Bicycle tyres: what to do when winter comes?

Although climate change has made winters much less severe than they used to be, several factors make roads more dangerous for cyclists than at other times of the year. Snow and ice create a slippery layer that causes the tyres to lose grip, leading to crashes and accidents, while the day and night freeze-and-melt cycle promotes the formation of cracks in the tarmac, producing structural damage to the road surface. Salt and anti-icing agents also worsen the situation, as does the cleaning carried out by road sweepers, which tend to move debris to the side of the road, right onto the bicycle lane. In some cases, the presence of leaves, small branches or pine cones falling from trees requires extra concentration to avoid slipping or unwelcome punctures.

Choosing winter tyres often means prioritising protection over other factors, such as lightness and smooth running. The first aspect to focus on is the tread, which must have more grooves or a deeper pattern for superior grip and road holding on wet surfaces made more slippery by debris, leaves and dirt. Width is also a determining factor in road holding. The wider the surface in contact with the road surface, the greater the stability. For cyclists who venture off-road on a gravel or mountain bike, a deeper tread pattern is almost mandatory to achieve better traction on uneven terrain.

Last but not least, the tyres should be thicker offering more puncture protection. Salt, stones, small glass, metal debris and thorns can cause punctures in an inadequately reinforced tyre. Water, either in the form of driving rain, moisture or winter dew, also acts as a lubricant, facilitating cuts and the penetration of any sharp debris into the tread. The Pirelli catalogue offers high-performance protections that significantly reduce the possibility of this problem for various models and applications.

The other aspect to be taken into account is maintenance. Whether it is a road bike, a gravel bike or a mountain bike, the substance does not change. Winter is when you need to take the most care of your tyres before, during and after each trip.

Tyre pressure drops faster than in summer due to the lower temperatures so you should monitor it constantly. Obviously, before inflating the tyres it is important to refer to the tables with the pressures recommended by Pirelli. The rider's body weight and the general load of the vehicle, if you are carrying any luggage, must also be taken into account. Remember that the air pressure in the atmosphere also decreases when it is very cold, so it is even more important to control the internal pressure of the tyre to counterbalance it. It goes without saying, that if the goal is to have more grip, in addition to choosing the most suitable tread, a slight decrease in tyre pressure (0.3 bar) – always respecting the minimum pressure values indicated for each tyre – will afford for more grip by offering a wider footprint on the ground. Not least, lower pressure also helps to reduce the risk of punctures from shearing and penetration, as it allows the tyre to conform around the outer casing more, before giving way and being punctured. However, this must be done with care not to go too low with the inflation pressure and not to exceed the minimum pressure value prescribed for each tyre, otherwise the other type of flat, the one caused by pinching, can become your new problem.

When you get back from a trip, a quick check of the state of the tyre, with particular attention to cuts, small cracks or external objects stuck in the tread, is a must. Remove dirt and salt from the rubber surface also helps to extend the life of the tyre protecting from chemicals.

During the winter, bad weather may force you to keep your bicycle at home for a long time, so to best preserve your tyres here are a few tips. Deflate the tyres by half the normal pressure. Keep the bike in a cool, dry place and, of course, out of the elements. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, as UV rays can also weaken the tyre. Keep the wheels off the floor and, especially if tubeless-ready with sealant inside, spin them now and then. Also, avoid chemicals or solvents coming into contact with the rubber and in the case of spare tyres, store them carefully, preferably “round” and not folded in the original packaging, and always away from damp surfaces (such as basement walls).

Pirelli offers a wide range of tyres with various solutions for tackling winter safely without sacrificing high performance.

P ZERO Race 4S is the all-season performance tyre for road use, available both as a clincher and TLR. With SmartEVO Compound made by combining the experience of top Motorsport competitions and the collaboration with Pirelli's World Tour cycling teams, it secures a balance between two opposite characteristics of grip and smooth running. An all season product for road and light gravel is the CINTURATO Velo. It is an ideal tyre for difficult terrain with SmartNET Silica tread compound and Armour Tech structure to promote protection, safety and handling in various road and weather conditions. CINTURATO Gravel S is an eclectic tyre, designed by Pirelli for riding on gravel and soft and muddy terrain. Designed with grip and protection rather than smooth running in mind, this gravel tyre can optimise riding in adverse weather conditions as well as on technical routes at the limits of mountain biking. Mud and cold are also the main pitfalls for mountain bikers in the winter months. The Pirelli SCORPION tyre range, irrespective of the family (XC, Trail, Enduro, Race Enduro or DH, E-MTB), features the S tread. The name of the tread pattern is linked to the type of terrain. The S (Soft Terrain) version was also born out of Pirelli's experience in the Motocross world, is the most sculpted option suitable for use on mud, wet grass or loose ground. Finally, for getting around town with an e-bike or city bike, the most suitable choice is the Angel DT Urban, inspired by the Angel Scooter. Its extremely sculpted tread and carcass with HyperBelt protection up to 5 mm wide offers grip, safety and excellent road holding on a wide range of urban surfaces.

Striking the right balance between safety and performance is anything but easy, and the choice of tyres is more than just a detail to live up to your expectations in winter.