Bike Tyres

No. Sometimes harder tyres are slower because they bounce around a lot more on rougher roads, trails and tracks. On perfectly smooth roads or in the velodrome, harder tyres are usually faster - however always inflate to manufacturers recommended pressures.

Using more puncture resistant tyres can dramatically reduce punctures, especially if you are currently running lightweight tyres. Converting to tubeless is a good way to reduce punctures, tubeless sealant does a decent job of fixing most small annoying punctures without you even realising.

The main difference between gravel bikes and 29ers is flat bars versus drop bars. Gravel bike bars offer multiple hand positions compared to just one with flat bars. Multiple hand positions are ideal for longer rides or rides over varying terrain. Another big difference is gearing, typically gravel bikes have higher gearing and 29ers lower gearing, so if you regularly ride on the road, you might run out of gears descending at 30mph on a 29er. If most of your rides are off road on trickier terrain than gravel tracks, a 29er could be a better option.

There are a few variables which affect how long tyres last. Tyres designed for longevity should last considerably longer than thin race tyres. However, under inflation and trail debris, can all reduce the lifespan of all bike tyres. Riding mountain bike tyres on roads can also speed up the wearing process on chunky treaded tyres. Deterioration of the rubber on the tread surface, lack of grip, frequent punctures are all signs that your tyres might be getting towards the end of their life.

Firstly, think about where you inflate your tyres. Do you need to inflate in the garage before your ride? Or out on the roads / trails, for emergency punctures? Floor pumps are best for keeping at home and offer the quickest and easiest way to inflate tyres to the right pressure. Mini pumps are best for taking on your ride, to use in the event of a puncture.

Tubeless pumps have an extra capacity tank which can release a large volume of air in one go. This helps seat tubeless tyres onto the rim.

Check which type of valve your pump needs to fit. Presta valves are thinner and have a screw closure at the end of the valve. Schrader valves are like car valves, fatter with a metal pin closure system. There are lots of pumps that can do both valves, if you need both types for different bikes.

Yes, either use with an inner tube, or there are tubeless conversion kits available, they work better on some rims than others. The best option with tubeless tyres is to use tubeless ready rims.

Because tyres have flexible side walls, it is possible to use wider tyres on narrower rims. However using 2.8” tyres on a narrow rim, for example, would result in a lightbulb shaped tyre which would negatively affect cornering and the feel of the tyre. It is best broadly speaking, to stick to manufacturers recommended guidelines to get the best performance. If you are planning on using wider tyres, also make sure they will fit your frameset before purchasing.

Stick to recommended tyre pressures and avoid speeding up the wearing process by skidding and regularly loosing grip (although it can be fun...). Nice smooth roads tend to wear road tyres less