Road Tyres: Types, Conditions & Top Picks

Road Bike Tyre Guide: Clincher vs Tubeless vs All-Season

1. Clincher Tyres

Best for: Most riders—ideal for everyday use, commuting, and training. Quick to change and easy to find.

How they work: Use an inner tube and hook onto the rim’s bead. Still the most widespread tyre type due to simplicity and reliability.

Why choose them:

• Easy roadside repairs
• Widely available and compatible
• Affordable and versatile

Top Picks:

• Vittoria Rubino Pro – Durable, affordable, and available in a range of sizes. A dependable training tyre with solid performance.
• Pirelli P7 Sport – Great for endurance or winter rides. Offers grip and puncture resistance at a reasonable price.
• Continental Grand Prix 5000 – The gold standard for high-performance clinchers. Combines low rolling resistance with excellent traction.

2. Tubeless Tyres

Best for: Riders looking for more speed, fewer flats, and the ability to run lower pressures—especially popular for endurance, racing, and mixed-surface riding.

How they work: No inner tube. A liquid sealant inside seals small punctures on the go. Requires tubeless-ready rims and careful setup.

Why choose them:

• Lower rolling resistance
• Better puncture resistance
• More comfort at lower pressures

Top Picks:

• Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR – Delivers pro-level speed with everyday reliability. Smooth ride and easy tubeless setup.
• Pirelli Cinturato Velo TLR – Built for toughness. Excellent wet-weather grip and endurance durability.
• Continental GP5000 S TR – A race-ready evolution of the classic GP5000. Light, fast, and now optimized for tubeless setups.

3. All-Season & Endurance Tyres

Best for: Long-distance riders, commuters, or anyone dealing with rough roads and unpredictable weather. Prioritises protection, grip, and comfort over outright speed.

How they work: Typically heavier, with reinforced casings and grippier rubber. Many are available in clincher or tubeless formats.

Why choose them:

• Maximum durability
• Superior wet-weather grip
• Ideal for harsh roads and high mileage

Top Picks:

• Vittoria Zaffiro Pro – Budget-friendly and built to last. A no-fuss tyre for riders who log serious miles.
• Pirelli Cinturato Road – Smooth, comfortable, and grippy even in rain. Excellent for long days in the saddle.
• Continental Grand Prix 4-Season – Reinforced sidewalls and unmatched puncture protection. Legendary among year-round cyclists.

Choosing the Right Tyre: Quick Tips

Final Word

The right tyre isn’t just about going fast—it’s about riding smart. It’s about grip in the corners, resilience against flats, and the confidence to push harder. Whether you're a crit racer, weekend explorer, or year-round commuter, Vittoria, Pirelli, and Continental have premium options for every riding style.

Need help finding the perfect fit for your setup? Reach out—we're happy to help.