If youโre looking to take your fixie biking experience to the next level, you need to invest in a good set of tires. But which ones are the best fixie bike tires for you?
This post will help you choose the best tires for fixie bikes to make your riding experience smoother and more enjoyable. So just read on, and weโll show you which tires are ideal for your riding style!
Below are just three of my featured favorites. Scroll further down to see my full roundup, or click here.
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What are fixie bike tires?
A bike tire is a type of tire used on bicycles. They are made of rubber and are designed to provide traction while riding. Tires for fixies can be found in a wide range of widths and colors, from solid to striped walls and beyond. It is incredible how many different ways you can customize a fixed-gear bike. These tires are a great way to update the look of your new bike or give an old one a new lease on life.
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
State Bicycle Co. Black Label 6061
What are the benefits of a high-quality bike tire? (advantages)
Upgrading to a high-quality bike tire can be an easy way to enhance your riding experience. There are many benefits to having a bike tire. Some of the benefits include:
1. Added safety
A bike tire is one of the most important parts of your bike, and it must function properly to ensure your safety while riding. A good tire will provide traction on wet surfaces, keeping you safe.
2. Saves you money
A bike tire is durable so that it can handle a lot of wear and tear. In addition, it saves you money in the long run because you wonโt have to replace them often.
3. Energy efficiency
Riding a bike with a good-quality tire will save you more energy than riding with a low-quality tire.
4. Ride comfort
A properly inflated, high-quality bicycle tire will make riding more comfortable in handling and quality.
Is it worth it to spend more on fixie tires?
Spending extra money is worthwhile if you choose a tire with a strong cost-to-mileage ratio. In addition, you want a tire that can withstand the rigors of fixie riding without breaking the bank, especially if you ride frequently and need to replace your rubber.
Cheaper tires will wear out faster and are more likely to puncture. On the other hand, purchasing the most costly tires is a waste because sliding will wear them out.
The five best fixie bike tires of 2022
Below are the best fixie bike tires that you can buy right now.
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ThickSlick Sport Tires
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Freedom ThickSlick urban tires are made of smooth 700c rubber and are part of WTBโs larger push into the market for urban cycling. They are said to be the most durable tires of their kind. The 25mm and 28mm mid-section profiles work well for winter training, Audax, and weekend touring because they are very resistant to punctures and donโt have much drag The comfort isnโt bad either. Still, their more athletic sibling, the ThickSlick Sport, loses 80 grams per set and rolls a little faster without losing much durability.
These are the tires I have on my fixie right now. They come in both black and white. My bike has black ones. Iโve tried a lot of different tires, but these ones have lasted the longest. I like to slide, so itโs not surprising that I wear out tires like thereโs no tomorrow.
The WTB Thickslick tires let you slide very smoothly and consistently while giving you the best performance. Also, these tires have twice as much rubber as a normal tire. So you can slide as much as you want without worrying about going through a tire in a day. They canโt get holes and are made to slide, so you wonโt get stuck on a flat while youโre riding.
The Thickslick tires are sold separately, so if you want a set, youโll need to order two tires.
Michelin Dynamic Sport Tires
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The Michelin Dynamic Sport is the least expensive road bike tire that Michelin makes. It only comes in three sizes 23, 25, and 28 mm.
This is a pretty good set of tires. They are easy to put on and gripped well. These tires will do a good job it you have to make sudden stops. These are some of the least expensive options on the market.
Continental Ultra Sport II Tire
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Continental Ultra Sport tires have always performed admirably on urban fixie rides. But, of course, these arenโt fixie tires in the traditional sense. Regardless, the deeper center tread, composed of 180 TPI casing, provides increased traction for sliding.
The Ultra Sport tires, like the GatorSkins, have extra material for greater durability. However, theyโre more performance-oriented, with tight-handling silica-based treads that last. These tires may be used on a street fixie or a track bike and still perform well. Thereโs also no need to be concerned about sizing because they come in all popular sizes to accommodate any riding style.
There isnโt much else to say about these budget-friendly performance tires. Theyโre good entry-level performance tires with enough adaptability to work well on a fixie.
Continental GatorSkin DuraSkin Clincher Bike Tire
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These GatorSkin bike tires are built to last. They are designed to withstand harsh riding conditions while maintaining peak performance. In addition, their tires have DuraSkin sidewall protection, which allows them to withstand the roughest circumstances.
These tires are used by cyclists on long cross-country trips and for sliding on fixies. They are designed to survive while providing maximum performance. These 700 x 23 tires come in a pair. So, unless you merely want backup tires, you only need to buy one set for your bike.
Backup tires are usually advised, especially when slipping on a fixed gear. You never know how quickly a pair of tires will wear out. Even the greatest tires will be damaged by sliding.
Continental Grand Prix 5000 Classic Bike Tire
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Continental Tires is a fantastic tire company established in Germany. Theyโve been creating tires since 1871, and one of their long-standing traditions is that all of their tires are handmade.
Continental Tiresโ Continental Grand Prix is an excellent tire. This tire is a new take on a historical classic. The tread profile of the tire was first designed in 1982. But donโt think itโs just a 1982 tire; they retained the original style while updating the materials and technologies used in the tireโs construction.
Continental preserved the traditional look of brown on the tireโs sidewall to remain true to the classic design. The tire is made up of Black Chili and Polyxbreaker. The Black Chili compound is a Continental-exclusive compound that improves tire mileage, grip, and roll resistance. Continental tire manufacturers employ Polyxbreaker manufacturing technology to make their tires resistant to rolling.
What to consider when buying a bike tire (things to look for)
Choosing the correct bike tire for you might be difficult, so here are the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing a bike tire.
1. Consider your riding style
What type of cyclist are you? A hardcore fixie rider, or a causal cyclist?
Serious cyclists
If youโre a serious cyclist who frequently loses control, you might want to consider whether or not the high cost of โskid-proofโ tires is justified. They do make a difference; however, it may be more economical to purchase less expensive tires and swap them out more frequently.
Sliding on a fixie can be fun, but it also quickly wears down your tires. Having worn tires could mean having a blowout while riding at high speeds. This is even more important when riding a fixed-gear bike. Many people ride fixed-gears brakeless, meaning they have to slide to slow down. This burns through fixie tires fast; if improperly maintained, they can blow out, leaving you with limited stopping ability.
So if you know you will do a lot of skidding, make sure you get thick and durable tires.
Casual cyclists
A more costly tire, like the Gatorskin, will provide you with a much longer lifespan if you are a casual rider who also uses a brake. Ultimately, youโll have to decide for yourself based on what you know.
2. Consider the tire size
Tires on a Fixie bike are often the same as or similar to those on a road bike. You can choose from road bike tires, though some riders may prefer something wider depending on their riding style.
700x23c, 700x25c, and 700x28c are common sizes for road bike tires. A road bikeโs dimensions are specified in the metric system. The first number, 700, represents the diameter, or the distance from one edge to another. The width of the tires is represented by the second number in the measurement (23, 25, or 28). These dimensions are expressed in millimeters as they belong to the metric system.
3. Consider the tireโs tread
You should choose a different tread according to where you bike, the road conditions, and the weather in your area.
Slick Tires
Slick street tires are ideal for riding primarily on dry roads. Slicks are fantastic because they are smooth and allow you to drive as fast as possible. They are the fastest tires because they lack tread and have nothing blocking the rolling surface.
Semi-slick tires have a smooth center and tread on the sides. This combines smooth rolling in a straight line with a higher cornering grip for off-road riding.
Inverted Tread Tires
Inverted tread tires are mostly used for off-road riding. These arenโt usually mounted on a fixed gear. These tires sacrifice rolling speed for improved off-road handling.
4. Consider durability
Many tire brands will mention when they have great puncture resistance. However, thickness is one factor to consider for puncture resistance. Other factors contribute to puncture resistance, but this is an excellent place to start.
5. Consider the type of tire
Your tires can clinch onto your wheel in a few different ways. Thus there are a few different types of tires on the market.
Clinchers
Clinchers are better for a fixie, even if they have more flats and need to be replaced more often. The procedure of changing is easy and uncomplicated. Youโll just need tire levers and a standard pump or CO2 canister to remove the tire.
Tubeless tires
Tubeless tires are a step up from clinchers, and although they may last longer, if you need to replace your tires or a flat, youโll need a sealant and a high-pressure pump. The sealant will guard against most tire punctures and may be used to re-seal a tire once it has been punctured.
Tubular tires
have an inner tube that is linked to the tire. These are popular among racers because to their lighter weight and decreased rolling resistance. These tires are often attached to the wheel, making them impossible to alter while riding.
Wire bead tires
Wire bead tires are the most common type of tire that most people are familiar with. Because a wire bead runs through them, wire bead tires retain the contour of a wheel.
Foldable tire
The more expensive tire is the foldable tire. Professional riders prefer foldable tires because they are lighter and constructed with a superior compound that minimizes roll resistance, allowing for significantly smoother and faster riding. Foldable tires are also simpler to install than wire bead tires.
6. Consider whether the tire is for the front or rear
Because some wheels have various tread patterns for the front and rear wheels, you must ensure that you have the correct tire for the corresponding wheel.
If you want even more tips, check out this video called โSkinny vs. Wide Tires for Fixed Gearโ from the Zach Gallardo YouTube Channel.
A video called โSkinny vs. Wide Tires for Fixed Gearโ from the Zach Gallardo YouTube Channel.
How I chose these fixie bike tires (ranking criteria and methodology)
I studied hundreds of reviews from real buyers and testers to determine which fixie bike tires performed best and were dependable. I selected fixie bike tires at various pricing ranges to ensure that everyone can find bike tires that suit their needs. I judged these fixie bike tires by the following criteria.
Average price (10%)
While this article covers fixie bike tires with varying price ranges, a bike tire should be affordable. Thus I highlight affordability and price as prime benefits.
Features (35%)
Every bike tire has a unique set of features. Some are better than others. I considered their unique features when evaluating these fixie bike tires.
Functionality (25%)
I selected these based on how durable and functional they are. I used real customer reviews and experience to evaluate their advertised functionality and durability.
Style (10%)
Because letโs face itโwe all want a good-looking bike tires.
Reviews (20%)
I considered positive and negative reviews when evaluating these fixie bike tires.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about fixie bike tires.
How to pick the best tire for a fixie?
Fixie bikes often utilize tires similar to or similar to those used on road bicycles. Whatever your riding style, youโll want a long-lasting tire with decent traction and minimal rolling resistance. Although all of those features are vital, the most important feature is durability, especially if skidding is your primary braking method.
Is it better to have thinner tires?
Narrow tires are better in the winter because they provide more surface pressure against the road. Narrow tires also perform better in loose snow and slush than larger tires. Wider tires, on the other hand, will provide more traction on hard surfaces.
How much pressure should bike tires have?
Tires are usually inflated with air to certain, pre-specified air pressure. The sidewalls typically have the recommended air pressure levels printed on them. Road bikes typically have 90-120 PSI, whereas hybrid and cruiser bikes have 35-60 PSI.
What should I pay for a fixie tire?
It depends. Youโll go through tires quickly if youโre ripping up the streets and doing a lot of tricks and slides. However, commuting to and from work or class will be less taxing on your rubber.
Conclusion
After going through the different types of fixie bike tires, youโve finally made up your mind. Now itโs time for a test ride! As far as we can tell, there are no bad options here, and they all have pros and cons. However, one thing is for sure โ if youโre looking to upgrade your riding experience with a more stable bike without having to spend too much money on it, then start by investing in the best pair of fixie bike tires that suit your style.
Those above are great picks, so ensure you get the right fit before hitting the road or track!
This article covered my top 5 picks for the best fixie bike tires and how to choose one thatโs best for you. Here are some key takeaways:
Key takeaways
- The best-fixed gear bike tires are:
- ThickSlick Sport Tires
- Michelin Dynamic Sport Tires
- Continental Ultra Sport II Tires
- Continental GatorSkin DuraSkin Clincher Bike Tire.
- Continental Grand Prix 5000 Classic Bike Tire
- A bike tire is a type of tire used on bicycles.
- A bike tire is made up of several different parts, including the casing, the cord, and the bead.
- Fixie bikes often utilize tires similar to or similar to those used on road cycles.
- A fixed-gear bike can have an average life of around 1000 miles.
- Fixed-gear bicycles resemble traditional road bikes but have fixed gears that do not freewheel.
So, do you have other fixie bike tires to recommend? Did I cover everything you wanted to know? And what do you think of my list of the best fixie bike tires? Let us know in the comments section below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this article helpful, check my full blog for more tips and tricks on fixed gear and single-speed bicycles. Thanks for reading, and stay fixed!
