TECHNOLOGY / FAQ

WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT SIZE DESIGNATIONS MEAN?

The sizes of bicycle tires are designated according to the European Tire and Rim Technical Organization (ETRTO) standard. In addition, there are also the English inch specifications and the French designation. The ETRTO size designation (e.g. 37-622) indicates the width (37 mm) and the inner diameter of the tire (622 mm). This designation is unambiguous and allows a clear assignment to the rim size. The inch designation (e.g. 28 x 1.40) indicates the approximate outside diameter (28 inches) and tire width (1.40 inches). The french size designation (e.g. 700 x 35C) indicates the approximate outside diameter (700 mm) and tire width (35mm). The letter at the end gives an indication of the inner diameter of the tire. In this case, the C stands for 622 mm.

WHY ARE TIRES OFTEN NARROWER THAN INDICATED BY THE SIZE DESIGNATION?

Tire and rim must match. More precisely, the tire inner diameter must match the rim shoulder diameter. For example, the tire size 37-622 fits on a rim 622 x 19C. In addition, tire width and rim inner diameter must be matched. Our overview gives possible combinations of tire width and rim inside diameter according to ETRTO.

WHY IS THE INFLATION PRESSURE OF A BICYCLE TIRE SO IMPORTANT?

Only with sufficient air pressure is the tire able to support the bike. On the road, the higher the air pressure the lower rolling resistance of the tire. Breakdown susceptibility is also lower at high pressure. A permanently too low air pressure often leads to premature wear of the tire. Cracking of the sidewall is the typical consequence. Also the abrasion is then unnecessarily high. Our overview gives you an indication of the "right" air pressure for your bike tire.

THE PERFECT AIR PRESSURE ENSURES OPTIMUM GRIP AND STABILITY

With the Tire Pressure Prof for MTB tires the optimal air pressure in the tire can be calculated easily and quickly online. For all facets of mountain biking with options for every biker.

HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST BREAKDOWNS?

The best and most important protection against punctures is a high quality tire with a good puncture protection belt. The safest bicycle tires for most uses are our well-known "unplattbar" tires. In addition to the puncture protection belt, however, there are other factors that you can consider for the highest possible protection against punctures.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF TUBELESS TIRES?

Tubeless tires offer advantages over classic systems in terms of speed, comfort, grip and puncture resistance. Unnecessary friction between tire and tube is avoided. As a result, rolling resistance is significantly lower than with folding tires or tubular tires. Tubeless can be run at a lower air pressure without sacrificing performance. This brings advantages in comfort but also more control in critical situations and on bad roads. At the same time, tubeless systems offer high puncture resistance. How this works and what you need for it, you can learn here:

There are basically three types of tires, as we distinguish: Clincher, folding and tubular. What they differ, you can learn here:

WHEN IS A TIRE WORN OUT?

A bicycle tire wears out, for example, depending on the intensity of use, running time, load, surface, air pressure, rubber compound, etc. It is therefore difficult to make a general statement about the mileage of a tire. However, if you pay attention to factors such as the correct air pressure, you can positively influence the mileage of a tire. How can you do this?

WHAT EXACTLY IS ROLLING RESISTANCE?

Rolling resistance corresponds to the energy lost when the tire rolls. Essentially, the energy loss results from the continuous material deformation in the tire. Rolling resistance is influenced by factors such as tire pressure, tire diameter, tire width, tire structure and tire tread. Here you can find out why, for example, wide tires roll more easily than narrow ones:

HOW IS A BICYCLE TIRE MOUNTED?

Fitting a bike tire doesn't have to be a hurdle. With a few hints, tips and tricks, the next tire change will be a breeze:

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE RIM TAPE?

The rim tape protects the tube from mechanical damage caused by spoke heads, metal burrs and holes in the rim. With special tubeless rim tape can convert a wheel. Which rim tape to use? Here you can learn more:

WHICH IS THE BEST VALVE?

Three different systems have become established on the market: The Dunlop valve (DV), the Sclaverand valve (SV) and the Auto valve (AV). It is difficult to give a clear recommendation. Basically, the valve must fit the rim bore. You can find out here how the valves differ from each other:

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PROFILE?

On a clean road, the tread has only a minor influence on the driving characteristics. The grip between road and tire is generated here primarily by the static friction between rubber and road. Off-road, however, the tread is very important. Here, the tread creates an interlock with the ground and only in this way makes it possible to transmit the drive, braking and steering forces.

WHAT ARE THE PARTS THAT MAKE UP A BICYCLE TIRE?

A bicycle tire consists of the three basic elements carcass, bead core and the tread made of rubber. All Schwalbe tires also have a puncture protection belt. The production takes place on the most modern machines in highly concentrated manual work. A significant difference from the mass production of car tires.

WHAT IS A BICYCLE INNER TUBE MADE OF?

A bicycle inner tube is usually made of butyl rubber. Butyl is a very elastic and at the same time airtight synthetic rubber. In addition, we have developed a bicycle tube made of the high-performance plastic TPU, the Aerothan Tube, with even better performance. Both tubes are 100% recyclable.

DO YOU NEED SPECIAL TIRES FOR E-BIKES?

On an e-bike, regardless of whether it is a city bike, trekking bike or E-MTB, you are on the move at a higher speed. The weight is significantly higher compared to a bicycle due to the motor and battery. And a flat tire on an e-bike is particularly annoying, because the repair is usually more costly. That's why it's advisable to use special tires for an e-bike. You can find out what you should look out for here:

You're taking your bike with you on your next vacation and wondering what to consider when flying camouflage? Here you will find answers to very specific questions:

WHO ACTUALLY INVENTED THE BICYCLE TIRE?

The history of the bicycle tire begins in the 19th century with the inventors Charles Goodyear and John Boyd Dunlop. The history of Schwalbe tires began in 1973 and has been marked by innovation and success ever since.

WHAT SHOULD YOU KNOW ABOUT STUDDED TIRES?

The best recommendation for cycling on ice and snow are our studded tires. Up to 402 individual spikes (Ice Spiker Pro model) claw into the ice and are the safest solution for icy conditions.

WHAT IS A BALLOONBIKE?

By a balloonbike we mean an everyday or touring bike with particularly large-volume tires. With tire widths between 50 and 60 mm, it is possible to build a very comfortable bike without any complex suspension technology.

AEROTHAN TUBE - DIFFERENT BY CONVICTION

Aerothane is a material that completely redefines the bicycle tube: extremely light, highly puncture-resistant and designed for the lowest rolling resistance.

HOOKLESS RIMS CONVINCE MORE AND MORE ROAD CYCLISTS

It offers the same safety as conventional tire-rim combinations - plus the advantages of riding with low pressure: The combination of Hookless rims and Tubeless Easy tires. Hookless rims are only compatible with TLE tires.

COMPATIBILITY NOTE FOR SCHWALBE TUBE ITEM 20 ‘EXTRA LIGHT‘

Modern tires and rims are getting wider. This has a particularly positive effect on the riding experience and performance. The use of wider rims has the effect of increasing the cross-section of the tire and thus its internal volume. This can result in the tube used being overstretched.