Technical FAQ
Bicycle Tires, Tire Sizes, Air Pressure, and Valves Explained Simply
What tire size fits my bike? What tire pressure do I need? And what’s the difference between a Schrader valve and a Presta valve? Here you’ll find clear answers to the most common questions about bicycle tires and inner tubes
Topic Overview
Tire sizes are specified in three ways: according to ETRTO, in inches, or using the French designation. You’ll find all three on the tire sidewall, but they differ in structure and precision.
The tire and rim must be dimensionally compatible—in terms of diameter, width, and rim width. You can find the combinations permitted by ETRTO here:
Tire pressure affects rolling resistance, the likelihood of a flat tire, and tire wear in equal measure. Find the right tire pressure for your riding conditions.
Everything about the right tire pressure
With the Tire Pressure Prof for MTB tires, you can quickly and easily calculate the optimal tire pressure online. For all aspects of mountain biking, with options for every rider.
A high-quality run-flat belt is the most important safeguard against flat tires, but it’s not the only factor. You can find other factors that influence run-flat performance here:
Tubeless systems offer advantages over tube-type tires in terms of rolling resistance, comfort, and puncture resistance. Find out how the system works and what you need to make the switch here:
Wired tires, folding tires, and tubeless tires differ primarily in their construction and handling. An overview of the different tire types.
How quickly a tire wears out depends on usage, road surface, tire pressure, and rubber compound. Here’s how to tell when a tire is at the end of its life and how to extend its mileage:
Rolling resistance is caused by the deformation of the tire as it rolls and is influenced by pressure, diameter, width, and tread pattern. To learn why wide tires often roll more easily than narrow ones and for more information, click here:
With the right techniques, you can install a bicycle tire without much effort. Tips and tricks for your next tire change:
Rim tape protects the tube from spoke heads, burrs, and holes in the rim. We’ll explain which rim tape is suitable for which application.
In addition to the classic Dunlop, Sclaverand, and Autoventil systems, Schwalbe offers a fourth valve option—the Clik Valve—which can be operated with a click instead of a screw cap. Here’s an overview of the differences between the four systems:
On the road, the tread pattern plays a secondary role, but off-road, it provides the necessary grip on the terrain. Here’s how the tread pattern performs depending on the application:
Not sure which tire is right for your bike and your intended use? Our tire advisor helps you find the right Schwalbe tire in just a few steps—tailored to your bike type, usage, and personal needs.
A bicycle tire consists of a carcass, bead core, puncture protection belt, and tread, all manufactured using state-of-the-art machinery. Find out how these individual parts work together here:
A bicycle tube is typically made of butyl rubber. Butyl is a synthetic rubber that is both highly elastic and airtight. In addition, we have developed a bicycle tube made of the high-performance plastic TPU—the Aerothan Tube—which offers even better performance. Both tubes are 100% recyclable.
Find the right bike tube for your bike quickly and easily—no matter what you’ll be using it for.
Not every winter calls for studded tires: In addition to studded tires for ice and snow, Schwalbe offers the 365 tires—an all-season solution with a special 4-Season rubber compound that provides reliable traction even in cold and wet conditions.
Aerothan is a high-performance plastic that redefines the classic bicycle tube—it’s significantly lighter, more puncture-resistant, and has lower rolling resistance. Find out what makes this material so special.
Hookless rims combined with tubeless-ready tires offer the same safety as traditional systems, plus the benefits of lower tire pressure. What to look for when choosing tires:
Modern tires and rims are getting wider and wider. This has a particularly positive effect on ride comfort and performance. Using wider rims increases the tire’s cross-section and thus its internal volume. This can cause the inner tube to become overstretched.
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