Why Are MTB Tires So Expensive? 5 Solid Reasons
Why Are Mountain Bike Tires So Expensive? Do you want to upgrade your mountain bike tires, but they’re too expensive?
So there’s no need to be alarmed. I’ll explain why mountain bike tires are so expensive, so you don’t get disappointed.
Tires are required for MTBs, as well as any other bicycle. If the bicycle does not have tires, it will not be able to travel anywhere. The type of tire you have on your mountain bike can make or break the comfort of your ride. Finding the correct MTB tire for the job will decide the quality of your ride.
Whether it’s a daily commute on wet pavement, a bumpy trail ride, or a mountain with endless descents, choosing the right tire for the ride will ensure a comfortable ride. Make sure you obtain the appropriate tires for your MTB because they are the most important component.
Why Are Mountain Bike Tires So Expensive?
MTB tires are more expensive than bicycle tires due to their different rubber composition and the fact that they are often bigger and broader. They must be of exceptionally high quality in order to perform well.
Mountain bikers aren’t just interested in buying bikes; they’re also interested in investing in them. Mountain bikes are distinguished by their durability, safety, and performance.
Bikers don’t rush into buying a bike; instead, they plan ahead, research, and compare parts based on their preferences to ensure that they have a safe ride.
Because, let’s face it, bolting on some low-cost parts early on is an improvement that’s coming. Saving money for the MTB is a logical strategy, with price being a small consideration.
MTB Tires Are Bigger and Wider
The size of MTB tires is commonly 27.5 x 2.0. It means the tire’s outside diameter is around 27.5 inches, and the tire width is about 2 inches
All-mountain and trail bikes have tire widths ranging from 2.25” to 2.4”, but downhill bikes require 2.5” tires “large enough to handle the steep drops and rough terrain.
The width of a tire determines its contact patch.
A wider tire can give a larger contact patch, as well as increased grip and rolling resistance.
The larger tires allow the knobs on MTB tires to be spaced further apart, resulting in a larger contact patch that may flex around any unanticipated defects in the terrain.
With bigger tires, MTB riders can maintain speed and momentum across the route’s roots and rocks.
Downhill-capable MTBs may require tires that are significantly wider.
To avoid damaging the bike rims during the strenuous ride, the contact patch size must be increased once more.
MTB Tires’ Treads Are Larger
Treads on a mountain bike Tires are a type of vehicle. Because larger MTBs are subjected to more bumps and unexpected twists, the tires are built to provide complete control over the direction and sudden stops rather than speed.
MTB tires have larger knobs that are spaced further apart. Depending on the terrain, the tread pattern may alter.
On the other side, larger knobs can dig through loose dirt and improve traction on steep mountain slopes and unpredictable lumpy terrain.
Wet and muddy trails, on the other hand, would necessitate knobs that were much larger and more blocky. To aid in braking, dryer routes necessitate knobs that are slightly smaller and medium in size.
For downhill courses, MTB tires with bigger and stronger tread patterns are required so that they can keep a good grip on sharp turns and effectively brake on vertical falls.
MTB Tires Are Inflated With Presta Valves
Even though it is little, a bike tire valve is crucial to the success of a bike ride. Most MTBs come with Presta valves rather than the more typical Schrader valve seen in vehicles.
Schrader valves are wider and have a rubber coating when connected to the wheels. The outside wall has a thread that can be used to attach a cap or pump head.
The airflow is controlled by a spring-loaded pin that only enables air to enter.
Presta valves, on the other hand, are narrower and made of metal. The valve is threaded all the way through, and as it gets closer to the top, it becomes thinner.
A nut must be unscrewed to open the valve. It also lacks a check valve, unlike Schrader, and instead relies on tire pressure to secure itself. The core can be taken apart fully.
MTB Tires Have A Particular Rubber Composition
The rubber composition determines the MTB tire’s lifespan. MTB tires frequently use long-lasting knob rubber compositions that resist the trail and do not quickly wear out over extended miles of hilly and rocky trails.
The rubber that makes contact with the ground is known as the tread. It is thicker than the sidewalls to withstand wear and tear.
Most tires are black, despite the fact that rubber is generally tan due to the addition of carbon to the formulation. Carbon black boosts the tread’s grip and increases the tire’s durability.
MTB Tires Have Thicker Casings
MTB tires have thicker casings to resist abuse. Sharp rocks have a high probability of scratching and damaging tires.
The thicker casing of the tire improves stability and prevents the tire from folding during the roll. It also serves as a rim protector.
Because they are designed to ride across rocky and uneven terrain while retaining speed, downhill MTB tires have the thickest casing.
The thicker casing makes cutting through the tire more difficult on these long treks.
Conclusion
MTB tires are expensive due to their importance in providing the best ride.
They’re made of high-quality materials and components that make descending the mountain or route fun and safe.
Tires are one of the most inexpensive pieces of the bike, yet they have a big impact on the ride experience.
The tires are the ones that make contact with the earth. They are responsible for rolling and propelling the bike through the path and to the finish line.
