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Tires, tubes, rim tape, valves, inflation pressure
The tires provide the friction needed for carrying the bike forward on the riding sur-
face. At the same time they should grant minimum rolling friction and enhance the
rider’s comfort by absorbing small shocks. The suitability of a tire for road surfaces
or cross-country cycling is determined by its inner structure, also referred to as its
carcass, as well as by the type of tire profile. Your FELT dealer will be pleased to
help you choose from the numerous types available for various cycling purposes.
If you want to replace a tire, you need to know the dimensions of the old tire. These
are written on the side of the tire (a). There are two designations, the more precise
of which uses millimetres. The number sequence 23-622 means that the tire is 23
mm wide when fully inflated and has an inner diameter of 622 millimetres. The other
designation for this tire reads 28 x 7/8 which refers to inches.
Mounting a new tire with other dimensions might possibly cause the tip
of your shoe to touch the wheel whilst steering, or the mudguards getting
caught in the tire. In both cases, there is the danger of an accident!
The tire and rim alone are not able to hold the air. Therefore, an inner tube has to be
placed inside the tire to retain the air pressure. The tube is pumped up via a valve
Tires have to be inflated to the correct air pressure in order to work properly. Prop-
erly inflated tires are also more resistant to punctures. An insufficiently inflated tire
can easily get pinched (“snake-bite“) when it goes over a sharp curb.
The air pressure recommended by the manufacturer is given on the side of the
tire or on the type label (b). The lower of the two pressure specifications makes
for better cushioning and is therefore best for off-road cycling. Rolling resistance
decreases with growing pressure, but so does comfort. A high tire pressure is
therefore most suitable for riding on tarred roads.
Heavy riders should always see to it that they ride on highly inflated tires, without
exceeding the permitted tire pressure.
Tires allowing an inflation pressure of five bars or more have to be mounted on
hook bead rims, identifiable by the designation “C“. Ask your FELT dealer to advise
you.
a a ba b a b
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