Bike Tires Impact Your Speed

Your bike tires are also known as rims. Bike wheels are a combination of the spokes and the rims. There a number of different options you have as a triathlete when considering what type of bike wheel to use. Getting the right wheel can make all the difference with your experience in your next Triathlon.

 

Consider what wheels you get for your next Triathlon

If money isn’t an issue, consider bike wheels that don’t come with standard spokes. They are either disk wheels or composite wheels. A solid disk cuts down the drag factor, enough to save you almost 4 minutes in a 112 mile bike race. The problem you face with a solid disk is instability when the disk is caught in a cross-wind like a sail. Because of this, triathletes will put a solid disk on the rear bike wheel.

An evolution of the composite wheel that marries both the reduced drag of a disk wheel and the stability of a spoked-wheel provides triathletes the best of both worlds. A composite wheel will have 3, 4, or 5 “spokes” that keep the wheel together.

Whichever tire you decide to go with, make sure your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. If your tires are under-inflated, they decrease your cycle’s efficiency. An under-inflated bike is also more accident prone because the soft tires will let the tire get pinched between the rim and a bump in the road. You could end up with a blow-out and/or a bent rim when that happens.

Paragon Sports
New York's finest sports specialty store. They carry many triathlon items such as competitive clothing, cycling accessories, gadgets, and fitness gear.

Various Tires available

Continental Top Touring 2000
The Top Touring 2000 is the answer for those in search of a reliable, road-worthy tire that will hold up to thousands of touring miles. Its newly designed inverted tread pattern, ultra-durable tread rubber, and Continental's tough, 5-layer Polyamide casing make the Top Touring 2000 the smooth rolling, lightweight choice for tandems, trekkers and cross country travelers. All Black or Black Tread/Natural Sidewall versions available. Size 700x28 (85psi), 700x32 (75psi), 700x37 (70psi), 700x42 (65psi), 700x47 (56psi), or 27x1 1/4 (75psi). Wire bead, Weight range 490-750g (varies with size).

Continental Ultra Gatorskin (Wire Bead)
The Ultra GatorSkin is a virtually indestructible training tire featuring a combination of three flat protection technologies. Super fine 170 tpi casing plus a bead-to-bead layer of DuraSkin, and a Kevlar®-reinforced layer directly under the tread. Size 700x23, 700x25, 700x28, and 27 x 1 1/4"sizes. Wire Bead, weight 280/300/320g. 120 PSI Max.

Kenda Kwest
Smooth, rounded tread with water dispersion grooves for fast all-weather street riding. High pressure construction to minimize rolling resistance.
Front or Rear use. Wire Bead, Black, Sizes 16x1.25 (225g), 16x1.5 (345g), 20x1.25 (300g), 26x1.25 (425g), 26x1.5 (630g) and 700x35 (500g). 65psi Max. (26 x 1.25 version has a 100 PSI Max.)

Vredestein S-Licks
The Vredestein S-Licks is a great tire for commuting with its patented Puncture Resist System. 26x1.3 inch size can be inflated to 90 PSI. Kevlar belt and bead. 415g.

Continental Grand Prix 4-Season
The ultimate combination of speed, lightweight and wet weather performance, combined with excellent puncture and sidewall protection. Black casing with added DuraSkin sidewall reinforcement for protection against cuts and abrasion. 5 plies (3 for casing plus 2 anti-puncture layers); 430 tpi, 120 PSI Max. Weight 230g.

Continental Sport Contact
The SportContact is one of the fastest mountain slicks on the market. Its rolling resistance is so low, that it rivals some road tires. At only 370g this tire is a great buy.
26x1.3, 26x1.6, 85 PSI Max, Wire bead, Weight: 370g(26x1.3).

Michelin Transworld City
The Transworld's distinctive tread design offers a smooth, fast ride and control in urban conditions while the puncture protector molded under the tread reduces the likelihood of a flat tire. The integrated reflective sidewall strip provides enhanced visibility for commuting or for those late evening rides. Black tread, reflective sidewall, Size 700x28, 700x35, 700x40 or 700x47. 87 PSI Max for size 700x28, 73 PSI Max for the other sizes. Wire bead, Weight 390/480/615/755g.

WTB Slickasaurus
WTB's solution for those demanding durable city tires, we've got the Slick. Deep stiping (grooves) allow for control in wet conditions. Fast rolling, durable (and a blast in the corners), this tire will turn your bike into a rocket in the streets.
Front or Rear use. Wire Bead, Black, Size 26x1.5, 80 PSI Max, Weight 490g.

Schwalbe Marathon Plus
This classic touring tire from Schwalbe has incredible puncture resistance and durability. The newly developed smart guard puncture protection belt is made of flexible special rubber that offers particular resistance to thorns and shards. It also has a stripe on the sidewall for enhanced visibility. 100 Max. PSI. Weight 690g (700x28).

Continental Top Touring 2000 (26 inch)
The Top Touring 2000 is the answer for those in search of a reliable, road-worthy tire that will hold up to thousands of road miles. Its newly designed inverted tread pattern, ultra-durable tread rubber, and Continental's tough, 5-layer Polyamide casing make the Top Touring 2000 the smooth rolling, lightweight choice for road use on a mountain rim. All Black or Black Tread with Natural Sidewall. Size 26 x 1.75"(56 Max. PSI).

Schwalbe HS159 Puncture Protection 27 x 1 1/4
Schwalbe is a German tire company know for its durable puncture-resistant tires. This model is a robust, rugged tire, perfect for bad weather or commuting. 27"x 1 1/4". 85PSI Max, SBC tread compound, Black with white side, wire bead, 550g. 32-630.

Kenda K35 27 X 1 1/4
The K35 is a good basic tire for all-around road use. Its inverted tread pattern diverts water while good solid rubber prevents flats. A raised center tread allows speed on straights, while extra tread on the sides provides added confidence in turns. Makes a great replacement tire for an older road bike. Black tread, Gumwall Side. 90 PSI Max. Wire bead, Weight 500g.

Continental Grand Prix 26 Inch (Folding)
Continental has introduced the most respected road clincher in cycling in a 26 Inch version. Known for its extremely long wear, the Grand Prix is a staple training and racing tire for all cyclists, from weekend warriors to world champions alike. Excellent puncture protection is ensured by five separate casing plies of proprietary Polyamide nylon. Folding Bead. Size 26x1 in black tread with natural sidewalls. Weight 220g. 120 PSI Max!

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