WHICH ROAD BIKE TIRE TO CHOOSE? OUR TIPS & COMPARISON

Home ” Which road bike tire? Our buying guide

Introduction

How do I select a road bike tire? The choice of bicycle tires plays a key role in your riding experience. A good tire improves performance, comfort and safety. The wrong choice, on the other hand, can impair your performance and pedaling pleasure. There are many criteria involved: tube or tubeless, suitable width, compatibility with your wheels and ideal pressure. Every detail counts, especially if you’re using carbon wheels. This step-by-step guide will help you choose the perfect tire for your riding style.

📌 Need a quick tip? Follow our recommendations and improve your performance now!

Tubeless, inner tube or tubular: which type of road bike tire should you choose?

Before buying tires, you need to choose the right technology. There are three options to choose from. Thanks to these advantages, tubeless tires are winning over more and more road and gravel cyclists.

Tubed tires: simplicity and accessibility

  • Easy to install and replace.
  • Cheaper than other options.
  • More prone to punctures and pinches.

Tubeless tires: optimized performance and comfort

  • Fewer punctures thanks to preventive fluid.
  • Better comfort and grip with lower pressure.
  • Reduced rolling resistance.
  • More technical installation and special rims required.

Hoses: competitors’ choice for a long time

  • Ultra-light and responsive.
  • Excellent ride feel.
  • More complex assembly and demanding maintenance.

Until recently, casings were reserved for competitors looking for maximum performance.

Want to know more? Discover the advantages of tubeless

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Tire compatibility and dimensions

For a start, not all tires are compatible with all wheels. Before you buy, make sure your tires match your rims.

Internal rim width: a decisive criterion

The width of your rim has a direct influence on the choice of tire.

  • Narrow rim (15-17mm) → 23-25mm tires
  • Modern rims (19-21mm) → 25-32mm tires
  • Wide rims (23mm and over) → 28mm and over tires

Poor compatibility can therefore affect your safety and performance.

ETRTO standard: a reference not to be overlooked

The ETRTO (European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation) defines the correspondence between tires and rims. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications first.

More details? See our guide to bicycle tire/rim compatibility

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Which tire width to choose?

The choice of tire width influences three essential elements: comfort, rolling resistance and grip.

  • Performance & competition: 25-28 mm → Promotes speed and aerodynamics
  • Endurance & long distances: 28-32 mm → Greater comfort and better vibration absorption
  • Gravel & rough roads: 35-50 mm → Guarantees excellent stability and grip

👉 Tire width also influences the bike’s aerodynamics. In fact, a tire the same width as the rims makes the whole more aerodynamic. To find out more, read our article.

Discover our guide to the ideal width of road bike tires

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Comparison of the best road bike tires

Each tire has its own specific features. To help you, here’s a ranking of the best-performing models to date.

Discover our detailed comparison of the best road tires

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Tire pressure: how to optimize it?

The right pressure improves grip, performance and tire life, among other things.

👉 An under-inflated tire risks pinching and offers poor performance. An over-inflated tire, on the other hand, reduces comfort and grip.

See our complete guide to bicycle tire pressure

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Conclusion: Choose high-performance tires with your GOAT Wheels carbon wheels

Now you know the essential criteria for choosing your road bike tires. Take into account your riding style, the terrain and compatibility with your wheels to make the right choice.
✅ Ride with the best equipment! Discover our carbon wheels optimized for every type of tire.

🔗 See Our range of Wheels 👉 Back to Home Page

📌 Any questions? Consult our FAQ or contact us for personalized support!

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

If you’re looking for pure performance, go for 25-28 mm tires with low weight and low rolling resistance. Tubeless models are often recommended for their optimum performance and protection against punctures.

Tubeless tires require no inner tube. They are more resistant to punctures, can be ridden at lower pressures and offer greater comfort. On the other hand, their installation is more technical and requires regular maintenance with preventive fluid.

Yes, but you have to respect the internal width of your rim. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure optimum compatibility between your tires and your carbon wheels.

For endurance cyclists, a wider tire (28-32 mm) offers greater comfort, grip and durability. A tubeless model also reduces vibration and improves handling.

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