Get ready for a two-wheeled adventure

If our bike is new, and we've made the right choice, the tyres are already the most suitable for our needs. Let's consider one thing, though: if our bike is super-economical, it probably won't be equipped with high-performance tyres, and in that case, it might be a good idea to choose a quality product, for the previously mentioned advantages. Even if we've reached the point of changing tyres and it's time to buy a new product, it's important to choose the one that best suits our needs.

Let's start with the first thing: the size; then we'll move on to the type.

The size of our tyre is found on the tyre itself and, if we are considering purchasing it, we can also find it on the packaging. It is also found on the reference websites of the various companies, in the case of Pirelli the address is www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-gb/bike/tyres.

The measurements of our bicycle tyre are printed or engraved directly on the sidewall of the tyre, that is, on the side, between the tread and the rim. If the tyre is used, the data may be a little worn or dirty, but they are still readable because they are present on both sides.

The measurements are expressed in various ways; the most common are of two types.

• Format: XX-XXX, for instance 37-622, where
• 37 = tyre width in millimetres.
• 622 = inner tyre diameter (the rim's), in millimetres.

• Format XXXxXX, for instance 650×32, where
• 650 = outer tyre diameter in millimetres.
• 32 = tyre section in millimetres.

• Format: XXxX.X, for instance 28x1.40, where
• 28 = outer tyre diameter in inches.
• 1.40 = tyre width in inches.

When purchasing a new tyre, it's best to respect the original dimensions, even though it's possible to choose different sizes, narrower or wider. We're obviously talking about the width; the diameter is determined by the rim.

As a general rule, narrower tyres are faster on smooth roads, lighter, and more responsive; on the other hand, they are less comfortable, as they absorb bumps less and have less grip on rough or wet surfaces.

Wider tyres are more comfortable because, thanks to the air cushion, they absorb bumps better, ensure greater grip due to the larger contact surface with the ground, and improve stability in curves and on more critical surfaces; on the other hand, they are slightly less smooth on perfect asphalt (but with today's tyres, the difference is minimal) and are slightly heavier. If you choose a tyre wider than the original, you need to be sure that there is no interference with the frame, fork, and stays.

Tyres should be chosen based on the bike model and the intended use. Regarding bikes, there are four main categories: road; mountain bike (MTB); Gravel; City bike. These are supplemented with e-bike versions. Then you must decide on what terrain you will be riding. Pirelli offers a very wide range of products: which tyre is suitable for my particular needs? Let's look at some guidance that will help us make the best choice.

For the racing bike, the most versatile road product is the P ZERO™ Race TLR, the starting point for more racing products (such as the P ZERO™ RS). It is a versatile, high-tech tyre, the first with a tubeless structure entirely made in Italy (in the new factory in Bollate, Milan). The particular construction of the carcass combines smoothness and resistance, to the advantage of comfort and performance. The tread has 3 differentiated compounds developed in competitions, to promote durability and grip in dry and wet conditions. This tyre is suitable for non-professional use as well, but capable of ensuring high performance.

Gravel bikes offer the best compromise for all-around cycling, effectively tackling both asphalt and gravel. The choice of tyre depends on the type of terrain you want to tackle, whether closer to one condition or the other. If there are no particular needs (especially hard or soft surfaces, etc.), the best choice is the Cinturato™ Gravel M, for mixed terrains. The tread has medium height and spacing knobs, and the compound combines resistance for rough terrain with grip for safety on asphalt; it also guarantees a high level of puncture protection. Due to these characteristics,  the Cinturato™ Gravel M is perfect for adventures, so much so that it is used by great athletes in the toughest competitions.

The mountain bike environment is off-road, and the ground can be very variable; it ranges from the more compact, close to asphalt, to the sandy one, and even to heavy mud. For this reason, the choice of tyre depends strictly on the situation that will be faced. However, if you want a product that is valid in most cases, the right tyre is the Scorpion™ Enduro M.

It was devised for every type of ride: from training on home trails to race weekends. It stands out for its soft but tear-resistant compound, which offers grip in all weather conditions. The reinforced sidewalls of the carcass ensure precise handling and protection from cuts and damage even when used at low pressures to optimise bump absorption and grip.

The Angel™ line is dedicated to city commuting, where you ride on asphalt and cycle paths. The Angel™ GT Urban has a compound that guarantees high grip even in wet conditions, a typical city situation, and to increase safety there are reflective bands on the sides that ensure visibility. The structure, and the additional 5 mm rubber layer, makes it very resistant to cuts and punctures caused by nails and thorns; plus it ensures long durability.

The Angel™ GT Urban is also certified for electric bikes, including those that reach 50 km/h (31 mph).

Today the concept of bicycle touring has expanded, and therefore classic road bikes have been joined by mountain bike and even gravel routes, thanks to the development of bikepacking, which allows you to set up any bike for travel.

For MTBs and gravel bikes, the right products are those listed previously; for classic road and touring bikes, the suitable product for travel is the Cinturato™ Velo. It's a Pirelli classic, with remarkable versatility:  the sizes (from 26 to 35 mm) make it suitable for road-racing bikes, training, daily commuting, and it can be used both in tubeless configuration and with an inner tube.

For commuting e-bikes, we have seen the Angel line; for MTBs, the Scorpion™ Ebike line was specifically created. In this case, performance and stress increase, and for this reason, a more aggressive tyre was created, designed for those looking for fun in fast descents and uncompromising performance. The tread with a high and widely spaced profile makes it suitable for biting into any soft terrain, and therefore suitable for facing any situation where grip and adherence are essential.