Lifetime Guarantee on selected brands
We're thrilled to announce our Lifetime Guarantee covers selected tyre brands. Peace of mind, at no extra cost.
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We're thrilled to announce our Lifetime Guarantee covers selected tyre brands. Peace of mind, at no extra cost.
For the 8th year we have been named Best online tyre retailer by Auto Express - buy tyres today to discover why.
Silverfish has created a unique space in the market focussing on premium road, MTB, hybrid and city brands.
When it comes to making the right choice, there are a few things to consider, such as the type of bike you have and the kind of terrain you'll be tackling. For instance, if you're a road cyclist, you'll want slim tyres that allow you to pick up speed, while mountain bikers will want tyres with a wider tread and softer rubber for better traction on rugged terrain.
Road bike tyres are narrow and smooth, allowing for minimal rolling resistance, which means you can ride faster and more efficiently on the road. They are not suitable for off-road riding due to their lack of tread, which can cause them to slip and lose grip.
Mountain bike tyres - often shortened to MTB tyres - are wider with a deeper tread, providing more traction and grip on rough terrain. They are also made from a softer rubber compound, which allows them to mould to the ground and provide better shock absorption.
Commuter and hybrid bike tyres are a great all-rounder option, with a smooth centre tread for efficiency on the road and a slightly more aggressive tread on the sides for extra grip on loose surfaces. They offer a comfortable ride on paved roads and hard-packed dirt, and they're perfect for riders who enjoy a bit of everything.
BMX tyres are specifically designed for stunts and tricks, with a wide and knobbly tread for excellent grip on the ground. They are typically thicker and more durable than other tyres to withstand the impact of jumps and tricks.
Clincher tyres are the most popular among road bike owners, and for good reason. They feature a separate inner tube which makes them easy to replace if you suffer a puncture while out on a ride. This makes them a favourite for commuters who don't want to waste time on the side of the road.
Tubular tyres, on the other hand, are sewn into the fabric of the tyre and require rim tape or glue to fit onto your bike's wheel. They are a favourite among bike racers due to their low rolling resistance and lighter weight, but they can be more difficult to change in the event of a puncture.
Finally, tubeless tyres are similar to clincher tyres but without an inner tube. Instead, the tyre is fixed firmly to the wheel and filled with sealant to prevent punctures. While they are less prone to punctures, they can be more difficult to fit due to their tight fit.
So, which type of tyre is right for you? Consider factors like the time of year and the terrain you'll be riding on.
In the summer, a fast racing tyre with a thinner puncture protection belt might be your best bet, while in the winter, a larger, chunkier tyre with lower pressures can provide better grip and comfort on harsh roads. If you commute in town, a more heavy-duty option with hardwearing qualities will be necessary to combat debris on the roads.
Remember, a higher TPI count means better rolling resistance, but also thinner and more susceptible to damage.
Buy road bike tyres
Mountain bike tyres are made up of three primary components: beads, carcass, and rubber. The beads are strong hoops made of steel or Kevlar that attach to the wheel's rim by hooking onto it. The carcass is the actual body of the tyre, usually made of woven fabric. The rubber covers the internal carcass and comes into direct contact with the ground.
Traditionally, mountain bike tyres used inner tubes filled with air, but tubeless tyres are becoming increasingly popular. They are lighter in weight and can use a liquid sealant within the tyre to seal punctures.
When shopping for new mountain bike tyres, there are various tread patterns available, each designed for specific performance goals, such as speed, comfort, grip, or rolling resistance. Manufacturers invest a lot of time in research to develop and refine the tread patterns of their tyres.
When purchasing new mountain bike tyres, it is crucial to pay attention to the dimensions of the tread knobs to understand the levels of grip they provide. The size, placement, and volume of the tread knobs all contribute to the level of traction.
Tread patterns with high density knobs may be faster on dry surfaces, but they may become clogged with mud and slow down on wet surfaces. In contrast, low-profile tread knobs are popular among racers who value speed over traction.
Mountain bike tyres can be marketed as tubeless, tubeless-ready, or UST, meaning they can be used with a tubeless wheel setup. There are advantages and disadvantages to using tubeless tyres, so it's recommended to research and weigh the pros and cons before deciding which setup is best for you.
Buy mountain bike tyres
Choosing the right tyre for your bike can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to city or hybrid bikes. These types of bikes require tyres with specific characteristics that ensure safety and comfort while riding, such as durability, puncture protection, and high visibility.
When it comes to hybrid bikes, tyres should be suitable for urban roads and paved paths. Depending on the type of surface, thicker and more robust tread or thinner ones for a smoother ride may be recommended.
The most common tyre sizes for city bikes are 26 inches or 700C, with newer models fitting 650B (27.5 inches) tyres.
For maximum comfort and safety, it is important to choose wider tyres for better handling, especially in wet or rainy conditions. Look for tyres with grooves that allow for a better flow of water and debris to ensure optimal road grip.
Commuter bikes, designed for long journeys, require comfortable and safe tyres. Tyre sizes for hybrid bikes range from 27.5+ to 29 inches. If you plan on using your bike for off-road adventures, tyres with higher knobs are recommended for better grip on gravel.
No matter what type of bike you have, it's important to choose the right size tyre for optimal performance and safety.
Buy city bike tyresTo know if your bicycle tyres need replacing, check for worn tread with visible wear indicators. Keep an eye out for cracks or cuts on the sidewalls. If you start to suffer frequent punctures, this could be a sign of wear. Finally, be mindful of their age – aim to have the tyres for no longer than 5 years.
Bicycle tyres typically do not require rotation like car tyres - since wear patterns differ due to weight distribution and braking. There's no need to rotate them for even wear.
Yes, it's best to replace both bike tyres simultaneously. This will help with balanced performance and grip - maintaining stability and handling.
Yes, bike tyres deteriorate with age due to exposure to UV light, heat, and other factors. Even if they appear fine, their strength decreases over time. It's generally recommended to replace tyres after about 5 years.
While it's possible for bicycle tyres to last 20 years, it's highly unlikely and not recommended. The rubber compounds will degrade, affecting performance and increasing the risk of wear and tear. It's safer to replace tyres after 5 years or before if there are signs of wear, damage, or reduced performance.
Tube tyres are more affordable and easier to repair but are prone to flats. Tubeless tyres offer lower rolling resistance, enhanced grip, and puncture resistance, but initial setup can be challenging. The choice depends on riding style, terrain, and personal preference.
No, you should not cycle with a flat tyre. This can damage the rim, decrease control and strain the bike’s components. It's best to address the flat quickly - either by repairing the puncture or arranging transportation to a repair shop.
700c and 29-inch wheels are similar in diameter but used in different bike types. 700c wheels are common on road bikes and hybrids, offering speed and efficiency on paved roads. 29-inch wheels are found on mountain bikes, providing stability and traction on rough terrain.
700c wheels are larger than 27-inch wheels. 27-inch wheels were used in older road bikes, while 700c wheels are the standard for modern road bikes, hybrids, and certain commuting bicycles.
700c wheels are larger than 26-inch wheels. 26-inch wheels were common in older mountain bikes, while 700c wheels are the standard for road bicycles, hybrids, and certain touring or commuting bicycles.
To ensure a tyre fits your bicycle’s rim, check its diameter matches the rim diameter. Check the rim width and ensure it falls within the recommended range for the tyre.
Wider tyres offer increased air volume, allowing for lower tyre pressures, better shock absorption, and a smoother ride. They provide enhanced traction, stability, and road isolation, resulting in increased comfort. However, comfort depends on various factors, including tyre pressure, construction, and road conditions.
The best tyre depends on your cycling needs and the surface you plan to ride on. Road tyres offer speed and efficiency on paved roads, mountain bike tyres provide traction and durability for off-road trails, hybrid/commuter tyres are versatile for mixed surfaces, and touring tyres offer durability and puncture resistance for long-distance rides. Choose based on your intended use, surface conditions, durability, puncture resistance, and personal preferences.