WINTER TYRES ON A RACING BIKE: WHAT SHOULD YOU PAY ATTENTION TO?
Winter is a season full of challenges for racing cyclists. From rain to cold and slippery conditions, it doesn’t make the rides any easier or more attractive. But with the right winter tyres, you can continue cycling safely and comfortably during the colder months. Winter tyres offer more grip on wet, slippery and sometimes icy roads. But what should you pay attention to when choosing winter tyres for your racing bike? We’ll list them for you.
Why winter tyres for a racing bike?
Although you can cycle perfectly well with normal tyres in the autumn, winter tyres are highly recommended as soon as it gets even colder and wetter. Winter tyres under your racing bike offer a number of advantages:
- More grip : The tyres are made of special rubber and have an adapted profile, so that your bike does not slip on wet and icy roads.
- Better puncture resistance : Winter tyres are generally stronger and have lower tire pressure, which means you are less likely to get a puncture caused by sharp stones or glass, for example.
- Better tire profile : The composition of a winter tire is better because it is made of softer rubber, which keeps the tire more flexible. This provides better grip on cold and wet roads, making you less likely to slip while cycling.
What should you pay attention to with winter tyres ?
- Bandwidth
In winter, a slightly wider tire is often a good choice. Where you often choose narrower tyres of 23 mm or 25 mm in summer, a winter tire with a width of 28, 30 or even 32 mm can offer more stability. The extra wide tire gives you more grip and comfort on wet or slippery roads. Make sure that wider tyres fit in your bike frame. - Rubber compound
Winter tyres, as mentioned earlier, have a softer rubber compound that remains flexible even at low temperatures. This provides more grip. Therefore, always check whether the tire has a compound that is suitable for winter. - Leak resistance
The chance of a flat tyre is greater in winter than in other seasons. Therefore, choose sturdy tyres with an anti-puncture layer. This will save you a lot of frustration and cold fingers on the road when you have to repair a tire. - Tire pressure
It is wise to drive with a lower pressure on your winter tyres compared to your summer tyres . The lower tire pressure increases the surface area, which gives you more grip on the road. Check the recommended tire pressure on the side of your tire and adjust it for the winter conditions.
The best choices for winter tyres on racing bikes
When choosing winter tyres, it is important to consider grip, puncture resistance and durability. Below we have listed the two best winter tyres for racing bikes:
- Schwalbe One 365: A versatile tire that delivers excellent performance all year round, even in wet and cold conditions. Available in stores, but not online.
- Continental Grand Prix 4-season: Ideal for riders who want to keep riding in all seasons, with excellent grip and stability. This tire is available in stores, but not online.
Winter tyre maintenance
To keep your winter tyres in top condition, maintenance is important:
- Clean your tyres after every ride, especially if you have been riding over rough terrain with muddy or sandy roads.
- Check tire pressure regularly. Cold temperatures can cause pressure to drop more quickly.
- Check your tyres for wear and cracks, especially after driving on poor road surfaces.
Ready for winter?
With the right winter tyres , you can continue cycling safely during the winter season. At CUBE Stores, we are happy to help you choose the perfect tyres for your racing bike. Our experts are ready to give you personal advice, so that you can also enjoy your rides in the winter. Visit our store or view our range online!