tyre manufacturer to produce its tyres in Germany. This drives the engineers toward more innovation, development and revolutionary technologies such as BlackChili ,Vectran, RaceSport and Protection. The Continental heart and soul is behind the phrase 'Handmade in Germany' and this passion can be reached by every rider when they experience the ultimate performance and definitive reliability of Continental Tyres.

Road One Cavalry M/T Mud Tire RL1261 265 75 16 LT265/75R16, E Load Rated

RoadOne

Based on 348 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Road one Cavalry M/T is designed to handle the harshest of terrains. The directional design with large tread blocks help self-clean and evacuate mud for better traction.

  • Enhance puncture resistance and self-cleaning ability
  • Provides strong traction on unpaved roads
  • s outstanding performance on any road surface
  • fit_type: Vehicle Specific

User questions & answers

Question: Are theae 37" tires
Answer: This tire is approximately 31.6 inches tall.
Question: Best Chevy 2500hd tires 16" rim
Answer: For the price hard to beat made by perelli in China using their equipment and technology
Question: What ply are the side walls? 2 or
Answer: They asked about the SIDEWALL, not the tread RATING... which 10 ply is a RATING. There are no longer actual 10 ply tires in this class, period. If they're 3 ply sides, that would be a good thing though!
Question: R they 10 ply tires
Answer: Yes there are load range E 10ply

Road One Cavalry M/T Mud Tire RL1264 31 10.50 15 31x10.50-15, C Load Rated

Road One

Based on 121 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Roadone Cavalry M/T is designed to handle the harshest of terrains. The directional design with large tread blocks help self-clean and evacuate mud for better traction.

User questions & answers

Question: Do you have
Answer: Hello, This is the link to the tires. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LGFLGTS?ref=myi_title_dp
Question: How many ply
Answer: This is a 6 ply tire
Question: What is the real tire hight? I need this when I figure in for my gear ratio. Thanks
Answer: This tire measures approximately 30.8 inches in diameter
Question: How long do they last on the hwy
Answer: Not sure. We haven’t had them long enough to know. Sorry I couldn’t be more helpful.

Road One Cavalry M/T Mud Tire RL1258 245 75 16 LT245/75R16, E Load Rated

RoadOne

Based on 143 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Roadone Cavalry M/T is designed to handle the harshest of terrains. The directional design with large tread blocks help self-clean and evacuate mud for better traction.

  • Large tread blocks

User questions & answers

Question: Will this fit my np300 nissan navara
Answer: depends on what size tires it came with
Question: What year made
Answer: 2019
Question: what is tire diameter and width, thanks
Answer: Hello, This tire measures approximately 30.5in in diameter and is 9.8in wide. thanks, BWT
Question: Will this fit my 2002 chevy trailblazer ls
Answer: Hello, These tires are approximately a half inch taller than the stock size however they should fit fine. thanks, BWT

Continental GATORSKIN Gator Tires 700x23c Folding Set Pair 23mm 700c

Continental

Based on 48 reviews Check latest price

Product description

A durable carbon black mixture, a well regarded pucture protection system and the DuraSkin anti-cut fabric turn the Gatorskin, formely known as Ultra Gatorskin, into a real long distance runner. In varying widths from 23mm to 32mm it can be used on the way to work as well as training for road races. A durable, tough tire at a really nice price.

  • ETRTO: 23-622
  • PolyX Breaker
  • Threads Per Inch (TPI): 3/180
  • Weight: 220g
  • PSI: 110-120

User questions & answers

Question: Are these tires shipped full size or folded in a small box
Answer: Yes, when its folding they came in small boxes.
Question: Is this a pair
Answer: Yes, it’s a set
Question: Does this item come with inner tube
Answer: No, this item does not come with inner tubes.

Continental Grand Prix Classic Bike Tire, Black, 700cm x 25

Continental Tires

Based on 201 reviews Check latest price

Product description

It is not only visually that the authentic design of the Grand Prix Classic upgrades any retro race bike, or contemporary one. It's what's inside that also counts, after all this new addition to the Continental range, with its brown sidewalls and Conti Sport-Profil tread from 1982 is actually based on the current Grand Prix tire. Thanks to a PolyX-Breaker, highly stable and fine 180 tpi nylon carcass and the legendary Black Chili Compound, it presents itself technically as a state-of-the-art racing tire.

  • CLASSIC MODEL- The tread profile is from 1982 and features brown sidewalls, but don’t let that fool you, the components are all Continentals latest designs, like the PolyX Breaker.
  • BLACK CHILI- Features Continental’s revolutionary Black Chili Compound which reduces rolling resistance by 26% improves grip by 30% and adds 5% more mileage out of your tire.
  • POLYXBREAKER- The polyester fibers overlap during manufacturing, yielding a very dense fabric and minimal space in-between threads, making the PolyX highly resistant to any foreign body without reducing the rolling resistance.
  • HANDMADE IN GERMANY-Continental has been hand making their tires since 1871, maintaining the integrity of tradition, while evolving with the most advanced technology.
  • CONTINUOUS 3PLY CARCASS- Features a 180 tpi nylon carcass on which the BlackChili and PolyX Breaker are built.

User questions & answers

Question: is that realy the colour of the sidewall
Answer: No. These tires are for 700c wheels. Your tires are 26in wheel size. Check the continental website for tire choices available to your wheel. 1.75 is your tires width, which is variable depending on your preference
Question: I’m replacing tires 27 x 1 1/4 would these fit
Answer: Sure, you can always go smaller, you could run into some clearance issues if you tried to go larger.
Question: Is this fast tire
Answer: Its the rims and frame that determine what size tires one can use.
Question: I'm replacing tires marked 26 x 1.75, will these fit
Answer: 700 x 23. Is the size

Continental Gatorskin Bike Tire - DuraSkin Puncture & Sidewall Protection, Road Bike Replacement Tire (23c, 25c, 28c, 32c)

Continental

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

High mileage and puncture resistance team up in this fast-rolling, wire bead road tire from Continental. Made with DuraSkin polyamide fabric to ensure excellent sidewall protection without compromising weight or ride quality. Smooth in the center and grippy on the shoulders, this durable tire provides superior cornering in any condition. Designed for bike commuting, touring and serious training. The Continental Gatorskin wire bead road tire is made with DuraSkin polyamide fabric to ensure excellent sidewall protection without compromising weight or ride quality Smooth in the center and grippy on the shoulders, this durable road bicycle tire provides superior cornering in any condition Designed for bike commuting, cycle touring and serious cycing training

  • CARBON BLACK MIXTURE- The Gatorskin, manufactured with a durable carbon black mixture, is as comfortable on the way to work as it is training for road races.
  • POLYXBREAKER- The polyester fibers overlap during manufacturing, yielding a very dense fabric and minimal space in-between threads, making the PolyX highly resistant to any foreign body without reducing the rolling resistance.
  • DURASKIN- Sidewall protection coming from the high quality polyamide fabric encasing the core casing of the tire from scuffs and cuts under the worst conditions.
  • WEAR OPTIMIZED TREAD- Get the most out of your tire with the Gatorskin’s wear optimized tread compound, adding a long service life.
  • HANDMADE IN GERMANY-Continental has been hand making their tires since 1871, maintaining the integrity of tradition, while evolving with the most advanced technology.

User questions & answers

Question: x23 vs 700x25, what's the difference and which is faster
Answer: Define lo que es cubierta con cámara , puedes elegir entre cual llevar . En cuanto a la denominación factor decisivo pienso que es porque solo se puede llevar con cámara . A la otra puedes usarla de ambas maneras.
Question: Kinda Stupid Question but...Does this include BOTH tires
Answer: In short, yes. Search for "sheldon brown tire sizing" to get all the details. TL;DR - There is no such thing as a "700x28" tire. That designation is incomplete. You need the "c", which is actually associated with the 700, not the 28, even though it is often written as "700x28c", for example. People often refer to "28c" tires, etc., but it isn't really helpful to include "c" there, often leading people, usually Americans unfamiliar with the metric system, to think of 28 centimeters. "700c" is equivalent to ETRTO 622 mm bead seat diameter. In recent times, the most confusing use of this style of naming is with so-called "650" wheels/tires. It used to refer to 650c sizing used for time trial bikes, recumbents and small sized or women's road bikes, and is equivalent to ETRTO 571 mm bead seat diameter. These days, when people say "650" they actually mean "650b", which is ETRTO 584 mm bead seat diameter, used on all sorts of bikes these days, usually to accommodate fatter tires while having an effective tire diameter similar to a "700c" with skinnier tires. Personally, I prefer tire sizing like 28-622 (equivalent to 700x28c) because the numbers are actually meaningful, describing the width and bead seat diameter in millimeters. The "700" number used to be meaningful, but not really anymore. The 28 number is meaningful in describing the width, but gets obscured when referred to as "28c", which could refer to a 650x28c or 700x28c tire, while 28-571 or 28-622 are unambiguous.
Question: If I mount the tire to rotate in the reverse direction, will I travel backwards in time
Answer: these are priced as singles, the price would be the same anyway. You should be able to put 2 in your cart.
Question: Will these tires help me get laid
Answer: I can only speak to the 28mm tires, I have not tried other widths. In my experience the (28mm) 5000 tires are much narrower than the 4000s II 28mm tires. You'll see a review from me on Aug 29, 2019 that shows the difference between the two 28mm tires. Whether or not the difference matters is a personal preference for the most part.

Product features

Continental Gatorskin Tire

The Continental Gatorskin is the ultimate training & racing tire where puncture protection is a priority. Using the latest proprietary technology against flats the Gatorskin range uses PolyX Breaker and DuraSkin sidewall protection.

The Gatorskin tire is made for the long haul. Backed by PolyX Breaker, a tried and true puncture protections system and the DuraSkin anti-cut fabric turn the Gatorskin into a true long distance runner.

DuraSkin - the ultimate sidewall

Tires with DuraSkin sidewall protection have to be able to roll with the punches. They are used under the harshest conditions. On messenger bikes, the tires skid along curbs; on touring bikes, they cross continents without wearing out. During races, they have to endure tough tests such as the Paris-Roubaix. The high-quality polyamide fabric protects the tire casing against the worst conditions. These tires stand out thanks to their signature brown sidewalls.

PolyX Breaker - proven technology

Continental's PolyX Breaker brings their car expertise to the bicycle tire segment. Polyester has been used successfully for years in Continental's car tires and been tried and tested many times. The extremely resistant polyester fiber is woven tightly crosswise. In this way, a very high fabric density is reached which not only makes the Breaker more resistant to foreign objects but is also especially resistant to punctures. This protection is accomplished without affecting rolling resistance.

Gatorskin for every rider

The ever popular, tried and true Gatorskin is available in wire bead and folding versions that span a wide variety of tire sizes. Designed for commuting, touring, or heavy training - the Gatorskin will not let you down.

Bestselling Tires on Amazon

Reviews don't lie. With 1000's of online reviews here on Amazon and other cycling forums across the web, the Gatorskin is consistently the highest rated and bestselling bike tire. Often imitated, but never duplicated, this legend will live on forever.

Duetche Tecknik

More than 100 years experience in the development and production of bicycle tires has made Continental a unique company within the industry.

Inside Continental's technology and development center in Korbach, they are constantly developing new revolutionary technologies such as the unbeatable Black Chili compound and the ultimate Vectran breaker anti-puncture technology, both used at the top end of race sport.

These technologies demand sophisticated processes to ensure our legendary end-product quality, and these innovations as well as the ProTection and RaceSport technology for MTB tires, can only be manufactured in our factory in Germany – 'Handmade in Germany'.

Have fun experiencing the Continental products! Our team works hard for you!

Continental Grand Prix 5000 Bike Tire - 2 Pack

Continental

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • Two Units Included - This includes two tires
  • Black Chili - a unique tread compound, produced only in Germany, that's answered the eternal question of the best balance of grip and Rolling resistance for cycling
  • Active comfort technology - Embedded technology in the tire construction that absorbs vibrations and smoothens your ride
  • Laser grip - laser Micro profile structure expands over the tire’s shoulder and provides outstanding cornering
  • Handmade in Germany - Constructed and tested by skilled craftsman in Cronbach Germany
  • Sport type: BMX

User questions & answers

Question: Are these tire gp500 tl fold
Answer: I have never ridden Gatorskins, however, I can definitely say that the Grand Prix 4000s and 5000s are very cut and puncture resistant. Futher, fellow cyclist I know say the Gatorskins while durable and puncture resistant tend to ride a bit hard.
Question: Is there tubluar options
Answer: These come with tubes lol.
Question: Is this clinchers
Answer: The stem will be a little longer on the 47. Should work fine
Question: Are these more puncture resistant than the very popular Continental Gatorskins
Answer: this package includes tubes for each tire, so no, I don't thing so.

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