How to Choose Long-Lasting Clincher Tires for Road Bike Training

    Posted at: Dec 24, 2021

    Racing tires are built for speed, but training tires should go the distance. Here's how to choose durable clincher tires that can handle your road bike training day after day.

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    How to Choose Long-Lasting Clincher Tires for Road Bike Training

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    How to Choose the Right Training Tires

    Consider Your Annual Mileage

    If you’re a serious rider logging 100 km every Saturday and Sunday, your annual mileage could reach around 10,000 km. For casual weekend riders doing about 50 km per weekend, that would be closer to 1,500 km per year. Commuters riding 10 km round-trip every weekday would rack up around 2,000 km annually.

    Since road bike tires generally last between 3,000 to 5,000 km, serious riders would need two sets per year if using standard tires. In this case, choosing high-durability, long-lasting tires is more cost-effective in the long run, factoring in both time and replacement effort.

    Remember That Tires Also Deteriorate Over Time

    Tire life isn’t just about mileage—tires are made of rubber, which naturally degrades over time. This aging is caused by oxygen, temperature, UV exposure, and other factors. Even if rarely used, tires can reach the end of their life due to natural aging.

    That’s why if you don’t ride much, using high-durability (and often expensive) tires can actually be wasteful. They may crack and degrade before wearing out through use.

    If your annual mileage is under 3,000 km, a regular, affordable training tire should last around three years without issues.

    Usage Type Annual Distance Long-Life Tires Standard Tires
    Serious Rider (200 km/weekend) 10,000 km
    Commuter (10 km round trip on weekdays) 2,000 km
    Hobby Rider (50 km/weekend) 1,500 km

    Tires: A Surprising Deep Dive Once You Get Picky

    When it comes to upgrading your road bike, tires and wheels are often the first recommendations. Despite being somewhat subtle upgrades, higher-end tires are surprisingly expensive and, oddly enough, not often chosen for upgrades.

    However, once you try a higher-end tire, you’ll be amazed by the difference in performance, and you may end up on a quest to find even better tires, thinking, “Maybe that other tire is the one I need?”

    As you get used to riding, you’ll start to notice the unique characteristics and sensations of different tires. This can lead you down a “tire rabbit hole,” as you search for the perfect fit for your riding style.

    Tires are not just about brands or models; factors like width and air pressure can drastically change how they perform. Take the time to find the best training tire for your everyday riding needs.

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